Summer Small Farm Field Days
We regret that registration is now closed for this program. To be notified of similar program announcements, please subscribe to Cook County Local Foods Small Farms newsletter: https://groups.webservices.illinois.edu/subscribe/142995 and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. You may also contact Sarah at 217-300-8636 or sbatka@illinois.edu for questions and/or additional information.
June 25, 6 - 8 pm
South Suburban Cook Co. Demonstration and Research Farm
at Prairie State College MAC, 4821 Southwick Drive, Matteson, IL
Tools and Tech for Tight Spaces
Extension staff will demonstrate research results and experiences with irrigation and fertigation systems, and also showcase other tools used at the SoSuCo Farm. Ben Jaffe of Earthlore Farm and Northern IL Young Farmers will be joining us to share about the organization and their favorite equipment. Attendees will be able to try some tools in 'real-life' conditions.
July 21, 6- 8 pm
Windy City Harvest's Legends Incubator Farm, 4431 S Federal Street, Chicago, IL
Tiny Pests, Small Spaces
Dr. Kacie Athey will present research on Swede Midge and Integrated Pest Management methods for brassica crops.
August 20, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Just Roots Saint James Community Farm 2936 S Wabash Ave, Chicago IL
South Suburban Cook Co. Demonstration and Research Farm
at Prairie State College MAC, 4821 Southwick Drive, Matteson, IL
Tools and Tech for Tight Spaces
Extension staff will demonstrate research results and experiences with irrigation and fertigation systems, and also showcase other tools used at the SoSuCo Farm. Ben Jaffe of Earthlore Farm and Northern IL Young Farmers will be joining us to share about the organization and their favorite equipment. Attendees will be able to try some tools in 'real-life' conditions.
July 21, 6- 8 pm
Windy City Harvest's Legends Incubator Farm, 4431 S Federal Street, Chicago, IL
Tiny Pests, Small Spaces
Dr. Kacie Athey will present research on Swede Midge and Integrated Pest Management methods for brassica crops.
August 20, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Just Roots Saint James Community Farm 2936 S Wabash Ave, Chicago IL
Produce Safety in the City
Explore practical strategies for reducing contamination risks—from harvest and washing to cooling, packing, and storage—using space‑efficient systems suited to urban farms. Extension educators and Northern IL Young Farmers will share best practices, demonstrate real‑world workflows, and discuss how to scale food safety plans to meet local market and regulatory needs.
September 24, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
the Talking Farm 3669 W Howard Street, Skokie, IL
Growing Quality Blooms
Featuring results from current on‑farm research trials, participants will learn how water and nutrient management influence stem quality, yield, and plant health; and explore practical strategies for improving production efficiency and consistency. This event is designed for those interested in adding a cut-flower enterprise to an urban vegetable farm.
Please note - you DO NOT need to log in or create an account. You can bypass those fields and start with Contact Information (below).
Explore practical strategies for reducing contamination risks—from harvest and washing to cooling, packing, and storage—using space‑efficient systems suited to urban farms. Extension educators and Northern IL Young Farmers will share best practices, demonstrate real‑world workflows, and discuss how to scale food safety plans to meet local market and regulatory needs.
September 24, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
the Talking Farm 3669 W Howard Street, Skokie, IL
Growing Quality Blooms
Featuring results from current on‑farm research trials, participants will learn how water and nutrient management influence stem quality, yield, and plant health; and explore practical strategies for improving production efficiency and consistency. This event is designed for those interested in adding a cut-flower enterprise to an urban vegetable farm.
Please note - you DO NOT need to log in or create an account. You can bypass those fields and start with Contact Information (below).
If you have any questions or need reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Sarah Batka at 217-300-8636 or sbatka@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs.
University of Illinois • U.S. Department of Agriculture • Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
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