Diversified Fruits Farm Tour
2024-08-17 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto) | Boulder Berry Farms, 5580 Lundy Whitacre Road, Morrow, 45122, United States
Boulder Berry Farms is a 143-acre farm located on Todd’s Fork Creek in southwest Ohio. They grow organic elderberries, haskaps, aronia berries, and kiwi berries. The farm also has a herd of purebred KuneKune pigs raised for personal consumption and for breeding stock, feeders, and farm companion sales. This tour will offer an in-depth look at the installation, maintenance, and harvesting of all the specific fruits Boulder Berry grows, as well as their ideas for further farm expansion.
This event is a part of OEFFA’s 2024 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Learn more at oeffa.org/farmtours.

Urban Goldenseal Farm Tour
2024-08-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Golden Summit Forest, Akron, United States
Are you interested in touring a working urban forest farm? Join Rural Action for a sunset farm tour at Golden Summit Forest in Akron, Ohio. Gain a deeper understanding of what it means to grow goldenseal in alternative habitats directly from a grower. The farm tour will cover the ins and outs of growing goldenseal and other woodland botanicals.
Register for free at the link below.

No-Till Farm Tour at Sunbeam Family Farm
2024-08-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Sunbeam Family Farm, 3414 Northridge Rd., Alexandria, OH, 43001, United States
Join Chuck and Cynthia Dilbone at Sunbeam Family Farm to learn how they have transitioned to a no-till permanent bed system on their CSA and market farm. Sunbeam has six hoop houses and over 300 permanent beds that are 100 feet long and 30 inches wide. Tour their farm to see the practices they currently employ and discuss the strategies they used in making this shift. Hear about the benefits they are seeing as well as the challenges they encountered along the way. This is your opportunity to ask all your no-till questions of seasoned, successful growers!

Click the link below to register.

Organic Weed Control Field Day for Row Crops
2024-08-19 10:00 - 15:00 | Bishop Family Farms, 6362 Township Highway 80, Mt. Blanchard, 45867, United States
This event caters to agricultural professionals who would like to learn more about organic production. Participation is also open to row crop farmers considering a transition to or towards organic production. The workshop will focus on organic weed control, with an overview of the regulations, biology, tools, and tactics, including (conditions permitting) equipment demonstrations. Register at the link below.
Co-sponsored by Organic Agronomy Training Service (O.A.T.S.) through a grant with USDA North Central Region SARE program project number ENC22-215

Farmer Help Shop
2024-08-19 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-16 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.

Ohio-Pennsylvania No-Till Field Day
2024-08-20 13:00 - 16:30 | Myron Wehr Farm, 45404 State Route 46, New Waterford, 44408, United States
Attendees will see cover crop plots and learn how they improve soil health with Jay Brandt from Walnut Creek Seeds. Osler Ortez, a corn specialist with OSU Extension, will discuss corn trials at the Wehr Farm and across the state, also diving into his cover crop research projects. A farmer panel will answer questions about sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and economics.
Learn more and register at the link below.

Nutrient Management Field Day
2024-08-22 07:30 - 15:00 | Stoney Ridge Farms, 14031 Broom Rd., Waldron, MI, 49288, United States
Join the Fulton Soil & Water Conservation District for a field day to learn about on-farm research, biologicals, cover crops, and more. Keynote speaker Ray Archuleta will be speaking on soil health principles.
There is no cost to attend and a locally-sourced lunch will be provided. To register, contact (419) 583-6517.

Land Health = Land Wealth
2024-08-23 08:00 - 2024-08-24 17:00 | Greenacres, 8255 Spooky Hollow Rd, Cincinnati, OH, 45242, United States
Greenacres Foundation and Holistic Management International will once again collaborate to present a workshop on how to effectively plan and execute well-timed and appropriate infrastructure and animal performance milestones through to cash flow.
HMI Certified Educators Linda Pechin-Long and Wayne Knight join Michael Cox, Education Director for Greenacres Foundation, in demonstrating adaptive grazing management and case studies on how to start Holistic Planned Grazing, which can help managers learn how to optimize forage quality for animal performance while also ensuring pastures receive enough time to recover between successive grazing.
The workshop will introduce some of the planning tools through hands-on case studies and activities. Come see “Safe to Fail” Trials and learn how they can help you discover how grazing and time are critical to pasture productivity and resilience.

