Dec. 10, 2013
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Welcome, Magdalena!  
Magdalena feeding a newborn goat.

This week, we welcome our newest staff member, Magdalena Casper-Shipp. She has been working for The Land Connection since late September doing program support work and has transitioned to also being our office manager. 

 

Magdalena grew up in Chicago, where her mother would frequently take her to the weekly farmer's market in Lincoln Square. This early start on local, in season eating led to her eventually working for Garrick Veenstra and Andy Heck on their vegetable farm near Springfield after getting to the market too early one day and being asked if she wanted to help set up. She also worked with Slow Food Springfield, which led to the realization that supporting local food systems and sustainable agriculture was a career path that she wanted to take. She attended the 2012 Terra Madre conference in Turin, Italy, and has also worked at Prairie Fruits Farm in Champaign.  

 

Magdalena worked in libraries to support her farming habit prior to joining The Land Connection, and continues to work for the University of Illinois' Library. She attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, getting a BA in anthropology and then moved downstate to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, where she earned a Masters' degree in Library and Information Science.   

 

In her free time, she enjoys long distance running, traveling and making ice cream.

 

She can be reached at [email protected] or 217.840.2128. 

Support Farmers and Farmland

This season of abundance and giving thanks is the perfect time to remember where  our food comes from: farmers and farmland.

That's why The Land Connection is training the next generation of farmers in resilient, restorative farming techniques.In October, we launched our 9th season of Central Illinois Farm Beginnings, our flagship program that now has over 130 graduates, two-thirds of whom are currently raising food for their communities.

Your contribution, large or small, helps us plant seeds for a bright future in which many new farmers steward our soil, air, and water while growing healthy foods for our communities. We are able to plant and tend these seeds only with your help.

Together we will leave farmland more fertile than we found it, able to produce healthy, delicious foods now and for generations to come.

Thank you for your generous support. We could not do this crucial work without you!

Terra Brockman, Founder

Cara Cummings, Executive Director

 
Workshops, Field Days, and Webinars

Conservation Stewardship Program 

Application Deadline January 17, 2014

 

The Natural Resources Conservation Service recently announced the sign-up period for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Producers interested in taking the next step to implement conservation practices on their lands need to submit their applications before the January 17th deadline to get funding in 2014.

CSP rewards farmers for conservation practices they have already implemented in their operations, as well as for adoption of new conservation enhancements. Farmers who have a larger impact on conservation on their land receive a larger payment through the program.

To receive funding in 2014, applicants must have all application materials submitted by the January 17th deadline. A self-screening checklist is available to help you determine if enrolling in CSP is a viable option. For more information on CSP and to apply for the program visit your local NRCS office.  

 

 

Value-Added Producer Grant Program

Application Deadline February 24, 2014  

The USDA released a Notice of Funding Availability for the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program, which is designed to help producers establish new product lines, expand their marketing reach and exposure, and increase their income. USDA has allocated $10.5 million for the VAPG Program and sets maximum grant amounts at $75,000 for planning grants and $200,000 for working capital grants.  Grant recipients are also required to provide cash or eligible in-kind matching funds for at least the amount requested. More information can be found at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG.html.

 

 

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.  

  

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 help inform Illinois fruit, vegetable, and nut growers. Breakout sessions will cover diverse topics on growing and marketing fruit, vegetables, herbs, agritourism, organics, and emerging issues.  The conference agenda and registration information are here Pre-register now for the conference, and get reduced hotel rates. If you have questions, please contact Diane Handley at [email protected] or 309-557-2107.

  

MOSES Organic Farming Conference

February 27- March 1, 2014

Lacrosse, WI   

 

Registration for the 25th annual MOSES Conference has begun!  This three day event is the country's largest about organic and sustainable farming. Check out their website to learn about the sessions being offered this year and to register: http://mosesorganic.org/conference/

 

Farm Fresh Now!
 
 
Colorful Carrots (from the Archives)

Need some color in your life? Try a Rainbow Carrot Slaw this weekend!

It may be gray and cold, but there are still plenty of colorful foods at your local(hopefully indoor!) market. And after days of stews and other hearty winter fare, don't raw carrots sound strangely appealing?

Try this lemony rainbow carrot slaw and brighten up your table tonight! 

Classifieds
PAID 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.

PAID INTERNSHIP IN WATSEKA
Gray Farms is looking for an intern for the 2014 season. For more information, contact Marty Gray at [email protected].

ILLINOIS STEWARDSHIP ALLIANCE HIRING OUTREACH COORDINATOR

The Outreach Coordinator will be responsible for leading the outreach efforts of the organization, including but not limited to, media attention regarding conservation, local food and policy work. The outreach coordinator will help project leaders to ensure applicable groups, organizations and people know about ongoing projects through updating of Illinois Stewardship Alliance's website, our monthly electronic newsletter and social media sites. Additionally, the outreach coordinator will assist with organizing and implementing local food program work. The outreach coordinator will also be in charge of maintaining and assisting in growing Illinois Stewardship Alliance's membership. ISA is a state-wide non-profit organization that promotes environmentally sustainable, economically viable, socially just local food and farm systems through policy development, advocacy and education.

http://www.ilstewards.org/isa-hiring-outreach-coordinator/


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. Contact Terra at The Land Connection for more information at 217-840-2128.

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.

 

 

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

 

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