Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association

Organic Produce Farm Tour
2024-07-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Hostetler’s Organics, 69 County Road 530, West Salem, 44287, United States
Hostetler’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.

Farmer Help Shop
2024-07-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-06-17 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.

Organic Blueberry Marketing Field Day
2024-07-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Mitchell’s Patch of Blue, 65220 Co Rd 380, Bangor, MI, 49013, United States
Join 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.

Grazing Innovations Pasture Walk
2024-07-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Bair-Trax Farm, 2148 S. Childrens Home Road, Troy, 45373, United States
This 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.
This event is a part of OEFFA’s 2024 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Learn more at oeffa.org/farmtours.

Pasture Walk at Mt. Airy Ranch
2024-07-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Mt. Airy Ranch, 3791 Cooperriders Road Northeast, Somerset, 43783, United States
Join 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.

Organic Farmer Researcher Meeting: Expanding Your Vision Through On-Farm Research
2024-07-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Jordan 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=[REDACTED]
Join by Phone
Dial 1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) or 1 651 372 8299 (Minnesota)
Meeting ID: 950 2259 7557
Password: [REDACTED]
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.

Animal Mortality Composting Certification
2024-07-10 18:00 - 20:00 | The Longview Center, 1495 W Longview Avenue, Mansfield, 44906, United States
Attend 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.

Bouquet Making Workshop
2024-07-10 17:00 - 18:00 | Upper Arlington Farmers Market, 2140 Tremont Center, Upper Arlington, OH, 44321, United States
Working 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!

Organics 101
2024-07-08 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-06-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
In 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.
This event is a part of OEFFA’s 2024 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Learn more at oeffa.org/farmtours.

Three Creeks Produce Tour and Field Walk
2024-07-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Three Creeks Produce, 5362 Swisher Road, Groveport, 43125, United States
Many 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.

Tantré Farm Tour
2024-06-30 13:00 - 16:00 | Tantre Farm, 2510 Hayes Road, Chelsea, MI, 48118, United States
Tantré Farm started its very first crops of potatoes, winter squash, and garlic in 1993 on a 40-acre parcel. Since then their farm has grown to include about 80 to 100 varieties of vegetables, mushrooms, and a small variety of herbs and flowers. Now their farmland has grown to 115 acres of wetland, woods, and sand-loam fields in the area. Produce is sold through CSA shares, at various local stores, restaurants, and also at the Ann Arbor and Chelsea Farmers Markets.
Join Richard on a tour of this beautiful farm and get an opportunity to glean knowledge from his more than 30 years of organic farming experience. Learn more and register at the link below.

Integrated Farm and Café Tour
2024-06-29 15:30 - 17:30 | Fresh to Morrow Farm and Cafe, 5190 Gilmour Road, Morrow, 45152, United States
Fresh To Morrow is a seed-to-fork, family-owned farm and café. The farm practices no spray, regenerative farming, and permaculture methods. Their café is close to the Little Miami River and bike trail. This team has built a vertically-integrated food system that incorporates both their farm and other local producers. Building soil health, encouraging seasonal eating, supporting their local economy, and reducing food waste are important aspects of their work.
This event is a part of OEFFA’s 2024 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Learn more at oeffa.org/farmtours.

SW Ohio Hands-On Body Mechanics Workshop
2024-06-28 15:00 - 17:00 | Mile Creek Farm, 10786 Mile Road, New Lebanon, 45345, United States
Join Cynthia Flores with Labor Movement in understanding BETTER body mechanics and movement patterns in order to increase workforce productivity and help decrease workplace injuries. Open to farmers and farmworkers, time will be spent in an interactive atmosphere moving through four basic movement patterns: hinge, squat, push, and pull, along with the importance of core stability. Each participant will leave with tips focused on ways to improve their overall movement patterning and work-related well-being. Plenty of opportunity for Q&A.
Registration is free but space is limited to allow for some individual attention. Click the link below to register.

NE Ohio Hands-On Body Mechanics Workshop
2024-06-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Crown Point Ecology Center, 3220 Ira Road, Akron, 44333, United States

2024 National BIPOC and Urban Growers’ National Conference
2024-06-27 - 2024-06-29 | Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, 100 Green Meadows Drive, Lewis Center, 43035, United States
From June 27-29, 2024, engage in networking and education opportunities that address the unique challenges and needs faced by Black farmers and urban growers.

3 keynote presentations
16 concurrent workshops
Networking and technical assistance
Urban agriculture tours

The conference is free, but registration is required. Registration closes on May 24, 2024.

