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WIU ALLISON FARM FIELD DAY AUGUST 11, 2012
PRECISION IN ORGANIC AG FOCUS

Precision in organic agriculture is the theme for the Western Illinois University Organic Research Program's annual Allison Farm Field Day next month. The field day will be held from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the Dakin Farm shop and the Allison Organic Farm near Roseville, IL.

Jacob Bolson, ag engineer and precision ag specialist, our keynote speaker, will talk about emerging opportunities for the use of precision technologies in organic agriculture. Other speakers include Chad Sperry, director of the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Center at Western and Gary McDonald, an organic farming consultant and cultivation specialist.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. in the Dakin Farm shop followed by an overview of recent research on the Allison Farm and presentations on GPS (Geographic Positioning Systems), and precision cultivation. The morning's events will conclude with a panel discussion featuring organic grain farmers who use GPS guidance and other precision ag technologies.

A free lunch will be provided featuring local farm products. Bolson's keynote presentation "Emerging opportunities for precision in organic agriculture" will conclude the events in the Dakin Farm shop. At approximately 2 p.m. the program will transition to the Allison Farm, where Dr. Joel Gruver, director of Western's Organic Research Program, will host a walking tour of research and production fields (including examples of precision planting and cultivation). An equipment demonstration is also scheduled (weather permitting).

The event is free to the public, but registration is required by Wednesday, August 8, for those planning to attend the luncheon. To register, contact Andy Clayton at (309) 298-1172 or (217) 322-2639 or the WIU School of Agriculture at (309) 298-1080.

Directions to the Dakin Farm shop (130 20th St., Roseville, IL):

If arriving from the north, travel on Rt. 67 five miles south of the Rt. 67 and Rt. 116 intersection in Roseville to County Rd. 20th Ave. N, then turn west and travel four miles on 20th Ave. to the south-east corner of the Allison Farm (intersection of 20th Ave. and 20th St.). Turn left and proceed south 0.7 miles on 20th St. to the Dakin Farm shop.

If arriving from the south, travel on Rt. 67 seven miles north of the Rt. 67 and Rt. 9 intersection in Good Hope to County Rd. 20th Ave. N (2 miles north of the Warren County line), then turn west and travel four miles on 20th Ave. to the south-east corner of the Allison Farm (intersection of 20th Ave. and 20th St.). Turn left and proceed south 0.7 miles on 20th St. to the Dakin Farm shop.

Contact Information

Dr. Joel Gruver
Office: Knobluch Hall 302
Phone: (309) 298-1215
Email: J-Gruver@wiu.edu

Mr. Andy Clayton
Office: Knoblauch Hall 303
Phone: (309) 298-1172
Email: AW-Clayton@wiu.edu

Quick Links

Dr. Joel Gruver with Doris and Joe Foust-owners of the Allison Farm

Dr. Joel Gruver (center) with Doris & Joe Foust, owners of the Allison Farm