FS 6: Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Illinois Half-­‐Day Field Session: free with full registration/ $25 for others (one-­‐day and student rates); possibility of rough and muddy ground—appropriate footwear recommended Moderators: David Kovacic, Emeritus Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-­‐Champaign; Sarah Taylor Lovell, Assistant Professor of Crop Sciences, College of Agriculture, Consumer & Environmental Sciences (ACES) Intensive industrial agriculture, the mainstay of many agricultural economies throughout the world, is also characteristic of the American Midwest landscape. While modern industrial agriculture is credited with saving the world from famine, some negative environmental externalities may outweigh the positive benefits: pollution of drinking water with high levels of nutrients and pesticides; dead zones in our marine systems; contribution of greenhouse gases to our atmosphere. Alternative sustainable agricultural models that may reduce greenhouse gases, provide more wholesome food and water, and reduce global contamination, are being tested at the University of Illinois. This CELA tour allows visitors to discuss the modern agricultural model, the problems associated with it and some possible alternatives. We begin our tour at the Morrow Plots, the oldest continous agricultural research plots in the United States, followed by some alternative agricultural models that may be more sustainable. These will include: the Student Sustainable Farm; the Fisher House Miscanthus Biomass project; and the Prairie Fruits Farm, an excellent example of alternative agriculture, where we will also enjoy a delicious brunch. Sustainable Agriculture Tour Itinerary: 8:00 am 8:30 am Depart from the I-­‐Hotel, brief stop at the Morrow Plots on UIUC campus. Tour the Student Sustainable Farm in Urbana (UIUC) 10:00 am 11:30 am 12:30 pm The Sustainable Student Farm serves as a production farm to supply University of Illinois residence halls with locally grown, low-­‐input sustainable food, and a living laboratory to connect students, community members, and the state at large with regional, small-­‐scale food systems. Currently, the farm operates between 45-­‐48 weeks per year…. Tour the Fisher House Miscanthus grass biomass study Concerns about environmental, economic, and energy security worldwide, has resulted in a search for alternative energy sources. Miscanthus x giganteus is a strong contender in the race to find the next source of ethanol. Funded by a grant through BP (British Petroleum), UIUC is investigating the establishment, growth, and yield of this grass, to promote ethanol production using the fewest inputs with no environmental damage. Enjoy brunch at the Prairie Fruits Farm; meet Wes Jarrell (ACES Emeritus Professor) and all the newborn kids (baby goats) Tour of diversified agricultural alternative at Prairie Fruits Farm Prairie Fruits Farm is Illinois’ first farmstead cheese making facility. On the rich soils of Central Illinois, sustainable farming practices have transformed the landscape from cash grain agriculture to diversified perennial fruit trees, berries, herbs, pastures, hayfields and prairie. A forage-­‐based diet for the dairy herd of Nubian and La Mancha Goats is emphasized.