FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2009
For More Information Contact:  Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, U of I (217) 968-5512
                                                   Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606

5th National Small Farm Conference Registration Just A Click Away!

Champaign, IL—Join other small farmers and ranchers in Springfield, IL, and get registered for the 5th National Small Farm Conference. Hosted by the University of Illinois Extension, the conference includes five short courses, more than 100 different oral and poster presentations, seven tours and more than 50 exhibits. The conference, which is held every three to four years, brings together land grant universities, community-based organizations and stakeholders who work closely with small farmers and ranchers. The conference aims to strengthen collaboration and partnership among groups and provide the chance to share new ideas in research, production and outreach. Registration deadline ends soon so make plans to attend today.

The 5th National Small Farm Conference -- "Roadmap to Success for Small Farmers and Ranchers"-- will be held September 15-17, 2009, at the Hilton Springfield and the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois. The conference is supported and made possible by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) supports the event and offers press and outreach support.

A conference registration fee ($250) covers costs for a registration packet, two breakfasts, two lunches, one reception, one dinner, conference tour, and refreshments at breaks. The Tuesday evening reception features an entire menu of local foods, while the other meals and breaks will include some local food items. After August 25, the registration fee will be $300.

Register online at www.conferences.uiuc.edu/smallfarm or pay by check, money order, or purchase order. Fax registration to University of Illinois Conferences and Institutes at 217-333-9561 or mail to Small Farm Conference, Cashiering Office, University of Illinois, 162 Henry Administration Building, 506 S. Wright Street. Urbana, IL 61801.

"The Conference offers a venue for small farm program leaders from federal, state, and local organizations to learn about successful programs," says Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, University of Illinois Extension Specialist for Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture and 5th National Conference Co-Chair. The conference includes preconference short courses, concurrent sessions on a variety of current and relevant topics, thought-provoking posters and educational exhibits, plenary sessions, and seven unique educational tours. Tour topics for Thursday, September 17th include:

1. Beginning Farmer Tour - Farm Beginnings© and Beyond
2. Bio-energy Tour – Small Farm Energy
3. Building Community Support Tour
4. Developing Sustainable Farming Systems
5. Exploring Alternative Enterprises and Marketing Opportunities
6. Managing Business: Keeping the Farm and Ranch
7. Walking Tour: Tour of Lincoln Sites & 100th Commemoration of 1908 Springfield Race Riot

The conference will be held at the Hilton Springfield and the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois. Special hotel group rate registration is $83.00 for a single and $98.00 for a double (plus 12% taxes). Additional guests (over 2) will be $15.00 each. Make reservations directly with the hotel (217-789-1530 or 800-445-8667) before August 25 to guarantee the group rate. If making reservations by phone, ask for the "Small Farm" room block. For more information, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, conference chair, cvnghgrn@illinois.edu, or call 217-968-5512. Register online at www.conferences.uiuc.edu/smallfarm.

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