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Improved Nutrients for Soil and Crops: WIU Allison Farm Field Day Aug. 8

August 5, 2013

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MACOMB, IL – Nutrient management is the theme for the Western Illinois University Organic Research Program's annual Allison Farm Field Day this week.

According to Joel Gruver, director of Western's Organic Research Program and assistant professor in the WIU School of Agriculture, the Field Day is slated from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 at the Dakin Farm shop and the Allison Organic Farm located near Roseville (IL).


In this video recorded earlier this summer, Dr. Joel Gruver, assistant
professor in the Western Illinois University School of Agriculture and
director of Western's Allison Organic Research and Demonstration
Farm, talks about his and his colleagues' cover crop research at
WIU's Allison Farm.

"There are many opportunities for improved nutrient management on organic and conventional farms," Gruver explained. "This year's program will offer a balance of technical information and on-farm observations relevant to anyone interested in the advantages of feeding both the soil and the crop."

This year's Allison Farm Field Day schedule is as follows:

  • 9-9:20 a.m. - Registration and snacks at the Dakin Farm
  • 9:20-9:30 a.m. - Welcoming remarks (Andy Baker, interim director of School of Ag, and Gruver)
  • 9:30-10 a.m. - Overview of the value of manure - Tom Ferguson
  • 10-10:50 a.m. - Keynote: Soil and crop testing to fine tuning nutrient management on organic and conventional farms by Bill Becker, a.k.a. "The Crop Doctor," a crop consultant based in central Illinois for more than three decades
  • 10:50-11 a.m. - break
  • 11 a.m.-noon - Farmer discussion panel (Derek Schrock, Allen Williams and Jack Erisman) moderated by Gruver
  • noon-1 p.m. - Free lunch featuring local farm products
  • 12:30-1 p.m. - Allison Farm research update - Gruver
  • 1-1:30 p.m. - Trade show/transition to the Allison Farm (individuals will provide their own transport)
  • 1:30-3 p.m. - Walking tour of Allison Farm field plots and equipment demonstration

The event is open free to the public, but registration is required on or before Tuesday, Aug. 6 for those who plan to attend the lunch event.

To register, contact Andy Clayton at (309) 298-1172 or (217) 322-2639 or the WIU School of Agriculture at (309) 298-1080.

Learn more about Western's Organic Research Program at www.wiu.edu/cbt/agriculture/farms/organic/.

Directions to the Dakin Farm shop (130 20th St., Roseville, IL)

If arriving from the north, travel on Rt. 67 five miles south of the Rt. 67 and Rt. 116 intersection in Roseville to County Rd. 20th Ave. N, then turn west and travel four miles on 20th Ave. to the southeast corner of the Allison Farm (intersection of 20th Ave. and 20th St.). Turn left and proceed south 0.7 miles on 20th St. to the Dakin Farm shop.

If arriving from the south, travel on Rt. 67 seven miles north of the Rt. 67 and Rt. 9 intersection in Good Hope to County Rd. 20th Ave. N (two miles north of the Warren County line), then turn west and travel four miles on 20th Ave. to the southeast corner of the Allison Farm (intersection of 20th Ave. and 20th St.). Turn left and proceed south 0.7 miles on 20th St. to the Dakin Farm shop.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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