IMPORTANT DEADLINES:December 19, 2017 – Hotel Reservations

December 21, 2017 – FSMA Workshop Registration Ends December 31, 2017 – Conference Pre-Registration

(After Jan. 1, you will need to register on site at the conference)

We encourage you to register for the conference using our web-based system. Visit the ISGA website at: specialtygrowers.org and click on the conference registration link.

specialtygrowers.org

Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism and Organic Conference

January 10-12, 2018

Pre-Conference WorkshopsWednesday, January 10, 2018

Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism and Organic Conference1

Lunch for All Workshops; schedule will list re-start time as 1:00, but schedule time for the next speaker with the assumption the sessions will re-start at 1:15

High Tunnels

10:00 Introduction Bronwyn Aly, University of Illinois

10:05 Disease Management in High Tunnel Production Systems Mohammad Babadoost, University of Illinois

10:40 Enhancing Colored Pepper Production in High Tunnels Through Cultivar Selection and Mitigating Heat Stress Through Shade Cloth. Ajay Nair, Iowa State University

11:25 Winter Greens Production. Judson Reid, Cornell University

Lunch

1:00 Resources on High Tunnels Bronwyn Aly, University of llinois

1:15 Long Term Fertility Management in High Tunnels Judson Reid, Cornell University, Urbana, IL

2:00 Aphids, Mites, Whiteflies, and More Rick Weinzierl, Weinzierl Fruit & Consulting, Urbana, IL

2:30 Integrating a High Tunnel into Your Current Operation Brian Boeser, St. Morgan Produce Farm, St. Morgan, IL

3:00 Break

3:15 Valuing Alternative Crops in High Tunnels Judson Reid, Cornell University

3:45 Effect Of Grafting On High Tunnel Tomato Production Ajay Nair, Iowa State University

4:15 High Tunnel Production and Experiences from M&M&M Farms

Mark and MaryLou Matthews, M&M&M Farms, Blandinsville, IL

4:30 Adjourn to Trade Show

Food Safety Training (begins at 8:00 a.m.)

8:00 Introduction and Overview Laurie George, University of Illinois

8:30 Introduction to Produce Safety

9:30 Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training

10:45 Soil Amendments

11:30 Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use

Lunch

1:00 Agricultural Water

3:00 Postharvest Handling and Sanitation (Part 1: Production Water; Part 2: Postharvest Water)

4:00 How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

Social Media and Marketing

10:00 Introduction Doug Gucker, University of Illinois

10:05 Differentiate With a Customer-First Mindset – Understanding Their Digital Footprint (Beginning to Advanced Level) Mariah Dale-Anderson, Triple M Farm: Mariah’s Mums and More, Clinton, IL

10:50 How to Launch, Manage, and Measure the Value of Your Digital & Social Media Efforts (Intermediate to Advanced Level) Ann Horack, Insight FS

Lunch

1:00 Building Your Own Website: What You Should Know and Hands On Building Demonstration (Beginning to Intermediate Level) Mariah Dale-Anderson, Triple M Farm, Clinton, IL

2:00 Driving Online Sales with Tools Like Farmigo, Small Farm Central, Ecommerce, and More! (Beginning to Advanced Level) Mariah Anderson, Triple M Farm, and Leslie Cooperband, Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, Champaign, IL

3:00 Break

3:00 Phoneography -Tips and Tools for the Technical and Creative Side of Smartphone Photography (Beginning to Advanced Level) Audra Wyant, Finding Eminence Farm, Lexington, IL and Michelle Sirles,Rendleman Orchards, Alto Pass, IL

4:15 Tips, Tools, and Tricks for Social Media Videos (Beginning to Advanced Level) Kelly Gagnon, GRIT Counsuling, Decatur, IL

4:30 Adjourn to Trade Show

www.specialtygrowers.org

Pre-Conference WorkshopsWednesday, January 10, 2018

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Cider Contest Reminder:

For more details or an application, contact Ken Johnson, University of Illinois Extension, (217) 243-7424; kjohnso@illinois.edu or download at www.specialtygrowers.org/iscaoc.html

Thursday, January 118:00 – 9:45 am Registration10:00 am Judging

6:30 pm Awards Presentation at Banquet

Conference Registration:Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. – 12:00 Noon

Conference Trade Show:Wednesday: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Note: Not all vendors will be present Wednesday evening.

Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Legal and Labor Issues for Specialty Crop Growers

10:00 Introduction Jim Fraley, Illinois Specialty Growers Association

10:05 An Overview of Legal Issues for Beginning and Established Specialty Crop Farmers Rich Schell, Wagner and Schell, LLP, Des Plaines, IL

11:10 Insurance Entities, Trademarks, and Intellectual Property Issues for Specialty Crop Growers Rich Schell, Wagner and Schell, LLP, Des Plaines, IL

Lunch

HR for Farmers: Farm Labor and Personnel Issues

1:00 Happy People! Attracting, Compensating, and Retaining Employees Claire Strader, FairShare

2:15 Break

2:30 Paperwork: Hiring, Training, and Worker Protection Rebecca Osland, Illinois Stewardship Alliance

3:45 Comings and Goings: Seasonal, Temporary, and Immigrant Labor Rosa Flores, Illinois Department of Employment Security

4:50 Adjourn to Trade Show

Growing and Marketing Pumpkins

10:00 Introduction Nathan Johanning, University of Illinois

10:05 Pumpkin Insect Management Update Rick Weinzierl, Weinzierl Fruit & Consulting, Urbana, IL

10:35 Pumpkin Weed Management: Options and Economics Nathan Johanning University of Illinois

11:10 Disease Management in Pumpkins Mohammad Babadoost, University of Illinois

Lunch

1:00 Managing Wildlife in Pumpkin Production Dave Shiley, University of Illinois

1:45 What’s New in Pumpkin Varieties Brad Paulson, Rupp Seeds; Jason Williamson, Siegers Seed; and Kevin Hosey, Seedway

2:30 Southern Illinois Pie Pumpkin Variety Trial Report Nathan Johanning University of Illinois

2:45 Break

3:00 Ornamental Corn Variety Selection Bronwyn Aly, University of Illinois

3:30 Nutrient Management Options for Pumpkins Nathan Johanning University of Illinois

4:00 Grower Views on Pumpkin Production and Marketing Eric Rinkel, Rinkel Produce, Glen Carbon, IL; Craig Tanner, Tanners Orchard, Speer, IL

4:45 Adjourn to Trade Show

Conference AgendaThursday, January 11, 2018

Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism and Organic Conference3

9:00 - 10:30 Opening Session:Welcome and Introductions. Jim Fraley, Illinois Specialty Growers AssociationConference Overview. Rick Weinzierl, Weinzierl Fruit and Consulting, LLC

Keynote Address: Simon Huntley, Small Farm CentralCultivating Customers: Are They Your Focus?

11:45-1:30 Lunch in the Trade Show

Fruits10:45 Peach and Nectarine Varieties and Observations on their Susceptibility to Cold Injury and Bacterial Spot Bill Shane, Michigan State University

1:30 How Did We Get the Geneva Rootstocks? Jim Cummins, Cornell University (Emeritus) & Cummins Nursery, Ithaca, NY

2:10 Establishing and Growing High-quality Peaches and Nectarines Bill Shane, Michigan State University

2:40 Apple Varieties and Fruit Tree Nurseries: How to Get the Trees You Want Steve Cummins, Cummins Nursery, Ithaca, NY

Vegetables

10:45 Conservation Tillage in Pepper Production System Ajay Nair, Iowa State University

11:15 Succession Planting with Brassica Crops Zach Grant, University of llinois

11:45 Variety Selection in Watermelon, Cantaloupe, & Specialty Melons Brad Paulson, Rupp Seed

1:30 Effect Of Cultivar Selection And Spacing On Sweet Potato Production Ajay Nair, Iowa State University

2:00 Disease Management of Cole Crops. Mohammad Babadoost, University of llinois.

