Field Days are a great opportunity for small farmers, homesteaders, and home gardeners to network and learn from their fellow food growers. During the field day, hosts will lead the group on a short farm tour, focusing in on one element of production that has been a success or challenge that they can share with the group. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and share experiences during the event. Most field days will conclude with a potluck and opportunities to ask questions, build relationships, and explore additional topics.
Field Days are free for Food Works members. A $5 donation is suggested for non-members.
Field Days are free for Food Works members. A $5 donation is suggested for non-members.
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Coming up:
Solar Energy for Small FarmsMonday, 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. 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. |
Beekeeping Basics for Southern IllinoisMonday June 11, 2018
4:30 -7:30 pm University of Illinois Extension Office 402 Ava Rd, Murphysboro, IL 62966 |
Learn the basics of beekeeping with Scott Martin of Heartland Honey and the Southern Illinois Beekeeping Association. Ken Yamamoto of Honey & Shrooms will also have local small batch honey on hand to demonstrate the variety in color and flavor depending on what 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!
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Sustainable Berry ProductionMonday, July 9, 2018
6:00-8:00 pm. Optional U Pick starts at 5pm Backachers Farm Anna, IL |
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.
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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 |
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!
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Cultivating Edible Mushrooms
Monday, September 10, 2018
5:00-8:00 pm Flyway Farm Makanda, IL |
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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Tools & Equipment for Small FarmsMonday, October 8, 2018 - SAVE THE DATE
Details TBA |
Farms come in many shapes and sizes, and so do farm tools. Small farms need tools that are designed for their farming practices, philosophies, and budgets. Join us to learn about tools and equipment for soil preparation, planting, cultivation, and weeding from experienced small-scale farmers. Martin’s Sharp-All Shop will also demonstrate a Grillo brand walk behind tractor that can be fitted with many attachments, such as plow, harrow, mower, chipper, generator, and more. Bring your favorite tool to share with the group in a tool show-and-tell. Experienced and fledgling farmers, gardeners, and homesteaders are welcome!
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Season Extension with High TunnelsSunday, November 3, 2018 - SAVE THE DATE
Details TBA |
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?
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Previous Field Days
Permaculture: Planning for Berms and Swales
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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 |
