OEFFA Lake Effect Chapter: Farm Tour
A's and O's Farm 7625 Lake Shore Blvd., Mentor, United StatesJoin a farm tour with OEFFA's Lake Effect Chapter at the A's and O's Farm in Mentor, Ohio. See examples of no-till mulch farming, solar water pumping, deer and rabbit pest protection techniques, and learn how they (mostly) managed the dozens of human pests surrounding the farm's 4.5-acre urban lot. The half-acre of organic field production includes asparagus, snap peas, beans, and sweet potatoes, but mostly is dedicated to fruit producing perennials. The organic asparagus field should be in full production by then so you can pick a meal's worth to take home, plus some composted wood chips for your own field or garden. And all will have the opportunity to stick around and do some hands-on planting of seeds or perennials, so wear your boots and coveralls! The rain date will be April 27. Contact Tom Rapini at (440) 257-2673 or tomrapini@gmail.com or call Valerie Garrett at (440) 231-0842 with questions.
Farmer Help Shop
ZoomOEFFA’s team of educators is available to assist farmers at any stage of their journey. Whether you are making the switch to organic, are already certified, or have questions about sustainable agriculture practices, OEFFA can share guidance and support. Drop in virtually each month to talk to sustainable agriculture educators with your queries and questions. Click the link below to register and receive the Zoom meeting link.
Discussing Agrivoltaics in Ohio
Madison County Fairgrounds - Coughlin Community Center 205 Elm St, London, United StatesJoin Farm-To-Power and their panel of experienced Ohio farmers as they discuss some current examples of agrivoltaics in Ohio. Hear directly from solar grazers and developers as they discuss their experiences incorporating grazing practices into solar developments, challenges they've faced, and the benefits it can bring.
Carbon Academy Workshop for Farmers
ZoomThe Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is excited to invite you to a Carbon Academy Workshop especially designed for farmers by the Lal Carbon Center.
The mission of the Carbon Academy Workshop is to provide essential insights into soil carbon, carbon farming, on-farm carbon credit assessments, soil carbon measurement techniques (including remote sensing), and to explore broader topics such as policy, legal considerations, carbon as it relates to food security, societal carbon value, ecosystem services payments, and carbon market mechanisms.
MVEG Farm Stress Management Cohort: Session Two
ZoomJoin the Midwest Vegetable Growers Network (MVEG) and fellow vegetable farmers who will explore together how to integrate stress management practices into their unique farming operations. All sessions are held virtually from 7:30-9 p.m. ET. April 28 - Planning for Stress Management - Pre-season planning, how do we commit in our plans to make room for managing stress. During this session we’ll provide some examples of how to plan for stress management, and create space for developing your own plan. Register for free here.
Grant Writing for Farm and Food Businesses Webinar
ZoomGrants can offer a great opportunity to support your business in scaling up, adding products, or taking on a new project. But grant writing takes time, strategic thought, and preparation in order to be successful. In this webinar, Rural Action's Sustainable Agriculture Director, Molly Sowash, will overview: How to decide if a grant opportunity is right for you A checklist for writing a grant Best practices for forming a budget Best practices for writing a narrative Preparing for grant awards, reporting, and documentation Resources for finding grant opportunities and receiving grant writing support This webinar will include time for group discussion and learning from peers about their successes in securing grants. Register at the link below.
Ohio Proud Food Summit
Ohio Department of Agriculture 8995 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, United StatesPlease join the Ohio Department of Agriculture for an event on April 30th that connects Ohio growers and food manufacturers directly to retail and food service buyers. More than 25 Ohio Proud partners, including several who are new to sampling at this event, will be available to sample and answer questions about their local, Ohio-made products! If you would like to attend the Ohio Proud Food Summit, please complete and return this form by Thursday, April 24. There is no charge to attend, but registration is requested. Questions? Please feel free to reach out to us at OhioProud@agri.ohio.gov or Ashley.McDonald@agri.ohio.gov. We hope to see you there! REGISTRATION FORM
Sow The Seeds 5th Anniversary Gala for Growing and Growth Collective
Broad Street Presbyterian Church 760 E. Broad St., Columbus, United StatesJoin Growing and Growth Collective (GGC) at the Sow The Seeds 5th Anniversary Gala, featuring Brother(hood) Dance!, for an unforgettable evening of art, culture, and connection. The 3-in-1 program benefits GGC and includes a celebratory luncheon, performances, a garden walk, and a litter cleanup. Black on Earth is an interdisciplinary performance combining dance, agriculture, and technology to explore Black ecological relationships and land stewardship. This excerpt reveals embodied histories of Black growers, reconnecting with the earth through movement, sound, and storytelling. Rooted in African diasporic traditions, the work reimagines sustainability and ancestral resilience. Black on Earth invites audiences to witness the profound bond between Black bodies and the land. #DanceTheEarthTruths Get your tickets here.
Starting a Seed Business Webinar with Trouvaille Farm
ZoomJoin seed saver Lindsay Klaunig at this virtual webinar to learn the ins and outs of starting and marketing a seed saving enterprise! As you plan your garden or farm, consider adding seed crops to the mix. This webinar will cover: The importance of growing our own vegetable and flower seeds. How to get started adding a seed venture to your current growing plan, including: assessing which crops are suitable for your site and system, commercial seed growing basics, cleaning and quality standards. Selling seed: discussing options from wholesale contracting with seed companies to retailing your own packets. Taking seed work to the next level: regional adaptation, breeding, stewardship and building community around seed. This will be targeted to current growers who are interested in potentially adding seed crops as a business venture. Other audiences are welcome to join and will still find plenty of good info and ideas. Register at the link below.
OEFFA Southwest Chapter: Farm Tour
Dogwood Farm 10993 Grog Run Rd, Loveland, United StatesOwner, operator, and Farmer-in-Chief Samantha Steiner founded Dogwood Farm in 2010 to provide the northern Cincinnati, Ohio area all natural, locally raised meats and eggs. Her passion in farming stemmed from her upbringing as a fourth generation farmer. Growing up on a dairy farm, Samantha learned the responsibilities and importance of humane animal treatment and natural foods. Her holistic agriculture approach provides her livestock a stress free environment and leaves a positive impact on the land. Join OEFFA's Southwest Ohio Chapter for a farm tour of Dogwood. RSVP to Cori at the contact details below.