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Illinois Small Farms

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Farmers' Markets, Roadside Stands, and On-Farm Sales
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Resources

List of Organizations and Programs Involved in Small Farm Work

Angelic Organics Learning Center: Angelic Organics Learning Center helps urban and rural people build local food systems. We offer opportunities to grow healthy food and a better quality of life, connect with farmers and the land, and learn agricultural and leadership skills. The Learning Center, a nonprofit organization, reaches more than 4,000 people each year through its programs at partner farms and urban growing sites in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

1547 Rockton Rd
Caledonia, IL 61011
(815) 389-8455
learn@learngrowconnect.org
Agriculture & Tourism Partners of Illinois: ATPI is a non-profit association representing agriculture and tourism entities in Illinois. ATPI’s mission is "to encourage, foster, support, and stimulate tourism development, especially agritourism, in Illinois through support of existing business and development of new businesses."

ATPI c/o CITDO
700 East Adams
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 525-7980
Center for Sustainable Community: CSC is dedicated to fostering harmonious relationships that honor and embrace the natural world and humanity. We join the millions of others on our planet today that are engaged in the discovery and creation of sustainable ways of living… for everyone. We provide seminars and workshops as well as other educational and experiential events designed by ourselves and others, focusing on areas such as green technology, permanent agriculture (permaculture), holistic health and healing, and the experience of community living.

Center for Sustainable Community
123 Crescent Lane
Stelle, IL 60919
(815) 256-2204
csc@stelle.net
FamilyFarmed.org: FamilyFarmed.org is a website, food label, and EXPO that supports Midwestern organic farmers by connecting them with consumers and commercial buyers. FamilyFarmed.org creates sustainable economic development, builds community, and contributes to a healthy environment by encouraging people to buy food from local producers.

Sustain
7115 W. North Ave, #504
Oak Park, IL 60302
708-763-9920 x109
The Farm Business Development Center at Prairie Crossing Farm (FBDC): FBDC supports the development of successful family farm enterprises by focusing on the production and marketing of organic foods for local and regional food systems. Also known as an “incubator,” the FBDC is located on a one hundred acre organic farm in Grayslake, Illinois, and has its foundation in the Prairie Crossing Conservation Community. The incubator program works by providing land, farm infrastructure, and a positive learning environment that helps beginning farmers develop the entrepreneurial skills, farming knowledge and market networks needed to become successful professional farmers. The incubator provides support and resources to its farmers using a market-based fee structure where possible. Farmers are a part of the incubator for no more than five years, at which time they are expected to “graduate” to the next level of independence.

The Farm Business Development Center at Prairie Crossing
32400 N. Harris Road
Grayslake, IL 60030
847-812-1618
info@prairiecrossingfarms.com
Illinois Direct Farm Business: Provides online legal information for anyone interested in direct farm marketing in Illinois.
Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA): IIRA builds the capacity of community leaders and policymakers by providing technical support, applied research, policy evaluation, and training across the state. IIRA is a clearinghouse for information on rural issues, coordinates rural research, and works with state agencies on issues of importance to rural communities.

Dr. Christopher Merrett, Director
Stipes 515
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 298-2281
CD-Merrett@wiu.edu
Illinois Stewardship Alliance (ISA): ISA promotes environmentally sustainable, economically viable, socially just local food systems through policy development, advocacy and education.

Lindsay Record, Executive Director
ISA
401 West Jackson Parkway
Springfield, IL 62704
(217) 528-1563
isa@ilstewards.org
Initiative for the Development of Entrepreneurs in Agriculture: IDEA is a statewide initiative created by the University of Illinois that conducts research, develops educational products, and provides services that encourage farmers to incorporate entrepreneurial strategies that direct their marketing efforts to meeting consumer demand.

University of Illinois Extension
4550 Kennedy Drive
East Moline, IL 61244
(309) 796-0512
Illinois Value-Added Rural Development Center: The center conducts research and provides outreach to residents and communities in rural Illinois on agriculture and non - agriculture projects. Its purpose is to assist in creating value-adding ventures that benefit the economy, quality of life, and diversification of communities.

