Bill Davison is the new U of I Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator serving Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties. He will deliver research-based information and educational programs for farmers, community members, decision-makers, and others involved in local food systems. He will focus on the development of educational resources for small farm producers, outreach to communities on issues related to local food systems, and team-based outreach efforts.

For five years, Bill owned and operated Blue Schoolhouse Farm, a diversified fruit and vegetable farm in Congerville, IL. Then from 2010 to 2011, he was a grower program manager for The Fair Share CSA Coalition in Madison, Wisconsin. He has taught Central Illinois Farm Beginnings classes on the economics of small farm production, and most recently, he worked at the ISU Horticulture Center.

Bill looks forward to getting to know people involved with small farms and the local food movement in our region. You can contact him with any questions, or ideas you have related to local food:  309-663-8306 or wdavison@illinois.edu.

 
Ramping Up Our Regional Food System

What does the Food Safety Modernization Act Mean for You and Your Farm?   

Find Out by participating in this Webinar

Oct. 3, 2013

3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

In response to several national food-borne illness outbreaks, The Food Safety Modernization Act was passed in 2010.  Rules governing the growing, harvesting, packing and transporting of fresh produce are now being crafted, and are cause for alarm. For example, as written now, water testing requirements and rules about composting would encourage the use of chemicals and discourage organic and sustainable farming practices. Overall, the proposed rules would discourage farmers from diversifying into local food production and could lead to far fewer local farms producing healthy foods for their communities.

On Oct. 3, 2013, the U of I Extension, along with Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Illinois Farmers Market Association, and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition will present a webinar covering the basics of the Food Safety Modernization Act -- including who it will impact, and how you can influence the legislation to encourage small farms and local food production.

Register by clicking here. 

Beekeeping Workshop at Spence Farm

Spence Farm - Phelps Schoolhouse

Saturday October 5, 2013
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Spence Farm - Phelps Schoolhouse
2959 North 2050 East Road
Fairbury, IL 61739
Cost: $20/family 

Whether you are already managing hives or are just interested in learning more about the secret lives of bees, "Nectar of the Gods: Beekeeping for Winter and Spring" will offer practical advice.

Darryl Coates, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Biologist, will discuss winter and spring care of bees, including tools, supplies, methods & techniques, insect and disease pest management.  

Introduction to Permaculture Design Field Day! Deadline to register is Tuesday, October 8th.

Presented by Wayne Weiseman at

River to River Farm - Tunnel Hill

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Wayne Weiseman, certified Permaculture Design instructor, will explore River to River Farm from the perspective of the methodologies and principles of Permaculture.  Weiseman will focus on farm design and ways to improve yield by identifying opportunities in the areas of climate, landform, water, access and circulation, plants, animals, and soil.  He will also demonstrate how the built environment affects the land base.

"We will walk the land, take inventory of what is already in place, and assess what we can do to make the greatest effect with the least amount of change, one of the essential dicta of Permaculture, " said Weiseman about the field walk.  Be prepared to walk around the farm in comfortable shoes during this evening field day.  You are invited to stay after the field day to discuss this topic further and network.    

This workshop is free for Southern Illinois Farming Network members and $15 for non-members. Registration is required and space is limited.  Please register at www.eatsouthernillinois.org by Tuesday, October 8th.   

FAMILY FARM FOR SALE - ALWAYS FARMED ORGANICALLY

Beautiful 60 acre farm at 1126 S. Eden Road, Hanna City, Illinois - 40 acres tillable, 20 acres wooded with creek. Farm homesteaded by McAlister family in mid-1850s, and still in the family. This farm has always been farmed without chemicals - with the exception of an application of Round-up used for noxious plant in a part of one field a couple of years ago by farmer renting land. No house or outbuildings remain. Appraisal of farm done by Green Land Management and available upon request. Close to the Peoria County Hanna CIty Food Hub Project.

Contact Chris Shay   

VEGETABLE GROWER WANTED NEAR SPRINGFIELD

An experienced organic farmer with a diverse vegetable/livestock operation near Springfield is looking for an employee or--if you're an experienced vegetable grower--possibly a business pa

rtner. Contact Terra at The Land Connection for more information. 

FARM BUSINESS FOR SALE 

Certified Organic Farm Business and large home with 10 acres.

This is a great opportunity if you want to raise organic meat for a well established customer base in central Illinois and the Chicago area.