Getting the most out of small acreage

Putting a few extra acres to work can bring in additional income, provide an opportunity to experiment with a new enterprise, or develop an interest or hobby for its educational or entertainment value. How to get started is the question. University of Illinois Extension is sponsoring a series of workshops on a variety of topics to help people who have a few acres learn ways that they can put them to use.

Putting Small Acres to Work workshops will be offered between Jan. 26 and March 16 at locations throughout Illinois. Topics will include: vegetable production, sheep and goats, timber management, high tunnel production, food preservation, making money from woodlands, pond management, bees, and cut flower and herb production.

“You don’t have to own hundreds of acres to create a profitable business,” said Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Extension Educator, Local Food Systems and Small Farms. “We developed these workshops to help people realize the possibilities that a few acres can provide.”

Each workshop costs $30 per person or $40 per couple, which includes lunch and materials. Students may attend for $10. Details and registration are available online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/smallfarm/psaw.cfm or by contacting Cavanaugh-Grant (217-782-4617; cvnghgrn@illinois.edu).

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