Policy and Pints: Northeast Ohio
2025-11-14 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Bookhouse Brewing, 1526 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH, 44113, United States
These informal gatherings are a chance for community members around Ohio to connect with staff from the OEFFA’s Policy program and discuss food and farm policy issues. You’ll be able to learn about the work they do to advance state and federal policy, see how you can plug into these advocacy efforts, and engage with other changemakers! Policy and Pints offers an opportunity to network with food and farm policy leaders from across the state. They are free and open to anyone interested in sustainable and organic agriculture and getting involved in policy advocacy. Learn more at action.oeffa.com/policy-and-pints.
This Policy and Pints will be held in Northeast Ohio at Bookhouse Brewing in Cleveland with partner Tilth Soil.
This event is a part of the 2025 OEFFA Farm Tour and Workshop Series and is in celebration of Ohio Soil Health Week.

Build Your Own Living Compost Workshop with Tour of Farm Star
2025-11-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Farm Star, 37600 Chase Run Road, Albany, 45710, United States
In celebration of Ohio Soil Health Week, join Community Food Initiatives and Gina Scarano and Ross DiPenti of Farm Star to learn to make high-quality, biologically rich, and diverse thermophilic compost teaming with microbes! Gina is a Certified Lab-tech and consultant through Dr. Elaine Ingham’s Soil Food Web School.
Community Food Initiatives invites backyard, community, and small farm growers to join us at Farm Star for a hands-on workshop and farm tour with a focus on building soil health. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of soil science and the role microorganisms play in helping us grow more vigorous and healthy crops. They will tour the small-scale farm, which is in the process of transforming dirt into soil through the use of living compost and liquid bio-amendments that contain the full spectrum of the soil food web. Attendees will walk around and examine a variety of garden beds and stages of composting, collect and view samples under the microscope, and discuss the role microorganisms play in helping to mitigate flood/drought conditions and grow healthier crops.
This workshop is open to all for no fee. Use this link to register.

Farmer Help Shop
2025-11-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
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 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.

MVEG Farm Stress Management Cohort: Session Four
2025-11-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom
Join 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.
Nov 17 – Reflecting and Integrating – Wrapping up the year, we’ll evaluate how we did overall, and include time for reflection without judgement. We’ll consider the practicality of the “Stress Management Plan” and what could be shifted for next season. This session will carve out time to reflect on what emerged, what practices were effective for managing stress, and how it will impact what you do next season. Explore how evaluating our processes can support our operations.
Register for free here.

Navigating Legal & Financial Pathways to Land Access
2025-11-19 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-11-26 12:00 - 12:30 | Zoom
Hosted by Project L.L.A.M.A., this Lunch and Learn Series has the theme “Navigating Legal & Financial Pathways to Land Access.” These four 30-minute virtual learning sessions feature guest presenters who will share practical guidance on zoning, financing, cooperatives, and USDA programs that support farmland access. They will cover key legal considerations, financing options, and strategies to build a strong foundation for long-term land access.
Session lineup:

Nov. 5: Understanding Zoning & Land-Use Regulations for Farmers – Tyler Hauck, AICP, Director of Planning and Development, City of Trotwood
Nov. 12: Financing Farmland: Private Cooperative Options – Marcus Tyler, Farm Credit Mid-America, Customer Resource Manager
Nov. 19: Alternative Pathways: Cooperatives, Leasing & Shared Ownership – Walt Bonham, The Food Lab, Founder
Nov. 26: USDA Programs that Support Land Access – Jeff Barnes, NRCS, District Conservationist

Learn more and register at the link below.

How to Buy a Farm Webinar Series
2025-11-20 12:30 - 14:00 | Zoom
Owning farmland is a dream for farmers who seek secure land tenure. But buying a farm can be a daunting, complex, and time-consuming process. To help first-time farm buyers navigate the process successfully, The Land Connection’s Illinois FarmLink program and Land For Good are hosting a three-part webinar series to highlight key information and insights.
The webinars supplement a comprehensive guide to purchasing farmland soon to be released by Illinois FarmLink and Land For Good. The three webinars will offer opportunities for Q &A.

Webinar #1: The Search, The Purchase Process, & Farmer Success Stories – Thursday, November 6, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. CST
Webinar #2: For Sale By Owner, Seller Financing, and Other Alternative Purchase Options – Thursday, November 13, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. CST
Webinar #3: Your Professional Team – Real Estate Agent, Lender, Attorney – Thursday, November 20, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. CST

Learn more and register at the link below.

Simplifying the Paperwork: Recordkeeping Strategies for Organic Farmers
2025-12-10 14:00 - 15:30 | Zoom
Join the National Organic Coalition over Zoom on December 10 from 2 to 3:30 pm ET for a virtual interactive session that will put the focus on farmers, creating space to share firsthand experiences and practical strategies for streamlining recordkeeping and reducing the stress of compliance.
Recordkeeping is one of the biggest hurdles in organic certification, and for some farmers, it’s a reason to avoid or even abandon the process.
Join NOC to:

Hear directly from organic farmers about the tools and practices that have worked for them.
Participate in breakout sessions to exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from peers.
Discuss how simplifying recordkeeping can help build a more inclusive and supportive organic community.

