SARE Nationwide Event Calendar

2013 NOFA Summer Conference

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:08:46 +0000

Join NOFA for a weekend of learning, networking, and fun with people who are transforming the food system in the Northeast. In addition to hundreds of practical skills and farming workshops, the conference features live entertainment, children's and teen conferences, a country fair, organic meals, 100 exhibitors and much more. The conference will take place August 9-11 on the University of Massachusetts, Amherst campus.

Raising and Processing Pastured Poultry for Home and Market

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:02:20 +0000

PASA Western Region presents this master class at the Dreese Family Farm, with guest speakers Jeff Mattocks, Vice President and Nutritionist for the Fetrell Company, and Eli Reiff, the Poultry Man. The workshop will provide a hands-on demonstration of poultry processing and will cover nutrition and housing.

The Necessary (r)Evolution for Sustainable Food Systems

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:47:45 +0000

This conference will bring together influential and innovative voices from the sustainable food movement for a day of inspiration and call to action. The goal is to connect people across disciplines around the urgent issue of our broken food system and inspire people to take their place in the necessary revolution.

Hack//Meat San Francisco

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:26:03 +0000

Food+Tech Connect, GRACE Communications Foundation, and Applegate are bringing together industry "steakholders," technologists, entrepreneurs, and creatives to reimagine the business of meat. Participants will work together to develop data-driven technologies and communication platforms that help to democratize the way meat is produced, processed, distributed, sold, and consumed.

Organic Dairy Forages: Focus on Summer Annuals Webinar

outreach@sare.org (Anonymous User) — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:48:25 +0000

Join eOrganic for a webinar on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 2 pm Eastern Time (1 pm Central, 12 noon Mountain, 11 am Pacific Time) on using summer annuals as forages for your organic dairy farm. The webinar is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Advance registration is required.Register at: http://www.extension.org/pages/68106About the WebinarSummer annual forages--including millet, sorghums, sorghum-sudans, and teff-- can be important complements to pastures during the summer slump as well as harvested for stored feed. Join Heather Darby and Rick Kersbergen as they discuss strategies for planting, harvesting, and feeding these forages to organic dairy cattle.About the PresentersHeather Darby is an agronomist at the University of Vermont Extension where she conducts applied research and outreach on farm-based fuel, forage, and grain production systems in New England. Heather's research has focused on traditional and niche crop variety trials, weed management strategies, and cropping systems development. Her farmer outreach programs have focused on soil health, nutrient management, organic grain and forage production, and oilseed production. In addition, Heather leads the eOrganic dairy team and also operates a certified organic farm with her husband in northern Vermont.Rick Kersbergen is an Extension Professor at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Rick has been conducting research and extension programs related to sustainable dairy and forage systems since 1987. He is currently involved with several multi-state, applied research projects on cover crops, organic grains production, and forage and nutrient management. He is past chair of the Northeast Pasture Consortium and manages the regional website as a compendium of grazing information for the region.

Pastured-Poultry Product Diversification and Branding

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:12:40 +0000

This workshop is the fourth and final in a series on pastured poultry being offered in Montana by NCAT, the Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center, and Salish-Kootenai College. The keynote speaker will be NCAT Organic Program Specialist Ann Baier of Soquel, California.

Slow Living Summit

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:58:59 +0000

The third annual Slow Living Summit, about sustainable living, resilient communities, and the inner transformations necessary for living slow, takes place June 5-7. The Strolling of the Heifers Weekend features the parade on Saturday, followed by the Slow Living Expo, which highlights local food producers and craftspeople. On Sunday, the Tour de Heifer offers farm-to-farm cycling rides.

Designing Edible Forest Gardens

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:38:11 +0000

This workshop will consist of two days of instruction, observation and design exercises, covering the basics of forest gardening with emphasis on understanding plant guilds and plant community functions, plant species and site selection considerations, and the process for developing a forest garden design. Cost $150.

Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course in Glasgow, Kentucky

outreach@sare.org (Anonymous User) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:59:33 +0000

This day-long Short Course will equip conservationists, land managers, farm educators, and agricultural professionals with the latest science-based approaches to increasing crop security and reversing the trend of pollinator decline, especially in heavily managed landscapes. The current Farm Bill makes pollinators and their habitat a conservation priority for every USDA land manager and conservationist. This training session provides an overview of pollinator-specific language within the Farm Bill, and how to translate that language into on-the-ground conservation. Introductory topics include the principles of pollinator biology, the economics of insect pollination, recognizing native bee species, and assessment of pollinator habitat. Advanced modules will cover farm management practices for pollinator protection, the development of pollinator habitat enhancements, incorporating pollinator conservation into NRCS programs, selection of plants for pollinator enhancement sites, management of natural and urban landscapes, and the additional funding sources and technical support available to land managers. Throughout the workshop these training modules are illustrated by case studies of pollinator conservation efforts across the country. Visit the course website for more information and to register online. Hurry, space is limited!

Full Title: Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course in Frankfort, Kentucky

outreach@sare.org (Anonymous User) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:59:32 +0000

American Forage and Grassland Council National Tour

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:07:57 +0000

The 2013 AFGC National Tour will bring together producers, scientists, and forage industry professionals from across the United States. Attendees will learn about the benefits of managed grazing systems, improved forage production systems, increased profitability, and more.

MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIRS

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:00:14 +0000

Mother Earth News Fairs feature practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops on organic gardening, renewable energy, modern homesteading, and more. An extensive list of workshops and speakers is available online.

Southern Plains Windbreak Renovation and Innovation Workshop

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:07:26 +0000

This workshop will bring together technical expertise and experience to facilitate learning and sharing about windbreak renovation. It will discuss how to incorporate innovation into the design and management of windbreaks and how to make windbreaks truly multifunctional.

Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course in Central Point, Oregon

outreach@sare.org (Anonymous User) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:38:49 +0000

Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course in Waverly, Tennessee

outreach@sare.org (Anonymous User) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:44:22 +0000

6th Annual Growing Food and Justice for All

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:15:04 +0000

This year Growing Food and Justice for All Initiative (GFJI) and Growing Power Inc. are excited to partner with the Taos County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) to host the 6th Annual GFJI Gathering in Taos, New Mexico.

Farm Foundations: Planning for Success Risk Management Training for Beginning Farmers

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:07:36 +0000

This risk-management training for beginning farmers continues a series produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The "Farm Foundations" Sustainable Livestock Production workshop is open to new and beginning farmers, particularly those in Arkansas and Mississippi. Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who are interested in farming are encouraged to attend. The two-day workshop is focused on business planning, identifying markets, and online marketing. It includes a tour of Falling Sky Farm and hands-on training in pastured poultry and pork, as well as grass-fed cattle.

National value-added agriculture conference

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:54:07 +0000

"Local Economic Development Through Entrepreneurship" conference participants will have the opportunity to interact with innovative business owners and economic developers from around the United States. They will discuss rural entrepreneurism, adding value to agricultural products, agritourism, and rural economic development. The conference will include breakout sessions and tours.

2013 Midwest Regional Workshop

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:49:41 +0000

There’s an upcoming workshop put on by the American Agricultural Editors’ Association and Livestock Publications Council titled, “The Nuts and Bolts of Ag Communications.” It’s part of a continuing series.

2013 Kneading Conference West

outreach@sare.org (Anonymous User) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:11:26 +0000

The Kneading Conference West is a three-day gathering of home and professional bakers, millers, grain farmers, food entrepreneurs, maltsters, wheat breeders, wood-fired oven builders, and people who love locally grown and produced wholesome food. 30+ experts arrive from around the U.S. and Canada to lead workshops and panel discussions about making breads, pizzas, and pastries for home and professional kitchens, building earth or brick ovens, starting and growing a baking business, growing grains in the backyard, and much more. Registration is $300 and includes all meals (delicious, from scratch, featuring local harvests).

