Title
Illinois Beginning Orchard Academy
Ready to grow fruit trees with confidence? The Illinois Beginning Orchard Academy (IBOA) is a six-week online training designed to give new growers the knowledge and tools to start and manage an orchard that thrives for years to come.
Reserve your spot today — registration closes February 17!
Why Join IBOA?
- Step-by-step guidance from planning to harvest
- Focus on apples, pears, peaches, plums, and cherries (plus brief coverage of quince, nuts, pawpaws, and more)
- Business planning and marketing strategies woven throughout
- Access to recordings, handouts, and practical checklists
- Learn directly from University of Illinois Extension
Who Should Attend?
- 🌱 New commercial growers starting their first orchard
- 🚜 Farmers adding tree fruits to diversify their operations
- 🏡 Backyard growers looking for reliable, research-based training
No previous orchard experience required.
Your Instructor
Grant McCarty
Local Foods & Small Farms Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Since 2013, Grant has supported specialty crop growers across Illinois. His expertise includes fruit tree pruning, pest and disease management, orchard health, and marketing. Past programs include Growing Great Apples, Fruit Tree Pruning Fundamentals, Apple Cider Production, and The Old and Neglected: Fruit Tree Pruning.
💡 With Grant, you’ll gain practical, real-world strategies backed by university research.
Course Schedule
📅 Dates: Feb 19, 26 · Mar 5, 19, 26 · Apr 2, 2026
🕖Time: 7:00–8:30 PM CST (90 minutes per session)
⏸️ Break: No session week of March 12
💻 Format: Live Zoom + recordings available afterward
Six Core Levels
- Foundation Planning & Site Assessment
- Orchard Design & Tree Selection
- Planting & Early Establishment
- Pruning, Training & Canopy Management
- Insects, Diseases & Weeds
- Harvest, Post-Harvest & Marketing
Marketing, business development, and customer focus are integrated throughout all sessions.
What You’ll Gain
By the end of IBOA, you’ll:
✅ Be confident in choosing the right site, varieties, and rootstocks
✅ Know how to plant, prune, and care for young orchards
✅ Understand common pests, diseases, and weed management strategies
✅ Build a roadmap for marketing and business development
✅ Walk away with resources and connections that support your orchard journey
Registration
- Cost: $50 for the full series (all six sessions + recordings)
- Deadline: [Insert registration deadline]
- Limited availability — secure your spot early
👉 Register Now
Why IBOA Works
This program is built for beginning orchardists who want more than just theory. You’ll learn practical, evidence-based strategies you can use immediately—whether you’re planting your first tree or planning a diversified farm orchard.
Join a growing community of new fruit growers across Illinois and beyond.
