Important Dates  & Upcoming Events

March 13 - Pasture Walk & Sheep Program, Rocky Ford Ranch, Trenton, IL (Info contact:arcobb@uiuc.edu)

March 25 - Pasture Management for Improved Profit, Macomb 4-H Center, Macomb, IL 309-837-3939

March 30 - Improving Pastures for Sheep & Goats, Bureau Co. Extension Unit, Princeton, IL 815-875-2878

ISU Seeking Producers to Grow Switchgrass

As a result from a grant from the Department of Energy (DOE), researchers from Illinois State University are looking for 6-10 producers in Illinois to grow Switchgrass for two years.  According to Dr. Paul Walker, Professor of Animal Sciences and principle investigator of the project, the DOE is interested in getting producers growing Switchgrass to being developing a market for cellulosic ethanol production.  Fields will be established during the spring of 2010 and they are looking for producers to put in approximately 10-acres each on productive ground.  Participants will receive a stipend of $200 per acre per year for participating in the program and will be responsible for all field operations.  They also, will be expected to participate in one field day during year two to describe their experiences with raising Switchgrass.

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Dr. Walker at 309-438-3881 or by email at pwalker@ilstu.edu.