University News
Allison Farm Organic Field Day
July 9, 2007
MACOMB, IL -- The marketing of organic products and organic farming methods will be featured at the annual Western Illinois University Allison Farm Field Day beginning at noon Wednesday, Aug. 8.
The field day will be held from noon-4 p.m. at the WIU agriculture department's pesticide-free organic Allison Research and Demonstration Farm located in southern Warren County, seven miles north of Sciota.
Field day presentations will begin after a complimentary noon lunch featuring locally produced organic produce and meats. A variety of organic products will also be available for sampling.
Presentations include: "Overview of Organic Agriculture Research at WIU" by Joel Gruver, assistant professor of soil science and coordinator of the WIU Allison Farm; "Transitioning to Organic and Large-Scale Production Strategies" by Jack Erisman, the owner of a 2,200-acre organic grains and livestock farm in Pana (IL), which is the largest organic farm in the state; "Organic Grain Markets" by Roger Hendricker, manager of Clarkson Grain and organic farmer, Beardstown (IL); "Organic Popcorn Production and Marketing" by Gene Mealhow, owner and producer of K&K Tiny but Mighty Popcorn in Shellsburg (IA); and "Aquaculture/Aquaponics" by Myles Harston, founder and owner of AquaRanch Industries in Flanagan (IL).
Following the presentations, tours will be available of the 80-acre Allison Farm. The event is co-sponsored by the McDonough County and Warren County soil and water conservation districts and the WIU agriculture department.
While the field day is open free to the public, advance registration is required for the luncheon. The registration deadline is Monday, Aug. 6.
For more information or to register, contact Andy Clayton at AW-Clayton@wiu.edu, 309/298-1172 or 309/255-3961 or the WIU agriculture department at 309/298-1080. Information is also available at www.wiu.edu/ag/organicfarm.
** Directions to the Allison Farm: If arriving from the North, travel on Rt. 67 five miles south of the Rt. 67 – Rt. 116 intersection in Roseville to County Rd. 20th Ave. N, then turn west and travel four miles to the farm. If arriving from the South, travel on Rt. 67 seven miles north to the Rt. 67 – Rt. 9 intersection in Good Hope to Country Rd. 20th Ave. N, then turn West and travel four miles to the farm. The farm is located on the Northwest corner of the intersection of the County Rd. 20th Ave. N and 20th Street.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
Connect with us: