Released July 24, 2007

URBANA, Ill. - Small farms have had to diversify to stay viable and that means creative thinking, creative marketing and creating new niche markets.

"Small farms are so much more than growing vegetables and the broad range of topics of workshops and tours that we are offering really reflect that diversity," said Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, University of Illinois Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture Extension Specialist. "We have scheduled workshops on everything from soap-making to how to get your produce to a farmers' market, to a new program at Brookfield Zoo is spearheading to supply their animals with organic feed."

Cavanaugh-Grant said that the series of innovative workshops, designed to equip farmers with the information they need to create and sustain their farms, are the result of a collaborative effort of a number of organizations, including University of Illinois Extension.

"The workshops will be helpful for established farmers who want to expand their operation as well as those who are interested in starting alternative, entrepreneurial agriculture enterprises."

For a complete listing of workshop details, visit web.extension.uiuc.edu/smallfarm/.

For additional questions, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, (217-968-5512; cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu).

August 12 - Marketing with a Human Face - Pana

This workshop will provide strategies for using direct marketing between farmers and consumers, including subscription farming, farmers' markets, U-pick operations, and roadside stands. To register, contact Paula at Illinois Stewardship Alliance (217- 498-9707; isa@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org).

August 16 - Farm Dreams: Assessing Risks and Resources to Start an Entrepreneurial Farm Business - Quincy

At this half-day workshop, participants will have the opportunity to meet experienced sustainable farmers, and learn about many types of farm enterprises. The workshop will also preview the more involved program of courses entitled Farm Beginnings (www.farmbeginnings.uiuc.edu), and will look at resource assessment, goal-setting, financial planning, marketing options, and finding land and equipment. To register, contact U of I Extension, Adams-Brown Unit, (217-223-8380 or visit webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=915).

August 20 - Plant Micro-Nutrient Health - Springfield

This on-farm workshop at Jubilee Farm, presented by Bill Becker (Agrosystems Management, Inc.) will focus on the importance of micronutrients in all forms of agriculture, including fruit and vegetable production. Workshop includes a demonstration of composting and its use in the treatment of plant pathology. Registration of $20 for the first attendee and $10 for accompanying family members includes a noon meal featuring local food. To register: contact Paula at Illinois Stewardship Alliance, (217-498-9707; isa@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org).

September 17 - Conservation Security Program (CSP) - Boone County

This workshop will showcase the Mike Lindberg farm which is enrolled in the highest tier in CSP, give a history of the program and its current status, and provide information for interested farmers in preparing their operations for CSP enrollment. To register, contact Paula at Illinois Stewardship Alliance, (217-498-9707; isa@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org).

September 24 - Farm to Zoo: Linking Local Organic Farmers to the Brookfield Zoo - Chenoa and Eureka

Brookfield Zoo is committed to buying animal feed and human food directly from Illinois organic farmers. This field day and workshop begin at the Ackerman Farm just off Interstate 55 in Chenoa with a farm tour. It will then move to Larry and Marilyn Wettstein's Organic Pastures farm near Eureka. Panelists from the Brookfield Zoo will inform farmers of the many foodstuffs that the zoo is anxious to purchase from Illinois farms. To register, contact The Land Connection (847-570-0701; Kathy@thelandconnection.org or visit www.thelandconnection.org).

November 3 - Putting Small Acreages to Work - Belleville

This program will provide practical, no-nonsense, hands-on advice to beginning, as well as transitioning farmers in the areas of crop production, market development, and other important business options. To register, contact U of I Extension Madison/St.Clair Unit Office (618-650-7050 or visit web.extension.uiuc.edu/madisonstclair/findus.html).

November 10 - Soap Making Workshop - Clinton

Soap making is a process that dates back hundreds of years. This workshop, for beginners or experienced soap makers will provide an overview of the soap making process including specifics about glycerin, goat's milk, botanical and herb soaps. The workshop will conclude with a producer round table discussion on marketing soap products. To register contact Illinois Stewardship Alliance, (217- 498-9707; isa@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org).

November 17 - Small Farms Conference - Peoria

Presenters at this conference will discuss topics of importance to those who are considering an alternative agriculture enterprise or are presently engaged in one. To register, contact Roger Larson (309-685-3140 or visit web.extension.uiuc.edu/peoria).

November 26 - Food Rules: Knowing the Regulations - Carlock

This one-day workshop will bring farmers and regulators together so that each can hear from and ask questions of the other. Panelists will include farms who are successfully marketing meats and value-added food products, as well as personnel from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the USDA, and several central Illinois Health Department officials. To register, contact The Land Connection, (847-570-0701; Kathy@thelandconnection.org or visit www.thelandconnection.org).

November 28 - Putting Small Acreages to Work - Kankakee

This workshop provides practical, no-nonsense, hands-on advice to beginning, as well as transitioning farmers in the areas of crop production, market development, and other important business options. To register, contact U of I Extension Kankakee County Unit (815-933-8337 or visit web.extension.uiuc.edu/kankakee.)

November 29 - Tri-State (Illinois, Iowa and Missouri) Local Foods Conference - Quincy

This workshop will increase the awareness and knowledge of farmers and educators to be more effective in marketing. To register, contact U of I Extension, Adams-Brown Unit, (217-223-8380 or visit webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=915).

December 8 - Getting the Word Out: Analyzing, Evaluating, and Improving Your Marketing Materials - Carlock

Participants are encouraged to bring their current marketing materials, including business cards, brochures, signage, etc. The materials will become part of the presentation and discussion of what makes effective marketing of farm products. Panelists will include professional designers and marketers, as well as experienced farmers involved in direct marketing. To register, contact The Land Connection (847-570-0701; Kathy@thelandconnection.org or visit www.thelandconnection.org).

-30-

http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/news/stories/news4086.html

Sources: Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant (217) 968-5512; cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu

Debra Levey Larson, (217) 244-2880, dlarson@uiuc.edu