The Carthage Branch Campus of Carl Sandburg College will host a series of three free agricultural workshops in December. Scheduled for Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on December 5, December 12, and December 19, each session will provide participants with a complimentary lunch catered by Lake Hill Winery.
The workshops feature a variety of expert speakers who will cover significant topics in agriculture. On December 5, Professor Win Phippen from Western Illinois University will present on “Pennycress: From Cover Crop to Clean Energy Future.” Dr. Phippen’s research focuses on agronomic advancements and breeding improvements for new and alternative crops. Notably, he established a field pennycress breeding program in 2010 and serves as the project director for the $10 million USDA-NIFA-coordinated agriculture project, IPREFER (Integrated Pennycress Research Enabling Farm and Energy Resilience).
On the following Friday, December 12, Dr. Shelby Henning, a professor at Spoon River College, will lead a session highlighting his expertise in commercial vegetable crop production, hydroponics, and greenhouse cultivation techniques. Dr. Henning, who previously taught at Western Illinois University, will share valuable insights into alternative crop production methods.
The final session on December 19 will feature representatives from Heritage Tractor, who will discuss John Deere’s innovative autonomous tractor technology. This technology is currently being utilized in agricultural fields between Knoxville and Peoria, Illinois, and the representatives will also elaborate on the company’s precision agriculture initiatives.
While attendance at these sessions is free, registration is required. Interested participants can secure their spots by calling (217) 357-3129. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for community members to engage with leading experts in the agricultural field and gain insights into the future of farming technology and practices.
