Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods

Happy Thanksgiving!

IOIA Webinar: Inspecting Organic Wineries

November 25. Online. This 300-level webinar course from the International Organic Inspectors Association will prepare participants to conduct winery inspections. The course is geared to experienced inspectors or reviewers who wish to familiarize themselves with the scope and idiosyncrasies of winery inspections. This course is comprised of three components: pre-course self-study, the webinar, and post webinar evaluation.  http://www.ioia.net/schedule_web.html#wine1125

Opportunity

2014 Muhammad Ali Center Peace Garden, Funding Opportunity

To be eligible for the 2014 Muhammad Ali Center Peace Garden, your school or organization must plan to garden in 2014 with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18. Preference will be given to schools within the United States with student body eligible for 50% or more reduced or free lunches. This is a global initiative; all International countries and territories are eligible to apply. The selection of winners is based on the demonstrated relationship between the garden program and peace studies, and nutrition and hunger issues. Grant Packages; 50 Award packages are available. 2014 award winners will receive a gardening package valued over $500.00 including: $400.00 in gardening supplies, $100.00 for soil amendments and plants. http://grants.kidsgardening.org/2014-muhammad-ali-center-peace-garden-grant-0

Beeswax Needed

Hello! I am looking for raw unprocessed beeswax. I can pick up anywhere near Omaha or Lincoln. Thanks kindly, Cait. caitiecaughey@gmail.com

Upcoming

Western Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Conference

December 7. Ogallala. The Western Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Conference will feature several dynamic presenters on topics including cover crops, growing vegetables in high tunnels, planned grazing, organic wheat breeding, and more. A tradeshow will also feature businesses and organizations from across Nebraska. Sponsors of the event include the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society and the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) NE Chapter No. 2. Details, email William athealthyfarms@gmail.com

Organic Agriculture Conference

December 2-3. Sioux Falls, South Dakota. South Dakota State University presents a public event for those currently producing organically, those who may be curious about getting started or transitioning to organic, as well as members of the organic industry. Sections of presentations on crops, livestock, and vegetable production are scheduled. Additional topics will include climate change and farm energy.http://www.sdstate.edu/ps/extension/ipm/organicagcon.cfm

On-Farm Vegetable Crop Storage

December 2. This Missouri Beginning Farmers Program webinar features Scott Sanford of Michigan State University. Log in under guest with your own name at univmissouri.adobeconnect.com/debikelly from 7-8:30 pm. http://agebb.missouri.edu/mac/agopp/calendar.htm

Overview of Farm Legal Issues Webinar

December 2. Farm Commons delivers fast-paced webinars that help farmers move forward on the legal issues that affect their farm operation. In this webinar, learn about the most common legal issues encountered by direct-to-consumer and organic farm operations. This session is geared to for the beginning farmer and the experienced farmer interested in identifying potential issues. Attendees will learn how to spot common legal issues and know the initial steps to resolve them. http://farmcommons.org/webinars/

Sustainable Production Using Year-Round High Tunnels Webinar

December 3. In this webinar, participants will learn how producers are maximizing high tunnel production on diversified specialty crop operations. This free webinar is sponsored by the USDA NRCS East and West National Technology Support Centers. The presenter is Michael Kilpatrick of Kilpatrick Family Farm. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/sustainable-production-using-year-round-high-tunnels

Revenue Projections and Profit Potential of Grass-Based Livestock

December 3. Practical Farmers of Iowa will host a free farminar, "Revenue Projections and Profit Potential of Grass-Based Livestock," from 7-8:30 p.m. CST. This interactive webinar

will feature an experienced farmer sharing his insights on raising pasture-based livestock with beginning graziers. Listen in as the speakers explore questions from husbandry practices to improving profitability to anticipating income potential of a grass-based livestock enterprise.http://www.practicalfarmers.org/assets/files/news/article_13nov14.pdf

Trap Cropping in Organic Strawberries to Manage Lygus Bugs

December 3. Join eOrganic for a webinar on using alfalfa for trap cropping in organic strawberries, by Diego Nieta of the University of California Santa Cruz. The webinar takes place at 2PM Eastern Time. It's free and open to the public, and advance registration is required.  http://www.extension.org/pages/69153/

Online Ordering Systems Webinar

December 3. Utilizing online ordering systems can streamline service for both you and your customers, strengthening that relationship in the process. In this webinar presented by Countryside Conservancy, Heather Walters of Basket of Life Farm will discuss her positive experience with Small Farm Central and give an overview of other systems as well to help you determine which one is right for your business. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2489514580813011458

Marketing for Profit: Tools for Success

December 3 or 4. Farmers' Market Federation of New York is offering a series of free webinars for direct marketing farmers. Each webinar is offered twice. The topic for this session is "You Are What You Look Like! Preparing the Product," presented by Marty Butts, Small Potatoes Marketing. http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/work-shop-programs/webinars/registration.html

Annual Grazing Workshop

Saturday, December 7.  

 

Virginia, NE. Featuring Chip Hines. 

Sponsored by the Southeast Nebraska Grassland Association.  Virginia, NE.  Seebit.ly/SEneGraze for more info.

Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference

December 14. Des Moines, Iowa. The conference features expert agriculture attorneys, accountants, agribusiness professionals, educators, USDA personnel and other veteran service providers as well as a keynote address from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. Veteran farmers and professionals working with veteran farmers are encouraged to attend. Registration is free but seating is limited; learn more here, http://www.iowafarmerveteran.org/