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August 2,  2016
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In this Weekly Harvest:     
toppp   Meet our Newest Staff Members
Mallory Krieger
Farmer Training Program Manager

Mallory grew up on an Ohio farm where her father and grandfather worked the land. She spent her summers roaming the acres with her younger brother and many cousins. Mallory passed many hot summer hours helping her grandmother freeze and can the bounty from her large farm garden ...



Birgit McCall
Office Manager

Birgit grew up in a college town in southwest Michigan, in a household that enthusiastically supported sustainable agriculture, local foods, and family farms.  There was a short period in her life where she rebelled by eating store bought sandwich bread (instead of home-baked), but she soon came to her senses ...

market 
Market Corner

We have a delicious array of local produce, grains, treats, and flowers lined up for you this afternoon. 

Stop by the Sampling Tent for a taste of the market; featured ingredients this week include watermelon and eggplant.

Illinois Stewardship Alliance will be joining us in the Community Tent. Learn more about the upcoming Local Flavors dinners, as well as Local Food Month in September.

We'll also be joined by the Champaign-Urbana Pollinator Count, a collaboration between the the UIUC Department of Entomology and the Champaign Parks District to monitor pollinator use of flower beds in local parks. 

As always, the Champaign Farmers' Market accepts Link, and we'll double your benefits up to $20  each week .

RSVP to our  Facebook event page  to get vendor updates and share your market experience.

This week you'll find:
  • Melons
  • Peaches
  • Blueberries
  • Plums
  • Green beans
  • Wax beans
  • Sweet corn
  • Raspberries
  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers 
  • Apples
  • Zucchini
  • Cucumbers 
  • Carrots
  • Eggplant 
  • Cabbage
  • Kale
  • Chard
  • Collard greens
  • Summer squash
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Apple cider
  • New potatoes 
  • Pattypan squash
  • Scallions
  • Radishes
  • Fresh herbs  
  • Currants
  • Fresh herbs
  • Mixed bouquets
  • Sunflowers
  • Cider doughnuts
  • Popsicles
  • Bread
  • Scones
  • Pastries
  • Flour
  • Oats
  • Cornmeal
  • Buckwheat
  • Wheatberries
  • Granola
  • Popcorn
  • Pancake mix
All this and more from 4-7 this afternoon. Come enjoy yet another gorgeous afternoon with us at the Market and load up on fresh local food!
farmfnFarm Fresh Now! Recipe of the Week


Watermelon Salad with Feta Cheese and Mint

Apparently, July is national watermelon month. But here in central Illinois, I'm voting to move it to August. As the weather heats up, and the melons start to arrive by pick-up load to farmers' markets, I'm personally going to see if I can get tired of eating them (not likely). And I'm going to start by making a no-bake watermelon pie--okay, that's not actually true, it's really a mint, feta, watermelon salad, but I say, serve it like pie!

Visit us at the market today to pick up your free  recipe card  and nutrition card! Find all of our Farm Fresh Now! recipes on our website!

WorkshopsWorkshops, Field Days, and Grant Opportunities
THE LAND CONNECTION WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS

Managing Risk in Organic Grain Farming - Workshop Series
This series of workshops is designed to help you manage risk in organic grain production, marketing, and financing. There will be four workshops starting on J uly 28 and going through February. Each workshop costs $25 to register, or $75 to register for all four. Learn more about the workshops and register here.

Agritourism Farmer Training Intensive
August 27-28,
Ottawa Visitor Center, Ottawa, Illinois
Agritourism helps farmers bring the public onto their farms and tell the story of their products. It can also be a powerful revenue stream, but there are many barriers to success that can be difficult to overcome. This two-day intensive workshop includes expert speakers and a full day of tours of successful agritourism operations that will leave participants with a deeper understanding of the marketing options, legal issues, operations and infrastructure, and aesthetics that make for a successful agritourism enterprise. You may attend either day for $90 or both at the discounted price of $175. Register online here.

Central Illinois Farm Beginnings
Classes start October 22
Applications are open for our year-long farmer training program. Now entering its 12th year of creating successful farm businesses, Central Illinois Farm Beginnings (CIFB) gives aspiring farmers the opportunity to write a plan for the development of their farm business over the course of nine winter classes and with the guidance of expert farmers from the region. After the completion of the coursework, students are matched with a mentor farmer as they begin their first year of production. Scholarships are available for this course and now is the time to apply! Learn more and apply online here!