Open Gate On-Farm Learning Series

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:19:48 +0000

Holistic Management International is launching its Open Gate On-Farm Learning Series with two field days hosted by experienced holistic management practitioners. The field day at Paicines Ranch focuses on increasing profit, production, and performance for a sustainable ranch operation. The field day at Spring Creek Ranch in Texas focuses on grazing practices to mitigate drought.

Planning for Agriculture in the Puget Sound Region

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:15:12 +0000

Join local elected officials, planners, and food system advocates at a conference on planning for the future of local farms and food in the Puget Sound region. The event will explore the wide range of planning and policy tools that can be used to support and strengthen the region's local farms and food system.

2013 Piedmont Farm Tour

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:12:01 +0000

Learn about the Triangle's local and organic farm and food scene. Meet local farmers and tour their farms during a two-afternoon, self-guided tour with 39 participating destinations. In conjunction with the tour, CFSA is providing a special tour for beginning farmers, visiting three farms in a day. Participants will get to learn from experienced growers and see their operations, as well as network with other beginning farmers.

6-th International Conference “Earth from Space - the Most Effective Solutions”

outreach@sare.org (Anonymous User) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:22:27 +0000

6th International Conference "Earth from Space - the Most Effective Solutions" will be held on October 1-3, 2013. This is a traditional biennial event being the largest in Russia and CIS countries in the area of Earth remote sensing (ERS) and practical application of space data. In 2011 the conference gathered 470 participants - representatives of 194 organizations from 22 world countries (including 56 participants from abroad).In 2013, declared as the Year of Environmental Protection in Russia, the Conference participants will draw attention to the issues of using space technologies in study and control of ecological situation and nature protection. Issues related to access to space images and services of operational satellite-based monitoring from civil society in Russia and in world will also be among other key topics.In parallel with main conference events the exhibition will be held, aimed at showing experience of practical application of satellite monitoring in various economic industries along with recent developments in Earth remote sensing.Organizers of the conference, which is to take place at the Moscow Region “Vatutinki” resort hotel, will be ScanEx Research & Development Center (http://www.scanex.ru/en/index.html) and Non-Profit Partnership “Transparent World” (http://www.transparentworld.ru/).Anyone interested may take part in the conference! For registration, topics and participation terms familiarization and location map, please follow the link below http://conference.scanex.ru. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to address to: +7(495)739-73-85 or by e-mail: conference@scanex.ru.

University of Tennessee Organic Crops Field Tour

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:35:13 +0000

This annual tour, hosted by the University of Tennessee East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, will highlight current research projects and discuss organic crop production techniques and recommendations. Topics will include irrigation systems for high tunnels, soil fertility, and weed and disease control.

Nevada Indoor Agriculture Conference

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:30:05 +0000

The Nevada Indoor Agriculture Conference is cohosted by the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development and Seedstock. The conference will focus on sustainable technologies as well as economic opportunities associated with Controlled Environment Agriculture and the increase in local food production and security that could result from pursuing such endeavors.

Cooperative Extension- Small Farms Program

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:16:31 +0000

This workshop is geared towards persons interested in starting or already has a
small herd of goats or flock of chickens. Dr.Escobar, small ruminant specialist from
UMES, and Dr. McCrea, poultry specialist from DSU will present topics on:
1. Desirable breeds for meat/ dairy/ show goats.
2. Desirable breeds for laying/meat chickens.
3. Stocking rates for goats/ chickens (goats/chickens per acre).
4. Sources where goats/chicken can be purchased.
5. Housing and feeding requirements for goats/chickens

Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course in Fallon, Nevada

outreach@sare.org (Anonymous User) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:44:24 +0000

Power of Our Regional Food Economy: 2013 Conference

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:27:45 +0000

This conference invites businesses and community members to play an active role in improving the wealth and health of the community. This day-long collaboration will illustrate the business case for the development of a road map for area professionals interested in growing their bottom line, while at the same time fostering the regional food economy—a true systems approach to the food sector.

