Monday, March 30, 2015

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods

Getting started with direct marketing

Monday, March 30 at 6. New farmers who plan to sell products directly to consumers should become as familiar as possible with the various approaches available.  On-farm sales, CSA, local farmers markets and other techniques will be presented, with pros and cons of each. This session will provide a valuable overview of direct marketing and help you determine which strategies will best fit your operation. This session will also briefly touch on the applicable regulations for which products need to be licensed to be sold direct to consumer. http://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/

Food Safety Modernization Act: Implications for Farmers

March 31. Online. Sophia Kruszewski, a policy expert at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, about what the Food Safety Modernization Act is and what its implementation will mean for farmers. Organic farmer and farm consultant Chris Blanchard will discuss details about who it will impact and how to comply with the new rules and regulations. These interactive webinars are led by farmers, are open to everyone and allow participants to ask questions of presenters in real-time. http://practicalfarmers.org/2015-winter-farminar/

Entomology Seminar on Arthropod Community Associated with Perennial Warm-season Grasses

 March. 31. 4:00 pm–5:00 pm. Lincoln on UNL's East Campus. “Characterization of the Arthropod Community Associated with Perennial Warm-season Grasses (Poaceae) Composition in Nebraska” will be presented by Katie O’Brien, entomology graduate student. Contact, Jeri Cunningham, 402-472-8678jcunningham1@unl.edu

Risk Management and Insurance

April 1st. All classes will be held Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 pm at Community Action (210 "O" St. Lincoln, NE). Cost for the series is $150, scholarships are available. Individual classes are $20 each, please click the link next to the class to register for that particular class. For more information, contact Kirstin Bailey, kirstin@communitycrops.org or call 402.474.9802http://www.communitycrops.org/wholefarm

Backyard Hens

April 1st. Webinar. Annie Carlson, Morning Joy Farm. Turning table scraps into eggs means healthy eating and less garbage. Annie will cover where to get hens, housing those birds, laying, feed, water requirements and management. https://attendee.gototraining.com/rt/7481891117344979713

Getting started with managing soil, irrigation and fertilization interactions

Wednesday, April 1 at 6. “It all starts with the soil” is a truism that can’t be ignored. This session will help you understand your soil type and how it influences irrigation and fertilization decisions. Having this understanding will help get the most out of nutrient and water applications while maximizing production and maintaining environmental quality.  http://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/

Western Nebraska Landscapes

April 2. Lincoln on UNL's East Campus, Keim Hall. 12pm. Amy Seiler, Community Forestry Specialist for the Nebraska Forest Service, will talk about some beautiful landscapes with a strong sense of place in western Nebraska. Seiler will have photos and tips for creating and managing waterwise landscapes in difficult urban settings. And she will highlight some plants and trees, both naturally-occurring and planted, that are “thriving in unlikely and difficult places and circumstances.” Contact,  Karma Larsen, 402/472-7923,klarsen1@unl.edu

Applied Ecology Seminar

April 3rd. 2pm. UNL's Hardin Hall. Asssessing the Effects of a Wind Farm on Greater Prairie Chickens. Jen Smith of UNL’s School of Natural Resources will present this free and open seminar.




Opportunities

Foreign Exchange student

I work with a non-profit foundation that places high school exchange students with host families in the Omaha area. I'm looking for a host family for Ana Beatriz from Brazil and I thought some of her interests would line up with this group. She loves animals (wants to be a vet and currently volunteers with rescues), cooking, and horses). Host families provide 3 meals a day and transportation to/from school (walking, bus, carpool are all fine options). The students come with instance and spending money for any other needs. If you're not ready to host, but know someone who is, send them my contact information! We offer a $100 referral incentive payment if someone you send me ends up hosting one of our students. 
Please feel free to ask any questions! I can be reached at 402-499-9031 or at andrealundberg@gmail.com

NASS Organic Producer Survey

USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service has an Organic Survey underway to gather detailed data on U.S. organic agriculture production. The survey is a complete inventory of all known organic producers that are certified, exempt from certification, and transitioning to certified organic production. Farmers and ranchers can fill out the survey online at www.agcensus.usda.gov untilApril 3, 2015.  

