CRAFT Field Day – Soil Fertility

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Taylor in Education, Farming Resources, Training Programs // 0 Comments

CRAFT Field Day! Soil Fertility – Worked and New Lands Double Feature! In Illinois – Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Time: 11am – 4pm, Potluck at 1pm please bring a dish to pass

Locations: Sandhill Family Farms, 560 North Harris Road, Grayslake, IL AND Radical Root, 31330 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048
Please RSVP to Farmer Training. Those who RSVP will be informed of last minute changes to CRAFT events and field days, therefore it is in your best interest to RSVP.
The field day starts with a farm tour of Sandhill Family Farms’ Grayslake, IL location and discussion soil fertility practices. The Millers will focus how they build their soils to manage pest and weed pressures, while maintaining high-levels of organic matter throughout their different farm fields and hoop house structures. We will walk the vegetable fields, kick the tires on the equipment and discuss their uniquely situated farm.
After a potluck lunch, we will transition to Radical Root Farm, a small family farm located in Libertyville, Illinois. Nestled among restored prairie land and forest preserves, Alex Needham and Alison Parker farm on a 150-year-old farm owned by a conservation organization. They grow certified-organic vegetables and raise pastured animals in the most ecological way they can. They pay special attention to environmental and soil health, always striving to grow nutrient-dense food in fertile soil. Topics will include how they are learning their new clay soil, what amendments they are adding, and how to create more fertility with a pastured animal rotation system, striving to create a more fertile environment in a more sustainable way.
Come with lots of questions on what is sure to be a great day!