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Field Days

On farm, peer-to-peer education
Field Days will look a little different this year as we navigate in-person and virtual events.  We continue to monitor Covid-19 levels and are working with local health departments and following state guidelines for in-person events. 
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​Field Days are a great opportunity for small farmers, homesteaders, and home gardeners to network and learn from their fellow food growers. 

​​During a typical field day, hosts will lead the group on a short farm tour, focusing in on one element of production that has been a particular success or challenge. Sometimes a local expert is invited to share their knowledge on the topic as well. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and share experiences during the event. Most field days will conclude opportunities to ask questions, build relationships, and explore additional topics. 

Field Days are free for members of Food Works and the Southern Illinois Farming Alliance. A small donation is suggested for non-members. To suggest a topic or host field day, contact Karen at karen@fwsoil.org or (618) 370-3287.  


2022 Field Days

Mileur Orchards-Monday May 2nd, 2022  at 5:30pm  Field Day Full

Join us for this onsite Field Day event where we learn the history of this family run orchard which has been operating since 1961. There will be an on site demonstration of their pruning techniques of their apple and peach trees . They will also discuss how they maintain their orchards.  Potluck to follow this demonstration. 

​Bring a chair, beverage, plate and utensils. We encourage you to bring a dish to share at the potluck, or your own packed meal.

Registration is limited to 30 people. 

Children are welcome with an adult
​
Free for members of Food Works and/or Southern Illinois Farming Alliance (a program of Food Works)
$10 suggested donation for guests - If you would like to donate online, click here. 

To join SIFA and receive free admission, we invite you to become a member of Food Works. 

To learn more about Mileur Orchards check out ​www.mileurorchard.com

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In Person Field Days 2022

Interwoven Permaculture
April 25th,2022

Facebook and Instagram: @InterwovenPermaculture 
https://www.interwovenpermaculture.com/about-interwoven
Our fist outdoor field day of 2022 was held at Interwoven Permaculture Farm in Pope County, Il. There was a tour of the farm, where we were introduce to Michael Longfields's different planting techniques and planting strategies on the farm. Over many acers, Interwoven has several food forests that consist of nut trees, fruit trees, nitrogen fixers, shrub layers, and beneficial pollinators.  The end goal is to mimic the natural inputs and composition of our native forest and to reap the benefits of growing healthy food right in their backyard, while supporting nature with as little human input as possible.  Interwoven Permaculture Farm is a great resource for tree seedlings and plant cuttings that can be purchased for your own permaculture food forest  and  gardens . 

Virtual Field Day 2022

​Home to Market Act & Cottage Foods in Illinois

​Illinois has an expansive cottage foods law that allows people to sell a wide range of non-hazardous foods produced in home kitchens to the general public. The recently passed Home to Market Act expands the possibilities, including the option to sell online and ship items within the state.  

Watch our virtual field day to learn what is allowed under the cottage foods law, the certifications required to get started, and the possibilities for your own cottage foods business. We learned about the organizing efforts of farmers that helped to pass this law from Molly Pickering, Deputy Director at the Illinois Stewardship Alliance.  Then, we heard from a panel of farmers and cottage foods producers making unique food products and reaching customers around the state.  

2021 Field Days


​Creating, Diversifying, and Protecting Pollinator Habitat

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Monday, June 14, 2021
6-8pm
Pitcher Patch Farm
Makanda, IL

****This event is now full & registration is closed.

Walk through pollinator habitat with Kim Erndt-Pitcher, of Prairie Rivers Network, as she discusses using native plants to create habitat for pollinators and other important invertebrates. Learn inexpensive ways to create, enhance, and protect diverse habitat on the farm or around the home as we tour Pitcher Patch Farm. The discussion will include how to collect and save the seeds of native plants.


