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2009 Spring Field Days/Workshops
The events listed below are part of the Central Illinois Farm Beginnings (CIFB)
program, but are also open to the public. There is a $30 fee per event for registrants
who have not been enrolled in CIFB. Visit
this link
or contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant of the University of Illinois Extension and co-facilitator
of CIFB
at
cvnghgrn@illinois.edu.
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Presenter:
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David McLaughlin, Assistant Professor of Horticulture and Coordinator of Horticulture Program, Richland Community College and 2007-2008 CIFB Student
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Location:
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Richland Community College, Decatur
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Time:
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1:00 - 4:00 pm
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Overview:
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Learn how to successfully start vegetables and flowers from seed, plugs, bare root or plant propagation. This workshop will include hands-on planting, transplanting and plant propagation, as well as practical plant practices and equipment the beginning farmer can utilize. Topics will include: Vegetable and Flower Production (variety selection, production equipment, production volume and scheduling, containers, soil mixes, seeding, plug and bare root and transplanting); Plant Propagation (plant selection and taking cuttings) and Sales. Participants will receive transplants to include in their farming operation.
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Presenter:
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Simon Huntley, Lead Developer, Small Farm Central (www.smallfarmcentral.com)
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Location:
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University of Illinois Extension, Sangamon County Unit Office, Springfield
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Time:
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6:30 - 9:00 pm
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Overview:
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Do you need a website? Learn how the internet can be a critical part of your marketing plan. This session will feature two perspectives. First, Simon Huntley will discuss his website development software that is specifically designed for the needs of small farms. Second, we will learn how CIFB graduates developed a website on their own.
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Presenter:
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Dr. Loretta Ortiz-Ribbing, Extension Specialist-Crop Systems, University of Illinois Extension, Macomb Center
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Location:
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University of Illinois Extension, Sangamon County Unit Office, Springfield
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Time:
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9:30 am - 4:00 pm
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Overview:
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This full day of instruction will consist of a series of lectures on insect, weed and disease identification followed by hands-on identification of live samples and color photos. Discussion of troubleshooting problems in organic and sustainable production systems, scouting techniques, sample collecting and record keeping will also be presented.
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Presenters:
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Leslie Cooperband and Wes Jarrell, Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery
Roger Windhorn, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service
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Location:
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Prairie Fruits Farm, Champaign
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Time:
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1:30 - 4:30 pm
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Overview:
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This hands-on workshop will demonstrate how to collect soil samples for soil testing, and how to measure simple soil quality indicators such as soil structure (tilth), water infiltration and soil penetration resistance. We will review soil test results and how to interpret findings. We will also discuss how to use county soils maps developed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, particularly when considering land for purchase or lease.
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Presenters:
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Marty and Kris Travis, Stewards of Spence Farm
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Location:
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Spence Farm, Fairbury
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Time:
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10:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Overview:
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Learn how implements can contribute to satisfying, sustainable small-scale farming and help you achieve your goals. Information about the function and use of tractors and various implements will be demonstrated, including a bale mulcher, crop cart, tractor tiller, converted horse drawn cultivators, and a potato planter. Safe handling and use of the implements to prevent accidents will also be covered. Marty and Kris will share how you can set up a small farm inexpensively using some older style equipment, but also be innovative with some of the newer stuff.
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