Specialty Crops

Events

Blog Posts
person kneeling in a pumpkin field
Available and ready to help
I first want to thank all the growers that have reached out to share their support on my new role as Extension Specialist for specialty crops. ...
misshaped apple fruit from frost damage on tree limb
Fall orchard management: The work that shapes next year's crop
Yes, it’s August. Yes, you are not in peak harvest. Yet, you may already be thinking about next year. While you are understandably focused on yield,...
healthy apple tree with plenty of leaves but no fruit
No apple crop in 2026? Focus on finishing the season strong
As I've talked with apple growers across northern Illinois this June and July, I've heard many variations of the same question:"The crop is gone...
three red tomatoes side by side on a blue background
From Dixon Springs Ag Center: What a difference a month can make!
What a difference a month can make!In last month’s DSAC update, it was noted that crops were performing well and not showing any signs of heat stress...
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News Releases
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Videos
Mushroom Production on Small Farms

Direct market farmers, homesteaders, land-owners, hobby farms, and backyard growers can learn practices to improve production and increase profit.

Growing Shiitake Mushrooms

On this week’s Good Growing podcast we talk with Illinois Extension local foods educator Nick Frillman about growing gourmet shiitake mushrooms in your own backyard. Nick shows us the tools and methods used to turn fresh cut logs of white oak and sugar maple into inoculated “bolts” that will...
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