Pollinators are crucial to the production of numerous crops, including many fruits and vegetables. They are also critical to ecosystem function. The relationship between plants and pollinators is intricate; each relies on the other for survival. Different pollinators have different needs. Using diverse native plants is key to creating good pollinator habitat. Each field day participant will receive a free native species plant. There will also be native plants available for sale from Southernwood Garden.

This outdoor event is limited to 15 people and registration is required. Face masks will be required. The event is open to the public and free to Food Works members.  A $10 donation is suggested for non-members. 

​Please reach out to Karen at karen@fwsoil.org with any questions or concerns.  
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2020 Field Days
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Climate Change and its Impacts on Agriculture in Southern Illinois

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Tuesday, May 26, 2020
​5:00-6:30pm

​via Zoom

Join Prairie Rivers Network and Food Works for a virtual field day about climate change and agriculture in southern Illinois. Illinois’ State Climatologist Trent Ford will discuss the science and impacts of climate change as they relate to agriculture in southern Illinois. Farmer Jill Rendleman of All Seasons Farm will share “on the ground” experiences in southern Illinois and discuss how her farm is already implementing and considering practices to adapt to these changes. Amanda Pankau, an Energy Campaign Coordinator with Prairie Rivers Network, will discuss agriculture as an important solution for climate change mitigation and adaptation. 

This virtual field day is a collaboration with the IDEA Farm Network, a farmer-led learning community that explores and implements ideas and approaches that balance farm productivity, profitability, and environmental health. The IDEA Farm Network creates a comfortable and lively space for farmers, scientists, and advocates to share diverse experiences, information and views that advance regenerative agriculture.  Learn more and get involved at www.regenerateillinois.org/ifn.

Click here for the link to the recording of the field day:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YnxKiV8pHw&feature=youtu.be 


Herbicide Injury: Identifying the Symptoms & Reporting the Damage

States, with the backing of EPA, are allowing farmers to spray current stocks of dicamba despite a June 3rd federal court ruling that revoked the use and sale of the products.  Farm and conservation groups are now pushing back, seeking a legal motion towards Administrator Wheeler for defying the court ruling.
Injuries to unintended crops, trees, and other plants have been occurring since 2017, adding economic and social stress throughout the agricultural community. Organic farmers, orchards, vegetable farms, and vineyards are seeing injuries such as curled, cupped, stunted, and deformed leaves and plants. Farmers can withstand only so much injury before the integrity of their crops and the health of their plants suffer. These herbicide injuries are a serious threat to many multi-generational family farms.
According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), official landowner and grower complaints of damage to crops and plants caused by herbicides like dicamba surpassed an astonishing 700 in Illinois last year, with many more injuries left unreported and undocumented. It is the same situation in many other states: record numbers of complaints and widespread under-reporting of injuries.

The EPA’s final cancellation order, which came several days after the court ruling, allows for some continued use of the herbicides. Commercial applicators and growers may use, according to label restriction and through July 31st, the stocks of the herbicide that were in their possession by the date of the court ruling.


On June 8th, after the release of the EPA’s statement, the IDOA released a new statement which aligns with the EPA's statement, allowing for use of stocks that were in possession by the user on the date of the ruling. Surprisingly, the statement also extends the application cut-off date from June 20th to June 25.

How to Help:

Document and report injuries to crop and non-crop plants.  It is important to use both the IDOA complaint process and the NPIC process for damages to non-crop plants.

Document your findings: If you see symptoms or suspect damage to your trees, crops, pollinator habitat, etc., is critically important that you document it. 
File a complaint: Information of injuries is important and a powerful tool in improving pesticide laws and regulations. Please file a pesticide incidence complaint with IDOA here.
File an injury report for non-crop plants or animals: If you suspect pesticide injuries to your livestock, trees and/or other plants please also file the incidence at http://npic.orst.edu/eco/ Instructions on how to use this form can be found at NPIC (National Pesticide Information Center) here. 

