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Local Foods and Small Farms

Thanksgiving spread

Giving Thanks for Farmers

Thanksgiving can have a different meaning for all from a celebration of harvest to a time of giving thanks for the blessings of the past year, but as we sit to enjoy the meal prepared, it is important to be reminded of our farmers who work hard to supply us with fresh farm products.     If turkey...
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developing hazelnuts

Hazelnuts: A native plant is a new crop for Illinois

You’ve likely heard of hazelnuts, perhaps even used them in some delightful dessert or savory dishes and garnishes. If you give my children a choice between peanut butter or a chocolaty hazelnut spread, the peanut butter jar remains unopened. About 40 percent of global hazelnut production goes into...
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cattle in a pasture

Frost Seeding Pastures and Hay Fields

Our recent cycles of warm weather and snow have been somewhat of a nuisance; however, for those of you with a thin stand of vegetation in your pasture or hay field, this weather may be a great aid in frost seeding these areas. Introduction to Frost Seeding As the name suggests,...
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The Reality of Growing Plants for a Living

The Reality of Growing Plants for a Living

Do you think at some point as children our imagination changes from imaginary friends, action figures, tea parties, and dolls to speculative market planning? How dull the adult imagination can be. However, if there is one thing about winter, it puts my imagination into overdrive. I create these...
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Parsnips

Parsnips – An Underrated Vegetable

I love parsnips. But have you ever bought parsnips at a grocery store? Let me share my experience. At the checkout lane, the cashier always has a befuddled look when parsnips are up for scanning. A look that I know all too well. “Oh, those are parsnips,” I tell the cashier. Satisfied the...
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