Livestock Management Farm Tour
2024-09-28 15:00 - 17:30 (America/Toronto) | MoSo Farm, 5686 Enlow Road, Athens, 45701, United States
MoSo Farm is a small farm in southeast Ohio raising grass-fed beef and pastured pork for the community. The farmers aim to raise pastured meats in order to regenerate soil, sequester carbon, and provide nutritious food to customers. On this tour, attendees will see how they rotate cattle daily to fresh pasture and manage pigs on pasture, as well as how they planted 510 trees in order to implement silvopasture on 10 acres.
This event is a part of OEFFA’s 2024 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Learn more at oeffa.org/farmtours.

Growers & Griots: A Screening & Conservation Series (High on the Hog)
2024-09-29 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.)

Surviving the Drought of 2024 and Beyond
2024-09-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
If you are a livestock producer, you need to see this! Extreme to exceptional drought is something we don’t experience on a regular basis and most of us don’t plan for it. Jim Gerrish, grazing consultant, from Mackay, Idaho will join Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District on Monday September 30, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. for a Live Zoom meeting. Jim will be sharing management information that will help us deal with the drought now and into the future.
Jim’s extensive experience with grazing management and drought conditions will give us a variety of ideas to be able to manage through this drought and the future impacts. He is concerned about the sustainability of family farms and speaks at producer-oriented workshops, seminars and field days He consults on grazing across the United States and Canada.
Jim spent 22 years at the University of Missouri Forage Systems Research Center. He helped write the Missouri Grazing Manual. He has written a monthly column in The Stockman Grass-Farmer and has authored three books. The titles of the books are Management-Intensive Grazing: The Grassroots of Grass Farming, Kick the Hay Habit: A Practical Guide to Year-Around Grazing, and most recently Keeping It Green, A Handbook for Creating & Managing Irrigated Pasture.
The current weather conditions have put additional stress on our operations. It is good to get information from someone who has been there and done that. Jim Gerrish is one of those people!

There are two ways to attend the event – virtually by Zoom or join us for a watch party/dinner and discussion at Rolling Plains Global Methodist Church (3350 Moxahala Park Rd., Zanesville, OH 43701). This program is sponsored by the Muskingum SWCD and the Southern Ohio Grazing Council. You can register for this Zoom meeting by using the link below.

Growing Equity Program
2024-10-01 18:00 - 19:30, 2024-10-08 18:00 - 19:30, 2024-10-15 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.

Sowing Seeds for Success
2024-10-03 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.

Unlocking Local Grain Potential
2024-10-07 18:00 - 19:30, 2024-11-04 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.

The USDA and You: Organic Transition Support
2024-10-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Review how federal funding affects organic farmers on the ground, talking through the National Organic Program, the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), and how the feedback loop works within the USDA through the National Organic Standards Board with producers. An OEFFA Sustainable Agriculture Educator will review the TOPP program and how it’s being implemented in Ohio. Understand why these federal funding programs are critical for expanding the organic market and resilient food systems.
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.

Perspectives on Organic Certification: A Farmer Webinar Panel
2024-10-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Join FairShare CSA Coalition and UW-Madison Extension for a webinar panel of certified, recently transitioned, and non-certified farmers as they discuss their decision-making process for organic certification. Kat Becker of Cattail Organics, Brad Wissmueller of Little Society Farm, and Martice Scales of Full Circle Healing Farm will talk about their experiences and the key factors that shaped their decisions about organic certification, including market opportunities, recordkeeping, and feasibility. Learn more about the organic transition process, as well as financial and technical assistance available to transitioning farmers through the Midwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). A live question-and-answer session will also give you the chance to ask your most pressing questions about organic certification.

Fresh Finds Farmers Market Tours
2024-10-12 10:30 - 11:15 | Clintonville Farmers Market, 3535 North High St., Columbus, OH, 43214, United States
Join Common Greens for special market tours led by their passionate board members, farmers, or producers. These tours unlock the secrets behind the beloved weekly market, offering a short history of the market and an opportunity to hear directly from some of your favorite producers. Whether you’re a seasoned market enthusiast or new to the scene, these tours invite everyone to discover the magic that brings our vibrant markets to life.

