Crop Sciences - Research Centers

Rader Family Farms is a fourth-generation family operation rooted in nearly 80 years of
agricultural heritage. Established in 1935 as Plainview Guernsey Dairy Farm, the Rader family
built their livelihood on hard work, faith, and stewardship of the land. After transitioning from
dairy to grain farming in 1970, the family expanded to farm approximately 2,400 acres of corn
and soybeans across McLean County. What began over 20 years ago as a small pumpkin
stand has since grown into a vibrant destination farm, now spanning 80 acres and featuring
pumpkins, gourds, squash, and more recently, a diverse orchard with thousands of apple trees.

Hear from the Rader family about their business, as they have continued to grow and evolve
their amazing agritourism destination. Specialty crop industry researchers, suppliers, and
industry partners will also be on site to help inform and answer questions throughout the day.
Please join us for a fun and informative on-farm learning experience, to connect with growers
and experts have to say about issues facing our industry going forward this season!

8:00-8:30AM          Arrival and Registration

8:30-9:00AM          Welcome & Introduction, Coffee and Donuts provided

9-12:00PM             Sunflowers, Zinnias, and Mums
                                Apples (Root stock selection, training and pruning, thinning, drainage tile, etc.)
                                    History, Layout, and Installation of new high density orchard
                                    Apple Varieties, Rootstocks and U-Pick Platform
                                    Hedging experiment
                                    Pollination Experiment (Nolan Lake)
                                Pumpkin production
                                    Growing Methods and Varieties on 12 Acres
                                    Field Layout & Growing on plastic
                                  Disease & Insect Control
                                           Featured Speakers throughout specialty crop presentations:
                                           Plant Pathology - Dr. Mohammad Babadoost, University of Illinois
                                           Entomology - Dr. Kacie Athey, University of Illinois
                                           Horticulture - Dr. James Santiago, University of Illinois

12:00-1:30PM        Lunch & Lunchtime Presentations:
                                Blessing of Meal: Rader Family
                                ISGA Chairperson’s Updates: Jenna Spychal
                                ISHS President's Comments & Regional Grower Crop Report: Austin Flamm

1:30-3:00PM          Overview of Agritourism Operation and Tour - Rader Family Farms
                                Precision Planted Corn Maze, School Tours, Special Events and Sponsorships, Activities and More!