Field Days are a great opportunity for small farmers, homesteaders, and home gardeners to network and learn from their fellow food growers. Though usually held on local farms, in-person events have been postponed for the time being. Find information on virtual events and resources below.
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 with a potluck and opportunities to ask questions, build relationships, and explore additional topics.
Field Days are free for Food Works and the Southern Illinois Farming Alliance members. A $5 donation is suggested for non-members. To suggest a topic or host field day, contact Libby at libbyfwsoil.org or (618) 370-3287.
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 with a potluck and opportunities to ask questions, build relationships, and explore additional topics.
Field Days are free for Food Works and the Southern Illinois Farming Alliance members. A $5 donation is suggested for non-members. To suggest a topic or host field day, contact Libby at libbyfwsoil.org or (618) 370-3287.
Help us plan for 2021 Field Days:
Take the Farmer/Friend Interest Survey!
Please take a minute to fill out our annual survey. This helps us understand your needs and interests as we plan for the coming year.
2020 Field Days
Climate Change and its Impacts on Agriculture in Southern Illinois
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
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.
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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Low Till/No Till Vegetable Production
Postponed- we hope to reschedule later in the year.
Dayempur Farm
Anna, IL
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!
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
Organic Energy Farm
Tamms, IL
Postponed- we hope to reschedule later in the summer.
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!
Tamms, IL
Postponed- we hope to reschedule later in the summer.
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
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.
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.
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!
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 |
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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
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
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 |
Solar Energy for Small Farms
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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. |