2013 Growing Green Spring Urban Agriculture Training

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:19:28 +0000

The Massachusetts Avenue Project's Urban Agriculture Training features opportunities to learn from MAP's success with urban, youth-centered agriculture. In addition to witnessing the components of a functional urban farm first-hand, participants will be able to engage and observe many of the successful elements in MAP's youth training program, Growing Green.

Urban Agriculture Conference

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:55:16 +0000

The Horticultural Society of New York presents our 3rd Annual Urban Agriculture Conference, being held in May 2013 in New York City. This year’s conference will focus on increasing the awareness of food security in our struggling economy and will explore the potential of food production in urban environments as a prominent and viable alternative.

Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course in Ruston, Louisiana

outreach@sare.org (Anonymous User) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:33:26 +0000

Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course in Lafayette, Louisiana

outreach@sare.org (Anonymous User) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:33:24 +0000

MOFGA Spring Growth Conference: Garlic

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:48:17 +0000

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association's Spring Growth Conference offers day-long engagement with a single agricultural topic. For 2013 the topic is garlic. A keynote speaker, producer panel, and opportunities for farmer-to-farmer networking and information exchange are planned.

JUST FOOD CONFERENCE 2013

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:44:30 +0000

The conference will provide attendees with opportunities to learn about cooking and food preservation techniques, CSA trends, and local and national farm and food issues, as well as ways to mobilize communities in order to increase access to farm-fresh, locally grown food.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Conference

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:51:25 +0000

The conference will cover a broad range topics pertaining to grass-fed beef production and is open to both beef producers and consumers.

The following topics will be discussed: overview of the beef industry; defining natural, grass-fed and organic beef; growing forage – the fundamentals; cattle types suited for grass-fed beef; forage-based nutrition for cattle; preventive herd health; handling cattle for wholesome beef; carcass fabrication; consumers and their expectations; marketing a unique product; and economics and sustainability.

Growing Markets 2013 Conference and Annual Hobart Farmers' Lunch

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:01:21 +0000

Join us at the Hobart Community Center for "Growing Markets 2013," a free half day conference exploring innovative ways for producers, processors, and distributors to grow their businesses and meet the growing demand for local foods.

Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course in Fairbanks, AK

outreach@sare.org (Anonymous User) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:55:21 +0000

Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course in Kenai, AK

outreach@sare.org (Anonymous User) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:55:20 +0000

School Food Summit 2013

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:35:25 +0000

The First Regional “School Food Summit: Celebrating Our Children, Food, and Future” Join national experts, parents, students and community in identifying ways to increase the use of fresh, locally-grown food in school meals. When: Friday, February 15th 1:30-4:30 Kitchen Camp for food service staff (full) 5:30-7 Local Food Fair 7:00 Songs of Farm and Food 7:30-9 “Local Food Goes to School” Keynote speaker: Chef Ann Cooper “The Renegade Lunch Lady” Changemaker Panel of National and local school food experts Chef Tim Cipriano, Todd Fowler, Janet Poppendieck, Christopher Van Damm and more…

Food Sovereignty Summit

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:50:56 +0000

The Oneida Nation, First Nations Development Institute, Intertribal Agriculture Council and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College are hosting the Food Sovereignty Summit April 15-18, 2013, at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The professional tracks at the conference include Sustainable Agricultural Practices; Community Outreach and Development; and Business Management, Finance and Marketing. Attendees have the option of attending sessions in just one track, or they may customize their experience by selecting from any of the sessions

NOFA-NY CSA Fair

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:45:16 +0000

Make an investment in a local farm—get a season’s worth of fresh food every week. It’s called Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). At our CSA Fairs you can learn about CSAs, meet your local area farmers, compare share options, and sign up for your 2013 farm share.