Illinois Value-Added Rural Development Center
Stipes 508
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 796-2589
iira@wiu.edu
Learn Great Foods: A national touring company that teaches about the natural link that exists between sustainable farming, great cooking and the environment.

Ann Dougherty
Learn Great Foods
203 E. Seminary, Box 182
Mt. Carroll, Illinois 61053
(866) 240-1650
contact@learngreatfoods.com
The Land Connection: The Land Connection (TLC) preserves farmland, trains farmers, and supports sustainable farming through land conservation actions, education programs, and farmer-farmland matching, to help ensure every community in Illinois has access to local and organic food.

Terra Brockman, Founder and Director of Communications and Farmer Training
The Land Connection
1227 Dodge Ave., Suite 200
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 570-0701
info@thelandconnection.org
MarketMaker: MarketMaker is an interactive mapping system that locates businesses and markets of agricultural products in Illinois, providing an important link between producers and consumers.

Darlene Knipe
Extension Specialist, Marketing and Business Development
(309) 792-2500
dknipe@illinois.edu
Midwest Cover Crops Council: The goal of the Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC) is to facilitate widespread adoption of cover crops throughout the Midwest, to improve ecological, economic, and social sustainability. MCCC is a diverse group from academia, production agriculture, non-governmental organizations, commodity interests, private sector, and representatives from federal and state agencies collaborating to address soil, water, air, and agricultural quality concerns in the Great Lakes and Mississippi river basins (including Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Manitoba, Ontario, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and North Dakota).
Spence Farm Foundation: Spence Farm Foundation is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization located on the oldest farm in Livingston County, Illinois. This beautiful and unique historic farm setting provides an excellent place to teach the mission of providing educational opportunities that bring the past, present and future together in order to preserve the rich heritage and history of their area and to teach about the precious natural and agricultural resources of small family farms. Through education it is the Foundation's hope that the rich agricultural heritage of their region will survive and a future can be seen for small family farms across the nation.
Stewards of the Land, LLC: The Stewards of the Land, LLC is a group of local families (all located within a 50 mile radius from Fairbury, Illinois) helping to change the world by producing fresh foods for kitchens across Illinois. The mission is to create, maintain, and support the family farm, to help them become and remain sustainable and profitable, and to provide the same opportunity for future generations.
University of Illinois Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program: ASAP's mission is to facilitate and promote research and education which protects Illinois' natural and human resources while sustaining agricultural production forever. The program's current focus is to help farmers and society at large understand the opportunities for additional economic and ecosystem health with both sustainable and organic approaches.

Dr. Michelle Wander, Faculty Director
University of Illinois
W-225 Turner Hall
102 S. Goodwin
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-9471
mwander@uiuc.edu
Western Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society: The Western Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society (WISAS) is a regional, farmer-based not-for-profit organization incorporating the counties of Adams, Pike, Scott, Morgan, Cass, Hancock, Brown, Calhoun and Schuyler. It was established in 1992 in Western Illinois to encourage farmer practices that strike a balance between short-term profitability and long term environmental quality and rural community vitality.

Western Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society
110 E. Fayette
Pittsfield, IL 62363
217-285-411

Publications

Newsletters

Agro-Ecology News and Perspectives

Agro-Ecology News and Perspectives was published by the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) until December 2006. This newsletter is designed to inform its readers about the well being of human and natural communities through the adoption of agricultural practices and farming systems that are economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially just. The printed issue was edited by Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant and Debra Levy Larson, designed by Scherer Communications and produced by Roberts Design Company. Copy editing by Molly Bentsen.

Illinois Fruit and Vegetable News

A Newsletter for Commercial Growers of Fruit and Vegetable Crops. A publication of University of Illinois Extension and the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences.

University of Illnois Extension Publications

A listing of current newsletters by University of Illinois Extension and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

Other Small Farm Resources

Beginning Farmers: Beginning Farmers is an effort to develop a comprehensive and up to date compilation of information resources for new, experienced, and potential farmers, as well as educators, activists, and policy makers interested in the development of new farm enterprises.

