Small Scale Grains
Join us for an on-farm Field Day event about small-scale grains at Illinois Country Harvest in Prairie du Rocher, IL.
Illinois Country Harvest is a sustainable, small, diverse farm located in southwestern Illinois, owned and operated by Jason & Jennifer Duensing. They grow heritage grains, including Rouge de Bordeaux wheat and Cherokee White Eagle corn. They also grow heirloom and native flowers, fruits, and vegetables and raise heritage pigs using all-natural, sustainable practices.
During the field day, they will provide tours of their small-scale grain field areas and processes with the goal of raising food-grade grains. They will discuss their crop selection and all-natural growing practices such as seed saving, planting, harvesting, crop rotation, and cover cropping. They will also be displaying antique farm equipment that they use on the farm and talk about market avenues for their grains. Also on site will be representatives from the following organizations The Artisan Grain Collaborative, MidWest Grit, and Les Amis du Fort de Chartres, all of which have provided valuable resources to Illinois Country Harvest and will discuss what they have to offer other small to midsize farmers interested in growing grains.
Event Notes:
The farm tour and demonstration is followed by a potluck dinner. Participants are encouraged to bring a dish to share, a drink for yourself, as well as your own chairs. Outlets are available for anyone needing to warm food in a crock pot. Bathrooms are available on site.
Parking is limited so carpooling is recommended and please do not bring pets to this event.