The Illinois Extension has announced the return of its eleventh-annual Summer Twilight Series, a celebrated southern Illinois tradition that unites farmers, educators, and community members to explore the diversity and innovation of local agriculture.
Rooted in the time-honored farming practice of gathering at day’s end to exchange ideas, compare methods, and troubleshoot challenges, the Summer Twilight Series brings this spirit of peer-to-peer learning to a broader platform. The series features on-farm educational experiences, allowing participants to tour working farms, observe operations firsthand, and connect directly with producers and Extension educators.
Throughout the growing season, four unique events will offer a close look at a variety of production practices, marketing approaches, and innovative strategies that are shaping the local agricultural landscape. Each session also provides valuable networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs, fostering partnerships and strengthening regional food systems.
The 2026 schedule includes the following dates and locations, with each event held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday evenings:
MAY 18TH – FLOWER GIRLS GREENHOUSE, RICHVIEW, ILL. – CUT FLOWERS, BEDDING PLANTS, AND HANGING BASKETS
JUNE 22ND – EDMISON ACRES AND HIGHLAND CATTLE, JOHNSONVILLE, ILL. – FARM MARKETING AND MANAGING HIGHLAND COWS
JULY 20TH – PINK TIGER FARM, GOREVILLE, ILL. – VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS, GINGER, TURMERIC, AND PEPPERS
AUGUST 17TH – FRIENDLY FARMS, EDDYVILLE, ILL. – MUMS AND PUMPKINS
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required for these in-person programs. Interested participants can register online at go.illinois.edu/2026twilightseries or by calling 618-695-2441.
For those needing reasonable accommodations to participate, contact Bronwyn Aly at baly@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to ensure all needs can be met.