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2007 - 2008 Farm Beginnings Workshops
Similar workshops will be held in 2009.
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Presenter:
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TBD
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Location:
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West Central Regional Office, University of Illinois Extension, Springfield
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Time:
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6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
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Overview:
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Learn how the Internet can be a critical tool in your marketing plan. Simon Huntley
will discuss his website development software that is specifically designed for
the needs of small farms. Jen and Andy Miller will discuss how they designed and now maintain their own website, and the pros and cons of a DIY website for your farm.
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Presenter:
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TBD
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Location:
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Richland Community College, Decatur
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Time:
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9:30 am – Noon
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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. Topics covered will be practical plant practices and equipment
the beginning farmer can utilize. This workshop will include hands-on planting,
transplanting and plant propagation. Participants will receive transplants to include
in their farming operation. 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.
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Presenters:
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TBD
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Location:
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Prairie Fruits Farm, Champaign
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Time:
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1:00 pm - 4:00 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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TBD
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Location:
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Fairbury, IL
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Time:
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10:00 am - 2:00 pm
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Overview:
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Learn how implements can contribute to satisfying, sustainable small-scale farming
and help you to 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 being innovative with some of the newer stuff that is out there.
"We think it is important to have a small farm and not kill yourself trying to keep
up with it doing a ton of handwork."
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Presenters:
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TBD
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Location:
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University of Illinois Extension, Springfield Center
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Time:
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9:00 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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