Season Extension – 3 Day Workshop in Illinois

The Land Connection is pleased to announce a three-day workshop on season extension to be held at Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery in Champaign, Illinois March 2-4, 2015. Attendees will leave the class armed with resources and prepared to implement season extension practices on their own farms.

Participants will spend the first day learning the essentials of season extension from farmers and other professionals in a classroom setting at beautiful Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery with meals prepared by executive chef Alisa DeMarco. The second day will be spent visiting local businesses like Urbana’s Blue Moon Farm and Mahomet’s Tomahnous Farm that have made season extension a vital component of their success. The third day will be held at the Sustainable Student Farm at the University of Illinois, where attendees will participate in a hands-on demonstration in one of their many high tunnels.

“Season extension can extend farmers’ cash flow and diversify their markets,” said Jeff Hake, the farmer training program manager for The Land Connection who will facilitate the training. “However, getting started can be tricky, particularly with the Midwest’s unique weather challenges. This training will leave you ready to grow your farm’s income streams.”

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“The breadth of knowledge and depth of experience the speakers brought to the workshop provided unique perspectives that I would have had difficulty finding in my region” said David Kaisel, who traveled from California to attend The Land Connection’s three-day workshop on specialty grains in November. “The workshop’s value came not only from the detailed and specific content shared with the group, but in the opportunity to network among ourselves and learn from each other’s interests and experience.”

The cost of the workshop is $375 before February 20, and $425 through February 27, which includes all meals and materials. Attendees may also choose to attend just one or two days of the workshop. Please call for details. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. You can register on The Land Connection’s website (https://thelandconnection.org/farmers/farmer-training-intensives/season-extension), or by calling 217-840-2128.

About The Land Connection: The Land Connection is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting farmland, training sustainable and organic farmers, and promoting a vibrant local food system.

Contact:

Jeff Hake, Farmer Training Program Manager

The Land Connection

jeff@thelandconnection.org

217-840-2128

505 W University Ave, Suite 203

Champaign, IL 61820