Producers in central Illinois gained valuable information directly from University of Illinois experts during the 2024 Summer Field Day at Dudley Smith Farm.  The farm is located between Taylorville and Pana in Christian County. Attendees learned the latest research findings on the impacts of soil quality and were given options to employ better soil health changes in their cattle, pasture, and farming operations.

David Herbert of the Herbert Family Farms in Owaneco shared his expertise in transitioning his family farm into a farm-to-plate farm and provided insight into how he and his family learned about marketing and selling directly to consumers.  Herbert says the importance of being flexible to adjust pricing strategies and products being offered. 

Also speaking, was Dan Shike, a professor and interim head of the University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences, about grazing management strategies, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of continuous grazing, rotational grazing, mob grazing, stockpile grazing, and strip grazing.  He also identified new technologies for fencing systems. 

Attendees honored Dudley Smith Farm Coordinator Ed Ballard for decades of service to the University of Illinois and Illinois farmers who have benefited from his knowledge.  Ballard was presented an engraved crystal plaque from the U of I College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences and a certificate by State Representative Brad Halbrook on behalf of the state of Illinois in recognition of his dedication to advancing and improving farming in Illinois.  There was also a fried chicken lunch and informative presentations. 

Dudley Smith Farm is a 228-acre research site under the Dudley Smith Initiative, which supports innovative research and outreach that advances its fundamental goal of invigorating the agricultural system in Illinois.  Learn more about the Dudley Smith Initiative at dsi.aces.illinois.edu.