University News

Attendees check out the crops and equipment during a tour of the Allison Farm at the 2013 Western Illinois University Allison Organic Farm Field Day.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU School of Agriculture Associate Professor Joel Gruver talks to attendees of the 2013 Allison Organic and Research and Demonstration Farm Field Day. Gruver is the director of Western's organic research program.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU Allison Organic Farm Field Day Set for Aug. 13; 2015 Theme "New Opportunities in Organic Farming"

August 5, 2015

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL — "New Opportunities in Organic Farming" is the theme of the 2015 Western Illinois University Allison Organic Research and Demonstration Farm's annual Allison Farm Field Day, slated for Thursday, Aug. 13. According to WIU School of Agriculture Associate Professor Joel Gruver, the daylong event will feature presentations—which will begin at 9 a.m.—related to this year's theme. Dedicated time for attendees to meet with presenters and vendors are scheduled from: 8:30-9 a.m., 10:45-11 a.m. and 1-1:30 p.m. In addition, a complimentary lunch, featuring local farm products, will be served at noon.

The keynote presentation, "First Generation Organics on a Multi-Generation Farm," is set for 11 a.m. at the field day, which will be held at the Dakin Farm during the morning hours. The Dakin Farm is located near the Allison Farm, which are both located in southwest Warren County (directions listed below).

"The keynote presentation will be delivered by Andy Ambriole, an innovative young farmer who manages 800 acres organically out of the family's 2000 acres near Roanoke, IN," explained Gruver, who is the director of Western's organic research program. "This presentation will be of interest to any farmer interested in enterprise diversification for higher profits, healthier soil and successful generational transition."

According to Gruver, Doug Kremer (terramax.co) will discuss the present and future of biological seed treatments (including N fixation by non-legumes), and Ken Musselman (agrienergy.net/) will discuss biological nutrient management. Gruver will also share recent research results and lead discussions about the presentations.

After lunch, a walking tour of the Allison Farm's research and demonstration plots (which will feature corn, soybeans, pumpkins and cover crops with different tillage systems, fertility programs, seed treatments and cultivation practices) will begin at 1:30 p.m. and include an equipment demonstration, if weather permits.

Following the field day, all attendees are invited to attend the Illinois Organic Growers Association's summer festival at the Allison Farm. The IOGA's festival will include dinner, live music and dance to celebrate the season and grow farmer relationships.

Registration for the Allison Farm Field Day and IOGA festival before the end of the business day on Monday, Aug. 10, is strongly recommended but not required.

To register or obtain more information about the Allison Farm Field Day, contact Andy Clayton at AW-Clayton@wiu.edu or via phone at (217) 322-2639 or the WIU School of Agriculture at (309) 298-1080.

To register or obtain more information about the IOGA festival, contact Marnie Record at illinoisorganicgrowers@gmail.com or via phone at (864) 704-5783.

Directions to the Dakin Farm shop - 130 20th St., Roseville, IL 61473

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 (2 miles north of the McDonough/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)
Office of University Communications & Marketing