Pastured Heritage Sheep & Wool Production
Join Cricket and Cara for a pasture walk at Ten Cat Farm with Rural Action. Meet the sheep and their guardian llamas while touring their rotational grazing areas. Afterwards, take a closer look at fleeces and yarns from the different breeds. Learn what they have learned so far about raising sheep for both quality wool as well as breeding stock and freezer lamb. They raise heritage breeds that are part of the Livestock Conservancy’s Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em initiative and can share more about that program as well as cooperative efforts within the local Fibershed. Register at the link below.
Turning Dirt into Healthy Soil
Matt Burkholder Farm 6720 Stewart Road, Lima, United StatesRick Clark, a prominent organic no-till farmer in Indiana, will describe his operation, including the economics. Brent Nicol from The Nature Conservancy will discuss different methods of testing your soil. Rainfall Simulator and infiltration ring demos will show the value of good soil health. And learn how healthy soil contributes to healthy people with Dani Kusner. Learn more and register at the link below.
The Farm Bill: Why Is It Important for Local Farmers, Available Healthy Food, and Our Future Climate? (with OEFFA)
Athens Public Library 30 Home St., Athens, United StatesDid you know that Congress must pass a new Farm Bill soon? This legislation will set agricultural, conservation, and food assistance policy and funding priorities for the next five years. Join Earth Justice and Community Partners for an overview, analysis and discussion about the programs covered by the Bill and how we can advocate for the ones that matter the most to Southeast Ohio. Our Presenters: Milo Petruziello, Policy Director of Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) Aimee Delach, Lead Policy Analyst on Climate Change for Defenders of Wildlife
Growing Equity Program
Capital One Cafe in Easton Town Center 167 Easton Town Ctr, Space A-103, Columbus, United StatesInterested in starting an urban farm? Want to resolve the food desert issues in your neighborhood? Are you already growing a vegetable garden and want to earn a few extra bucks? Join this urban agriculture business assistance program with Central State University Extension. Fall Business Series 1: Tuesday, Sep. 10 - Business Mission Vision Values Tuesday, Sep. 17 - Business Structures Tuesday, Sep. 24 - Business Planning Tuesday, Oct. 1- Business Marketing Tuesday, Oct. 8 - Business Records and Financials Tuesday, Oct. 15- Business Operations and Resources This program is free, but registration is required at the link below.
Unlocking Local Grain Potential
ZoomThis webinar series is intended to teach small grain-related businesses about successful strategies for working with local grains. The three sessions will cover grain testing with Hartwick College (September 10), strategies for bakers to gradually scale their use of local grains through flour blending with King Arthur Flour (October 7), and effective strategies for storytelling and marketing local grains (November 4). Learn more and register at the link below.
Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day
MEIGS Horticultural Research Farm 9101 S 100 E, Lafayette, IN, United StatesMidwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day returns on Wednesday, September 11 to Purdue University’s MEIGS Horticultural Research Farm in Lafayette, Indiana. MMWCFD connects farmers, machinery manufacturers, and the allied trades from all over the United States and Canada – because it is THE place to see weeding tools. The morning features a trade-show where companies can connect one-on-one with farmers, and educational sessions, and the afternoon features field demonstrations in vegetable and row crops. Register at the link below.
Ohio Pawpaw Festival
Ohio Pawpaw Festival 5900 US Highway 50, Albany, United StatesThe Ohio Pawpaw Festival is a fun-filled, educational community event celebrating one of America’s largest native tree fruits, the pawpaw (Asimina triloba). This all-weekend event highlights the rich history and future possibilities of the pawpaw through delectable food and beverages, and a full line-up of presentations and activities that cover pawpaw growing, cooking, genetics, medical use and other topics related to sustainability. There will be a community conversation organized by OEFFA about farmland access in the Meigs and Athens County area during the festival. Learn more and register for the festival at the link below.
The What, Why and How of Organic Webinar Series
ZoomThis three-part webinar series is primarily focused on training individuals who provide services to farmers, such as MSU Extension staff. However, the program is open to all, including organic-curious farmers. Zoom webinar information will be provided after registration. September 13 - What Learn about USDA Organic rules, approved products and participate in an Organic System Plan interactive activity . September 20 - Why Learn from a variety of farmers the reasons why they chose to pursue organic certification for their farm, a different type of certification or no certification at all. September 27 - How Learn all about getting certified, including: the process of choosing a certifier, the organic system plan and recordkeeping.
Land Access in Southeastern Ohio: OEFFA Community Conversation at Pawpaw Festival
Lake Snowden 5900 US Highway 50, Albany, United StatesThe Ohio Pawpaw Festival is a fun-filled, educational community event celebrating one of America’s largest native tree fruits - the pawpaw! As you enjoy the fun and food of the fest, stop by the Mother Earth News tent on Sunday, September 15 from 1 - 2 pm. OEFFA will facilitate a community conversation engaging farmers and landholders in the Athens/Meigs/Vinton County area. While the area is rich in sustainable agriculture and active community care for the environment, it still faces many of the same statewide challenges of keeping farmland affordable, accessible, and available for those who feed us. As development pressure increases and farmland prices rise, OEFFA will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the current and future state of land access for new and retiring farmers. Join the conversation and talk with county commissioners, land bank representatives, real estate professionals, and land seekers. Together we will discuss the current state of land access, share personal experiences, brainstorm solutions, and envision a future where sustainable, local agriculture can continue to thrive.
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 on the third Monday of 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.