Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit
Duke Energy Convention Center 525 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH, United StatesThe Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit is the largest sustainability conference, bringing together 600 passionate and visionary leaders to share inspiring, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented ideas that propel us toward a healthier, more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future. Join Fortune 500 powerhouses, innovative entrepreneurs, government officials, sustainability directors, academic, non-profit, and community leaders committed to solving some of the region's toughest environmental problems while creating a positive economic impact. The Summit is hosted by Green Umbrella. Planning partners include the Ohio Environmental Council, City of Cincinnati, Xavier University, University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, Groundwork Ohio River Valley, and CommEN Strategies.
Affording Your Farm
ZoomAgricultural funding for farmland is complex and it is often hard to know where to start. How do I get the financing I need for land? How do I afford the infrastructure I need once I do get access to land? In this free virtual workshop, USDA, NRCS, and SARE representatives will provide an overview of private and government financing options for purchasing land and infrastructure so you can begin growing your operation as soon as possible. As a bonus, drop in on OEFFA's monthly Farmer Help Shop at 1 p.m on May 20. There, USDA, NRCS, and SARE representatives will be back to answer more in-depth questions, whether from the Affording Your Farm workshop, or something else. Learn more and register at the link below.
Better Working Conditions Workshop
ZoomThis workshop is aimed toward those who own or manage a farm business with employees and/or are considering hiring. Learn about applicable federal and state laws concerning farm work and Agricultural Justice Project (AJP) standards and practices used to improve on-farm working conditions. Ask questions and learn from a panel of farmers, workers, and advocates on how to run a better business for owners and employees. Learn more and register by clicking the link below.
Farmer Help Shop USDA Edition
ZoomOn May 20, OEFFA's regular help shop will feature USDA, NRCS, and SARE representatives to answer your questions on private and government financing options for purchasing land and infrastructure. This Help Shop is a follow up from the May 9 Affording Your Farm Workshop, a free virtual meeting covering the same topics. Attendance at both isn't required. OEFFA'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 if you 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.
Enough is Enough Tour
Birdfish Brewing Co. 140 E. Park Ave., Columbiana, United StatesFARMERS HAVE HAD ENOUGH Farmers and ranchers are gathering to protest government policies that favor the largest food industry giants as the national “Enough Is Enough Tour” surges across the U.S. this spring. With Congress preparing to debate the farm bill during prime planting and calving season, restricting farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to bring their voices to Washington D.C., farm groups will gather at events in six states to call on Congress to deliver a bill that levels the playing field. The Enough Is Enough Tour is a unified platform for farmers and ranchers to voice the disastrous impacts of the current system on their lives and livelihoods, and to demand reforms that bring prosperity and fair competition to agriculture. The tour is endorsed by 16 farm organizations and sponsored and organized by Farm Action and Farm Action Fund. Tour events will take place across the country, hosted by grassroots and national organizations representing the interests of our nation’s food producers. On Wednesday, May 29, the Tour will stop in Columbiana, Ohio. A complimentary lunch will be served. REGISTRATION REQUIRED (see link below).
Soil and Composting Field Day
Green Things Farm Collective 3825 Nixon Rd., Ann Arbor, MI, United States +1 moreLearn about soils and composting from two different farm systems in a single day! 9am - Noon Green Things Farm Collective 3825 Nixon Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 1 - 4pm Sanctuary Farms 3171 Lakeview St, Detroit, MI 48215 Van transportation between farms will be provided.
Organic Farmer Researcher Meeting: On-Farm Flash Talks
ZoomHear two short presentations about current and recent organic on-farm experiments. Speakers will talk about specific trials underway at their farms or recent trials that informed this year's work. We're leaving time for attendees to ask questions, compare notes, or share their own experiences and ideas. Matt Falb, Constant Springs Farm in Orrville, Ohio – pastured beef and organic row crops Van Slack and Betsy Rosser, Marshall Greens Farm, Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District – small grains variety trial Connection Details Farmers, educators, researchers, and other interested individuals are welcome to join us on the first Thursday of each month to discuss a variety of topics related to organic production research. If you have questions or ideas, please contact one of our group leaders: Johnnie Speicher (OEFFA), Denise Natoli Brooks (Central State University), or Cassy Brown (Ohio State). Join Zoom Meeting https://osu.zoom.us/j/95022597557?pwd=Q1IxUEFHR0NhdGhrZ3R0QTFJa2ZOdz09 Join by Phone Dial 1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) or 1 651 372 8299 (Minnesota) Meeting ID: 950 2259 7557 Password: 654283 Use *6 to mute/unmute Use *9 to raise/lower hand
Lessons Learned in Social Equity
ZoomThe Agricultural Justice Project (AJP)’s Food Justice Certification (FJC) standards address ethical working and living conditions for agricultural system workers and fair trade and pricing for farms and agricultural businesses. This free online session welcomes farmers that have worked through the FJC process, as well as those who have engaged with OEFFA/AJP technical assistance programs to implement different approaches to AJP standards on their farms, to reflect, reconnect, and look to the future. Register at the link below.
Take the Macho Out of Mechanics
37870 Chase Run Road Albany, OH 45710 37870 Chase Run Road, Albany, United StatesJoin Rural Action, Morgan Hager, and Lindsay Klaunig of Trouvaille Farm for a fun and interactive event. Folks will come away with a better understanding of how to prevent common issues with their small engines as well as basic diagnostic knowledge. This class is ideal for folks who have operated small engines on farm and would like to learn the mechanics of their equipment. Get your hands dirty and learn some new skills in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to empower yourself and take the macho out of mechanics! Click the link below to register.
Juneteenth Joy: The Journey for Justice and the Pathway to an Agriculturally Sustainable Future
The Wells Barn - Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, United StatesPlease register for the Growing and Growth Collective's annual Juneteenth event, Juneteenth Justice: Pathways to a Sustainable Future. Their goal is to invite the community into conversation with local growers about the ways food producers and food consumers can promote justice, sustainability, and control over what and how we grow and eat. Their program will feature a keynote with Jim Embry, a nationally-recognized speaker with expertise in Black agriculture and activism in food justice and food sovereignty. They are also hosting a panel discussion on the history and contributions of African Americans in agriculture and the importance of Juneteenth to all Americans. Agenda for the event: Welcome and introduction of keynote speaker (2:00 PM) Keynote by Jim Embry (2:10 PM - 2:50 PM) Panel Discussion (3:00 PM -3:30 PM) Your choice of a visioning activity by Jim Embry or a tour of the Franklin Park Conservatory garden (3:30 PM - 4:00 PM)