Northern Piedmont Specialty Crops School

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 20:28:23 +0000

The school is designed to explore the art and science of growing and marketing specialty crops and will feature many ideas for specialty crops growers to be successful in their ventures.

2013 Organic Dairy & Field Crop Conference

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:36:13 +0000

NOFA-NY encourages veteran farmers, new farmers, and farmers interested in transitioning to organic management to attend. The program includes a half-day intensive workshop on Transition to Organic Dairy Management and workshop tracks on dairy, business, and field crops.

14th Annual International Agroecology Shortcourse

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:47:07 +0000

What is agriculture’s role in contributing to climate change? What are opportunities within agriculture to mitigate or adapt to a changing climate? When we talk about agriculture, do we mean smallholder farmers, industrial agriculture or both? The theme of the 14th Annual International Agroecology Shortcourse is the application of agroecological approaches to support resilience to climate change and promote robust, sustainable food systems. Farmers are constantly innovating in their daily practice, and much can be learned by identifying and analyzing existing agricultural management strategies that have the potential to adapt to and/or mitigate climate changes. By integrating ecological and social sciences with farmer’s knowledge, agroecologists believe it is possible to both design and manage more sustainable agri-food systems and address global environmental change. This year’s setting in Vermont will allow participants to learn about one of the strongest locally-based food systems in the United States, while observing case studies of various approaches to responding to the effects and threats of a changing climate. We will also learn from similar models of action from around the world.

2013 Business of Farming Conference

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:45:58 +0000

Join Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, local farmers, agriculture professionals, and business and marketing specialists for this day-long conference with 90-minute learning sessions. The event also offers opportunities to meet with restaurant and wholesale buyers.

MOSES Conference

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:36:05 +0000

The MOSES Organic Farming Conference is the largest conference in the U.S. about organic and sustainable farming. The MOSES Conference offers more than 70 workshops taught by experts in their fields, inspiring keynote speakers, and a trade show with more than 170 exhibitors open exclusively to conference attendees. Every February, this event draws more than 3,000 farmers, advocates, educators, students, and more to the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wis. This farmer-focused conference is celebrated as the foremost educational and networking event in the organic farming community.

2013 Growers' Academy (Roanoke)

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:26:07 +0000

2013 Growers' Academy Roanoke, VA - Tuesdays January 22 – March 12 at 6-9 pm (no class on February 19) Registration for the 2013 Growers Academy is underway. Please forward this email to anyone who may be interested. For more information, see attached poster, or visit the Growers Academy web site: http://www.cpe.vt.edu/grac/

The Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center is offering the fourth annual Growers Academy, a series of courses specifically designed to help new and transitioning agricultural businesses succeed. An eight week learning series focused on low input, small scale production and starting your own agribusiness. Instructors include resource professionals and farm business owners. Topics include: • Planning for Success: Setting Goals and Establishing Targets • Soils and Composting • Marketing • Business Plan Development • Equipment for Small Farms • Preventative Pest and Weed Management • Crop Production and Planning • Business Plan Review • Farm Tour on Sat., March 9

Direct Marketing Conference

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:33:21 +0000

NOFA Vermont's annual Direct Marketing Conference provides networking and educational opportunities for farmers market managers and vendors, as well as farmers marketing through Community Supported Agriculture and farm stands.

Cascadia Grains Conference

outreach@sare.org (Linnea Hofstrom) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:03:21 +0000

The Cascadia Grains Conference brings together farmers, bakers, brewers, distillers, brokers, investors, policy-makers, and others to help rebuild the regional grain economy. Farmers will learn about grain production, connect with scale-appropriate buyers, and learn strategies for increasing demands for cereals used for poultry and livestock feeds, artisan breads, brewing, and distilling.