Clarkson Grain Company

Clarkson Grain supplies grains, oilseeds, and related ingredients for foods and feeds. We select varieties that optimize clients' process yield as well as flavor, nutrition, security, and access to markets including natural, organic, and kosher. We produce crops by contracting with approved farmers on dryland and irrigated fields over a broad geographic area. Exclusive genetics, preparation services, and detailed supply chain management offer clients unusual process and product advantages.

PO Box 80
320 E. South St
Cerro Gordo, IL 61818-0080
(800) 252-1638
info@clarksongrain.com

Cooking Up A Story

A show about people, food and sustainable living.

Eatwild.com

Eatwild.com is your source for safe, healthy, natural and nutritious grass-fed beef, lamb, goats, bison, poultry, pork, dairy and other wild edibles. The website provides comprehensive, accurate information about the benefits of raising animals on pasture; Links consumers with local suppliers of all-natural, delicious, grass-fed products; and provides a marketplace for farmers who raise their livestock on pasture from birth to market and who actively promote the welfare of their animals and the health of the land.

Farmer-Veteran Coalition

The Farmer-Veteran Coalition (FVC) is mobilizing our food and farming community to create healthy and viable futures for America's veterans. FVC finds employment, training, and places to heal on America's farms for returning veterans. farms for returning veterans. Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are returning in large numbers and will continue to do so for many years. Some of them want to return to their family farms and make them successful and some of them want to start farming for the first time. The long term goal of the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) is to reach 10,000 veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and support the success of those returning to farming while introducing others to farming as a vocation.

Farmer-Veteran Coalition
508 2nd Street, Suite 206
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 756-1395
info@farmvetco.org

Goodness Greenness

Goodness Greenness is the Midwest’s leading source for fresh, organic produce and the largest privately held organic distributor in the country. The company directly supplies over 300 stores that include the region's largest supermarkets and independent retailers. Goodness Greenness has developed a private label brand of regional organic food, including an all-new Fresh Cut product line, which is being distributed throughout the Midwest.

5959 South Lowe
Chicago, IL 60621
(773) 224-4411
sales@goodnessgreeness.com

Hort Answers – University of Illinois Extension

Comprehensive guide that provides localized information to help select and care for plants as well as identify and manage plant diseases, insects and other problems.

Illinois Center for Soy Foods

ICSF is dedicated to developing innovative processing and marketing techniques, educating society on the advantages of a soy enriched diet, and communicating health benefits of new soy foods.

Illinois Department of Agriculture, Ag News, Education and Services Toll-Free Hot Line

Provides information about the department's programs and services.

1-800-273-4763 (voice and TDD)
PO Box 19281
State Fairgrounds
Springfield, IL 62794-9281
Eggs Information
Meat and Poultry Information
Livestock Management Facilities Act
Organic contact: Delayne Reeves
Bureau of Marketing
(217) 524-9129
delayne.reeves@illinois.gov

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Small business information available at Entrepreneurship and Small Business. Call toll free: 1-800-252-2923

Illinois Small Business Advisor offers quick access to proposed rules and regulations, changes in requirements, and provides information on recently adopted legislation that impacts small business.

Illinois Forestry

The Illinois Forestry web site is designed to raise awareness, inform, and most importantly educate citizens, students, teachers, landowners, environmental groups, natural resource managers, foresters, and loggers about forestry and Illinois' most valuable, renewable natural resource - trees.

Illinois Livestock Trail

Information about beef, dairy, goats, horses, pork, poultry, and sheep.

Illinois Chapter of Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA)

Chapter of the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA), an international organic certifying agency.

Josephine Dobson
N5364 Hemlock Lane
Kewaunee, WI 54216
Phone: 920-388-4369
joeyg@hbci.com

Illinois Plant and Pest

Staff from the University of Illinois Plant Clinic discuss current pest and plant-disease problems affecting field crops, horticultural crops and greenspaces, as well as home landscapes and gardens

Illinois State Water Survey, Alternative Crops Project

The Alternative Crops Project site lists climate and soil requirements for alternative and traditional crops. Overall crop suitability maps, based on crop requirements and the soil and climate of Illinois, are presented for more than 400 existing and potential crops that include food, feed, fiber, fuel, medicinal, and food additives.

Indiana Certified Organic (ICO)

Certifying in Indiana and surrounding states.

