Resources

Production Guides

A compressed, sealed package of frozen pork chops on a wooden table

Selling Meat in Illinois: Information for Livestock Producers

It is important for livestock producers to understand guidelines, safety requirements, and both state and federal resources around selling meat in Illinois. 

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Looking overhead at a stack of bright red picked tomatoes

Tomato Harvesting for Producers: Grading and Defect Troubleshooting

The key to a high-quality market tomato is developing proper harvesting techniques, with particular attention paid to grading requirements and visual appearance. Learn about grading standards and explore growing techniques that can help to increase the likelihood of producing higher grade tomatoes for market.

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Urban Agriculture Guides

Clean rows of vegetable plants growing in a garden patch

Grants and Funds (NRCS Practices)

Residents who own or rent land to produce agricultural products may be eligible to receive money for implementing practices that have environmental benefits. Find examples of applicable practices and a condensed payment schedule for FY 2023.

Download the Guide     PDF En Español

Looking at plants in a growing garden space not far from large skyscrapers

Business Plans

Urban farms can take the next steps to success by developing a business plan to define the goals for the farm, identify markets, formalize the business structure, evaluate current finances and funding opportunities, and plan for the future.

Download the Guide     PDF En Español

Tiny green plants growing in a raised bed garden

Creating Vision and Mission Statements

Vision and mission statements are important parts of a good business plan. They help to build a strong foundation for your urban farm, clarify and refine thinking about your goals, and communicate who you are and what you do to others, especially to funders and loan officers.

Download the Guide     PDF En Español

Looking at raised bed garden rows inside a high tunnel

Obtaining a Farm Number

A farm number, or farm serial number, identifies a farm's location and is attached to the land, not the farmer. Most USDA financial assistance programs require an FSN to take advantage of the program. This guide gives an overview of the benefits of having an FSN and explains how to register and maintain eligibility.

Download the Guide     PDF En Español

Rows of plants growing in a rooftop garden near city skyscrapers

Writing Grants

Both small and urban farms are eligible for various types of grants to build their businesses and organizations. This guide provides advice on how to get started and increase success.

Download the Guide     PDF En Español

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

101 Mumford Hall (MC-710)

1301 W. Gregory Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

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