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June 30, 2015
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In this Weekly Harvest:    

 

Wine, cheese, gelato, and a good book. Sound like the perfect Saturday evening? Then come out to Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery on July 18 for a reading of "The Land of Milk and Uncle Honey" by authors Alan Guebert and Mary Grace Foxwell!
 

Published by the University of Illinois Press, the book is a collection of personal memories written over the past two decades as part of Guebert's weekly Farm and Food File column. Each column in the book recalls and reflects on the people, food, and values he learned on the 720-acre, 100-cow "southern Illinois dairy farm of my youth" in the late 1960s.
 

The Land of Milk and Uncle Honey was recently included on Bon Appetit Magazine's 20 Food Books to Read This Summer, LA Magazine's Top 10 Summer Books for Foodies, and Food Tank's Summer Reading List.
 

Tickets are $20, include a wine, cheese, and gelato tasting, and can be purchased on The Land Connection's website"The Land of Milk and Uncle Honey" will be available for purchase at the event. The authors will do a short reading and will be available to sign books and answer questions.

  

mktMarket Corner
Despite the gloomy weather this Despite the gloomy weather this summer, the Champaign Farmers' Market continues to grow. This week you'll find another delicious lineup of fruits and veggies, including kale, salad greens, arugula, collard greens, cabbage, green beans, snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower, okra, summer squash, zucchini, beets, onions, and garlic. We'll have basil, thyme and dill on offer, which will pair delightfully with tomatoes and cheese from Ludwig Homestead Creamery and Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery. We'll also have peaches, gooseberries, and raspberries on hand, along with cakes and custards from Hopscotch as well as goats' milk gelato for dessert. You'll also find breads, bagels, pastries, and granola from Pekara and Stewart's Artisan Breads. 

We'll also be joined by the U of I Extension's Illinois Nutrition Education Programs. They'll be doing a cooking demo and handing out samples, as well as providing information on nutrition and upcoming classes offered by the Extension.

Finally, in two weeks we're organizing a special French themed market for Bastille Day. We'll have music, art, and all kinds of French goodies and silliness on July 14th. It'll be The Bastille in Champaign! Join the Facebook Event for all market updates!

Farm Fresh Now! Free Recipe: Colorful Carrot Slaw

 

Red, black, yellow, white, purple, green-these were the colors that wild carrots (also known as Queen Anne's Lace) started out being - pretty much every color but orange! First cultivated in Afghanistan in the 7th century, the original domesticated carrot was purple outside and yellow inside, similar to the Purple Dragon carrots you see at local farmers markets.
 
 

Visit us at the Market today to pick up this recipe or get the complete set from our online store!



WorkshopsWorkshops, Field Days, and Grant Opportunities
THE LAND CONNECTION WORKSHOPS

Farm Fresh Cooking Class Series
Thursdays, May - October
Common Ground Food Co-op
The Land Connection, Urbana's Market at the Square, and Common Ground are all collaborating to offer a series of cooking classes using farm fresh ingredients! Every other Thursday starting May 14, the class will feature a local, in-season ingredient and show participants what they can do with it in the kitchen. Registration is $5 per class and you can register online on Common Ground's website. Attend 6 classes and receive a FREE Farm Fresh Now! Recipe Card box set!

Alan Guebert Book Signing
July 18, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery
Nationally syndicated agricultural columnist Alan Guebert and his daughter Mary Grace Foxwell will read from their recently released book The Land of Milk and Uncle Honey. Tickets to the event are $20 and include a wine, cheese, and gelato tasting, and can be purchased on The Land Connection's website. Books will be available for purchase at the event.

Agritourism Farmer Training Intensive
August 1-2
Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, Champaign

Agritourism offers farmers the opportunity to bring the public onto their farms and tell the story of their products. At the same time, it can be a powerful, untapped revenue stream, but there are many barriers to success that can be difficult to overcome. The Land Connection will host an intensive workshop on agritourism from August 1 to August 2 at Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery in Champaign, Illinois, which was named an Illinois Agriculture Agri-Tourism Leader for 2013. Register online here.


Season Extension Workshop
October 12 - 14, Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, Champaign, IL
This three day workshop  at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery will prepare you to implement season extension practices on your farm. Day 1 covers the essentials of season extension, with instruction from farmers and other professionals in a classroom setting. Day 2 is a tour of local farms that use season extension as a vital component of their success. Day 3 is a hands-on demonstration in high tunnels at a nearby farmRegistration is $300 through July 19 and $350 through October 7. This includes all meals and materials. You may also choose to attend just one or two days of the workshop. Space is limited to 25 particpants, so advanced registration is required.