Growers & Griots: A Screening & Conservation Series (High on the Hog)
2024-08-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Grandview Theater and Drafthouse, 1247 Grandview Ave, Grandview Heights, 43212, United States
Growing & Growth Collective will focus on the roots of Black foodways and the path toward food sovereignty. Following each 45- to 55-minute screening, the audience will participate in a guided reflection led by Dr. Jared Grant, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics at The Ohio State University.
Tickets are $10 per person OR BOGO – $5 per person with a 2-for-1 deal! Bring a friend!
Part 1: Sunday, June 29 (1-3 p.m.)
Part 2: Sunday, July 28 (1-3 p.m.)
Part 3: Sunday, August 25 (1-3 p.m.)
Part 4: Sunday, September 29 (1-3 p.m.)

Rock Dove Farm Tour
2024-08-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Rock Dove Farm, 5319 State Route 142 SE, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Walk through Rock Dove Farm and hear about some of their collaborative projects with Fox Hollow Farm, beekeepers, aquarium fish farmers, and more. And for the last two seasons the farm underwent a lot of infrastructure projects, in part, through a USDA grant. Check out their updates, including a well, two high tunnels, some ponds, and an ongoing compost and reforestation project.

Farm Employment Law Basics
2024-08-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Farm employment law feels intimidating, but with just a few key rules and operating principles, the farm or ranch business can navigate this potential minefield with confidence. With Farm Commons, learn about the fundamentals of farm employment law, including classifying workers and the obligations of every farm employer. Understand where you need to learn more and where you can sit back with confidence, no matter where you are in your farming journey.
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.

CSA and Wholesale Farm Tour with Shared Legacy Farms
2024-08-28 15:00 - 17:00 | Shared Legacy Farms, 3701 South Schultz-Portage Road, Elmore, 43416, United States
Managing a large CSA as well as wholesale outlets takes a great deal of organization and planning. Kurt and Corinna Bench at Shared Legacy Farms have managed to keep both outlets happy and have implemented practices over the years that keep the work streams efficient. Visit this robust multi-generational farm and see how they manage their processes and keep their customers fulfilled with a steady flow of fresh produce throughout the season.
Register at the link below.

Crop and Livestock Integration Field Day
2024-08-28 16:00 - 19:00 | Down Home Farms, 7230 Medford Road, Versailles, 45380, United States
Greg McGlinch raises poultry and hogs, along with corn, soybeans, oats, clover, and rye on his 450-acre farm. He is one of 31 on-farm research partners focusing on the economic and environmental tradeoffs of crop and livestock integration for the last two years. Hear from project participants and the host about the approaches they have taken to crop and livestock integration, and discuss soil health and other outcomes from both farmer and researcher perspectives.
*Please note this event was originally published as happening on Sunday, August 25. Wednesday, August 28 is the corrected date.

The ABC of Organic Agriculture, Chromatography, and Sustainable Livestock Management
2024-09-03 - 2024-09-06 | Sobremesa Farm, 4781 N Mt Gilead Rd, Bloomington, IN, 47408, United States
Jairo Restrepo will conduct an organic- regenerative focused workshop in 2024 at Sobremesa Farm in Bloomington, Indiana. Regenerative agriculture focuses on various approaches to climate resilience through conservation practices, soil regeneration, improving water retention and ultimately improving soil structure, allowing for healthier plant growth. Farmers throughout the US along with programs, supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), have seen the importance of employing sustainable practices on farms of various scales to mitigate the effects of climate change. Many of the practices taught at the workshop are easily applicable for various farm scales and to the home gardener.
Jairo Restrepo is best known as an agronomist, agricultural engineer and worldwide lecturer, with over 40 years of experience and a trajectory that has spanned in more than 30 countries, giving workshops, conferences and private consultancies.
Register at the link below.

