U of I Ext Local Foods/Small Farms - Southern Illinois

05/29/2026

While not commonly seen in Illinois pastures, Highland Cattle are a hardy multi-purpose breed used for meat, milk, fiber, and draft animals. The breed is a creative option for those wanting to graze cattle but may only have a few acres. Join us for the June Twilight Series to explore the operations at Edmison Acres and learn about raising Highland Cattle in southern Illinois. Learn more or register at the link below:
https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-06-22-managing-highland-cows

05/21/2026

05/15/2026

There's still time to register for the first session of the Summer Twilight Series. Join Extension for a tour of Flower Girls Greenhouse, which offers annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, and tropical plants. Flower Girls is a preferred vendor for many local wedding venues and creates custom bouquets for special occasions. Despite its growth, the business remains rooted in cut‑flower production, growing most of its blooms in high tunnels and field plots at the family farm in Woodlawn.

Learn more or register for the program at the link below:
https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-05-18-cut-flower-production

04/30/2026

The Summer Twilight Series kicks off with a tour of Flower Girls Greenhouse, which offers annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, and tropical plants. Flower Girls is a preferred vendor for many local wedding venues and creates custom bouquets for special occasions. Despite its growth, the business remains rooted in cut‑flower production, growing most of its blooms in high tunnels and field plots at the family farm in Woodlawn.

Learn more or register for the program at the link below:
https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-05-18-cut-flower-production

04/30/2026

TODAY!

Join us and University of Illinois Extension at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Belleville Research Center to explore a wide variety of cover crop research plots. View comparisons of species, planting rates, timings, and mixes at your own pace while visiting with staff and researchers.

Pie and ice cream, while supplies last, drop in any time between 3-6 p.m.

Register now at https://bit.ly/3PZJh2J

04/25/2026

Mark your calendars for the Summer Twilight Series. This southern Illinois tradition brings farmers, educators, and community members together to explore the diversity and innovation of local agriculture. The series offers four unique on-farm learning experiences throughout the growing season on Monday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn more about this year's locations and register for upcoming programs at the link below:

https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/summer-twilight-series-strengthens-southern-illinois-food-systems

04/15/2026

Illinois Extension is excited to announce the return of the eleventh-annual Summer Twilight Series. This southern Illinois tradition brings farmers, educators, and community members together to explore the diversity and innovation of local agriculture. The series offers four unique on-farm learning experiences throughout the growing season on Monday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.

https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/summer-twilight-series-strengthens-southern-illinois-food-systems

01/28/2026

Get registered for the 2026 Commercial Tree Fruit School in Hardin on Feb. 12. Support the success of a tree fruit operation with practical, research-tested best practices from industry experts. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or new to the practice, the program features a wide range of topics to help individuals meet the challenges of commercial fruit production in southwestern Illinois. Learn more or register at the link below:
https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-02-12-2026-southwestern-illinois-commercial-tree-fruit-school

01/27/2026

Local Farmers and Ag Consultants!! Please share and consider attending our Southwestern Agronomy Summit in Waterloo a week from today February 3 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.! We have a great line up of topics! Register by Monday at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/2026-southwestern-illinois-agronomy-summit

Join Illinois Extension for the 2026 Southwestern Agronomy Summit on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Monroe County Annex in Waterloo!

Hear from university and industry experts as they share research-based insights on key agronomy topics to help guide next season’s farm management decisions.

🎤 Featured speakers & topics include:

• John Pike, Pike Ag, LLC – Data to Dividends: Using Regional Soil Fertility Research to Improve Use Efficiency

• Nathan Johanning, University of Illinois Extension – Uncovering Whether to Cover: Research Updates and Management Strategies for Crop Success

• Mike Bruns, Farm Business Consultant, Farm Business Farm Management – Leveraging Farm Data to Drive Profitability

• Andrea Wagner, University of Illinois Extension – Solar Land Leases: Important Considerations for You and Your Farm

• Phil Krieg, Syngenta –No-till Crop Production: The Past and Future Opportunities in Southwestern Illinois

• Ron Krausz, SIU W**d Science (Retired) – 21st Century W**d Control: Aiding and Abetting the Enemy

💲 Cost: $25 (includes light refreshments and lunch)
📋 Pre-registration required — register by February 2
🎓 CPDU/CEUs available for Certified Crop Advisers

👉 Register today: go.illinois.edu/AGSWaterloo

Questions or accommodation needs? Contact Nathan Johanning at [email protected] or 618-939-3434.

01/23/2026

Make plans to attend the Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School. Get practical research-based information on trends in insect and disease management and other production-related topics. Vendors will also be on-site to discuss your production needs. The 2026 program is at Doubletree Meeting & Event Center on Feb. 11, with the first presentation starting at 8:30 a.m. Attend any session within these concurrent tracks:

Tree Fruit
Vegetables
Cut Flowers
Small Fruit

Learn more or register by Feb. 1 at the link below:
https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-02-11-2026-southern-illinois-fruit-and-vegetable-school