Farm Dreams Workshops

Septemer 14, Champaign, Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery

All workshops are from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Farm Dreams is a short workshop in which participants meet experienced sustainable farmers, learn about successful farm enterprises, and ask questions about local farm businesses. Farm Dreams covers resource assessment, goal setting, financial planning, and marketing options. New this year: each workshop will be held on a farm and include a farm tour. Registration is $30 per person. Register online and find more dates here!

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS



Organic Grain Field Day 

July 11, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Spence Farm is a leader in the local food movement in central Illinois. Marty, Kris and Will Travis grow 40 acres of diverse grains as well as fruits, vegetables, and livestock. The tour will focus on all aspects of growing and milling (equipment, cultivation, soil fertility, and challenges with each crop) and marketing grain directly to consumers. Marty Travis will discuss how he helped create Stewards of the Land, a farmer cooperative that helped to increase the diversity of products that can be sold into the Chicago market. Register online here.


Rain Garden Lecture 

July 13, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
UI Extension Auditorium
801 N. Country Fair Dr., Champaign, IL 61821

Rain Garden Tour 

July 21 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation

302 N. 1st St., Champaign, IL 61820

Freshwater is precious to living things and it is becoming increasingly scarce due to misuse, pollution, and climate change.  Rain gardens are a beautiful way to help keep clean, fresh rainwater out of the sewer system and to reduce pollution and preserve our water systems. And you don't have to be a scientist or ecologist to establish a successful rain garden.To attend the tour, you must attend the lecture.  The tour will be limited to the first 40 registrants.  These programs are open to the public at no charge.  Please register by July 10, 2015 at web.extension.illinois.edu

Illinois Renewable Energy Conference
July 16
Illinois State University
The conference will include plenary speakers on topics of interest to all areas of renewable energy, plus breakout sessions on renewable energy policy, technology, and case studies from around the state in the specific areas of wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and energy efficiency. Learn more here and register online for the Early Bird rate.

Free! Dekalb County Farm Stroll
July 19, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
University of Illinois Extension
Have you ever wondered how local orchards produce such delicious apples? Or how shepherd dogs are trained to round up sheep? Or where all those beautiful vegetables at the farmers market are actually grown? We have a free, family friendly event to satisfy your local food cravings and curiosities!
On Sunday, July 19th, 2015 from 11am to 5pm, University of Illinois Extension will host the DeKalb County Farm Stroll, a self-guided driving tour of a dozen highly-diversified family farms, all open to the public on one big day! There will be farm tours, demonstrations, and of course fresh local food sampling and sales. For questions, contact Judy Hodge at (815)544-3710 or [email protected].

Mt. Zion - A Farmers Market at The Art Center
135 S. Henderson St., Mt. Zion, IL 62549
Thursdays 3:30 to 6:30 pm

June 4, 2015 through October 15, 2015

The Auri Fresh Farmers' Market is an organization founded to give growers and producers of Illinois agricultural commodities, other farm-related products and local artists alternative marketing opportunities, and to improve the variety, freshness, taste and nutritional value of produce available in the Mt. Zion/Decatur area.

Local Flavors Lunches and Dinners
1st Tuesday and 3rd Thursday, May - October
Springfield, Champaign, Bloomington, Peoria
The Local Flavors Farm-to-Table Restaurant series opens new markets for small farmers; gives restaurants an opportunity to source locally and receive high quality products; and gives YOU a chance to support local farmers, local restaurants, and the local economy. Find a complete schedule of events and restaurants on the Buy Fresh Buy Local website

blThis Week on the TLC Blog...
Food is a basic human right. And the right to food is different than the right to charity.

 

The theme for the UVM Food Systems Summit in June, which was hosted by the University of Vermont and Vermont Law School was, The Right to Food: Power, Policy & Politics in the 21st Century. The topic was explored from the angles of the biophysical constraints, to feeding the world's population, to the geopolitical context of the global food system and the implications of behavior and culture. But the clearest description for me, of where we are now and how we got here, came from keynote speaker Raj Patel "Cheap workers need cheap care, need cheap food, need cheap fuel, need cheap nature."  And when industry is asked to solve the problem, they often respond by "putting vitamins in it." Seriously: Coca Cola Light Plus--soda pop with vitamins...

 

Read the rest of Cara's blog here!

agnewsAgriculture in the News:
Something you should know:
These 30 women are doing great work to help change our food culture. Learn about how here.

Something you should do: 

Plant these plants in your garden to attract bugs that eat your garden pests! 

 

Something to be happy about:

The House Education and Workforce Committee unexpectedly discuss Farm to School programs in a recent hearing. Read more about what was said here.

 

HAVE SOMETHING? NEED SOMETHING? 
You can post your ad or search for more listings in the classifieds section of our website. To have something listed in the Weekly Harvest, email us at [email protected] or call 217-840-2128.