Powdery Mildew: On-Farm Research Trials and Tribulations
2024-09-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
The Organic Farmer Researcher Network’s September speaker will be grower and small business owner Donnetta Boykin of Endigos Herbals & Organics in Dayton. She will speak about her on-farm research on powdery mildew control alternatives–a timely topic for many of us growing squash this time of year! With the help of a SARE Farmer Rancher grant, Donee compared the effectiveness, cost, and yield impacts of several organic powdery mildew control products.
Learn more and register at the link below.

Almar Orchards & Cidery Tour
2024-09-07 14:00 - 17:00 | Almar Orchards & Cidery, 1431 Duffield Rd.,, Flushing, MI, 48433, United States
Join MOFFA for a tour of Almar Orchards & Cidery in Flushing, Michigan. Hear from owner about his journey from a conventional apple grower into a large-scale organic apple orchard in mid-Michigan. He’ll also share his secrets on how to successfully grow apples on a small scale. This family-friendly event will allow you to reconnect with the farm and enjoy some tasty apple products such as organic apple cider, donuts, apple cider vinegar, chewy dried apples, hard ciders, and more that can be purchased from their shop!
Register at the link below.

Pastured Heritage Sheep & Wool Production
2024-09-08 10:00 - 12:00 | OH
Join Cricket and Cara for a pasture walk at Ten Cat Farm with Rural Action. Meet the sheep and their guardian llamas while touring their rotational grazing areas. Afterwards, take a closer look at fleeces and yarns from the different breeds. Learn what they have learned so far about raising sheep for both quality wool as well as breeding stock and freezer lamb. They raise heritage breeds that are part of the Livestock Conservancy’s Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em initiative and can share more about that program as well as cooperative efforts within the local Fibershed. Register at the link below.

Turning Dirt into Healthy Soil
2024-09-10 08:30 - 16:30 | Matt Burkholder Farm, 6720 Stewart Road, Lima, 45807, United States
Rick Clark, a prominent organic no-till farmer in Indiana, will describe his operation, including the economics. Brent Nicol from The Nature Conservancy will discuss different methods of testing your soil. Rainfall Simulator and infiltration ring demos will show the value of good soil health. And learn how healthy soil contributes to healthy people with Dani Kusner.
Learn more and register at the link below.

The Farm Bill: Why Is It Important for Local Farmers, Available Healthy Food, and Our Future Climate? (with OEFFA)
2024-09-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Athens Public Library, 30 Home St., Athens, 45701, United States
Did you know that Congress must pass a new Farm Bill soon?
This legislation will set agricultural, conservation, and food assistance policy and funding priorities for the next five years. Join Earth Justice and Community Partners for an overview, analysis and discussion about the programs covered by the Bill and how we can advocate for the ones that matter the most to Southeast Ohio.
Our Presenters:
Milo Petruziello, Policy Director of Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA)
Aimee Delach, Lead Policy Analyst on Climate Change for Defenders of Wildlife

Growing Equity Program
2024-09-10 18:00 - 19:30, 2024-09-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Capital One Cafe in Easton Town Center, 167 Easton Town Ctr, Space A-103, Columbus, 43219, United States
Interested in starting an urban farm? Want to resolve the food desert issues in your neighborhood? Are you already growing a vegetable garden and want to earn a few extra bucks? Join this urban agriculture business assistance program with Central State University Extension.
Fall Business Series 1:

Tuesday, Sep. 10 – Business Mission Vision Values
Tuesday, Sep. 17 – Business Structures
Tuesday, Sep. 24 – Business Planning
Tuesday, Oct. 1- Business Marketing
Tuesday, Oct. 8 – Business Records and Financials
Tuesday, Oct. 15- Business Operations and Resources

This program is free, but registration is required at the link below.

