NEW HAVEN — Robin Holloway of Little River Farm is teaming up with the College of Illinois Extension to host this year’s initial of 4 twilight conferences.
The conference will start out at 6 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the farm.
Extension educators Bronwyn Aly, Nathan Johanning and Katie Bell have partnered with region farmers about the earlier eight several years to supply four night “twilight meetings” to highlight and display numerous farming enterprises throughout southern Illinois. Any person involved or intrigued in neighborhood food items generation or mastering a lot more about farms in the location is encouraged and invited to show up at.
Tiny River Farm is situated a stone’s toss away from the Minimal Wabash River, just north of New Haven. Founded in 2019, the farm is at the moment in its 3rd yr of hydroponic fruit and vegetable production.
Immediately after retiring from a vocation as an electrician, Holloway dabbled in a handful of diverse hobbies before he uncovered his joy when he commenced developing refreshing fruits and veggies for his family members. He was drained of the poor high quality and restricted deliver choices uncovered in grocery retailers, specifically throughout late slide to early spring. As his family began sharing their abundance with pals, Holloway observed an option for growth and also a way to advantage his neighborhood.
“You get a very good sensation about on your own when people today say how wonderful the lettuce preferences, and you know that you are supplying a healthy product or service,” Holloway mentioned.
In the course of the evening, Holloway will share his experiences as a commencing farmer developing hydroponic lettuce, tomatoes and strawberries. He will focus on creation approaches in just his two significant tunnels, together with his experiences with different hydroponic programs for lettuce generation, the use of bumblebees to increase pollination and his large tunnel heating and cooling techniques. Holloway will also discuss how need drove his growth as he sells generally in the “off-season” of September through June in the two wholesale and retail channels.
In addition, Dr. Kacie Athey, Specialty Crops Entomologist, University of Illinois Crop Sciences, will examine different organic insect management options.
There is no price to attend this in-particular person method, but pre-registration is appreciated. To register on the web, take a look at go.illinois.edu/2022TwilightSeries. To sign-up by telephone, call 618-695-2441. If you require a realistic accommodation to participate, make contact with Aly at baly@illinois.edu.