This session is designed to spark a larger conversation about reducing paperwork burdens across the organic system. Come prepared to share, listen, and collaborate as we work toward solutions that make organic certification more accessible for all.
REGISTER HERE

19th Annual Stinner Summit
2025-12-12 09:00 - 16:00 | Bluffton University Marbeck Center, Rosenberger Rd, Bluffton, 45817, United States
The 19th Annual Stinner Summit will be in Bluffton, Ohio, on December 12, 2025. Attendees will explore ways of Finding Common Ground: Connecting Farms, Food, and Community in the Western Lake Erie Watershed. The Ohio State University’s Agroecosystem Management Program (AMP) invites area farmers and others who work in food and resource management to join us.
For nearly twenty years AMP has convened this annual event in different parts of Ohio, inviting local farm and food stakeholders to identify projects that can address regional challenges. Using a participatory process, attendees brainstorm, develop, and vote on specific project ideas that can be led locally with financial support from the Ben Stinner Endowment Fund.
Space is limited; register by December 5 at the link below.

A Model for Farmland Transition: Farmland Commons
2025-12-16 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-24 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-31 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Join The Farmers Land Trust and Central State University Extension for this six-part speakers series featuring community members from the Blue Rock Station Farmland Commons. During these sessions, they will explore the farmland commons model, how Blue Rock Station farmers decided to used it in their farmland transition, and more.
Learn more and register for each session below.

2026 Ohio State Organic Grains Conference
2026-01-07 - 2026-01-08 | Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, 44870, United States
The 4th annual Ohio State Organic Grains Conference will be at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio. The conference offers programming for experienced organic growers, growers transitioning to or considering organic, and consultants or educators who support these growers. Registration includes two days of educational programming and opportunities to network with organic farmers in the region, as well as speakers and trade show vendors.
Learn more and register at the link below.

2026 Organic Intensives
2026-01-10 | Michigan State University, Plant & Soil Sciences Building, MI, United States
This one-day, in-depth learning experience is an opportunity to acquire practical, detailed information with fellow Michigan farmers and gardeners. They are offering the opportunity to learn from experienced experts and producers in three topic areas: medicinal herbs, home food gardening, and cut flowers.
Learn more and register at the link below.

Why Are We Losing Organic Farms?
2026-01-16 14:00 - 16:30 | Zoom
Recent years have shown a net decline in certified organic crop and livestock operations, raising important questions about farm viability and the future of the organic sector.
Join TOPP partners and the broader organic community on Friday, January 16 for a data-focused virtual session examining who is exiting certification, where these shifts are occurring, and what the available data can—and cannot—tell us about why. Review emerging trends from the Organic Integrity Database (OID), identify key research gaps, and explore how TOPP and policy strategies can help strengthen organic farm retention.
Register at the link below.

2026 OGRAIN Annual Conference
2026-01-23 - 2026-01-24 | Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join OGRAIN for their tenth annual winter event with organic grain farmers, researchers, and industry experts to explore a variety of top-of-mind topics. Two full days of presentations, roundtable discussions, and exhibitions will be held January 23-24, 2026, at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Thursday evening will feature a special session to dive into the future of organic row crops production. Friday evening will include a chance for farmers and buyers to enjoy local, organic food and connect during a buyer/seller mixer.
Learn more and register at the link below.

2026 Indiana Farmers Union Annual Meeting
2026-01-29 | Ripple & Company, 1007 Main St, Lafayette, IN, 47901, United States
Join family farmers and ranchers from across the state in Lafayette, IN, for a day of meaningful fellowship, thoughtful policy conversations, and inspiring speakers. 2025 brought plenty of challenges: a new administration and policy landscape, trade disruptions, rising costs, economic uncertainty, and more. This year’s annual meeting is a time to meet the moment, find strength through connection, and prepare for another year of fighting for family agriculture. This event will feature presentations focused on issues facing farmers and rural communities, as well as an opportunity for attendees to network with peers. Farmers Union members will be invited to participate in the policy debate.
Learn more and register at the link below.

Seed Saturdays at Agraria
2026-02-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-28 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Agraria Center for Regenerative Practice, 131 E Dayton Yellow Springs Road, Yellow Springs, 45387, United States
Miami Valley Seed Commons is partnering with Agraria Farm for Seed Saturdays. Guests can learn about Agraria Farm’s growing plans for this year and discover how to start their own garden.
This series provides opportunities for folks to learn about indoor seed starting, crop and companion planning, and access free seeds. They will be hosting open office hours from 10 a.m.-noon with ongoing activities during those times. Meet in the Agraria office, 131 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, and take a walk between the hoop house and kitchen garden as weather permits.
No registration is required, and there are no costs.

