PANA, Ill. – Producers in central Illinois gained valuable information directly from University of Illinois experts during the 2024 Summer Field Day held at Dudley Smith Farm, located between Taylorville and Pana in Christian County. While enjoying a cool breeze under a tent to avoid the harsh summer sun, attendees learned the latest research findings on the impacts of soil quality and were given options to employ better soil health changes in their cattle, pasture, and farming operations.

David Herbert of the Herbert Family Farms in Owaneco shared his expertise in transitioning his family farm into a farm-to-plate farm and provided insight into how he and his family learned about marketing and selling directly to consumers. Herbert emphasized the importance of being flexible to adjust pricing strategies and products being offered.

Dan Shike, professor and interim head of the University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences, spoke on grazing management strategies, outlining advantages and disadvantages of continuous grazing, rotational grazing, mob grazing, stockpile grazing, and strip grazing. Shike also highlighted some of the new technologies available for fencing systems.

Between the informative presentations and a fried chicken lunch, attendees honored Dudley Smith Farm Coordinator Ed Ballard for his decades of service to the University of Illinois and to Illinois farmers who have benefited from his expert knowledge. In anticipation of his upcoming retirement, Ballard was presented an engraved crystal plaque from the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and a certificate by State Representative Brad Halbrook on behalf of the State of Illinois in recognition of his dedication to advancing and improving farming in Illinois.

“It was an absolute pleasure and learning experience for me to work with all who have been involved with the Dudley Smith Initiative,” said Ballard. “We are blessed with many young researchers who have started their careers with research projects on the Dudley Smith Farm. Their willingness to share their research data with producers has been remarkable through our winter meetings and farm field days. The Dudley Smith Advisory Committee, working with the staff on campus, has selected research topics deemed very important and timely for our society in Illinois. We are fortunate to have the Dudley Smith Initiative and research projects in central Illinois.”

Dudley Smith Farm is a 228-acre research site under the Dudley Smith Initiative, which supports innovative research and outreach that advances its fundamental goal of invigorating the agricultural system in Illinois. Learn more about the Dudley Smith Initiative at dsi.aces.illinois.edu.

Photo Caption: Pictured are (left to right) Carl Baker, government relations assistant director, Illinois Extension; Janice McCoy, assistant director, Region 2, Illinois Extension; State Representative Brad Halbrook; Ed Ballard, Dudley Smith Farm coordinator; Dan Shike, professor and interim head, University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences; Sara Marten, county director, Illinois Extension; and Shibu Kar, assistant dean and program leader for natural resources, environment, and energy, Illinois Extension. Photo by Illinois Extension.