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Western Illinois University Allison Organic Research and Demonstration Farm's annual Field Day will be held Friday, Aug. 12.
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WIU Allison Organic Farm Field Day Set for Friday Aug. 12

July 14, 2016

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MACOMB, IL - "Marketing and Management Strategies for More Profit and Less Risk" is the theme of the Western Illinois University Allison Organic Research and Demonstration Farm's annual Field Day, slated for Friday, Aug. 12.

According to WIU School of Agriculture Associate Professor Joel Gruver, the daylong event will feature presentations in the morning, and field tours and equipment demonstrations in the afternoon. The presentations will begin at 9 a.m. in the Dakin Farm shop–.7 miles south of the Allison/WIU Organic Research Farm in southwest Warren County (directions listed below). A complimentary lunch, featuring local farm products, will be served at noon.

The keynote presentation by Lynn Clarkson–founder and president of Clarkson Grain Company, Inc; a leading merchandiser of organic and non-GMO grain based in Cerro Gordo, IL, is set for 11 a.m. As a pioneer in the sourcing and sale of identity preserved grains, Clarkson will share an insider's perspective on opportunities in the organic and non-GMO grain marketplace, explained Gruver, director of Western's organic research program.

"Frustrated by the low margins in commodity production, many farmers are considering diversification into identity preserved grains, and Clarkson is uniquely qualified to explain the industry," Gruver said.

Additional presenters - Scott Shander (Mercaris) and Ken Harrison (Sheer Simplexity, Inc) will discuss online auctions for specialty grains and crop insurance for organic farms, respectively. Gruver will also share recent research results and lead discussions about the presentations.

After lunch, a walking tour of the Allison Farm's research and demonstration plots–featuring corn, soybeans, pumpkins, and cover crops with different tillage systems, fertility programs, seed treatments, and cultivation practices–will begin at 1:30 p.m. and will include equipment demonstrations, if weather permits.

On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. where attendees can meet with vendors. To pre-register or obtain more information about the Field Day, contact Andy Clayton at AW-Clayton@wiu.edu or via phone at (217) 322-2639 or the WIU School of Agriculture at (309) 298-1080. Pre-registration is strongly recommended for planning purposes.

Directions to the Dakin Farm shop: 130 20th St., Roseville, IL 61473:

If arriving from the north, travel on U.S. Route 67, five miles south of the U.S. Route 67 and Illinois Route 116 intersection in Roseville to County Road 20th Avenue North, then turn west and travel four miles on 20th Avenue to the southeast corner of the Allison Farm (intersection of 20th Avenue and 20th Street). Turn left and proceed south 0.7 miles on 20th Street to the Dakin Farm shop.

If arriving from the south, travel on U.S. Route 67 seven miles north of the U.S. Route 67 and Illinois Route 9 intersection in Good Hope to County Road 20th Avenue North (two miles north of the McDonough/Warren County line), then turn west and travel four miles on 20th Avenue to the southeast corner of the Allison Farm (intersection of 20th Avenue and 20th Street). Turn left and proceed south 0.7 miles on 20th St. to the Dakin Farm shop.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing