In 2016, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau joined forces to host “Farm to Family Ag Tours” as an opportunity for homeschool families to gain a better understanding of agriculture. This program was made possible by grant funding from ADM Cares and the Illinois Farm Bureau.
In January, 28 participants visited Hilltop Maple Syrup in Farina, IL to learn about syrup production and processing. The group then enjoyed a pancake lunch before touring Bonnie Plants in St. Elmo, IL to experience greenhouse plant production. When asked what part of the tour they enjoyed most, one participant responded “All parts were enjoyable. We use Hilltop syrup and Bonnie seeds, so it was nice to see where they come from.”
February’s tour started at Hartrich Meats Inc. in Ste. Marie, IL, where families gained knowledge of beef harvest, fabrication, and processing. Those 26 participants then visited Jeff Ochs cattle farm in West Liberty, IL to learn more about beef cattle production. A hamburger lunch, catered by Hartrich Meats Inc., was served at West Liberty FS. Following lunch, FS employees shared information about the use of drones in today’s farming operations and gave a live drone demonstration. Families provided feedback that the tours helped them gain a better understanding of agriculture and it gave some youth ideas of future career paths.
In March, 21 participants visited Chris Hartke’s hog facility near Teutopolis, IL to take in the sights and smells of swine production. Families were served pork burgers and made ice cream in a bag. After lunch, the tour resumed at Dale & Lora Repking’s robotic dairy to learn about dairy cattle and milk production. Participants were even able to get hands on and help bottle feed some of the calves.
The next tour is planned for April 21, 2016, where families will visit Hodgson Mills in Effingham, IL and Siemer Milling in Teutopolis, IL. For more information, contact the Effingham County Extension Office at 217-347-7773.
To learn more about Extension programs in Unit 21, visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/ or find us on Facebook U of I Extension Clay, Effingham, Fayette, and Jasper County.
