By Andi Anderson
Western Illinois University’s Allison Organic Research and Demonstration Farm will host a field day focused on organic agriculture on Thursday, August 8. The event, themed "Finding where you fit in Organic Agriculture," starts at 9 a.m. at the Dakin Farm shop with a series of presentations.
The day will include a complimentary lunch featuring local farm products, followed by plot tours and equipment demonstrations from 1:15 to 3 p.m. at the Allison Farm.
The keynote presentation will be delivered by Darren Fehr, an experienced organic grain farmer from Mallard, IA. In 2023, Fehr and his family grew 1000 acres of certified organic crops including corn, soybeans, oats, peas, dry beans, and alfalfa.
Fehr began farming in 1994 and turned to organic farming in 1998 when he saw an opportunity to add value to his land.
The morning session will also feature an overview of recent research at the Allison Farm by WIU Agriculture Professor Joel Gruver, a panel discussion with WIU alumni who have established careers in the organic industry, and networking opportunities for attendees.
After lunch, at 1 p.m., participants will embark on a walking tour of the Allison Farm’s research and demonstration plots.
The tour will showcase organic corn, soybeans, alternative cropping systems including solar corridors, alternative crops such as seed crops, and diverse cover crops. Weather permitting, several types of new farming equipment will be demonstrated.
On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Pre-registration is strongly recommended for planning purposes. To pre-register or obtain more information, contact Andrea Venturi, Organic Agronomist and Research Technician, at A-Venturi2@wiu.edu or the WIU School of Agriculture at (309) 298-1080.
Directions to the Dakin Farm shop are as follows: If arriving from the north, travel on U.S. Rt. 67 five miles south of the U.S. Rt. 67 and IL Rt. 116 intersection in Roseville to County Rd. 20th Ave. N. Turn west at the Allison Farm highway sign and travel four miles on 20th Ave. to the southeast corner of the Allison Farm.
Turn left and proceed south 0.7 miles on 20th St. to the Dakin Farm shop on the west side of the road.
If arriving from the south, travel on U.S. Rt. 67 seven miles north of the U.S. Rt. 67 and IL Rt. 9 intersection in Good Hope to County Rd. 20th Ave. N. Turn west at the Allison Farm highway sign and travel four miles on 20th Ave. to the southeast corner of the Allison Farm. Turn left and proceed south 0.7 miles on 20th St. to the Dakin Farm shop on the west side of the road.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Illinois, Education, Sustainable Agriculture