Three Creeks Produce Tour and Field Walk
Three Creeks Produce 5362 Swisher Road, Groveport, United StatesMany farms have diversified outlets, making wash/pack management a high priority. Multiple options exist to keep products flowing while maintaining high quality. Costs for indoor packsheds can seem out of reach, but thoughtful choices and creativity can go pretty far. See how Three Creeks implements simple processes to serve their customers (restaurants, wholesale outlets, and CSA participants) with their limited facilities, infrastructure, cold storage, and labor. Discuss what they started with, how they use what they have, and what’s next on their list. Register at the link below.
Organics 101
ZoomIn this virtual workshop series, OEFFA staff will cover the basics of organic certification, organic farming practices, and some things farmers should consider before becoming certified. What is organic? (Monday, June 10)—Understand the wide variety of definitions of organic, the holistic approach to organic farming, and some land stewardship practices used in organic agricultural systems. Is organic for me? (Monday, July 8)—Examine how your farm business could benefit from organic certification (or not) and discuss the pros and cons of becoming certified organic. How do I become certified organic? (Monday, August 12)—Walk through the steps to becoming certified, understand the paperwork, and hear tips for making the certification process as smooth as possible. Register by using the link below.
Bouquet Making Workshop
Upper Arlington Farmers Market 2140 Tremont Center, Upper Arlington, OH, United StatesWorking with flowers is a wonderful way to bring people together, promote positive energy, stress relief, and healing. Learn to craft flower bouquets in this workshop with two long time Common Greens producers, Pam of L Marie and Adrianne of Owl's Nest. Leave with the bouquet you made wrapped in tissue or craft paper, knowledge about arranging, and a fun experience!
Animal Mortality Composting Certification
The Longview Center 1495 W Longview Avenue, Mansfield, United StatesAttend the Animal Mortality Composting Certification if you compost animals. Before you compost dead livestock, you must obtain an Animal Mortality Composting Certification. The certification is a legal requirement per the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Rule 901: 13: 1 – 13. The complete Rule is found at https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/chapter-901:13-1 Presenter: Glen Arnold, Hancock County OSU Extension. Mr. Arnold has specialized in manure nutrient management since 2012. His work has involved subsurface swine manure applications into wheat, side dressing corn with liquid livestock manure on emerged corn or replacing commercial side dress nitrogen with liquid manure on emerged corn. Pizza, class materials and certificate are provided. Register at the link below.
Organic Farmer Researcher Meeting: Expanding Your Vision Through On-Farm Research
ZoomJordan Settlage operates Settlage & Settlage Farms in St. Mary's, Ohio, with his father John Settlage. Together they manage 500 acres and 300 dairy cows. The farm is a grass-based organic dairy using rotational grazing. Among several on-farm research endeavors, Jordan has helped trial two different satellite mapping systems for pasture management. Jordan will talk about how these and other research partnerships have helped his farm. Connection Details 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 The Organic Farmer Researcher Network is a collaborative effort facilitated by Central State University, Ohio Ecological Food and Farming Association, and The Ohio State University. 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.
Pasture Walk at Mt. Airy Ranch
Mt. Airy Ranch 3791 Cooperriders Road Northeast, Somerset, United StatesJoin Rural Action for a pasture walk at Mt. Airy Ranch where Katrina and Ben Carpenter raise herds of grass-fed Black Angus and Texas Longhorn cattle. Mt. Airy Beef is the name of the beef production business and the food truck they operate. Bob Hendershot, a retiree from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as the state grassland conservationist and state (GLCI) Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative coordinator, will be joining. The pasture walk will cover topics including... Mt. Airy Ranch and its history Managing pasture to grow more forage in the summer Planning for fall and winter grazing Weed control -- to clip or not to clip? "Manage your pasture so they never have a bad day." Exploring other income streams such as Mt. Airy Beef's food truck Use the link below to register.
Grazing Innovations Pasture Walk
Bair-Trax Farm 2148 S. Childrens Home Road, Troy, United StatesThis third-generation dairy farm is striving to grow healthy foods through healthy soils. The pasture walk will focus on successful innovations the Bairs have developed over the years. Attendees will see these techniques up close, ask questions, and discuss as we walk the pastures. Hear relevant information for both experienced grazers and beginning farmers.
Organic Blueberry Marketing Field Day
Mitchell's Patch of Blue 65220 Co Rd 380, Bangor, MI, United StatesJoin us Monday, July 15 at Mitchell's Patch of Blue, 65220 Co Rd 380, Bangor, MI 49013 for a field day focused on organic blueberry marketing. Kyle Mitchell will showcase his growing spaces and post-harvest setup while sharing about his unique marketing strategies for organic blueberries. Other blueberry farmers from the region who practice sustainable blueberry growing but are not certified organic will provide insights from their businesses.
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.
Organic Produce Farm Tour
Hostetler’s Organics 69 County Road 530, West Salem, United StatesHostetler’s Organics has been growing OEFFA-certified organic produce since 2005. Each season the farm supplies Green Field Farms Co-op with zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, watermelon, fall squash, hay, and corn. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn techniques to increase production and profitability from a successful grower with years of experience. This event is a part of OEFFA’s 2024 Farm Tour and Workshop Series and is hosted in partnership with the Midwest Vegetable Growers Network. Learn more at oeffa.org/farmtours.