Nov. 19, 2013
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We're Hiring! 
Rainbow Chard

 

Ever thought of chucking that cubicle job and doing work that's good for you and good and the planet?  Then this might be the job for you!


We're looking for a person with experience in farmer training and community outreach to be our full-time Farmer Training Program Manager. The ideal candidate will have a teaching background, and be engaged with the central Illinois community.   This position involves some travel to seminars, field days, workshops, and mentorships throughout Central Illinois, defined generally as the areas around Peoria, Springfield, Champaign/Urbana, and Bloomington.


If you, or someone you know, is passionate about training the next generation of farmers to work the land sustainably, email [email protected] and ask for the full job description. 


Workshops, Field Days, and Webinars

Solar Education for Farmers

November 20, 6:30pm-7:30pm

Heartland Community College

1500 West Raab Road, Normal, IL

RSVP at https://hccpowerhour11202013pm.eventbrite.com/

 

Have you thought about installing solar panels on your home or farm? Now is a good time to learn more at Heartland Community College's Power Hour for Farmers on November 20th. You will learn about solar systems, how to get a site assessment, and receive information on state and federal incentives such as the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP allows farmers to apply for grants for up to 25% of the project cost! You'll also connect with manufacturers, qualified local installers, and financial institutions. The event is free, but registration is encouraged.  

 




National Young Farmers Conference
Reviving the Culture of Agriculture
December 4-6
Pocantico Hills, New York

 

Join more than 250 beginning farmers from across the United States at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture to learn from agricultural luminaries, peers, and advocacy organizations. Over 60 workshops will be offered, addressing soil science, technical skills, agricultural policy, farm business management, marketing, and more. Register here. 


ACRES USA Conference 

December 10-14

Springfield, IL 

  

"Ecological Farming for the Real World" is the conference theme for the annual ACRES Conference.  There will be many great workshops and speakers, along with sustainable agriculture organizations and vendors from across the state and country.  

 

Volunteers Needed!  If you can't swing the $200 conference fee, you can get a free, three-day pass in exchange for roughly 4-6 hours of volunteer work during the conference. Anyone interested can email [email protected] for for details, information, or to sign up.    

 

Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism and Organic Conference  

Jan. 8-10, 2014

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield, IL  

 

This conference features nearly 100 speakers and 60 trade show exhibitors who will helping Illinois fruit, vegetable, and nut growers. Breakout sessions will cover many  topics related to fruit, vegetables, herbs, agritourism, organics, and emerging issues.  The conference agenda and registration information are  at http://www.specialtygrowers.org/iscaoc-conference.html.   If there are any questions, please contact Diane Handley at [email protected] or 309-557-2107.

Good Things to Know

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F
arm Fresh Now! is done for the year. In its place this winter, we are putting
a resource about different aspects of sustainable agriculture each week.
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A Farmer's Guide to Food Safety and Conservation  

 

 

Are you interested in learning more about the positives of biodiversity in the agricultural landscape and want to be able to explain why this is a good thing from a food safety perspective, as well as from an environmental perspective?  

 

This guide, co-published by Wild Farm Alliance and Community Alliance with Family Farmers, details basic factors that affect the survival and movement of food borne pathogens on the farm and how healthy diverse ecosystems can help to keep pathogens in check. The guide addresses everything from wildlife and compost issues, to CSA visitors on the farm.  

 

 

To access this guide visit  http://wildfarmalliance.org/resources/FS_Facts_Tip_FAQ.htm. 

 

Classifieds
APPRENTICES WANTED
PrairiErth Farm is looking for up to two apprentices for the 2014 season who are passionate about sustainable agriculture. Apprentices will learn how to operate a certified organic market farm providing produce through CSA, Farmers Market, Co-Ops, Grocery Stores, and Restaurants. Contact Hans Bishop at [email protected] or 309-824-0484

TEN ACRES AVAILABLE NEAR WASHBURN, IL

Owner is looking for someone wanting to do organic/sustainable farming of fruit, vegetables, small livestock, and/or small grains. The acreage has a lot of road frontage, and 30-foot buffers from neighboring farms.  There's also a good-sized CRP acreage adjacent to the 10 acre parcel that will harbor beneficial insects. Lease arrangement to be determined between land owner and farmer. Call Terra at The Land Connection for more information.

AUCTION OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE FARMING SUPPLIES IN PANA

HOOP HOUSE (28' x 150' x 14' High, 2 x 6 Treated Base, 2 x 6 x 5' Hip Board, 170 Solar Roof Cove, 7" Conduit Roll-Up Side); 1999 Jayco 28' Travel Trailer; Kiote DK45 SE Diesel Tractor with implements; JD 4020 Diesel Tractor; JD 455 Diesel Mower with 60" Deck; JD 7000 R30 Planter with Kinze Bean Cups; 12' Hay Rack with Dump; 6' Bush Hog Finish Mower; Troy Built Bronco Tiller; 3 EZ Up Tents; 24' x 7' Walk In Cooler; 20 Bu Apple Boxes; 100 Gal Myers Orchard 3 Pt Sprayer; 100 Gal 2 Compartment Fuel Tank with 2 Hand Pumps; 2 Wheel Hose Reel Cart; 400' + Garden Hoses; Rakes; Hoes; Shovels; Quart & Pint Size Pulp Berry Boxes; T-Shirt Bags; 4 Gal Backpack Sprayer; 1 Bushel & 1/2 Bushel Baskets; 5 Dozen Mesh Sweetcorn Bags; 2 Wheel Dolly Cart; Stackable Vegetable Totes; 1/2 Bu Wooden Apple Boxes; 20# Produce Scale; 5' Sliding Door Cooler; and much much more.  Full listing here:

http://www.topauctions24-7.com/upl/html_salebill/63974/118_63974.html  Call Joe at 217-246-4116 for more information on any of the items.  Auction is December 14, starting at 10am in Pana, IL.

 

 

ESTABLISHED CSA FARM IN UPSTATE NEW YORK

Sweet Land Farm is an organic farm just outside of the village of Trumansburg, NY. The house and buildings sit on 3 acres, with an additional 18 acres in farm land, 3 greenhouses, and a pond. For more information: http://www.sweetlandfarm.org/

 

SMALL FARM FOR SALE

Includes a large house on 5 acres on the west side of Decatur, with pole barn, livestock, and equipment.  It's completely fenced, and bordered by a state park. For more information, call Ann at 217-412-4346.

 

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

 

FARM OPERATIONS COORDINATOR   

This position will be responsible for managing the day-to-day business operations of the Loyola University Chicago Retreat and Ecology (LUREC) Student Farm, including tending crops and livestock, winter planning, record keeping and budget management, and assisting with courses taught and special events held at LUREC. The deadline for applicants is Jan. 1, 2014, although early applications will be given priority in the selection process. Click here for the job description. Any questions can go to Alex at atuchman @ luc.edu.  

  

Have something?  Need something? 
Contact us at 217-840-2128 or [email protected] to get it in The Weekly Harvest. 

 

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