Statewide Links
University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee and Will Counties
Extension Link
February-March 2011
Investing in local foods and small farms
The Benefits of Biotechnology in Agriculture Webinar
When:
January 27, 2011 ~ 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Fee: $5
Biotechnology
- the use of cellular and biomolecular processes to solve problems or make useful products has been around for a long time. Food products have been made using biotechnology for over 8,000 years, but only in the last 50 years have scientific advances enabled us to understand how living things work for people. Yeast, for example, has for long been used to make bread rise and produce wine. In agriculture, agronomic or "input" traits create value by giving plants the ability to do things that increase production or reduce the need to for other inputs such as chemical pesticides or fertilizers.Biotechnology is a powerful tool that has the potential to create many useful products. However, there are also some unclarified issues. What is the history and science of biotechnology? Who benefits? What are some success biotechnology stories in agriculture? What are some ethical issues that are raised about this technology?
Sheep & Goat Workshop
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Kankakee Community College
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Topics include:
• Health of sheep and goats
• How to do fecal egg counts
• Pastures and identification of grass species
• The importance of keeping records on the farm
• Economics of production
Speakers include: Two Veterinarians; Crop Systems Educator; Producer Panel
A pre-registration fee of $20 (includes lunch) for the workshop is required by Monday, January 24, 2011 to allow enough time for adequate preparation. Please call Kankakee County Extension Office at 815-933-8337 for more information. This workshop will be held at Kankakee Community College, 100 College Drive, Kankakee, IL 60901.
This workshop is supported by Illinois Meat Goat Producers and Kankakee Community College.
2011 Kankakee County Vegetable Growers School
Friday, February 25, 2011
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The 2011 Vegetable Growers School will be held at University of Illinois, Kankakee County, 1650 Commerce Drive, Bourbonnais. Producers will get the latest specialty crop information updates from University of Illinois educators on the following topics:
• Weed Management and Updates on Vegetable Varieties
by Chuck Voigt• Vegetable Insect Pest Management Updates
by Richard Weinzierl• Disease Management Updates
by Mohammad Babadoost• Cover Crops Updates
by Maurice Ogutu• Hoop Houses for Season Extension and Post-Harvest Handling
by Mosbah Kushad• Farmyard Manure Management for Soil Fertility
by Ellen Phillips• Specialty Commodity Marketing
by Local ProducersA pre-registration fee of $20, which includes lunch and handout materials, is required by February 18, 2011. The updated Midwest Vegetable Production Guide will be available at an additional cost. Please call University of Illinois Extension, Kankakee County at 815-933-8337 for more information or check our website: kankakee.extension.uiuc.edu.
Save the Date ~ Kankakee County Grazing Group
Kankakee County Grazing Group
What: Dutch Treat Dinner
When: Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Where: Homestead Restaurant, 1230 S. East Ave., Kankakee
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Visitors welcome. Program planning for 2011. Please call Kankakee County Extension at 815-933-8337 by March 4 for reservations to be made in your name.
Living on the Land ~ Stewardship for Small Acreages
March 1 to May 3, 2011
Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
University of Illinois, Kankakee County
1650 Commerce Drive, Bourbonnais
In the search of a semi-rural lifestyle, the number of new and potential "small" acreage owners is increasing. To manage any farm, it takes knowledge of natural resource conservation and commitment to ensure that land operators are good stewards of the land. To be profitable, one must know how to set goals, write them and then follow them. Without a written plan, there is no plan. As an operator, have you acquired pertinent information to enable you to run your farm? Is your farm self-sustaining? Most importantly, are you managing your soil and water resources with due diligence? These and other questions will be answered in a 10-week "Living on The Land" (LOL) program which will include hands-on activities and a farm tour.
The LOL program will offer seven core courses which are required. Participants can choose classes from other non-core courses to complete 30 hours of classroom instruction.
The cost per person is $150 ($50 for additional farm/family member sharing the curriculum). It includes a resource book and light refreshments during class. To register or for more information, call 815-933-8337 by February 23, 2011.
Core courses include
:1. Setting Goals & Resources
2. Soil Management
3. Water Issues – Rivers and Streams
4. Water issues – Septic Systems and Wells
5. Plants – Pastures and Lawns
6. Entrepreneur Opportunities
7. Participant Presentations – Farm Plans
Spring into Beekeeping
Saturday, March 12, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The annual beekeeping workshop has information for new or more experienced beekeepers. Beekeeping education is vital to the success of bee survival because bee populations have been decreasing. Bee biology, colony care throughout the year, bee breeding, integrated pest management, and other topics are important for everyone. Fee is $20 which includes lunch and handouts.
2011 Good Agricultural Practices
March 3 ~ Will County Extension Unit
March 23 ~ Countryside Center
April 7 ~ Kankakee County Extension Unit
Food safety requires good agricultural practices which begin on the farm. GAPs training is necessary to keep fresh fruit and vegetable products in Illinois safe and competitive in the marketplace.
The workshops will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cost is $30 per person, which includes lunch and a GAPs book.
Look for your registration form to arrive in January or call James Theuri at 815-933-8337, Ellen Phillips at 708-352-0109 or Peter Chege at 309-792-2500 for more information.
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