Local Foods and Small Farms

Events

Managing Highland Cows

June 22, 2026

County

Wayne

Dixon Springs Agricultural Center Field Day 2026

July 14, 2026

County

Pope

Growing Ginger and Turmeric

July 20, 2026

County

Johnson

Growing Mums and Pumpkins

August 17, 2026

County

Pope

More Events

Blog Posts

row of green tomato plants in a high tunnel

Early observations from high tunnel determinate tomato variety trial

May 29, 2026

Historically, applied fruit and vegetable research conducted at the University of Illinois Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in southern Illinois has...

large green leaves on a pumpkin plant in a field

2026 Recommended Pumpkin Spray Schedule

May 29, 2026

Important ConsiderationsCheck The Cucurbit Downy Mildew Forecast Homepage for...

Drying hands: An important step during hand washing

May 29, 2026

By now many of us know that washing hands involves wetting hands with clean water, applying soap and rubbing palms, between fingers, under...

May brings an extended spring

May 29, 2026

Update from Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist. April 2026 was the warmest April on record statewide in Illinois and stirred intrusive thoughts...

More Blogs

News Releases

Green grass with blue sky horizon chicken coup and chickens on grass

June 20, 2023

McHenry County Farm Stroll 2023
McHenry County Farm Stroll 2023 Offers Tours of 11 Family-Owned Small Farms and McHenry County College Student Farm Woodstock, Ill. – Come out for an autumn day in the country! On Sunday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., McHenry County will host its annual Farm Stroll, a free self-...

Dixon Springs Ag Center offices with fall foliage

May 21, 2026

Illinois Extension hosts inaugural Dixon Springs Agricultural Center Field Day on July 14
SIMPSON, Ill. – Community and agriculture come together for an evening of learning and connection during the inaugural Dixon Springs Agricultural Center Field Day on July 14. The experience will begin at 5 p.m. and includes a farm-to-table meal featuring food grown and produced at the Ag...

Brown, white, and black chickens grazing in a fenced area.

May 7, 2026

Illinois Extension offers hands-on chicken processing workshop for homesteaders and food enthusiasts
Union County, Illinois — The University of Illinois Extension is excited to offer a hands-on, two-day workshop designed for anyone interested in learning the skills and techniques of butchering chickens. As part of the ongoing Homesteading Series, this workshop will provide participants with the...

A greenhouse filled with flowers and hanging baskets.

April 16, 2026

Local greenhouse featured as first stop in Extension's Summer Twilight Series
RICHVIEW, Ill. – Illinois Extension is kicking off the 2026 Southern Illinois Summer Twilight Series with a trip to Richview. Whether you’re a flower gardener, bride-to-be, or interested in learning more about growing cut flowers, you’ll want to join the upcoming tour of Flower Girls Greenhouse...

More News

Videos

From Farm to Community: The Impact of IL-EATS.

Through IL-EATS, Illinois farmers and food access partners came together to strengthen local food systems while feeding their communities. This video shares their experiences and highlights how the program expanded markets, increased access to fresh, local food, and built a more resilient supply...

How an Urban Farm Turns Concrete into Community with IL-EATS

On an abandoned parking lot in Chicago, Urban Canopy is transforming concrete into community. With support from the IL-EATS program, the fresh food they grow stays right where it’s needed most – in their own neighborhood. For more information about Urban Canopy, visit:...