The Carthage Branch Campus of Carl Sandburg College will host a series of three, free agricultural sessions from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Each session includes a free catered lunch from Lake Hill Winery in Carthage.
Speakers include:
• Friday, Dec. 5 – Western Illinois University Professor Win Phippen: Dr. Phippen’s research focuses on agronomic and breeding improvement of new and alternative crops. In 2010, Phippen established a field pennycress breeding program. He is the project director for the $10 million, five-year USDA-NIFA-coordinated agriculture project IPREFER (Integrated Pennycress Research Enabling Farm and Energy Resilience).
Phippen will present, “Pennycress: From Cover Crop to Clean Energy Future.”
• Friday, Dec. 12 – Spoon River College Professor Shelby Henning: Dr. Henning previously taught at WIU. He specializes in commercial vegetable crop production, hydroponic plant cultivation, protected (high-tunnel) and greenhouse crop production, and alternative crops.
• Friday, Dec. 19 – Heritage Tractor representatives will speak about John Deere’s autonomous tractor technology currently used in fields between Knoxville and Peoria, IL, and about the company’s precision group.
While each class is free, registration is required, and can be completed by calling (217) 357-3129.