GRANTS

International Leaders in Urban Ag Award
August 15
INUAg is now accepting submissions for the 2016 Leaders in Urban Agriculture Awards.  Awards will be presented for 1st ($1,000), 2nd ($700), and 3rd place ($300) in each of the following categories to urban farming projects building better food systems around the world:
  1. Educating Communities: Projects that empower youth, students, or community members to grow food in urban settings
  2. Food Justice: Projects that use urban agriculture to improve access to fresh food in underserved communities
  3. Innovation: Ideas or products that improve the viability of urban farming
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

Feast on the Farm - A farmer, a baker, a brewer, and a chef
August 6
Hazzard Free Farms  
Feast on the Farm at Hazzard Free Farms takes guests on a tour of the sprawling farms old barns along a beautiful creek before settling in for a three-course meal curated by Found's Nicole Pederson and Hewn's Ellen King, paired with craft brews specially forged just for the event by Claudia Jendron (Temperance Beer Company). T his event will feature not only some amazing food and drink but also a tour of our rare grains nursery which should be in full bloom at the time of the event. 
Farmers Market Fresh Cooking Classes
June - August
Illinois Stewardship Alliance
Classes will be held the second weekend of the month in June, July and August and will feature fresh, seasonal produce from Springfield's Old Capitol Farmers Market. Limit of 10 students per class, so please register early. 
For kids cooking classes, parents may drop off or stay in Copper Pot's waiting room while kids enjoy their cooking class.
1 hour cooking classes, kids age 3-5 - $12 (includes all supplies and snack)
1.5 hour cooking class, kids age 6-12 - $20 (includes all supplies and light meal)
2 hour cooking class, Adults, $30 (includes light meal and/or take home food)

Growing Your Hobby Farm into a Business
August 11th (Oregon, IL), August 17th (Sycamore, IL), August 18 (Belvidere, IL)
University of Illinois Extension
So you've finally got a few acres in the country like you've always wanted, but you're wondering what kind of agricultural business your land can support, aside from just growing a lot of grass that needs to be mowed.  Or perhaps you're discovering that managing land and infrastructure has a bunch of expenses you hadn't thought about beforehand.  The chickens need feed, the horse needs hay, the tractor needs fuel, the fence needs fixing...and all this is starting to tax the family budget.  How can you make your farm enterprises pay for themselves?  Learn more here.

Farm Estate and Transition Planning
August 16th (Sycamore, IL)
University of Illinois Extension
Join Rick Morgan, Division Director of Financial Planning with Country Financial, and Andy Larson, Small Farms Educator with University of Illinois Extension, for a one-day workshop that will introduce farm families to essential skills and topics that will help them make a success of farm succession.  Learn more here.


Local Flavors Dinners
Champaign-Urbana:
August 18th: Bacaro
September 15th: V. Picasso
October 20th:Timpone's Restaurant

Bloomington-Normal: 
August 18th: Lunch at BraiZe
September 15th: Dinner at Destihl Restaurant and Brew Works
October 20th: Dinner at Anju Above

Springfield:
August 18th: Dinner at Augie's Front Burner
September 15th: Dinner at Engrained Brewing Company
September 25th:  Annual Harvest Celebration - Illinois Stewardship Alliance
October 20th: Dinner at American Harvest

Peoria: 
August 18th: Lunch at Cyd's Gourmet Kitchen, Cafe + Catering
September 15th: Dinner at Hearth Restaurant
October 20th: TBD

Now you can find farm-fresh meals at your favorite restaurants during the Local Flavors 2016 farm-to-table restaurant series. Local Flavors and dinners will be held on the third  Thursday of each month, June through October in Champaign, Springfield, Bloomington-Normal, and Peoria.  Stop by any participating restaurant on their scheduled date during their regular business hours. Each restaurant will prepare a Local Flavor Menu of three or more items featuring ingredients sourced directly from central Illinois farmers.
The series opens new markets for small farmers; highlights restaurants with a commitment to sourcing locally; and gives YOU a chance to support local farmers, local restaurants, and sustainable farming while savoring the finest flavors of central Illinois. Learn more here!
I, for one, know how a busy week can quickly run away from you. Next thing you know - BLINK! It's Sunday again. You ask yourself, " I had SO many plans... what happened to the week?" That's me. If I'm not focused on the few things outside of work that I want to get done during the week, it just doesn't happen between kickball, glass blowing, yoga, tending to the garden..... and the list can go on. 