2026 OEFFA Conference: Finding Common Ground
2026-02-13 - 2026-02-15 | Cherry Valley Hotel & Ohio Event Center, 2299 Cherry Valley Road SE, Newark, 43055, United States
Join OEFFA February 13-15, 2026, at Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark, Ohio, for the 47th annual OEFFA conference: Finding Common Ground.
This conference is full of learning, sharing, and connecting with sustainable farmers, gardeners, and local food supporters. It offers four 5-hour Food and Farm School classes, 15 educational workshops, and a number of social activities, including an open mic night and film screening.
Learn more at conference.oeffa.org.

H-2A and Your Ag Business: Legal and Ethical Considerations
2026-03-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
As a farm business owner, you know that hiring farm employees can be tricky. And with ever-demanding operational needs, finding solutions to your workforce challenges is critical. But how do you know if the H-2A agricultural visa program may be right for you? How do you make sure that workers are being treated and paid fairly? And how can you help workers have a positive experience while they’re on your farm? Join Farm Commons and Featherstone Farm for a closer look at these questions. Explore the H-2A visa program’s legal and financial obligations, identify ways to mitigate any risk of human trafficking and other violations, and learn from first-hand on-farm experience with the program.
Learn more and register at the link below.

2026 Mid-Atlantic Grain Conference
2026-03-15 - 2026-03-16 | Penn State Great Valley Conference Center, 30 Swedesford Rd, Malvern, PA, 19355, United States
The 2026 Mid?Atlantic Grain Fair and Grain Conference is a two-day event bringing together farmers, millers, bakers, brewers, distillers, researchers, and grain enthusiasts to learn, connect, and celebrate local grains. Highlights include:

Pre conference grain fair (March 15): A free, family friendly celebration of local grains with demos, hands-on activities, and local vendors.
Conference sessions (March 16): Explore regenerative agriculture, milling, baking, brewing, and market trends with opportunities to learn from regional experts.
Children’s program and TA zone: Fun grain-themed activities for kids and one-on-one expert guidance for attendees.
Grain-to-glass tasting: Celebrate the flavors of local grains in beers, spirits, teas, and more.

Learn more and register at the link below.

Economic Benefits of Renewable Energy Projects
2026-04-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Roseto Event Venue, 23 N Main St, Mansfield, 44902, United States
Join Farm-To-Power and expert panelists as they discuss the economic benefits of renewable energy projects. Hear from a former county commissioner on the community economic benefits, a renewable energy coordinator from a workers’ union on the workforce development benefits, and an Ohio farmer with a solar lease on the personal financial benefits that renewable energy projects can bring.
This event is open to the public. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftkjfSnDgsnGzCuvb6UOF7pJB7463BFDKT_EpTmDiPGPSD5Q/viewform
PANELISTS:

Tony Zartman | OHCEF Director of Programs & Operations and Former Paulding Co. Commissioner
Jeremy Welch | CMRCC Renewable Energy Coordinator
Robert Suver | Ohio Soybean Farmer and USSEC and Ohio Soybean Council Representative

OEFFA Lake Effect Chapter: Farm Tour and Potluck
2026-04-25 10:00 - 14:00 | A’s and O’s Farm, 5947 Hopkins Rd., Mentor, OH, 44060, United States
Join a farm tour and potluck with OEFFA’s Lake Effect Chapter at A’s and O’s Farm in Mentor, Ohio!
This year’s tour will be at the farm’s “home” field instead of its Lake Shore Blvd. field. This will allow everyone to join a potluck lunch right after the tour, so please bring a dish to share. The farm tour will run from 10 a.m. to noon, with the potluck happening from noon to 2 p.m.
The home field features a 16 x 44 foot polyhouse, solar water pumping, an 8000-watt solar array for the home, a small no-till vegetable garden, a small blueberry bush field (they sell the bushes, not the fruit!), and their signature crop: pawpaw trees! Built into the back of the garage, the farm has a small organic food co-op that sells organic food from three sources: local organic farms when available, bulk organic produce from the Cleveland Food terminal, and a buying club that purchases bulk grains, seeds, fruits, and dry goods every month.
They will demonstrate planting and tree digging techniques, and hopefully you will have some of your own experiences, methods, and thoughts on small-scale agriculture to share with everyone.
This event is happening rain or shine on Saturday, April 25 at 5947 Hopkins Rd., Mentor, OH, 44060.
Contact Tom Rapini at (440) 257-2673 (landline) or tomrapini@gmail.com with questions.

An Overview of Direct to Consumer Farm Sales Options
2026-04-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Are you a new farmer or looking to start selling direct to consumer? Do you want to start or improve the online sales presence for your farm? Join this webinar to learn about the different direct to consumer sales options for farms, with a focus on online sales platforms—especially Locally Grown.
Register for this free webinar at the link below.