Cooperative Farming Workshop
2024-06-23 11:00 - 15:00 | Richland Gro-Op, 134 N. Main St, Mansfield, 44902, United States
What does a successful Cooperative Farm look like? Walt Bonham of Richland Gro-Op will be answering that question and many more during this extensive Co-Op Farming Workshop.
Topics covered include:

Forming a Cooperative
Constructing Crop Plans
Addressing Aggregation Challenges
GAP/FSMA Certification Support
Creating Impactful Sales Channels

*Lunch and tours also included! The cost is eligible for 2501 support.
REGISTRATION REQUESTED BY FRIDAY, JUNE 21.
The Richland Gro-Op (RGO) is a cooperative of urban and rural farmers in Richland County, Ohio, that grow and sell vegetables year-round to local restaurants, institutions, and consumers. By crop-planning and marketing produce collectively, RGO members aim to improve the economic viability of urban agriculture in Richland County and increase the supply of locally produced, high-quality vegetables. RGO grows over 10 different types of vegetables and delivers year-round throughout the Richland County and Central Ohio region.

Goat Milk Herd Share Farm Tour
2024-06-22 13:30 - 15:30 | Everyday Acres, 2787 James Road, Granville, 43023, United States
With her herd of 24 goats and 17 babies, along with a mixed flock of more than 50 hens, Everyday Acres serves 20 herd share members with raw goat milk and eggs and sells eggs at City Folks Farm Store in Columbus. Maria has been managing her farm since 2017 and will be giving a tour of her facilities, and answering questions regarding her business structure. Come to learn and enjoy the baby goats!
This event is a part of OEFFA’s 2024 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Learn more at oeffa.org/farmtours.

Seed Saving for the Resilient Farm II Workshop
2024-06-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Trotwood Community & Cultural Arts Center, 4000 Lake Center Dr, Trotwood, 45426, United States
Why Save Seeds?
Learning how to grow food is a first step to food sovereignty. A natural progression is learning how to save seeds. In addition to saving money, saving seeds that have been adapted to our local conditions is a must. Donetta Boykin of Endigo’s Herbals and Seven Seed Sowers Co-op leads this workshop that will focus on how to clean and save seeds from produce grown on your farm.
Topics covered:

Seed harvesting
Cleaning methods
Storage
Germination testing

REGISTRATION REQUESTED BY MONDAY, JUNE 17.

Women for the Land Learning Circle
2024-06-15 09:00 - 14:00 | Shady Lane Alpacas, 3073 Gass Road, Mansfield, 44904, United States
Join Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and partners for this special workshop for anyone interested in pasture and grazing management. Those new to livestock and forage management are encouraged to join. Learn how to use a grazing stick, plant ID and species selection, and learn about various equipment used to support rotational grazing operations. Pre-registration is required.

SilvoPro Training
2024-06-11 12:00 - 2024-06-13 12:00 | United Plant Savers, 35703 Loop Rd, Rutland, OH, 45775, United States
SilvoPro is a 3-day training for producers, agricultural professionals, and technical service providers who want to take agriculture to new heights by implementing silvopasture. Rural Action is delighted to host Austin Unruh and his team at Trees for Graziers for this 3-day training, held at United Plant Savers.
Silvopasture is the managed integration of trees, livestock and forage. Austin is the founder of Trees For Graziers and author of The Grazier’s Guide to Trees, built TFG into a leading silvopasture and conservation implementation company. In this course the TFG team shares all they have learned through years of applied practice so you can fast-track your own silvopasture career and practice.
– Visit working farms that have implemented silvopasture at scale
– Dive deep into the process of developing silvopasture plans
– Interact with a cohort of fellow practitioners
– Learn how to spread silvopasture in your region
– Open up real professional opportunities.

2024 Urban Food Systems Symposium
2024-06-11 07:00 - 2024-06-13 13:30 | Hyatt Regency – Downtown Columbus, 350 N. High St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
This symposium will bring together a national and international audience of academic and research-oriented professionals to share and gain knowledge on how we can build coalitions to adapt to this changing world and how urban food systems contribute to these solutions.

Juneteenth Joy: The Journey for Justice and the Pathway to an Agriculturally Sustainable Future
2024-06-09 14:00 - 16:00 | The Wells Barn – Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, 43203, United States
Please 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)

Take the Macho Out of Mechanics
2024-06-09 13:00 - 16:00 | 37870 Chase Run Road Albany, OH 45710, 37870 Chase Run Road, Albany, 45710, United States
Join 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.

Lessons Learned in Social Equity
2024-06-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
The 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.
This event is a part of OEFFA’s 2024 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Learn more at oeffa.org/farmtours.

Organic Farmer Researcher Meeting: On-Farm Flash Talks
2024-06-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Hear 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=[REDACTED]
Join by Phone
Dial 1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) or 1 651 372 8299 (Minnesota)
Meeting ID: 950 2259 7557
Password: [REDACTED]
Use *6 to mute/unmute
Use *9 to raise/lower hand

Soil and Composting Field Day
2024-06-06 09:00 - 16:00 | Green Things Farm Collective, 3825 Nixon Rd., Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Learn 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.

Enough is Enough Tour
2024-05-29 11:30 - 14:00 | Birdfish Brewing Co., 140 E. Park Ave., Columbiana, 44408, United States
FARMERS 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).

Farmer Help Shop USDA Edition
2024-05-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
On 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.
