Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association

SilvoPro Training
2024-06-11 12:00 - 2024-06-13 12:00 (America/Toronto) | 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Organics 101
2024-07-08 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.

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!

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.

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

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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
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.

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.

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.

Organic Produce Farm Tour
2024-07-20 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.

Local Millers Farm Tour
2024-07-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Brandt Family Farm, 6100 Basil Western Rd., Carroll, OH, 43112, United States
David Brandt was considered the “godfather of regenerative farming.” Now, his grandson is running Brandt Family Farm, continuing in his footsteps. Tour around their fields and learn about the Brandts’ regenerative farming practices, and even see their seed/grain cleaning machine. Then, Joe and Doris, owners of Local Millers, will show the mills and show how stone milling works.

Artisan Organic Grains and Milling Tour
2024-07-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Mud Run Farm, 14126 Millersburg Road, Navarre, 44662, United States
Mud Run Farm is a small, organic, diversified farm sitting on 30 acres in northeast Ohio. Certified with OEFFA, the father-daughter duo grow and mill small grains for their region and serve as stewards of organics and the environment. Utilizing horse-drawn equipment and sustainable practices, this tour will showcase their knowledge of organic practices, small grains, and stone milling.
This event is a part of OEFFA’s 2024 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Learn more at oeffa.org/farmtours.

Owl's Nest Farm Tour
2024-07-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Owl’s Nest Farm, 550 Gleason Rd., Piketon, OH, 45661, United States
See this flower farm’s annual production beds, perennial gardens, greenhouse, workshop, and irrigation setup. Please bring a vase or jar so you can pick some flowers to take home.

Richland County Pastures for Profit Grazing School
2024-07-23 - 2024-07-27 | The Longview Center, 1495 W Longview Avenue, Mansfield, 44906, United States
Join Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and partners for this workshop for anyone interested in pasture and grazing management. Those new to livestock and forage management are encouraged to join. This is a 3-day series.
The Grazing School is July 23 and July 25 at The Longview Center from 6 to 9 p.m. The Pasture Walk is July 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eisenhauer Farm. The School fee includes a grazing stick, and USB with course manual. Pre-registration is required.

OEFFA Lake Effect Chapter at the Lake County Fair
2024-07-23 08:00 - 2024-07-28 22:00 | Lake County Fair, 1301 Mentor Avenue, Painesville Township, Ohio, 44077, United States
The Lake Effect Chapter of OEFFA will be setting up a passive display at the Lake County Fair from July 23rd through July 28th. It will be in the Natural Resources Building along with a dozen or so other environmental / sustainability groups. Please stop by and check it out if you go to the fair!

If you are interested in volunteering to help monitor the building in exchange for a FREE day pass to the fair, contact Tom at 440-257-2673

NRCS Organic Practice 823 Strategies and Best Practices
2024-07-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has many programs to help farmers convert to organic farming operations. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands. Under EQIP, Organic Transition Initiative 823 (OTI) is specifically meant to help those transitioning to organic operations, by cost-sharing and providing technical support on practices organic and transitioning farmers want to implement on their farms.
This program is relatively new, and a little different than other NRCS practices. Join the Organic Farming Research Foundation, Organic Farmers Association, and National Organic Coalition to hear directly from ag professionals and farmers about their experiences with 823 and their ideas regarding how to best utilize this valuable conservation planning tool.
Register at the link below.

Principles of Biological Systems Workshop
2024-07-26 - 2024-07-27 | Agraria Center for Regenerative Practice, 131 E Dayton Yellow Springs Road, Yellow Springs, 45387, United States
This immersive two-day event will explore cutting-edge practices in biological farming designed to enhance soil health, crop yields, and produce quality with Dan Kittredge, Founder and Executive Director of Bionutrient Food Association.
Workshop Highlights:

Nutrient Density: Discover why two organically grown carrots can vary in nutrients by over 40%. Learn the secrets behind nutrient-dense crops.
Seed Quality Improvement: Techniques to enhance seed vitality.
Microbial Community: Understanding the critical role of soil microbes.
Pest Management Without Pesticides: Effective natural pest control methods.
Soil Testing and Mineral Balancing: Key strategies for soil health.
In-Season Monitoring: Utilizing conductivity and Brix for crop management.

Participants will gain hands-on experience and insights into biological farming, helping growers increase the health and marketability of their produce. This workshop is ideal for farmers, gardeners, and growers of all types who are committed to sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

Bouquet Making Workshop
2024-07-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Clintonville Farmers Market, 3535 North High St., Columbus, OH, 43214, United States

Site Assessment Workshop
2024-07-27 10:00 - 16:00 | OH
Before investing in farmland, you need to find a place that is right for your business and your life. This full-day workshop is for anyone searching for farmland, and is suitable for crop, livestock, and agroforestry producers.
Explore topography, land infrastructure, location, soil and water, and other important considerations with hands-on activities, a site visit to a 3rd-generation family farm, and interesting tools. Gain the knowledge and confidence in your own land assessment skills, plus connections with a team of supportive technical assistants.
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.
