Summer Twilight Series strengthens southern Illinois food systems

RICHVIEW, Ill. – Illinois Extension is excited to announce the return of the eleventh-annual Summer Twilight Series. This southern Illinois tradition brings farmers, educators, and community members together to explore the diversity and innovation of local agriculture.

Twilight meetings trace their roots back to a long‑standing farming practice: gathering to exchange ideas, compare methods, and troubleshoot challenges at the conclusion of a busy workday. Recognizing the value of these peer‑to‑peer conversations, Extension replicated the concept into an engaging educational series that invites participants to tour working farms, observe operations firsthand, and connect directly with producers and Extension educators.

The series offers four unique on-farm learning experiences throughout the growing season. Each event highlights a different farm or direct‑market operation, offering attendees a close look at a wide range of production practices, marketing approaches, and innovative strategies shaping local agriculture.

Beyond education, these events foster community. Each session includes time for networking, helping local entrepreneurs build valuable partnerships, and strengthening the regional food systems. The summer programs are scheduled on Monday evenings, from 6 to 8 p.m., on the following dates at the locations listed below:

• May 18 – Flower Girls Greenhouse, Richview, Ill. – cut flowers, bedding plants, and hanging baskets
• June (exact date to be announced in the near future) – Edmison Acres and Highland Cattle, Johnsonville, Ill. – farm marketing and managing highland cows
• July 20 – Pink Tiger Farm, Goreville, Ill. – value-added products, ginger, turmeric, and peppers
• August 17 – Friendly Farms, Eddyville, Ill. – mums and pumpkins

There is no cost to attend these in-person programs, but registration is required. To register online for any or all of the meetings in this series, visit go.illinois.edu/2026twilightseries or call 618-695-2441.

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

SOURCE:  Bronwyn Aly, local foods and small farms educator, University of Illinois Extension, baly@illinois.edu, 618-695-2441

WRITER: Heather Willis, regional media communications coordinator, University of Illinois Extension, hdwillis@illinois.edu, 217-300-3972

ABOUT EXTENSION:  Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.