Farm Tour

Today was a fabulous day! I got to tour several local farms and see what kinds of produce they had to offer. ISU is trying to move to more sustainable practices in support of environment consciousness. Buying from local vendors not only is beneficial to the environment by lowering carbon dioxide emission and price from reduce transportation, it also supports the community, provides a more nutritious product, and local products have much more flavor! (One of my favorite things to eat is a fresh garden tomato with some salt and pepper :)

Our day began with reviewing a handout provided by Cornell University discussing the proper growing, cleaning, and handling of local produce. There were specific guidelines that farmers need to be aware of concerning restrooms on the property, timing of manure, pets on property, sanitation of workers, cleaning the produce etc. From a University stand point quality as well as food safety for all of the students is vital to consider. These guidelines must be reviewed and followed to prevent any potential outbreaks.

We visited three farms that were fairly close to ISU. The farms were absolutely gorgeous. The rolling plains of corn field after corn field is a landscape I am very unfamiliar with coming from Utah. The gardens were HUGE! Row after row were different variety of lettuce, tomatoes, cabbages, and peppers. It was also very fun to get meet the farmers. Growing up in the city suburbs, I never really have met a real full time farmer. The farmers were browned from many days spent under the sun. Their handshake was firm and their hands were rough and calloused from years of working on the farm. They knew so much about the land and different farming techniques and equipment. It was a very different experience and way of living. I'm very glad to have seen a glimpse of the way of life of the American Farmer.

The group I went with were from ISU very pleased with what they found on the local farms and will hopefully be making their first purchases this upcoming fall.

 This is me looking trying to stay warm. This was my first cold day in Illinois. Chef Gump is in the orange, Kevin is in the stripes, and the famer is in the background.

This is the friendly HUMONGOUS dog on one of the farms. And by the way- that is a big no no. Pets should not be in the garden if you are selling that produce to people. Just FYI....