2021 Southern Illinois Summer Twilight Series
SIMPSON, Ill. - Do you grow and sell fresh products locally? Are you considering diversifying your farming operation? Would you like to get to know your local farmer? Join University of Illinois Extension educators as they team up with area farmers to provide four monthly evening meetings to highlight and demonstrate diverse farming enterprises across southern Illinois.
The series will provide participants an opportunity to experience different types of production and marketing practices utilized by southern Illinois producers. By meeting on working farms, participants have the opportunity for a “hands-on” learning experience as well as a chance to ask questions. Throughout the four twilight meetings, growers and extension educators will provide information on the following topics: annual plasticulture strawberry production, insect pests in high tunnel production and management strategies with natural predators, high tunnel vegetable production, no-till tomato and pepper production, regenerative grazing techniques in cattle production, and utilizing roadside stands and other techniques to direct-market products. At each of the meetings, individuals will have a networking opportunity which is an important step in forming relationships with other local enterprises. This opportunity helps to increase business for both parties, grow the capacity of our local foods and small farms, and support a stronger, more sustainable, regional economy.
The meetings are scheduled on Monday evening, May through August, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the following dates at the locations listed below:
May 17, 2021 Flamm Orchards, 8760 Old Highway 51 N, Cobden, IL – plasticulture strawberry production
June 21, 2021 Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, 354 State Hwy. 145 N, Simpson, IL – high tunnel insect management & vegetable production
July 12, 2021 Baebler Educational Farm, 4022 JJ Rd., Waterloo, IL – no-till tomato & pepper production
August 16, 2021 Bauman Family Farm, 2230 Buncombe Rd., Vienna, IL – regenerative grazing in cattle production
There is no cost to attend this in-person program, but pre-registration is required as capacity is limited to allow for social distancing. In accordance with CDC guidelines, those that are not yet fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing face masks. To register online for this meeting, go to go.illinois.edu/2021TwilightSeries. To register by phone, call 618-695-2441.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Bronwyn Aly at baly@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
For more information, please contact:
Bronwyn Aly – 618-695-2441, baly@illinois.edu
Nathan Johanning – 618-939-3434, njohann@illinois.edu
Katie Bell – 618-687-1727, klbell@illinois.edu
SOURCE: Bronwyn Aly, Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator, University of Illinois Extension, baly@illinois.edu, 618-695-2441
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.