View from the Cab: Ag Institute coming

By: Kent Casson

We are always learning. This goes for teachers, too.

Local teachers have the chance to learn all about local agriculture during a multi-day workshop this summer courtesy of the Livingston County Agriculture in the Classroom Program. “From Bluestem and Bison to Corn and Cattle” will take place June 8-10 at the Livingston County Farm Bureau office in Pontiac.

Commonly referred to as Livingston County’s “summer ag institute,” sessions each day begin at 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Lunch and most of the transportation is provided. Educators have time for collaboration and will enjoy free resources for their classrooms.

Hands-on agricultural activities, which can be implemented in the classroom, will be featured. Highlights include trips to local farms and business operations, guest speakers from Illinois commodity groups and hands-on activities to showcase lessons which teach math, science, ELA and social studies. Sessions provide elementary and secondary teachers a better understanding of the complexity, scope and scale of Illinois agriculture.

Registration is open through Friday, May 13 on a first come, first served basis. Course fee is $25. For more information or to register for the workshop, contact local ag literacy coordinator Debbie Ruff at aitc.livingston@gmail.com or by calling 815-844-6127, extension 3.

The 2022 planting season continues on the Casson farm after we finally got underway with both corn and soybeans last week. Even though temperatures were cool, ground conditions were great, signaling it was time to get out there. Early last week, I noticed several corn planters rolling along with soybean planters. It seems many growers try to plant both crops at the same time these days, as long as they have the right equipment.

I am hoping we have all of the “bugs” worked out of the system and every thing is smooth sailing from here on out for the rest of the spring. It would not be planting season without some opening day glitches along the way. At least we have our local dealer on speed dial should something happen on the mechanical or software end of things.

More rain is in the forecast as of this writing so we are about to put in some long days to work pretty much nonstop while we can. Anymore it seems we must take advantage of these small windows of opportunity we get.