Local Food System and Small Farms - University of Illinois Extension

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Putting Small Acres to Work 2016-2017 Workshop Series

NIU ROCKFORD REGISTRATION

Lincoln Land College, Litchfield Illinois Agenda and Registration

KANKAKEE REGISTRATION (coming soon)

The University of Illinois Extension local foods and small farms team is sponsoring a series of workshops to help people who have a few acres learn ways that they can put them to use for small-scale agriculture and food production.

The workshops will be offered late 2016 through spring 2017 throughout Illinois. Topics and presenters will vary at all locations. Topics have, in the past, included: social media; small flock poultry; essential equipment for small fruit production; goats and sheep; composting livestock manure; tips for small farm startup a growers talk; integrated vegetable production; lean farming; growing low and high fruits; high tunnels return on investment; plus a lot more!

"Putting a few extra acres to work can bring in additional income, provide an opportunity to experiment with a new enterprise, or develop an interest or hobby for its educational or entertainment value," said University of Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Laurie George. "How to get started is the question."

You don't have to own hundreds of acres to create a profitable business. We developed these workshops to help people realize the possibilities that a few acres can provide.

2016-2017 Workshop Locations (once the program has been finalized, a link to the agenda and registration will be added. Please follow-up at a later date if a link is not available at this time):

December 3, 2016 - No. Illinois University Rockford Conference Center, Rockford, Illinois

Topics will include permaculture, tomatoes and peppers, microgreens, shiitake mushrooms, livestock for fiber, meat goats, controlling pasture weeds, and renewable energy.