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.
2024 Urban Food Systems Symposium
Hyatt Regency - Downtown Columbus 350 N. High St., Columbus, OH, United StatesThis 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.
SilvoPro Training
United Plant Savers 35703 Loop Rd, Rutland, OH, United StatesSilvoPro 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
Shady Lane Alpacas 3073 Gass Road, Mansfield, United StatesJoin 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
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.
Seed Saving for the Resilient Farm II Workshop
Trotwood Community & Cultural Arts Center 4000 Lake Center Dr, Trotwood, United StatesWhy 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
Everyday Acres 2787 James Road, Granville, United StatesWith 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
Richland Gro-Op 134 N. Main St, Mansfield, United StatesWhat 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
Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center 100 Green Meadows Drive, Lewis Center, United StatesFrom 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
Crown Point Ecology Center 3220 Ira Road, Akron, United StatesJoin 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.