Illinois Valley

IVCC, Bureau, Marshall-Putnam extension offices to host sustainable agriculture programs

Program to explore various topics

David Schwartz, who farms with his father Lance as L&D Schwartz Farms, LLC, combines in a corn field northwest of Greenfield on Friday. The Schwartzes, who have planted a cover crop of rye on this ground, say the corn crop this year has performed extremely well.

University of Illinois Extension will host a program series this winter all about sustainable agriculture.

Sustainability on the Farm is a series of educational programs designed to empower farmers and landowners with the knowledge and tools to implement sustainable agricultural practices on their land. The program will explore various topics, providing participants with practical insights and strategies to enhance their operations while minimizing environmental impact.

Each session will be hosted by local industry experts from organizations such as The Wetlands Initiative, Pheasants Forever Quail Forever, American Farmland Trust and USDA NRCS.

The program schedule is as follows:

  • 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16: Cover crops at Illinois Valley Community College
  • 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6: Wildlife habitat at Bureau County Extension Office
  • 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20: Conservation tillage at Bureau County Extension Office
  • 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 6: Edge of field practices at Illinois Valley Community College
  • 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 20: Cost share programs at Marshall-Putnam Extension Office

Join the University of Illinois Extension for Sustainability on the Farm and discover how to make a positive impact on the land and the environment. Register at go.illinois.edu/SustainableFarms.

Derek Barichello

Derek Barichello

Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.