In the future, we may narrow our focus. It is a good way to communicate without intimidation or trying to prove a point. In northern Illinois, the sustainable agriculture organization served as a base for the Advocates of Practical Farming. Mike Richolson, with the DeKalb County Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Joel Rissman, who operates an organic farm in the area, are co-facilitators. The study circle has met three times and discussed using cover crops after wheat, composting and fertilizer value from municipal lawn waste, and sustainable practices in conventional systems.
Participants are comfortable with the study circle concept.
In fact, several farmers will be using practices reviewed in the sessions. Louis Reuschel, a member of the Western Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society, worked with Extension to recruit people for two study circles. Topics have ranged from the present and future structure of agriculture to global positioning and zoning. One group invited area legislators to examine the impact of politics on agriculture. They must focus the group on the subject and at the same time be effective at letting individuals express themselves.