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Small Farms

Small Farms

Blog Posts

Jersey cows grazing under a sunny blue sky in a green pasture.
Read article: Central Illinois rotational grazing benefits land, cows, milk, people
Central Illinois rotational grazing benefits land, cows, milk, people
Milk is so synonymous with a grocery store visit; it is permanently printed on your shopping list notepad. With an entire industry supporting this...
dairy cows on pasture
Read article: Central Illinois rotational grazing benefits land, cows, milk, people
Central Illinois rotational grazing benefits land, cows, milk, people
Milk is one of the most ordinary grocery store items in the United States. An entire industry is based around this liquid commodity, with tens of...
a stand of trees forming a windbreak
Read article: Picking the right tree for your windbreak
Picking the right tree for your windbreak
Picking a tree for a windbreak is a big decision. A windbreak protects a home from the constant Illinois wind and blowing snow. With this important...
Protect Your Small Flock from Avian Flu
Read article: Preventing Avian Flu in Your Small Flock
Preventing Avian Flu in Your Small Flock
In the past three weeks, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected wild birds in the central U.S. flyway. The HPIA strains being...

News Releases

beef cattle on pasture
Driftless Region Beef Conference Jan. 25-26
Beef producers from three states invited to attend With nearly 2.5 million cattle in three Midwest states, university extension services in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are teaming together to offer the Driftless Region Beef Conference.  The twelfth annual event will be...
red barn with silo in green grass
U of I Extension hosting the Ogle County Farm Stroll Oct. 15
OREGON, Ill. - Have you ever wanted to see a beekeeper in action? Or pick your own apples and berries? Join us for this free, family friendly event that will satisfy your local food cravings and curiosities! On Sunday, October 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., University of Illinois Extension...
swine in straw
Getting Started with Swine
Join University of Illinois Extension for the first topic in the "Livestock Production and Principles for Beginners Webinar Series." Katie Bell, Local Foods Systems and Small Farms Extension Educator, will discuss "Getting Started...

Staff

Duane Friend

Duane Friend

State Master Naturalist and Climate Change Specialist