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University of Illinois Extension serving Logan, Menard and Sangamon Counties

Main Office (Sangamon County)
700 S. Airport Drive
Springfield, IL 62707
Phone: 217-782-4617
FAX: 217-524-6662
Email:uie-lms@illinois.edu
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm (Closed 12 - 1 pm)

Branch Office (Logan County)
980 N. Postville Dr.
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: 217-732-8289
FAX: 217-735-5837
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (Closed 12 - 1 pm)

Branch Office (Menard County)
420 S. 7th St., PO Box 138
Petersburg, IL 62675
Phone: 217-632-7491
FAX: 217-632-2425
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (Closed 12 - 1 pm)

Upcoming Events

Organic Field Crops Field Day

September 6-6, 2012 (12:30 PM - 4:40 PM )

Bulter Farm
5430 South Malta Road
Malta, IL 60150 (DeKalb County)

Join fourth and fifth generation farmers, Aaron Butler and his father, Paul, for an afternoon on their farm. Certified organic since 1997, they have been transitioning more acres each year, and currently farm a little over 1600 acres.

Crop production is their main focus, with a rotation which includes corn, soybeans, wheat, oats and hay. Livestock is also part of the operation, with a 100 head of sheep, approximately 25 horses boarded on the farm as well as Paul renting a set of buildings to a small dairy farmer.

Aaron and Paul have participated in on-farm research with two ongoing projects with the University of Illinois at this time. The first, led by Michelle Wander, is studying carbon sequestration in organically managed soils withe two years of soil samples comparing organic to conventional soils. The second project, led by Dan Anderson, is studying the effects of cover crops on compaction. The researchers will be present to discuss their projects and any preliminary findings.

Always looking to improve their organic system, they are also trialing two new inputs: The first is an organic seed coating on corn, and the second is using soybean meal as a nitrogen source for corn. They are also experimenting with tillage radishes as a cover crop for the first time this year, as well as the old tried and true cover crops of alfalfa and clover.

This field day will provide plenty to think about for those who want to learn more about organic production methods as well as experienced organic farmers who want to improve their operations.

This field day is being co-sponsored by University of Illinois Extension, MOSES and the Illinois Organic Grower's Association.

To see all of IOGA and Extension co-sponsored Tours
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo/downloads/44177.pdf



View more information about this event.