Unlocking Local Grain Potential
2024-09-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
This webinar series is intended to teach small grain-related businesses about successful strategies for working with local grains. The three sessions will cover grain testing with Hartwick College (September 10), strategies for bakers to gradually scale their use of local grains through flour blending with King Arthur Flour (October 7), and effective strategies for storytelling and marketing local grains (November 4).
Learn more and register at the link below.

Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day
2024-09-11 | MEIGS Horticultural Research Farm, 9101 S 100 E, Lafayette, IN, 47909, United States
Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day returns on Wednesday, September 11 to Purdue University’s MEIGS Horticultural Research Farm in Lafayette, Indiana.
MMWCFD connects farmers, machinery manufacturers, and the allied trades from all over the United States and Canada – because it is THE place to see weeding tools. The morning features a trade-show where companies can connect one-on-one with farmers, and educational sessions, and the afternoon features field demonstrations in vegetable and row crops.
Register at the link below.

Ohio Pawpaw Festival
2024-09-13 - 2024-09-15 | Ohio Pawpaw Festival, 5900 US Highway 50, Albany, OH, 45710, United States
The Ohio Pawpaw Festival is a fun-filled, educational community event celebrating one of America’s largest native tree fruits, the pawpaw (Asimina triloba). This all-weekend event highlights the rich history and future possibilities of the pawpaw through delectable food and beverages, and a full line-up of presentations and activities that cover pawpaw growing, cooking, genetics, medical use and other topics related to sustainability.
There will be a community conversation organized by OEFFA about farmland access in the Meigs and Athens County area during the festival.
Learn more and register for the festival at the link below.

The What, Why and How of Organic Webinar Series
2024-09-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
This three-part webinar series is primarily focused on training individuals who provide services to farmers, such as MSU Extension staff. However, the program is open to all, including organic-curious farmers.
Zoom webinar information will be provided after registration.
September 13 – What
Learn about USDA Organic rules, approved products and participate in an Organic System Plan interactive activity .
September 20 – Why
Learn from a variety of farmers the reasons why they chose to pursue organic certification for their farm, a different type of certification or no certification at all.
September 27 – How
Learn all about getting certified, including: the process of choosing a certifier, the organic system plan and recordkeeping.

Land Access in Southeastern Ohio: OEFFA Community Conversation at Pawpaw Festival
2024-09-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Lake Snowden, 5900 US Highway 50, Albany, 45710, United States
The Ohio Pawpaw Festival is a fun-filled, educational community event celebrating one of America’s largest native tree fruits – the pawpaw!

As you enjoy the fun and food of the fest, stop by the Mother Earth News tent on Sunday, September 15 from 1 – 2 pm. OEFFA will facilitate a community conversation engaging farmers and landholders in the Athens/Meigs/Vinton County area. While the area is rich in sustainable agriculture and active community care for the environment, it still faces many of the same statewide challenges of keeping farmland affordable, accessible, and available for those who feed us.
As development pressure increases and farmland prices rise, OEFFA will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the current and future state of land access for new and retiring farmers. Join the conversation and talk with county commissioners, land bank representatives, real estate professionals, and land seekers. Together we will discuss the current state of land access, share personal experiences, brainstorm solutions, and envision a future where sustainable, local agriculture can continue to thrive.

Sowing Seeds for Success
2024-09-19 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
Are you thinking about starting your own food- or farm-based business and don’t know where to begin? Are you ready to level up or are you thinking about adding a new venture to your existing operations? Two farmer entrepreneurs will be presenting the Sowing Seeds For Success: A Farm Business Toolkit curriculum to help you build your farm business dream. A simple guide created by small farmers to help get you started, it covers business structures, funding opportunities, marketing and fundraising, agritourism basics, and more.

You and your great business idea (September 19)
Setting up shop (September 26)
Paint a picture (October 3)

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.

2024 Food Policy Summit
2024-09-20 10:00 - 16:30 | Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, 43210, United States
Food systems professionals and advocates are invited to attend a day of riveting discussion, networking and innovation to move toward nurturing a just, sustainable and thriving food system for all Ohioans. Register at the link below.