Mother Earth News Survey

Later this year, Mother Earth News will publish an article about the growing evidence of the vital importance of getting the right balance of fatty acids in our diet. Some researchers now believe that the shift away from beneficial fatty acids in modern diets is leading to health consequences that are as serious as the problems we face with climate change. As you probably know, grass-fed products are better sources of fatty acids than industrial products. We plan to help raise public awareness of this fact by conducting a large-scale survey to measure the fatty acid profiles of samples of grass-fed meat, eggs and dairy products from across the continent. We will publish the results of the survey in conjunction with our article. We are recruiting producers to join in this nutrient-testing project and hope that you will choose to participate. In order to be included, we need to hear back from you by March 15. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K5ZHWTB?newsletter=1&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=HE%20eNews&utm_campaign=2.23.15%20MEN%20HE%20eNews



Upcoming

Growing Farm to School

April 6. Council Bluffs, Iowa. 

Getting started with cover crops in field crop rotations

Monday, April 6 at 6pm. 
Farmers who want to prevent soil erosion, improved nutrient cycling, sustain their soils and protect the environment have been returning to a very old practice: planting cover crops.  This session will provide an introduction into benefits, selection and management of cover crops in field crop systems including corn, soybeans, wheat, and other row, small grain and forage crops. 
http://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/

Innovative Approaches to Extension in Organic and Sustainable Agriculture

Tuesday, April 7 at 1:00 pm. Agroecology has a proven track record of assessing the principles underpinning sustainable farming. Yet, approaches to utilizing research-based information to develop and deliver extension programs that allow innovative agricultural producers to make informed management decision are still lacking. In this webinar, we will explore pedagogical principles that Extension agents and agricultural educators can take advantage of when developing context-dependent outreach and educational programs for organic and sustainable farmers. Register now at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8446809328032977410

The avian immune system and vaccination programs for poultry

Tuesday, April 7 at 1pm. The final webinar in this health-related series will focus on the avian immune system and vaccination programs for poultry flocks. As the last in a four part health-related webinar series, Dr. Frame will also discuss things to do to minimize health challenges. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/poultry

Farminar: Attract Customers through Fiber & Education

April 7. Online. Farminars are a virtual field day from Pennsylvania Women's Agricultural Network. PA-WAgN 2015 Specialty Mentor Terri Kinka of Golden Glen Alpacas will discuss methods to break into the niche market of alpacas. She will review the fiber qualities and value-added aspects of this unique animal and review the characteristics of several breeds. Terri will discuss how she builds knowledge and attracts customers to her farm through educational tours to the community. http://agsci.psu.edu/wagn/events/copy_of_Farminar%20-%20Heirloom%20Tomatoes

Reduced Tillage in Organic Specialty Crop Systems

April 7. Online. Participate to learn about research aimed at methods to improve soil health by minimizing tillage in organic vegetable systems. In the Understanding Organic Agriculture series, this webinar is presented by USDA NRCS Science and Technology. The presenter will describe current research at Washington State University that is exploring methods to address a significant soil health challenge in vegetable production - tillage. The discussion of methods to reduce tillage in organic specialty crop systems will include cover strip tillage, the use of a roller crimper, and the role of cover crops. Research findings compare the impacts of different techniques in terms of compaction, water infiltration, soil respiration, and other factors. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/reduced-tillage-in-organic-specialty-crop-systems

Twitter for Newbies Webinar

Wednesday, April 8 at 11:00 am. We’ll create a new Twitter account and go through the step-by-step process. Some basic techniques will be covered. Entry level. For more information: http://www.extension.umd.edu/womeninag/webinars

