4-H Rifle Program to Start in JuneU of I Extension News – May 25, 2016

4-H Rifle Program to Start in June

Washington County 4-H shooting sports rifle season is starting in June. Youth interested in learning safe and responsible use of rifle equipment-including decision making skills, self-discipline and concentration are encouraged to register. This 4-H special interest club will promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship and ethical behavior.

The rifle club will meet this summer every other Friday morning starting on June 3. Cost to join for the season is $20. Advance registration is required, location details and time will be shared with those who register. For more information, or to register a child between the ages of 8 and 18, please call 618-327-8881 by June 1.

G & C Meyer Farm & Greenhouse Hosts Twilight Meeting

The University of Illinois Extension is teaming up with area farmers to provide four evening “twilight meetings” to highlight and demonstrate diverse farming enterprises across southern Illinois. Anyone involved or interested in local food production is encouraged and invited to attend.

Glenn and Carol Meyer of G & C Meyer Farm and Greenhouse will be hosting our second twilight meeting on Monday, June 20, 2016 starting at 6 p.m. University of Illinois Extension and G & C Meyer Farm & Greenhouse are excited to have the Randolph County Farm Bureau as a co-sponsor for this meeting. Around 1980, Carol Meyer was looking at options to diversify their farm from grain and livestock, and it was then that they put out their first strawberries. They later moved away from strawberries, but three and a half decades later, they are raising blackberries, black & red raspberries, blueberries, a wide range of vegetable crops, mums, pumpkins, and annual & perennial flower and vegetable transplants.

The Meyers are very active members of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association and Farm Bureau, advocating for the fruit and vegetable industry in Illinois.

Over the course of the evening, Glenn and Carol will share their experiences producing and marketing this broad range of crops produced on their small, diverse farm. The Meyers market their products both at their on-farm stand and at the local farmer’s market. They will share some of their production challenges, changes, and transitions they have made over the years. G & C Farm & Greenhouse is an excellent example of a successful southern Illinois small farm enterprise. We encourage anyone interested in fruit or vegetable production to capitalize on this on-farm learning and networking opportunity.

This program is provided at no cost but pre-registration is required. Please register online at https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=14619 or by calling 618-382-2662 no later than Friday, June 17, 2016. For more information about the Twilight Meeting contact: Bronwyn Aly – baly@illinois.edu; 618-382-2662; -or- Nathan Johanning – njohann@illinois.edu; 618-687-1727

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact the extension office at (618)327-8881