2008 Year in Review

2008 Sustainable Agriculture Tours Scheduled

For the sixth consecutive year, University of Illinois Extension is offering tours that highlight sustainable agriculture operations around the state of Illinois.

"Sustainable agriculture looks a little different as each operation develops its own niche products, agritourism opportunities and other enterprises to maintain or supplement farm income," said Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture Extension Specialist who is coordinating the tours.

The schedule for the 2008 sustainable agriculture tours is as follows:

- May 18, Eagle Dancer Ridge Llamas, Inc. in East Peoria

- June 20, in Mount Carroll Learn Great Foods

- July 11, Lyons Fisheries in Sandoval

- July 22, Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm Community Supported Agriculture

- August 8, Organic Apple Field Day at University of Illinois Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, Dixon Springs

- This tour is being co-sponsored by the Upper Midwest Organic Tree Fruit Growers Network

- September 8, Iyabo Farms in Hopkins - October 3, Mill Creek Farm in Quincy

A fee of $20 per person will be charged for each tour, which includes lunch. Registration at least one week in advance is required. Visit Illinois Small Farms to register and for more details about each of the tours including a map and agenda. To register by phone, contact Donna Cray at 217-241-4644. For more information, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant (217-968-5512; cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu).

University of Illinois Extension is a statewide educational network that links the resources and research of the University of Illinois to the people of Illinois. The programs and workshops, which take place throughout the state, address issues involving youth, families, community development, agriculture, and natural resources. If reasonable accommodations are needed in order to participate in any of the programs, call 217-241-4644.

The tours are sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Professional Development Program, the Agriculture Tourism Partners of Illinois, and the Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program at the University of Illinois.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
February 12, 2008