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Season Extension Intensive for Farmers at McHenry County College
School's Carey Center for Agrarian Learning Program to Be Held November 14-15
When I moved to Chicago in 2011 and began my transition to a second career as a better-food advocate, the region's growing season was defined as May to November, and there was not a lot of talk about season extension strategies to enable farmers to grow and sell year-round.
Since then, though, there has been a major increase in knowledge, equipment and growing practice. These factors — combined with rising consumer demand for healthy and sustainably produced local food year-round — have led to a sharp rise in the number of farmers who are practicing season extension or are considering doing so.
It is for these farmers that McHenry County College in Crystal Lake and its Carey Center for Agrarian Learning is presenting its 2026 Specialty Growers Intensive: Strategies for Season Extension. McHenry County College is one of the region's leading providers of farmer training.
Here is how the college describes the two-day weekend event on November 14 and 15.
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Saturday, Nov. 14th 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday, Nov. 15th 10:00am - 3:00pm
Register at Link HERE 😊
At McHenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL
Liebman Science Center, Room F108
Farming in the upper Midwest means that creativity and resources are needed to extend sales beyond our 20-week growing season. Get the insight you need from multiple growers during this weekend-long intensive. Speakers to be announced soon!
Detailed presentations on Storage Crops, Deep Winter Growing, and Value-Added Products included, along with decision-making and planning guidance. There will also be tours of our high tunnel winter crops and equipment, and real-world income/expense scenarios from different successful farm operations.
Deadline for registration is Tuesday, November 10
This program is presented by the Carey Center for Agrarian Learning at MCC with support from private donations and the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust. Food:Land:Opportunity is a collaboration between Kinship Foundation and the Chicago Community Trust.
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