Calendar of Events
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Surviving the Drought of 2024 and Beyond
Surviving the Drought of 2024 and Beyond
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.
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Growing Equity Program
Growing Equity Program
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.
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Sowing Seeds for Success
Sowing Seeds for Success
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.
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Unlocking Local Grain Potential
Unlocking Local Grain Potential
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.
2 events,
Growing Equity Program
Growing Equity Program
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.
The USDA and You: Organic Transition Support
The USDA and You: Organic Transition Support
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.
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Perspectives on Organic Certification: A Farmer Webinar Panel
Perspectives on Organic Certification: A Farmer Webinar Panel
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.
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Fresh Finds Farmers Market Tours
Fresh Finds Farmers Market Tours
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
Pitch Your Farm Dream
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.
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Organic Pork and Mushrooms Farm Tour
Organic Pork and Mushrooms Farm Tour
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.
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Growing Equity Program
Growing Equity Program
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.
1 event,
MVEG Farmer Discussion Series on Risk Management
MVEG Farmer Discussion Series on Risk Management
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.
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Contemporary Differences in U.S. Farm Financial Performance By Race: Does Farm Size Matter?
Contemporary Differences in U.S. Farm Financial Performance By Race: Does Farm Size Matter?
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.
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2024 Green Teen Alliance Conference
2024 Green Teen Alliance Conference
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
Ohio State West Fest: West Campus Science & Sustainability Festival
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.
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Farmer Help Shop
Farmer Help Shop
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 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.
Cooperative Farming Learning Series
Cooperative Farming Learning Series
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.
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Indigo Exploration Workshop
Indigo Exploration Workshop
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.
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1 event,
Cooperative Farming Learning Series
Cooperative Farming Learning Series
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.