Below are a few images of Herbicide Damage: Strawberry Plants & Redbud Trees These photos show symptoms of herbicide exposure.  Click below to read more about Herbicide Injury and how to report to.

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dicamba_june_2020.docx
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Low Till/No Till Vegetable Production

Postponed- We hope to reschedule.
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​Dayempur Farm
​Anna, IL 
A healthy soil structure is the backbone of any vegetable garden. Disturbing garden soils with tillage, discs or plows disrupts a balanced ecosystem, causing erosion, soil compaction and the release of harmful greenhouse gasses. However, with low impact tools and a soil development strategy, Southern Illinois can indeed host the vibrant soils that provide the best food in the world.
 
Influenced by Jean-Martin Fortier's Market Gardener system, Dayempur Farm has adapted and applied techniques for maintaining a sustainable garden within the heavy clay soils of our locale. With a focus on "the right tool for the job," participants will learn strategies for maintaining a healthy soil structure and bountiful yields without the heavy machinery or harmful chemicals used in conventional and large scale no-till systems.
 
The evening will conclude with a potluck and opportunities to ask questions, build relationships, and explore additional topics. Please bring a chair and your favorite dish to share!

Silvopasture, Water Catchments and Farm Transitions

Postponed- We hope to reschedule.

Organic Energy Farm
​Tamms, IL


This field day covers 3 unique aspects of the farm: Silvopasture, Water Catchments & Farm Transitions. 

Silvopasture is the practice of integrating trees, forage, and the grazing of domesticated animals in a mutually beneficial way. A primary benefit of silvopasture is increased farmland utilization - silvopasture can incorporate unused woodlands into production and produce multiple products on the same acreage. This diversifies farm income sources and increases farm viability. Silvopasture has been found to increase wildlife abundance and diversity and to contribute to carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
 
We will also be discussing water catchments or pond pockets that are used for watering fields or for livestock, and even for the garden. As we move throughout the field day, the owners of Organic Energy Farm, Jim & Mary Maginel, will talk to us about how they are working on transitioning the farm to new farmers Kelly and Nathan Mowery and the future plans for  their farm.
 
The evening will conclude with a potluck and opportunities to ask questions, build relationships, and explore additional topics. Please bring a chair and your favorite dish to share!

2019 Field Days

Constructing a High Tunnel and Planning for Winter Vegetable Production

Monday, September 9th, 2019
Glaciers End -  Johnston City, IL 

Preserving the Harvest- Intro to Canning 

Monday, August 12th, 2019
Kite Hill Vineyards
52 Tasting Room Rd, Carbondale, IL 62903

Special thanks to Margie Sawicki, from Acorn Ridge Farm. who shared her canning expertise in a hands-on demonstration.
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Enemies and Allies: Insect Identification and Management Practices for a Diverse Organic Garden Ecosystem
Monday, July 8th, 2019
4:00pm- Farm Tour, 5:00pm- Field Day
Dayempur Farm
Anna, IL

Special thanks to Dayempur Farm Manager, Talib-Mark Fletter, for leading our hands on tour focusing on identifying the harmful and beneficial insects found in the garden.

Creating, Diversifying, and Protecting Pollinator Habitat Field Day 

Monday, July 1, 2019 (rescheduled from June 17th due to thunderstorms)
5:00pm
Pitcher Patch Farm
Makanda, IL 

Special thanks to Kim Erndt-Pitcher from Prairie Rivers Network for sharing her expertise off pollinator & invertebrate habitat and leading a tour of the habitats on Pitcher Patch Farm. Participants also thank you for the free seed mix and live native plants! 
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Cottage Foods Act 

Monday, May 13th, 2019
5:30pm
The Old Train Depot
126 S. Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL 62091
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Learn about the Illinois law that allows for direct sales of foods produced in your home kitchen! Please join us as our guest speaker, Molly Gleason, the Communications Director for the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, will discuss a hot topic- the Illinois Cottage Food Law.  

