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Small Farms

Small Farms

Events

Blog Posts

a field of 'Warthog' wheat, an heirloom variety of hard red winter wheat - about to be harvested
Read article: McLean county small farm uses systems-level thinking, small town advocacy, farm business synergy to drive positive change in local food system
McLean county small farm uses systems-level thinking, small town advocacy, farm business synergy to drive positive change in local food system
  McLean county small farm uses systems-level thinking, small town advocacy, farm business synergy to drive positive change in local food system...
colorful flowers with barn in background
Read article: Farmer-florist beautifies the lives of others one flower at a time
Farmer-florist beautifies the lives of others one flower at a time
When “farming” is invoked in Illinois, thoughts typically gravitate toward corn and soybeans. When “small farmers” are mentioned, one imagines those...
Jersey cows grazing under a sunny blue sky in a green pasture.
Read article: Central Illinois rotational grazing benefits land, cows, milk, people
Central Illinois rotational grazing benefits land, cows, milk, people
Milk is so synonymous with a grocery store visit; it is permanently printed on your shopping list notepad. With an entire industry supporting this...

News Releases

young man, woman and man looking at mobile phone in field with cows in background
Webinar series for Beginners in Livestock Ownership set to begin January 11
The Livestock Production and Principles for Beginners Webinar Series returns in 2024. This monthly series, first launched in 2023, addresses the needs of those who are getting started, exploring the concept of, or even assists those currently raising livestock. With a focus on helping those who...
cattle on pasture
Pasture Management: Recovering from 2023
Why recover from 2023?  Timely early-season rains, which help start crops off reasonably well, gave way to hot, dry conditions for the last half of the season. This resulted in many area pastures and hayfields ending the growing season in rough, beatdown conditions.  Add to the short hay supply...
beef cattle on pasture
Driftless Region Beef Conference Jan. 25-26
Beef producers from three states invited to attend With nearly 2.5 million cattle in three Midwest states, university extension services in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are teaming together to offer the Driftless Region Beef Conference.  The twelfth annual event will be...
red barn with silo in green grass
U of I Extension hosting the Ogle County Farm Stroll Oct. 15
OREGON, Ill. - Have you ever wanted to see a beekeeper in action? Or pick your own apples and berries? Join us for this free, family friendly event that will satisfy your local food cravings and curiosities! On Sunday, October 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., University of Illinois Extension...

Staff

Duane Friend

Duane Friend

State Master Naturalist and Climate Change Specialist