2:45 Break

3:00 Living Mulch for Weed Control in Plasticulture Vegetable Production Judson Reid, Cornell University

3:30 Cucumber Variety Update Kevin Hosey, Seedway

Herbs10:45 Creating and Growing a Lavender U-Pick Doug and Charlotte Clover, Shawnee Hills Lavender LLC, Cobden, IL

Hops: 2018 Herb of the Year™

1:30 The History and Origins of Hops  Stan Hieronymus, Professional Journalist, St Louis, MO

2:15 Hops from a Brewers Viewpoint Brent Schwoerer, Engrained Brewing Company, Springfield, IL

2:45 Challenges and Economics of Growing Hops Erik Kotewa, Hallowed Hops Farm, Lewistown, IL

3:30 Q&A. Panel of Afternoon Speakers.

Agritourism & Marketing

10:45 CSA in the Era of Blue Apron - Creative Marketing Models that Add Value and Convenience Claire Strader, FairShare

15 Minute Break

1:30 CSA Customer Satisfaction and Retention Simon Huntley, Small Farm Central, Pittsburgh, PA

2:45 45 Happy and Loyal Customers, Unique Marketing Strategies CSA Farmer Panel - • Simon Huntley (moderator), Small Farm Central; • Ted Maddox, Maddox Sweet Corn Farm, Warrensburg, IL; • Katie Bishop, PrairieErth Farm, Atlanta, IL; • Tyler Strom, Strom Family Farm, Elburn, IL

Conference AgendaThursday, January 11, 2018

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4:00 - 5:00 Association Annual Meetings

Illinois Herb Association Annual Meeting Illinois Vegetable Growers Association Annual Meeting Illinois State Horticulture Society Annual Meeting Illinois Irrigation Annual Meeting Illinois Organic Growers Association Annual Meeting

5:30 Cash Bar

6:00 – 7:30 Banquet

Evening - Banquet Speakers:What Works on Our Farm Marty and Will Spence, Spence Farm, Fairbury, IL

Organic10:45 Farmer 2 Farmer Discussion Session Hosted by Lindsay Keeney, Illinois Organic Growers Association. An opportunity to network with other growers.

1:30 Specialty Grains: Bread Wheat, Heritage, and “Ancient” Grains Julie Dawson, University of Wisconsin

2:20 Mechanical Weed Control in Organic Vegetable Production Hans Bishop, PrairiErth Farms, Atlanta, IL

3:00 Integrated Pest Management: An Introduction and Getting Started Grant McCarty, University of Illinois

Emerging Issues10:45 Specialty Crop Issues and the New Farm Bill Rebecca Osland, Illinois Stewardship Alliance

Emerging Issues: Climate & Weather

1:30 Weather Data Available for Illinois Specialty Crop Producers Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute

Conference AgendaFriday, January 12, 2018

Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism and Organic Conference5

Fruits 9:00 - 11:30 2018 Summer Horticulture Field Day TBD

9:30 Opportunities and Challenges in Grape Production Bruce Bordelon, Purdue University

10:30 Strawberry Update: Matted Row Variety Trial and Bare Root Planting in Mid Summer on White Plastic Mike Roegge, Mill Creek Farm, Quincy, IL

11:10 Pecans and Walnuts as Alternative Orchard Crops Katy Kammler, University of Missouri

1:30 Diseases of Apples and Peaches in Illinois in 2017 Mohammad Babadoost, University of Illinois

2:15 Insects and Mites in Apples and Peaches in Illinois in 2017 and Recommendations for 2018 Rick Weinzierl, Weinzierl Fruit and Consulting, Urbana, IL

Vegetables

9:00 Introduction Bronwyn Aly, University of Illinois

9:05 Vegetable Production at Klein Farm Matt Klein, Klein’s Farm & Garden Market, Elgin, IL

9:35 Getting Started in Garlic Grant McCarty, University of Illinois

10:00 Vegetable Insect and Mite Problems in 2017 Rick Weinzierl, Weinzierl Fruit and Counsuling, Urbana, IL

10:30 Techniques for Maximizing Brassica Crop Quality Alicia Kallal, University of Illinois

11:00 Diversified Vegetable Production on JMR Farms Terry Veick, Vincennes, IN

1:30 Vegetable Grafting Basics Judson Reid, Cornell University

2:00 Tomato Grafting Workshop Judson Reid, Cornell University

Agritourism & Marketing Hosting On-Farm Events: Farm Dinners, Farm Crawls, and Farm Stays

9:00 Farm Dinners Wes Jarrell & Leslie Cooperband, Prairie Fruits Farm, Urbana, IL

