Released June 23, 2008
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension and the Midwest Organic Tree Fruit Growers Network are co-sponsoring an Organic Apple Field Day from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on August 8th at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in Simpson.
The morning will begin with information about organic certification from Deirdre Birmingham, coordinator of the Midwest Organic Tree Fruit Growers Network
U of I professor and Extension entomologist Richard Weinzierl will discuss disease-resistant cultivars, orchard horticultural practices, insect, disease, and weed management, and pest identification.
Horticulture research specialist Jeff Kindhart will give a presentation on small-plot trials and demonstrations and the organic apple block insecticide trial.
"Although the tour will officially adjourn at 1:00 p.m. right after lunch, visitors are welcome to stay for a tour of the Dixon Springs blueberry, blackberry, tomato, pepper, and strawberry crops. The afternoon tour will also include a look at the sweet corn insect control plot, and products listed with the Organic Materials Review Institute," said Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Extension Specialist, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture. "Or they might want to head home and explore a local winery on the way."
For more information about The Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, visit http://research.aces.uiuc.edu/centers/dixon_springs. For more about Upper Midwest Organic Tree Fruit Growers Network, visit http://www.mosesorganic.org/treefruit/intro.htm.
A registration fee of $20 per person will be charged for the tour, which includes lunch. Registration at least one week in advance is required. Visit http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/smallfarm/ to register and for more details about each of the tours including a map and agenda. To register by phone, contact Donna Cray at 217-241-4644. For more information, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant (217-968-5512; cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu).
The remainder of the 2008 tour schedule is as follows:
September 8, Iyabo Farms in Hopkins (http://www.sustainusa.org/familyfarmed/profile_iyabo.html).
October 3, Mill Creek Farm in Quincy (http://www.millcreekfarmquincy.com/).
University of Illinois Extension is a statewide educational network that links the resources and research of the University of Illinois to the people of Illinois. The programs and workshops, which take place throughout the state, address issues involving youth, families, community development, agriculture, and natural resources. If reasonable accommodations are needed in order to participate in any of the programs, call 217-241-4644.
The tours are sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Professional Development Program, the Agriculture and Tourism Partners of Illinois, and the Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program at the University of Illinois.
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http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/news/stories/news4429.html
Contacts: Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, 217- 968 5512, cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu
Debra Levey Larson, 217-244-2880, dlarson@uiuc.edu