I feel like meal planning and cooking are similar. If you have a busy schedule and you're always on the move, it's hard to take the time to cook ...

agnews Agriculture in the News:
Something you should know
Farmers Markets Preserve Farmland and Rural Livelihoods.   Learn more here!
 
Something to be happy about
There are three more Managing Risk in Organic Grain Farming workshops offered by The Land Connection.   Learn more here!

Something you should do
Read up on the Democratic platform's pledge to support beginning farmers, local food systems.  Learn more here!

HAVE SOMETHING? NEED SOMETHING? 
You can post your ad or search for more listings in the  classifieds section  o f our website. To have something listed in the Weekly Harvest, email us at info@thelandconnection.org or call 217-840-2128.

Employment Opportunities:

JOB FAIR - HARVEST MARKET CHAMPAIGN (August 3rd, 3-7 PM)
The Harvest Market Mission is to bring our customers and associates closer to the land, closer to our farmers and makers in order to help them make good food choices.  We believe in the genuineness of family-owned farms and farm families and promise to deliver great tasting food with integrity and transparency.  

Please join them for a job fair on Wednesday, August 3rd from 3-7 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn Illini Ballroom (1501 S. Neil Street, Champaign. IL).   Learn more here.

FARM HAND - SOLA GRATIA FARM
Sola Gratia Farm is a mission-based farm enterprise dedicated to producing locally-grown, high-quality, natural produce. Along with selling its produce through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and other markets, the farm is committed to helping those who lack adequate food resources by donating at least ten percent of its produce to support regional hunger programs, such as the Eastern Illinois Food Bank.

Farm hands will participate in all aspects of production. This includes greenhouse seeding, field planting, hand and mechanical weeding, harvesting, wash/pack, and distribution to the community. Farm hands will be working side-by-side with volunteers, and in some cases may be leading crews, so good people skills and ability to lead by example is important. More hours and financial bonuses may be available to people who do good work and are willing and able to take on more responsibility.  To apply, please send a cover letter to solagratiacsa@gmail.com  or Sola Gratia Farm, 2200 South Philo Rd, Urbana, IL, 61801. 

PROJECT COORDINATOR - MINT CREEK FARM
Mint Creek Farm is a 230 acre, Certified Organic, grass-fed livestock farm located about 80 miles south of Chicago. We have a wide diversity of livestock including sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks and seasonal turkeys. 
We are seeking farm crew members to start immediately that have at least 1 year of experience on a farm. This is a paid, full-time position with room and board available. Come learn and gain an understanding of how to raise livestock and poultry organically on pasture. If you're thinking of starting your own farm, there is no substitute for hands-on experience like what you will receive here. If you're wondering whether farming is right for you or just want to see what life on an organic livestock farm is like, we would love to have you. 
Knowledge of farm equipment, mechanical work and/or animal care is helpful and a great attitude is a must. For more information and to apply, contact Julie Larson at  jlarsen@mintcreekfarm.com.

APPRENTICE - PRAIRIERTH FARM - ATLANTA, IL
Do you want to farm?  Do you have land but not the skills to tend to it?  Have you wondered what it would be like to spend a summer growing food for a community surrounding a farm?
Our apprenticeship is designed to give individuals with the desire to farm and grow food an opportunity to do that on a production scale to make a living.  We offer housing & monthly stipend in exchange for a full season commitment. 

INTERNSHIP - COOK FARM
We raise mixed produce for CSA, farmer's markets and wholesale customers.  We'll work side-by-side from seed to sale in hopes that you finish the season with a solid grasp of what it takes to run a small farm. Interns are expected to work quickly and efficiently in good and bad weather, to ask questions, and to learn from mistakes. Stipend starting @ $800/month and food from the farm as well as shared housing for the right candidate.
Full-time and part-time positions available. Contact Dylan at dylanrcook@gmail.com or click here for more information!

FARM HAND - TRIPLE S FARMS
Searching for an intern/farm hand to help with jobs around the farm.  Pay will depend upon experience.  Will include a variety of jobs, everything from animal care, farm maintenance, garden work/produce care, etc.  Must have valid Driver's license.  Hours will vary seasonally. 
Contact Stan Schutte at Triple S Farms at 217-343-4740 or send resume to stan@triplesfarms.com.

