BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Agriculture in central Illinois covers a vast range of interests, from urban agriculture and beginning small farmers and ranchers, to farmers markets, organic production, and more.
The Local Food Systems and Small Farms (LFS/SF) program from University of Illinois Extension has staff here to help. Serving Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties since January, educator Nick Frillman is hosting a recurring virtual coffee hour to get to know the area’s farmers, growers, and producers.
Farm Talk Fridays takes place from 8 to 9 a.m. every Friday on Zoom, or by individual appointment. Nick is available to assist with any and all specialty producer and small farm questions. Consultation can be provided to growers regarding topics as diverse as:
• marketing farm products through diverse channels to increase profitability
• best practices for vegetable, fruit and grain production
• cover cropping to improve crop yield and soil health
• pest management strategies
• government programs such as CRP, EQIP, and others
Frillman is also interested in learning more about the diverse operations in central Illinois, such as:
• the size, location, and main products produced or grown on your farm
• strategies that helped you to pivot and be successful during the COVID lockdown
• ongoing challenges on the farm
• desired future program topics from Extension to help your operation
Get in on the conversation! To register for Farm Talk Friday, visit go.illinois.edu/FarmTalkFriday or contact Frillman by phone (309) 663-8306, or email at frillma2@illinois.edu. If the current timeslot above does not work for you, call or email to make an individual appointment.
If you will need an accommodation in order to participate, please contact staff at the McLean County Extension Office at the number above. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
SOURCE/WRITER: Nick Frillman, Educator, Local Food Systems and Small Farms, University of Illinois Extension Serving Livingston, McLean & Woodford Counties
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.