 

Employment Opportunities:
 
 

 

ONLINE MARKET AND MINI-STORE MANAGER 

Successful applicant will support the continuing growth of the Macomb Food Co-op by managing market activities, and communicating and working closely with producers, owners, and volunteers. DUTIES:  Administer mini-store (be present during business hours, assist customers, keep store clean, maintain inventory, supervise volunteers); administer online market (receive deliveries, prepare orders, oversee weekly distribution); navigate Local Food Marketplace software (add and manage producers, products and orders); identify and pursue new producers, determining product needs and advising producers accordingly; submit written sales and activity reports bi-monthly to Co-op Board of Directors. REQUIREMENTS: Word, Excel and Google Drive experience; demonstrated interpersonal skills; ability to work independently; supervisory and/or managerial experience desirable.  TERM: 35 hour/week for one year, with possibility of renewal.  SALARY AND BENEFITS:  $12/hour; 2 weeks paid vacation. LOCATION: 211 S. McArthur St., Macomb, IL.  Applications are available at http://macombfoodcoop.net or on the Macomb Food Coop Facebook page. Submit applications and resumes in Word or PDF format to [email protected] by July 8.

 

FARMERS MARKET MANAGER WANTED

The Logan Square Farmers Market is looking for a new farmers' market manager. The market is open to the public on Sunday each week, from May or June through March, at an indoor or outdoor location, depending on the season. The market manager is primarily responsible for all the activities necessary to produce and operate the market.  These include, but are not limited to,  planning for and widely promoting via the internet and the market website; assuring that all city and other procedural requirements are met; maintaining all market records; recruiting and retaining vendors; attracting customers; recruiting and supervising volunteers; and overseeing operation of the market on site during the season. Farmers Market Manager is a regular part time position. Please send letter of interest to Paul Levin at [email protected].
 
 

SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Spence Farm Foundation Internship

Program Development Intern

Cultivating a Healthy Food System through Education. That is what Spence Farm Foundation (SFF) is all about. We believe that by helping to connect the key elements of a healthy food system to one another-farmer, chef, food industry, healthcare providers, educators, students and food citizens-supports sustainable production and leads to personal well-being. We have assisted new farms, developed education programs for professional chefs and culinary students, and educated students and professionals alike in the value of responsibly produced food. This is accomplished through professional Culinary Arts program, workshops, speaking engagements, tours, and providing hoop houses for high schools.

Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Spence Farm Foundation (SFF), Interns will provide assistance to the core programs and administrative functions of SFF. This position provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit operations and project management at an innovative, impactful organization. 

Please contact [email protected] for more information, to share your resume, or to request a job description.

FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR AND FARM HAND


INTERNSHIP - COOK FARM

We raise mixed produce for a CSA, farmer's markets and wholesale customers.  We'll work side-by-side from seed to sale in hopes that you finish the season with a solid grasp of what it takes to run a small farm. Interns are expected to work quickly and efficiently in good and bad weather, to ask questions, and to learn from mistakes. Intern will receive a monthly stipend and food from the farm as well as shared housing for the right candidate. Full-time and part-time positions available. Contact Dylan at [email protected] or click here for more information!


 

Land, Equipment, and Other:

 

FARMLAND AVAILABLE FOR VEGETABLE FARMERS

We own and run a small farm 15 minutes outside of Springfield, and are looking for someone to partner with who will run vegetable production. Right now, we raise Cattle, Hogs, Goats, Chickens and Turkeys. I have plenty on my plate with working off the farm, and running the livestock side, building barns, fixing equipment, etc. We are looking for someone able to take on the vegetable side of the operation, and are open to working out a deal to benefit everyone.  This would be a great opportunity for someone who doesn't have land, but wants to farm. For more information, contact Jim at [email protected].


OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW FARMERS

Antiquity Oaks LLC assists new and aspiring Central Illinois farmers, whether they want to have a market garden, grow mushrooms, produce honey or maple syrup, or raise animals for meat, milk, or fiber. In addition to having classes and internship programs, we will have partnership opportunities for those with education and experience who want to start their own farm businesses on our farmland.  For more information, read more here and contact [email protected]

SEEKING EXPERIENCED FARMER/FARM FAMILY FOR 500 ACRE DIVERSIFIED FARM ON THE GARDEN PENINSULA OF UPPER MICHIGAN

The farm is located in Delta County near Garden, MI.   There is an updated four bedroom house on the property. 

The local school is excellent, and there is good hunting and fishing nearby.  
We are looking for an experienced farmer to care for the land, woods, animals, buildings, and equipment as if they were their own.  The farm includes cattle, chickens, fruit, grain crops, and syrup trees. For a detailed list of responsibilities, contact [email protected].

 

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Thank you to all the sponsors, donors, and supporters that make the daily operations and programs of The Land Connection possible. We couldn't do it without you!
               


          


   









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