Marengo Park District, 825 Indian Oaks Trail, Marengo, IL 60152
Cost: $5, includes lunch
Registration required: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/mWMrMF-fqxdMGHctTKOXeQ?t=1658194062

Whether you’re a farmer or a landowner, there is a lot to learn about transitioning to organic. From specialty leases to the certification process to harvesting, storage and markets, each phase of this journey must be understood so the transition can happen smoothly. To tackle this complex topic the McHenry County Conservation District is teaming up with The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, Midwest GRIT, and Liberty Prairie Foundation to host a full day of learning about the organic transition, accessing public lands, growing food grade grains, and what market opportunities are available.

Join Bob Haraden on his farm to see and hear about his family’s journey growing food grade soybeans on McHenry County Conservation District-owned land, while also transitioning this and other parcels to organic production. As we enter rapidly into a great land transition era, listen and learn about some of the barriers and innovative solutions farmers and landowners are navigating in order to ensure access to land remains equitable for farmers contributing to our regional food system, such as accessing publicly owned land or unique tenant opportunities. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of what’s required to successfully grow food grade grains, including the harvest and post-harvest handling needs, and hear the specific market opportunities available for transition crops, organic crops and food-grade crops.

After, enjoy lunch and learn from a panel of local farmers:
The Haraden Family
Dave Campbell, Lily Lake Organic Farm
Angela Coxworth, Opa’s Organics
Andrea Hazzard, Hazzard Free Farms

This event is possible with a partnership between MCCD, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, Liberty Prairie Foundation, and Michael Fields Agricultural Institute: Midwest GRIT.