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October 13, 2015
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In this Weekly Harvest:    
toppstory Learn serious dairy skills from the professionals!
Many farmers, both beginning and experienced, have dreams of operating their own dairy, but there are many steps to getting started as well as many potential pitfalls. The maintenance of animal health, for instance, calls on farmers to carefully monitor their herd, create infrastructure that meets regulatory standards, and often hire outside help, all of which requires extensive research and a substantial knowledge base. 
That is why we are offering a Small Dairy Start-Up Workshop this fall! On November 15, this workshop will address the potential issues and obstacles of starting a dairy operation by bringing in regional experts who have created and managed successful dairies and are willing to share their experiences.

Participants will observe the milking process up-close, see the inside of a commercial, artisanal cheesery, and even taste samples of product from the represented dairies during an extensive question and answer session with the farmers! Presenters include representatives from Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery and Traiderspoint Creamery. Registration is $75 and can be completed online here. 

Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery 
1:00 - 6:00 p.m.

  
cifbCentral Illinois Farm Beginnings Registration open!
Whether you're interested in growing fresh fruits and vegetables for local markets, turkeys and geese for the holidays, or ancient grains for regional markets, the Central Illinois Farm Beginnings staff, farmer-instructors, and mentors can help you jump-start your farm business.

During this year-long course, you will build a sound business plan, get on-farm experience, and connect with many successful local farmers during each seminar and through the field day and mentorship components.   

  

Over two-thirds of our graduates are currently farming, heading up successful small businesses that generate jobs, steward Illinois farmland, and meet the growing consumer demand for high-quality, locally grown food. We invite you to join them!  

 

The course begins on October 17th!  To apply, complete the online application and submit the $50 application fee. For more information, contact Jeff Hake at [email protected].
mktMarket Corner
Just three markets left this season, but you'll find plenty of great local food at the Champaign Farmers' Market this week. Sola Gratia Farm will have salad mix, cabbage, broccoli, kohlrabi, radishes, and turnips, with a strong possibility of carrots and even snow peas. Avery Farms is bringing a host of fall favorites, including sweet potatoes, bell peppers, acorn and delicata squash, and napa cabbage. You'll also find Brackett Farms, East Place Produce, and Three D Tomatoes with a great variety of fall and end-of-summer produce that go great with brats, steaks, and other fabulous cuts from Central Lean Meats.

Stewart's Artisan Breads is bringing autumn to the market with pumpkin bread and apple gallettes, in addition to their selection of sourdough breads, bagels, and granola. Autumn Berry Inspired will have jams, spreads, and fruit leathers to round out your breakfast. 

Illinois Willows will have beautiful fall floral decoration, with bittersweet, mixed bouquets, lanterns, and dahlias. You can also stop by and see Central Illinois quilter Cathy Grafton's prairie flower embroidery work. Cathy is an Early American Life Magazine featured traditional craftsman who depicts prairiescapes with traditional applique and embroidery techniques. Come see Cathy demonstrate how to use silk ribbon to create beautiful embroidered flowers from 4-6.

We'll also be joined by dietician Emily DuPuis, who will be hosting a kids' activity on  "MyPlate at the Market"in our Community Tent. Learn about the components to make a healthy plate and pick up free recipe cards featuring seasonal fall foods. Bring the kids out for her Myplate Scavenger Hunt around the market, as well as coloring pages. You can also learn more about the Urbana Business Association's annual Holiday Market, which gives you a great opportunity to find local food from many of our own vendors even after our season wraps up.


Check out the Market Map to find which vendors will be where this week!

Farm Fresh Now! Free Recipe: Radicchio
Although a relative newcomer to local markets, people have been enjoying radicchio for millennia.  Pliny the Elder praised its healing properties, saying it could be used as a blood purifier and a sleep aid. We now know that radicchio does contain intybin, a mild sedative and analgesic pain-killer as well as lots of flavonoids and anthocyanins, powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants agents, which may help prevent cancer and neurological diseases.
 
It's true that radicchio is almost always described at a "bitter green." But don't let the word "bitter" put you off. It has an edge, yes, but just beneath is a sweet earthiness that quickly becomes addictive. And when radicchio is cooked, the bitterness almost disappears entirely.

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

Central Illinois Farm Beginnings 
Classes Start October 17
If you want to plan and launch your own sustainable farm business, register now for our year-long, farmer-led program. Some scholarships are available. Visit our website for more information and apply online!

Shiitake Production Workshop
October 25, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Sola Gratia Farm
From how to select the ideal tree, to innoculation and encouraging fruiting, this class will to teach you all you need to know about producing mushrooms for market. Taught by Clay Yapp of Sola Gratia Farms. You will go home with four logs that have been innoculated with spores. Intended for small production farmers.  Register online for $75/person.

Small Dairy Workshop
November 15, 1 - 5 p.m.
Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery
Hear presentations from local experts in dairy production, see the inner workings of a successful goat dairy, and taste samples of the products of the farmers they are meeting. Presenters from Traders Point Creamery and Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, will provide valuable insight and answer your questions. Participants will leave the workshop with a deeper understanding of the resources and skills needed to start a small dairy. Topics include animal husbandry, dairy processing, food safety, infrastructure needs, and marketing. Register online for $75.
 
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

Steam Sterilization Demonstrations
October 20 and 28
University of Illinois Extension
Watch and learn about Steam Sterilization methods to control: insect, weed, and disease pests in small farm settings. Jeff Kindhart, Senior Research Specialist at Dixon Springs Research Center, will lead the demonstration. Learn more and register here..

SARE Call for Grant Proposals
Several Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) grants are currently accepting proposals through late October in the North Central Region (NCR). Project areas include youth education, farmer rancher and youth education. See the SARE website for details.

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...
5 Reasons You Should Get Your Rear to the Market this October!

It's halfway through October. Fall, pretty leaves, pumpkins, apple picking, and your LAST CHANCE to get to the farmers' market. Yes, I'm talking to you. You who have been meaning to go all year, or have only gone once or twice. It's your last shot until next May...TAKE IT. Here are just a few reasons why:...

agnewsAgriculture in the News:
Something you should know
How you can start getting your garden ready for winter and spring now! Read about it here. 

Something you should do:
Learn to reduce your food waste in the kitchen with this great new book from an NRDC food scientist.  

Something to be happy about: 
These 10 agencies and more are working to make food labeling clearer, more regulated, and more straightforward for consumers.  

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.


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].

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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