FARM HAND - BLUE MOON FARM - URBANA, IL
We are hiring for farm hands. This is part-time work starting in May or June running into December. You would be doing all kinds of manual labor: harvesting, weeding, washing, occasional transplanting and general cleanup. The benefits are hard to beat: lots of produce, exercise, and interesting people to talk to. No experience needed. For an application, visit our website. Please fill it out and send to:  bluemoonfarmurbana@gmail.com.

FARMERS MARKET SALES ASSOCIATE - JONES COUNTRY GARDENS
This is a part-time job opportunity to work with Jones Country Gardens of Pontiac, Illinois. One day per week the employee will work in a group setting for the duration of Urbana's Market at the Square 2016. The Farmers' Market Sales Associate will gain experience operating a farmers' market stand at one of the oldest and busiest farmers' markets in the State of Illinois. The position will involve a high level of engagement with coworkers and customers in the midst of the hustle-and-bustle of the farmers' market.

I n collaboration with the Produce Manager and other staff, the Farmers' Market Sales Associate will work to market fresh produce, flowers, potting and bedding plants, eggs and frozen meats. Responsibilities will include:  Helping with setup and teardown of the stand,  assisting with display and marketing aspects of the operation,  engaging and conversing with customers and p rocessing transactions. Please email a brief cover letter and resume to jonescountrygardens@yahoo.com, including "Farmers' Market Position" in the subject line. Feel free to contact our Produce Manager, Bryce Davis, with any questions at 815-674-8235.

INTERNS & CREW MEMBERS WANTED - MINT CREEK FARM
Mint Creek Farm is a 230 acre, Certified Organic, grass-fed livestock farm located about 80 miles south of Chicago. We have a wide diversity of livestock including sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks and seasonal turkeys.

We are seeking interns/crew members to start immediately.  This is a paid, full-time position with room and board available. Come learn and gain an understanding of how to raise livestock and poultry organically on pasture. If you're thinking of starting your own farm, there is no substitute for hands-on experience like what you will receive here. If you're wondering whether farming is right for you or just want to see what life on an organic livestock farm is like, we would love to have you.

No experience is necessary, but experience in physical labor or mechanical work and animal care is helpful and a great attitude is a must.  Please send your resume or work history to  jlarsen@mintcreekfarm.com.

Land, Equipment, and Other:

NEW HOLLAND 1034 BALE WAGON (Mechanical hay loader/stacker)
A pull type wagon that can mechanically pick small square hay bales up out of the field and stack them into pallets of 100 bales that can be moved with a forklift.  Always shedded while I've owned them, since 1999.  I've quit raising hay.  Two available.  Asking $5,000 each, obo.  100 pallets also available.  Pictures available here. Contact Brian Severson at  815-584-1850 or email  brian@qualityorganic.com.

ARTHUR, IL - PIGS FOR SALE
Selling at least 8 pastured, non-GMO fed, antibiotic-free pigs for around $1 a pound. Also available are a few  Red wattles which are antibiotic free, grown outside and will sell for 85 cents per pound. If you are interested contact Ammon Troyer at (217) 543- 2979.

FARM FOR SALE CLINTONVILLE, WI - $60,000
Small organic farm in Clintonville, Wisconsin. Chemical free for more than 15 years. Two tillable acres on quiet property (~ 4 acres) located on the wooded banks of the Pigeon River Watershed. Perfect for family who wants to enjoy nature, grow their own vegetables and fruits (apple and pear trees on property), fish and hunt, and live near a small community. Used for market gardens. Room to build a house. Two car garage, electricity, drilled well, septic system, greenhouse (house?) foundation, large compost bins on farm. Call 920-788-2445 or email gmn5rck@gmail.com.

LAND USE OPPORTUNITY:  2.5 acres on north side of Aurora, IL
Landowner is making land available for garden/farm use. Has been in grass
since 1981. Located near Indian Trail and Mitchell Road. Call owner Bill
Robinson at  630-927-0519.
Thank you to all the sponsors, donors, and supporters that make the daily operations and programs of The Land Connection possible. We couldn't do it without you!
    
     
       
                          


         


       
 And thanks to all of our 2016 Market Sponsors!









    
 Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church




STONE COURT FARM