The Cottage Food Law is a step in an ongoing effort to create policies that support the burgeoning local food movement. The Cottage Food Law creates new opportunities for farmers to engage in value-added processing, while making it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to start new local food businesses selling at one of Illinois' 300-plus farmers markets. She will go through the new Cottage Food Guide that describes what the law does and does not allow and what you have to do to qualify as a cottage food operation. Hear from farmers Tam Pirmann from River to River Farm and Derek Ervin from Glaciers End about their experiences producing and selling foods under the Cottage Foods Act.

Traditional potluck to follow – bring your favorite dish to share!

Chainsaws: Basics, Tree Trimming & Felling Demonstration
Monday, April 8th, 2019
5:30pm
Glaciers End
18538 Pittsburg Rd, Johnston City, IL 62951
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Ever wanted to know how to safely and properly us a chainsaw?   

​Beau Tatum, Owner of Beau’s Tree Service, will lead a discussion on Chainsaws 101: how to choose the right chainsaw, proper safety gear, maintenance and sharpening tips. He will also demonstrate how to trim, fell and cut up trees.  


Traditional potluck to follow – bring a chair and your favorite dish to share! 

Field Days in 2018
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​​Permaculture: Planning for Berms and Swales

Monday, April 9, 2018
5:30 pm

Acorn Ridge Farm
Dongola, IL 
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Spring is here! Join us at Acorn Ridge Farm for a discussion of slope measurement, berms and swales in a permaculture design. Wayne Weismann, co-author of Integrated Forest Gardening (2014), will lead a discussion to assess slope prior to building berms and swales for water management on farms. If weather permits, participants will get hands on experience at Acorn Ridge Farm.

Traditional potluck to follow – bring a chair and your favorite dish!

The event is free for members of Food Works and the Southern Illinois Farming Alliance. $5 suggested donation for non-members. Carpools possible from Carbondale. Registration is required for all at https://www.fwsoil.org/field-days.html or 618-370-3287. 

Acorn Ridge Farm is located 7 miles south of Anna on Hwy 51, at:
1480 Brown Lane, Dongola, IL

Solar Energy for Small Farms

​Monday, May 14, 2018            
5:30pm- Farm Tour in Marion, IL

7:00pm- AES Solar Educational Showroom
1804 Supply Rd, Carterville, IL 62918
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Solar energy production systems offer farmers a way to produce renewable energy, increase self-sufficiency, and reduce energy costs.  Current tax credits and financial incentives make investing in solar more affordable then ever.  What are the considerations for a small farm thinking of adding solar?  

Begin this field day with a tour of a local farm powered by solar energy.  Then move indoors to AES Solar in Carterville to learn more about equipment options, financial incentives and tax credits for your farm, home, or business.  Speak with farmers using solar in their operations.  


Beekeeping Basics for Southern Illinois

Monday June 11, 2018            
4:30 -7:30 pm
​

University of Illinois Extension Office
​
402 Ava Rd, Murphysboro, IL 62966
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Learn the basics of beekeeping! Scott Martin from the Southern Illinois Beekeeping Association and co-owner of Heartland Honey will talk about starting and maintaining beehives throughout the year, including equipment, safety and harvesting honey. 

Ken Yamamoto of Honey & Shrooms will also have local small batch honey on hand to demonstrate the variety in color and flavor depending on the time of year the honey is harvested.  

Wear long pants, a lightweight long sleeve shirt and a baseball cap or hat with a brim. Some protective equipment will be provided. Please avoid wearing perfume or aftershave – it confuses the bees!