Pitch Your Farm Dream
2024-10-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Oberlin Public Library, 65 S. Main Street, Oberlin, 44074, United States
A strong personal pitch can be essential for landing the land you want, but as a new farmer, promoting yourself can feel daunting. In this guided experience, participants create a personal farmer pitch, a story that highlights you as a person and as a grower. Build confidence and acquire strategies for engaging landowners or financial institutions. This workshop includes expert tips on what landowners are looking for, and face-to-face time practicing your uniquely crafted “farm-seeker pitch.”
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 Pork and Mushrooms Farm Tour
2024-10-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Agape Organic Farms, 1905 East Dexter Trail, Dansville, MI, 48819, United States
Agape Organic Farms specializes in the ethical and sustainable production of purebred Berkshire pigs and more than 28 varieties of gourmet mushrooms sold direct to consumer, retail, and small-scale wholesale avenues. As one of only two certified organic Black-owned farms in Michigan, and the only Black-owned livestock farm, Agape is dedicated to empowering and supporting Black-owned and organic farms.
This event is a part of OEFFA’s 2024 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Learn more at oeffa.org/farmtours.

MVEG Farmer Discussion Series on Risk Management
2024-10-16 13:30 - 14:30 | Zoom
Join your farmer peers, the Midwest Vegetable Growers Network (MVEG), and the University of Wisconsin-Extension, to learn all about risk management courses available for farmers!
They’ll share about these programs, and provide information about how your cost for participating in the courses can be covered by the MVEG Network:

Becoming The Employer of Choice (BTEC): supporting humans in hired labor contexts, establishing stronger infrastructure on farms; mix of self-study and instruction with peers; centers farmer voices as trainers; virtual delivery to national audience.
Training and Education for Aspiring Managers (TEAMs): supporting long-term management position development; focuses on engaging with conflict, emotional intelligence, delegation, communication; delivered by staff in partnership with farm managers.

Presenters:

Stacey Botsford (she/her) – BTEC farmer trainer; Red Door Family Farm in Athens, WI
Kaitie Cosmos (she/they) – TEAMs farm manager trainer; California Farm & Garden in San Diego, CA
Sarah Janes Ugoretz (she/her) – BTEC & TEAMs staff; Diversified Vegetable Educator at UW Extension Dane County & FairShare in Madison, WI

This is a joint program of the Midwest Vegetable Growers Network, the University of Wisconsin-Extension, & FairShare CSA Coalition. This training is intended for both farm managers/owners & farm employees/workers.

Contemporary Differences in U.S. Farm Financial Performance By Race: Does Farm Size Matter?
2024-10-17 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
What are the similarities and differences across farms operated by producers of different races?
This talk—part of the 2024 CFAES DEI Speaker Series—examines whether farm financial performance differs among farms operated by White, Black, and Native American producers. Black and Native American farmers, in particular, have struggled to hold on to farmland over the last century. The talk will explore the historical context in which these farms operate and highlight observed racial differences in performance for farms that engage in beef cattle production, an industry in which a large share of Black and Native American producers specialize. The findings will be placed in the broader context of other work examining socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
About the speaker:
Dr. LaPorchia Collins is a research agricultural economist in the Market and Trade Economics Division for the USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS). At ERS, she examines issues affecting the U.S. livestock, dairy, and poultry industries. Her research covers topics related to food security, inequality, and the environment. Prior to joining ERS, Dr. Collins served as a Professor of Practice and Director of Undergraduate Studies in Economics at Tulane University. Her research has been published in high-impact, applied economic and interdisciplinary journals such as The American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics Perspectives and Policy, Empirical Economics, and Applied Geography, among others. She earned her doctoral degree in agricultural, environmental, and development economics from The Ohio State University and bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Southern University and A&M College.

Drought Community Conversation
2024-10-17 14:00 - 15:30 | Zoom
Drought conditions? Beyond frustrated? Stressed? You’re not alone.
On Thursday, October 17 at 2 p.m., OEFFA is hosting a virtual Drought Community Conversation. This will be a space for farmers to discuss the challenges they are facing, ask questions, and share ideas. Together, we can reflect on the challenges we’ve faced this season and consider solutions for the future.
OEFFA’s John Stock will facilitate this conversation with those who are currently battling drought conditions. Other agricultural service providers and educators will be present to hear what is happening on the farming front-line, as well as to offer resources and feedback.
These include:

Matt Kleski – Ohio FSA: Production Adjustment, Compliance and Risk Management Programs
Dr. Stephanie Karhoff – State Climate Office of Ohio
Nathan Brown – Grain farmer and mental health advocate
Bridget Britton, MSW, LSW – OSU Behavioral Health Field Specialist, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Register for free here.

2024 Green Teen Alliance Conference
2024-10-19 09:30 - 16:30 | The Wells Barn – Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, 43203, United States
This exciting event brings together partners dedicated to supporting teens and tweens (grades 6-12) in urban agriculture with interests in environmental careers, food systems, horticulture, and sustainability. Attendees will enjoy a day filled with career exploration, and engaging panels featuring students, educators, and environmental professionals.
Don’t miss this chance to connect and grow!

Attendance is free with pre-registration.

Ohio State West Fest: West Campus Science & Sustainability Festival
2024-10-19 11:00 - 15:00 | Ohio State University, 1059 Carmack Road, Columbus, 43210, United States
In its 8th year, this event features interactive STEM-related activities at various booths and behind-the-scenes tours of Ohio State research facilities, along with food trucks, prizes, and other fun family activities. Visit u.osu.edu/stemimpact/westfest for more information, including event sites and parking options.

Farmer Help Shop
2024-10-21 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.

Cooperative Farming Learning Series
2024-10-21 15:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-28 15:00 - 17:00, 2024-11-04 15:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Cooperatives do business differently—they are member-owned and controlled businesses that share profits and other benefits with users based on principles like self-help and equity. The model has long been applied in agriculture. Learn about the cooperative business model in local food and agriculture contexts in this three-part series.

Cooperation as a business model (October 21)
Success as a cooperative (October 28)
Cooperative farming financial considerations (November 4)

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.

Indigo Exploration Workshop
2024-10-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Praxis Fiber Workshop, 15301 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 44110, United States
This hands-on workshop includes a brief history of Praxis and its indigo program, a tour of the studio and garden, and the chance to dye material in several indigo and natural dye vats. Praxis Fiber Workshop will provide bandanas and fabric, but guests are also welcome to bring t-shirts or something similar for dyeing.
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.

Food & Farm Marketing Basics
2024-10-29 15:00 - 18:00 | Meigs County Fairgrounds, 41850 Fairgrounds Rd, Pomeroy, 45769, United States
Do you feel like your food and farm business marketing is missing the mark? Improve your marketing skills and better connect with your customers in this workshop. Learn how to price your products, identify your target customer, what to do with this information, and how to ensure your brand is effectively representing your business. This hands-on workshop will enhance your marketing and give your business a boost.
Click the link below to register.

OEFFA Market Gardening Chapter Farm Tour and Potluck
2024-11-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Green Table Gardens, 1469 Hook Road, Xenia, OH, 45385 , United States
Take some time to reflect on the season and connect with other market gardeners at a farm tour and potluck at Green Table Gardens in Xenia. Farmer Stephen Mackell is in his 12th year of market gardening (formerly at Mission of Mary Farm) and the 3rd year at this new site. Take a quick tour of the no-till and no tractor operation, high tunnels, caterpillar tunnels, propagation, and wash/pack. The OEFFA certification process will also be discussed as the site is certified organic through OEFFA.
The tour starts at 3 p.m. with potluck dinner and discussion to follow. Please bring chairs to sit in and food to share! Bringing your own plates/utensils would also be helpful. Click the link below to join the OEFFA Market Gardening Chapter Facebook group and view this event.

