This is the first blog in a series by Neel Koritala. Neel is a student at the University of Illinois studying Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability. Neel is interested in climate research and policy and has been a part of climate research in New Zealand. He will be sharing changes in state and federal policy concerning the food and farm system through blogs for The Land Connection in his last semester as a student.
Blog
Sufganiyot
Special Thanks to the Champaign Urbana Jewish Federation for leading the instructional video and providing recipe knowledge!
Field Notes: Part Three – Crider Farms
After a quick stint on the interstate, I take Exit 159 toward Gibson City and drive among the corn and soybeans for a bit. Before too long, just off Route 54, I find one branch of Crider Farms, the sheep operation. This branch of the farm is run by Chris Crider, his wife Erin, and their two boys.
Sunny Summer Salad
This delicious salad is a great way to incorporate several fresh market vegetables. This salad is also very customizable! Try offering different dressings or ingredients like cooked pasta, sweet peppers, or feta cheese so kids can customize their own Sunny Summer Salads.
Field Notes: Part Two – Cow Creek Organic Farm
Driving through vast farmlands and the occasional swamp, located near the start of the Middlefork River, and just southeast of Paxton, IL, I find Cow Creek Organic Farm. Cow Creek is a multi-generational family farm owned and operated by Jeff and Rita Glazik along with their four children: Will, Clayton, Dallas, and Abby.
Notes from the Field: The Land Connection’s Organic Grain Mentorship
The Land Connection is pleased to share updates about our pilot year of the Organic Grain Mentorship Program. This program has been in development since as early as 2021, when The Land Connection partnered with farmers to build a model for supporting conventional row croppers as they transition some of their acreage to organic practices.