9:45 Farm Stays Kriss Marion, Circle M Market Farm, Blanchardsville, WI

10:45 Farm Crawls Sean Skeehan, Blue Gate Farm, Chariton, IA

1:30 Farm Stands and Farm Stores: On the Farm or Away from the Farm? • Tara Holcomb, Willow City Farm, Cantrall, IL; • Nic Roth, Roth Countryside Produce, Morton, IL; • Grissom, Grissom Lost Creek Orchards and Farm Market, Greenup, IL

Conference AgendaFriday, January 12, 2018

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Herbs 9:00 Consumer Preferences and Use of Herbs and Spices Brenna Ellison, University of Illinois

10:00 Who Is in Your Market?  How to Find Demographic Information about Your Local Market Area Zachary Kennedy, University of Illinois

10:45 Connecting Food Producers to Consumers through MarketMaker Dar Knipe, National Food MarketMaker Program

Value-Added Products (Joint program with Herbs, Organic, and Emerging Issues.) Agenda listed below the Organic column

Organic 9:00 Modern Heirlooms: Developing New High-quality Vegetable Varieties for Organic Systems Julie Dawson, University of Wisconsin

9:50 Finding Your Niche: Making Your Production System and Values Fit Your Markets Traci Barkley and Hunter Difonso, Sola Gratia Farm, Urbana, IL

10:40 Introduction to Urban Vegetable Production Systems: Considerations and Techniques for Intensive Small-Scale Agriculture in Urban/Peri-Urban Settings Zach Grant, University of Illinois

Value-Added Products (Joint program with Herbs, Organic, and Emerging Issues.) Agenda listed below the Organic column

Emerging Issues 9:00 New Technology to Help Consumer and Markets Connect Products Janie Maxwell, Illinois Farmers Market Association

9:30 Impact and Benefit of Metrics at Farmers Markets Lindsay Keeney, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, New Leaf Consulting, Greenview, IL

10:10 Reaching New Customers Through SNAP Incentives Sarah Simeziane, The Land Connection

10:50 New Farmers Market Legislation and Policy Updates Rebecca Osland, Illinois Stewardship Alliance

Value-Added Products (Joint program with Herbs, Organic, and Emerging Issues.) Agenda listed below the Organic column

Value-Added Products (Joint program with Herbs, Organic, and Emerging Issues.)

1:30 Introduction Elizabeth Wahle and Grant McCarty, University of Illinois

1:45 Tempering New Ideas from Old Mary Lynn Buckles, Prairie Home Herbs, Mt. Pulaski, IL

2:10 Update on Organic Disease and Insect Management Grant McCarty, University of Illinois

2:30 What to Do With “Ugly” Organic Fruits and Vegetables Leslie Cooperband and Wes Jarrell, Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery, Champaign, IL

2:50 It’s Not Just a Farm, It’s an Experience Allison Snow, Farm House Harvest Lavender, Benton, IL

2:50 Panel Discussion

Illinois Specialty Growers Association1701 Towanda AvenueBloomington, IL 61701

DIRECTIONS FROM I-55

Exit 94, Stevenson Drive. Go west one block to Dirksen Parkway. Turn right (north) 1.5 blocks. Hotel is on the right (3000 S. Dirksen Parkway).

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Lodging is available at the Crowne Plaza for $98 per night (single or double) plus 12% tax. Lodging room Internet fee charges have been waived for this conference. Lodging Reservations must be made by Dec. 19 to be guaranteed the $98 room rate.

BY PHONE: Call (217) 529-7777

Ask for in-house reservations, identify your organization as “Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism and Organic Conference.”

VISIT US ON LINE: www.crowneplaza.com

Register on line. Select your dates and click on “book now.” In the left column, fill in “SP5” as your group code, and click on “modify search.”

QUESTIONS?

Contact Jim FraleyPhone: (309) 557-2107 • Fax: (309) 557-3729 Email: jfraley@ilfb.org

Getting There and Staying There

Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism and Organic Conference

January 10-12, 2018 Crowne Plaza Hotel & Convention Center • 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield IL

Address Service Requested

SG603_W7

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S.POSTAGE PAID Bloomington, IL

61702-2901 PERMIT NO. 2