Climate Health Equity Webinar Series: Climate Change, Food Access and Health Outcomes in Greater Cincinnati
2024-11-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
The 1-hour webinar hopes to address how climate change has impacted our food access and security and effects on health outcomes in the region, and ways to address this issue not only for the individual but also on a systems change level. This event is part of the “Climate Health Equity” webinar series, which builds on a recently completed report in partnership with Scioto Analysis, “Climate Health Equity – Analyzing the Impacts of Climate Change and Health Outcomes in Greater Cincinnati.” To highlight the findings of this report and accelerate action on key related issues, Green Umbrella will also be releasing a Public Service Announcement toolkit connected to the topics covered in the webinar series.
This event is the eight webinar in Green Umbrella’s “Climate Health Equity” series. which builds upon a recently completed report in partnership with Scioto Analysis, “Climate Health Equity – Analyzing the Impacts of Climate Change and Health Outcomes in Greater Cincinnati.”
Speaker : Aileen Lawson – Pantry Manager, CAIN
Moderated by: Bamidele Osamika, and Maddie Chera – Green Umbrella

Ohio Organic Farmer Research Network Meeting
2024-11-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Mary Hathaway from the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) will share information about their Farmer-Led Trials program. Now in its second year of accepting proposals, this grant program puts farmers in the driver’s seat and recognizes their wisdom, experimentation, and problem-solving skills. The program provides organic farmers with technical assistance and a small amount of funding to investigate and learn about solutions to their most pressing production challenges. Plan to join us and bring your questions!
More information:

Learn about the FLT program, last year’s recipients, and OFRF’s work at ofrf.org/research/farmer-led-research-trials.
OFRF will have a longer online forum about the FLT program on October 29, featuring last year’s farmer researchers.
Application deadline is December 1.

Past OOFRN meeting session topics and YouTube links are posted at offer.osu.edu/oofrn-events.

Ohio Soil Health Week
2024-11-10 08:00 - 2024-11-16 17:00
Ohio Soil Health Week provides a time and space to celebrate, honor, and protect Ohio’s soils. This weeklong celebration includes outreach, education opportunities, and events to raise awareness around Ohio’s most valuable natural resource: our soil.
The celebration will occur annually every second full week in November, honoring the late David Brandt, a sustainable agriculture trailblazer and the “Godfather of Soil Health”, whose birthday falls that week. Ohio Soil Health Week will feature a variety of events hosted by multiple organizations and individuals around the state—all celebrating soil health.

We invite anyone who is interested in planning an Ohio Soil Health Week event to complete this form.
On April 9, 2024, Ohio State Senator Tim Schaffer introduced Ohio Soil Health Week as an amendment to H.B. 162 to the Ohio Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. If you would like to support this legislation with testimony, a letter of support, or by contacting your state representatives, please contact OEFFA Grassroots Policy Organizer, Lauren Hirtle, at lauren@oeffa.org.

Developing Regenerative Pastures and Community Connections: A Soil Health Field Demo Day in Champaign County
2024-11-10 10:00 - 15:00 | Truest Farms, 7808 Ohio 161, Mechanicsburg, 43044, United States
Celebrate the inaugural Ohio Soil Health Week with a one.two.five Benefit Corporation field day that will begin with a 90-minute field tour* with Cory Stratton, the main farmer and co-owner of Truest Farms, a 21-acre regenerative farm established three years ago, focusing on poultry, hogs, and lambs. Then, everyone will meet for a 90-minute field tour* with Tonni & Graham Oberly, co-owners of Oaks & Sprouts farm. The Oberly’s grow a variety of vegetables and have a small livestock operation that includes pigs, a cow, goats, and livestock guardian dogs. The Oberly’s practice minimal tillage, use reusable landscape fabric, and rotate livestock to improve soil health.
In between the two tours, attendees will meet for lunch and conversation at In Good Taste Catering & Market in Urbana.
*each farm tour will feature interactive, hands-on learning and Q&A time with the farmers
The cost of registration is $35/person. Lunch is provided. Ridesharing/carpooling is recommended. Please see the registration form for scholarship and cost-reduced registration options.
