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 topic or 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.   

Field days are open to the public and free for members of the Southern Illinois Farming Alliance and Food Works. A $10 donation is suggested for non-members. Registration is encouraged but not required. RSVP at www.fwsoil.org/field-days or by calling (618) 370-3287
 
Field Days are hosted by the Southern Illinois Farming Alliance, a project of Food Works (www.fwsoil.org), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes long-term farming networks that create healthy soils, healthy food, and healthy communities in the 23 counties that make up Southern
Illinois. This event is created in partnership with the IDEA Farm Network (www.regenerateillinois.org/ifn) a learning community of farmers, scientists, advocates, food entrepreneurs and consumers to advance regenerative agriculture.

Join us for a discussion about biochar and a tour of Angie's Farm in Pomona, IL. The Kuehl Family has experimented with biochar to enrich the soil in their family garden, and they will demonstrate how to make biochar in your backyard. We will also learn about research on biochar, soil health, and organic pest control from Alex Barnes, who researched biochar at SIU. A potluck follows the farm tour and demonstration, and Angie's farm will also have local honey for sale. 

Join us for a discussion about food forests, planted and foraged Perennials at La Colina Linda Farms in Cobden, IL. La Colina Linda Farms LCL is a MOSA Certified  Organic farm owned and operated by Kathy Ward & Jerry Kinser. They specialize in planting and foraging perennial herbs for market and value-added products using vegan inputs and practices. Also joining us is Noah Scalero, Illinois FarmLink Navigator for The Land Connection, who will be available during the event to provide information on their land access services connecting landowners and farmers. A vegan-only potluck will follow, and La Colina Linda LLC will have herbal tea samples available during the event and will have some of their value-added products for sale.

Join us for a discussion and tour 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, heirlooms and native flowers, fruits, and vegetables and raise heritage pigs. Also joining 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.

Creating, Diversifying, and Protecting Pollinator Habitat

Climate Change and its Impacts on Agriculture in Southern Illinois

Herbicide Injury: Identifying the Symptoms & Reporting the Damage

Low Till/No Till Vegetable Production

Silvopasture, Water Catchments and Farm Transitions

Constructing a High Tunnel and Planning for Winter Vegetable Production

Preserving the Harvest- Intro to Canning

Enemies and Allies: Insect Identification and Management Practices for a Diverse Organic Garden Ecosystem

Chainsaws: Basics, Tree Trimming & Felling Demonstration

Permaculture: Planning for Berms and Swales

Solar Energy for Small Farms

Beekeeping Basics for Southern Illinois