A potluck follows; please bring utensils and a dish to share.  Field Days are open to the public and are free for members of Food Works and the Southern Illinois Farming Alliance.  A $5 donation is suggested for non-members.  ​

Sustainable Berry Production

Monday, July 9, 2018              
6:00-8:00 pm.  Optional U Pick starts at 5pm


Backachers Farm
​Anna, IL 

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Learn about sustainable berry production with farmer Phil Mendenhall of Backacher Farm in Anna.  Tour over 200 high-bush blueberries and blackberry bushes that are part of this diversified vegetable, beef, and hay farm.  Get tips on establishing berry bushes, including soil preparation for appropriate pH, irrigation techniques, pest management, and pruning.  

​Come early at 5pm if you would like to purchase U Pick berries before the field day starts at 6pm.  

Food is the First Medicine: Culinary & Medicinal Herbs for Good Health

Tuesday, August 7, 2018                
5:00-8:30 pm
​
Town Square Market
106 E. Jackson St.
Carbondale, IL 62901

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Learn about plant-based medicine through cooking and herbal remedies at this talk and cooking demonstration.  After an overview of food as medicine, Terry Hickey of Dayempur Herbals will share information on forms of herbal remedies including tinctures, oils, syrups, and sprays.  She will also discuss the properties of four locally-grown medicinal herbs: hawthorne, tulsi holy basil, elderberry, and yarrow. Local acupuncturist Susan Saniie Kamil will offer information about seasonal foods that help your body to thrive.  Jennifer Pellow from Town Square Market will demonstrate one full meal of recipes that intentionally use culinary herbs for their medicinal properties.  Taste each dish as it’s made! 

A $5 donation is suggested for members of Food Works, the Southern Illinois Farming Alliance, and the local Sufi community.  A $10 suggestion is recommended for non-members.  All are welcome.  
​

Cultivating Edible Mushrooms

Monday, September 10, 2018                 
5:00-8:00 pm 
​

Flyway Farm
Makanda, IL 
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Mushrooms pack a powerful nutritional punch and can vary widely in color, shape, and flavor.  Learn about cultivating edible mushrooms with Mike Hatfield of Flyway Farm. Tour the indoor cultivation rooms where many varieties are grown including shitake, oyster, lion’s mane, chestnut, and Pioppino.  See how mushroom “logs” are inoculated and how spent logs can be used in the garden to improve soil health.  Mike will also share information on using mushroom tinctures for good health.
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Season Extension with High Tunnels

Monday, November 12th, 2018
4pm


All Seasons Farm
​Cobden, IL
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Learn about extending your growing season with the use of high tunnels!  In the protected environment of a high tunnel, Southern Illinois farmers are able to add months to the growing season, sometimes growing food straight through the winter.  There are many variations in high tunnel design and cultivation methods.  Do you build a fixed high tunnel or a movable one?  Do you use raised beds?  What about irrigation and pest control?  What crops grow well through the winter cold, and what can you expect with planting and harvesting schedules?

​Hear from experienced growers about succession planting, winter crops, grants, and more.  
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  • ABOUT US
    • STAFF
    • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    • CONTACT US
  • JOIN
    • Membership
    • Organizational Memberships
    • VOLUNTEER
  • PROGRAMS
    • COMMUNITY FARMERS MARKET
    • SNAP Support & Link Match
    • FARMING ALLIANCE
    • FARM BEGINNINGS
  • EVENTS
    • Special Events >
      • Farm Dreams
      • Annual Meeting
      • SIFB webinars
      • Farm Tune Up Workshop
      • CSA Fair
      • Grain Summit
      • Online Marketing Workshop
    • FIELD DAYS
    • Local Food Features >
      • Farm Crawl Meal Kits >
        • Farm Crawl Meal Kit Cooking Demos
      • Chef Talk
      • Fall Feast
      • Rock the Pint
      • Rock the Plate
    • SMALL FARM DREAMS
  • RESOURCES
    • COMMUNITY FOOD ASSESSMENT
    • CROSSROADS REPORT
    • OUR DOCUMENTARY
    • Buy Fresh Buy Local Illinois
  • DONATE
  • Blog
  • Farmers Market Directory
  • Farmer Profile
  • Annual Meeting