Urban Farmer Skills School: Building the 2027 Production Plan
Urban Farmer Skills School: Planning for Next Season
Every growing season provides lessons. The challenge is turning those lessons into better decisions. This three-session Skills School helps growers evaluate the previous season, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop practical production priorities for the year ahead. Participants will use observations, records, and field experience to make more informed decisions and create a stronger production plan for the upcoming growing season. Whether you keep detailed records or rely primarily on field observations, this series will help you identify what worked, what did not, and what changes are most likely to improve future results.
Virtual Webinars:
Part 1A: November 30 from 6 - 7:30 pm. What Did the Season Teach You?
a 1 hour virtual lecture on vegetable production planning, followed by discussion and Q&A.
Part 1B: December 14 from 6 - 7:30 pm. What Should Change Next Year?
a 1 hour virtual lecture that builds on the first session, followed by discussion and Q&A.
Every growing season provides lessons. The challenge is turning those lessons into better decisions. This three-session Skills School helps growers evaluate the previous season, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop practical production priorities for the year ahead. Participants will use observations, records, and field experience to make more informed decisions and create a stronger production plan for the upcoming growing season. Whether you keep detailed records or rely primarily on field observations, this series will help you identify what worked, what did not, and what changes are most likely to improve future results.
Virtual Webinars:
Part 1A: November 30 from 6 - 7:30 pm. What Did the Season Teach You?
a 1 hour virtual lecture on vegetable production planning, followed by discussion and Q&A.
Part 1B: December 14 from 6 - 7:30 pm. What Should Change Next Year?
a 1 hour virtual lecture that builds on the first session, followed by discussion and Q&A.
In-Person Planning Workshop:
Part 2: Friday January 8, 2027, 3 - 6 pm
at Cook County Extension Matteson Office, 4747 Lincoln Mall Drive #600, Matteson, IL 60440.
Bring your laptop and farm data to this afternoon workshop, where you will input your own data into an Excel template and convert priorities into an implementable production plan. Peer review groups evaluate realism, priorities, and implementation steps.
The Cook County Local Food Systems and Small Farm team will be on hand for one-on-one coaching. You MUST have attended the virtual session in order to attend the in person session.
Part 2: Friday January 8, 2027, 3 - 6 pm
at Cook County Extension Matteson Office, 4747 Lincoln Mall Drive #600, Matteson, IL 60440.
Bring your laptop and farm data to this afternoon workshop, where you will input your own data into an Excel template and convert priorities into an implementable production plan. Peer review groups evaluate realism, priorities, and implementation steps.
The Cook County Local Food Systems and Small Farm team will be on hand for one-on-one coaching. You MUST have attended the virtual session in order to attend the in person session.
Instructor(s): Kathryn Pereira, and Zack Grant, Cook County Extension Educators, Local Food Systems and Small Farms.
If you have any questions or to request a reasonable accommodation to participate: Sarah 217-300-8636 or sbatka@illinois.edu
If you have any questions or to request a reasonable accommodation to participate: Sarah 217-300-8636 or sbatka@illinois.edu
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