Illinois Extension announces sustainability farming series schedule – shawlocal.com

University of Illinois Extension Launches Sustainability on the Farm Winter Program Series

The University of Illinois Extension is set to host a winter program series titled Sustainability on the Farm, commencing Tuesday, February 3. This initiative aims to educate community members, landowners, and farmers on sustainable agriculture practices that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Program Objectives and Relevance to SDGs

The series is designed to equip participants with practical tools and research-based strategies to implement sustainable agricultural methods. These efforts contribute to:

• Enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture (SDG 2)
• Promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15)
• Reducing environmental impacts through responsible practices (SDG 12)

Program Schedule and Topics

1. Farming with Wildlife
   10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 3
   Location: Marshall-Putnam County Extension Office, 509 Front St., Suite 4, Henry
   Focus: Conservation practices supporting agricultural land wildlife with emphasis on bird habitats, deer, and pollinator considerations. This session supports SDG 15 by promoting biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.
2. Edge of Field Practices
   10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 19
   Location: Bureau County Extension Office, 850 E. Thompson St., Becker Professional Suites, Princeton
   Focus: Introduction to edge-of-field solutions such as saturated buffers, bioreactors, constructed wetlands, and prairie strips. These practices contribute to water quality improvement and sustainable land management, addressing SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 15.
3. Conservation Practices for Profitable Farms
   10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, March 5
   Location: Marshall-Putnam County Extension Office
   Focus: Strategies to protect natural resources while enhancing farm profitability, promoting sustainable economic growth and responsible resource management in line with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12.
4. Conservation Conversations
   10 to 11 a.m., Friday, March 20
   Location: La Salle County Extension Office, 1689 N. 31st Road, Suite 2, Ottawa
   Focus: Communication techniques to facilitate effective discussions on conservation practices between landowners and farmers, fostering partnerships and community engagement consistent with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Registration and Accessibility

Registration is mandatory to participate in the Sustainability on the Farm program series. Interested individuals can register online at go.illinois.edu/SustainableFarms.

Early accommodation requests for access needs are encouraged to ensure inclusivity. Requests can be submitted via email to emhansen@illinois.edu or by calling 815-224-0896.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article focuses on sustainable agriculture practices, which directly relate to improving food security and promoting sustainable food production systems.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The program promotes conservation and sustainable farming practices that reduce environmental impact, aligning with responsible management of natural resources.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land – The emphasis on wildlife conservation, habitat support, and natural resource protection connects to the goal of sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, and halting biodiversity loss.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – By promoting conservation practices and reducing environmental impacts, the program supports efforts to combat climate change and its impacts.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicator for Target 2.4:
   • Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture – implied through the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and conservation strategies.
2. Indicator for Target 12.2:
   • Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP – implied by efforts to reduce environmental impact and implement resource-efficient farming techniques.
3. Indicators for Target 15.1 and 15.5:
   • Forest area as a proportion of total land area – implied through conservation practices supporting wildlife and habitat.
   • Red List Index – implied by focus on pollinator and wildlife conservation.
4. Indicator for Target 13.1:
   • Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population – indirectly related through conservation efforts that enhance resilience.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: shawlocal.com