MARION – The Patch is teaming up with University of Illinois Extension to share information on cover crops, pumpkin production, and fall agritourism on Monday, Aug. 21, at 6 p.m. The Patch is located at 14656 Pittsburg Rd. in Marion.

Illinois Extension educators have partnered with area farmers over the past nine summers to provide monthly evening “twilight meetings” to highlight and demonstrate diverse farming enterprises across southern Illinois.

Samantha and Adam Dahmer, owners of The Patch, will discuss their management of a 10-acre pumpkin field. The Dahmers are passionate about soil health and resilience during adverse growing conditions. Adam grew up on a farm that has been 100 percent no-till since the early 80s, and he has incorporated those practices into growing pumpkins no-till with cover crops. Along with the main season, Samantha also offers pop-up vendor fairs throughout the year at The Patch, including Mum Day and Fern Day. Throughout the evening, the program will discuss various management techniques, marketing, and an overview of the farm.

There is no cost to attend this in-person program, but pre-registration is appreciated. To register, call 618-695-2441 or visit go.illinois.edu/2023TwilightSeries.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Bronwyn Aly at baly@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs.