2026 Southern Illinois Twilight Series
Summer Twilight Series - Cut Flower Production
Explore cut flowers, bedding plants, and handing baskets. The Summer Twilight Series kicks off with a tour of Flower Girls Greenhouse on May 18 at 6 p.m. Flower Girls is a preferred vendor for several wedding venues and creates custom bouquets for proms, homecomings, and other special occasions. Despite its growth, the business remains rooted in cut‑flower production, growing most of its blooms in high tunnels and field plots at the family farm in Woodlawn.
Summer Twilight Series - Managing Highland Cows
Edmison Acres takes pride in raising high‑quality Highland and other Highland‑cross cattle. While not commonly seen in Illinois pastures, Highland Cattle are a hardy multi-purpose breed used for meat, milk, fiber, and draft animals. The program on June 22 will discuss how Edmison Acres was founded, its goals and management strategies, and the requirements for raising Highland Cattle in southern Illinois.
Summer Twilight Series - Pink Tiger Farm
Pink Tiger Farm began five years ago when owners Brian Elias and Kyle McAdams left their busy Chicago careers to pursue a shared dream of farming. Believing store‑bought produce often lacks true flavor, they now focus on heirloom peppers and herbs, growing distinctive varieties like Hawaiian red turmeric and Aleppo peppers chosen for their heritage, taste, and cultural significance. Join the tour on July 20 to learn more about their farm and its locally grown products.
The Dixon Springs Agricultural Center was established in 1934 near Simpson in Pope County. It is the largest experiment station of its kind east of the Mississippi River. DSAC links the laboratories and classrooms of University of Illinois and the USDA with the farms in Southern Illinois. Researchers at DSAC coordinate their programs to meet the needs of area farmers.
Learn more about ongoing Ag research in Southern Illinois on the Dixon Spring Ag Center webpage.
Stewardship Week 2026
Local Foods and Small Farms
4-H Youth Development
Food Access
Gardening
Master Gardener
Master Naturalists
Nutrition Education and Wellness
School and Community Programming