Cissy Bowman, Organizational Director
8364 S SR 39
Clayton, IN 46118
(317) 539-4317
icollc@earthlink.net

Midwest Organic Farmers Cooperative

The purpose of MOFC is to serve our members through promoting organic systems in agriculture, education, public policy, and the favorable marketing of organic products. The cooperative is an affiliate member of the Organic Farmers Agency for Relationship Marketing (OFARM).

Bonnie Wagner
Administrative Director
100A S. Lafayette St.
Newton, IL 62448
(618) 783-4601
mofc20@msn.com

Midwest Permaculture

Midwest Permaculture provides quality permaculture education and trainings. Bill and Becky Wilson and their accomplished permaculture instructors share the best of their decades of personal experience in creating 'permanent-culture' to create powerful educational experiences for the beginning and the experienced permaculturist alike.

Missouri Alternatives Center

The Missouri Alternatives Center works to improve small farm profitability and, at the same time, maintain the agricultural base needed to sustain rural communities, by giving farmers and landowners access to the information they need. The Missouri Alternatives Center serves as a communications center for farmers, Extension staff, government personal and people who want to begin farming, diversify their current operation, or find ways to profit from small amounts of acreage.

North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA)

The North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA) is a trade association dedicated to nurturing the farm direct marketing industry. Members include farmers, farmers' market managers, extension agents, industry suppliers, government officials and others who are part of the thriving farm direct marketing industry in North America. NAFDMA advances the prosperity of its members and the farm direct marketing industry through education, networking, advocacy, research and innovation.

Rural Partners

Rural Partners is a member-driven forum that links individuals, businesses, organizations and communities with public and private resources to maximize the potential of rural Illinois.

Rural Route 2

Rural Route 2 is a coordinated interdisciplinary program effort by University of Illinois Extension in response to financial pressures and stresses confronting the Agricultural Industry.

Soil Quality

Improving How Soil Works.

Small Farms @ USDA

This web site is intended to be a one-stop gateway to resources, benefits and services offered by USDA for small farmers. In addition, this site includes a section which provides visitors with a link to the USDA Progress Reports and Small Farms Database developed by the Department in response to the recommendations submitted in the USDA National Commission on Small Farms report, A Time To Act.

Sustainable Farm Lease

Sustainable Farm Lease is intended to help landowners promote a sustainable farm operation on leased agricultural land. The information should also be helpful to farmers and their advisors. As a landowner, you possess the ability to control what happens to your land. Although your tenant operator is given use and possession of the property for a period of time, you have the ability, as well as the duty, to protect the land’s natural resources and ensure its long-term productivity. A written lease agreement is a valuable tool for achieving your goals as the ultimate steward of the land while building a profitable and enduring relationship with your tenant.

USDA Farm Service Agency

Stabilizing farm income, helping farmers conserve land and water resources, providing credit to new or disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and helping farm operations recover from the effects of disaster are the missions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA).

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRCS works to protect and enhance natural resources by working one-on-one with private landowners and community leaders to put conservation on the land. NRCS delivers technical assistance based on sound science, suited to a customer's specific needs. Cost share and financial incentives are available in some cases.

University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois’ 102 counties – and far beyond. Through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work, U of I Extension’s programs are aimed at making life better, healthier, safer and more profitable for individuals and their communities. U of I Extension offers educational programs in five broad areas: healthy society, food security and safety, Environmental stewardship, Sustainable and profitable food production and marketing systems and enhancing youth, family and community well-being.

University of Illinois Plant Clinic

Developed by Suzanne Bissonette, Plant Diagnostic Clinic & IPM Coordinator and Stephanie Porter, Visiting Plant Diagnostic Outreach Coordinator, the site includes information about collecting and sending samples; sample forms to include with samples; information about the latest in plant problems; and general information about the clinic including their services, fees, and contact information.

Western Illinois University's Alternative Crops Research Program

The Alternative Crops Research Program at Western Illinois University was established in August 2000 to investigate new crops for the Midwest and help revitalize the local economies. The goal of the program is to provide alternative crops that can fit into the corn and soybean rotations already in place to assist with pest problems and to increase crop diversity.