Raspberry Breeding

Wednesday, April 8 at 1:00 pm. Join the National Association of Plant Breeding and PBG Works for a webinar on Raspberry Breeding for the Pacific Northwest by Pat Moore of Washington State University. The webinar takes place on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 2PM Eastern Time (1PM Central, 12PM Mountain, 11AM Pacific Time). The webinar is free and advanced registration is required. Register now at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/290563905062405377

Targeted Grazing Online Workshops: Diet Selection Basics

April 9. Online. This workshop is part of a series of online presentations and discussions led by experts on the topic of targeted grazing and made possible by the Targeted Grazing Committee of the Society for Range Management. This session is presented by Dr. Karen Launchbaugh, University of Idaho. https://targetedgrazing.wordpress.com/training/

Wyoming Farmers Marketing Association Annual Conference

April 9-11. Casper, Wyoming. The Wyoming Farmers Marketing Association, University of Wyoming Extension, Wyoming Department of Agriculture Specialty Crops, and University of Nebraska Extension are presenting a two-day GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) workshop, followed by the Wyoming Farmers Marketing Association Annual Conference and Business meeting. The WFMA conference will include a keynote speaker followed by two sessions of one-hour topics. http://www.wyomingfarmersmarkets.org/

Building and Managing Healthy Soils

April 11. Olathe, Kansas. This event is part of the Growing Growers monthly workshop series that seeks to help new and existing growers increase production of local food. http://www.growinggrowers.org/workshops.html

Monday, March 23, 2015

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods


Financing a Farmland Purchase


March 23. 12 p.m. Hosted by Farm Commons, learn more about the legal basics with bank loans, land contracts (aka contracts for deed), and family financing. The legal language behind promissory notes, security agreements, land contracts, and mortgages isn’t just “boilerplate.” Farmers will learn the basics behind these documents. http://farmcommons.org/financing-farmland-purchase-legal-basics-traditional-and-non-traditional-farmland-purchases


Getting started with small fruit production

Monday, March 23 at 6:00 pm. Small fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and other specialty fruits add diversity and customer appeal to your farm enterprise.  This session will explore the basics of establishment, management and successful marketing of small fruit.  Direct marketing, wholesale and U-pick business approaches will be included. http://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/


Proper Dry-Off Procedures to Prevent New Infections and Cure Existing Cases of Mastitis

Tuesday, March 24 at 12:00 pm. 
Intermittent milking vs. complete cessation of milking, Teat sanitation and infusion procedures, Use of nonlactating cow therapy and/or  teat seals. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/dairexnetwebinar/


Efficiently Manage your Farm’s Risks with Insurance


March 24.  Hosted by Farm Commons, learn how insurance is vital to build a resilient farm. What’s a farm liability policy and is it the same as a property/casualty policy? How does it work with a homeowner’s policy? Is workers’ compensation required and how does it work? Find the right policies for you with this webinar. http://farmcommons.org/efficiently-manage-your-farm%E2%80%99s-risks-insurance


USDA Market News Organic Market Price Reports Webinar


At 2:00 pm, the USDA Organic Working Group (OWG) will host a webinar on organic market price reports, available from USDA Market News. The speakers will describe the available organic price and movement data, how USDA collects information, and how to use Market News reports. There will be time for questions and answers, following a short presentation. Pre-registration is not required. To participate, dial in toll-free by phone (U.S. & Canada) at 866-740-1260. Use access code 7202000. Also access the Web at the meeting URL http://www.readytalk.com. On the left side of the screen, enter participant access code 7202000.


High Tunnel Webinar Series: Producer Views and Series Wrap-up


March 24. This webinar will conclude the six-part high tunnel webinar series offered by University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Center for Crop Diversification. In this session, high tunnel producers will share their successes and challenges along the way. http://news.ca.uky.edu/article/high-tunnel-webinar-series-convenient-option-growers


Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture


March 24. The first multi-state, participatory plant-breeding project to focus solely on organic carrots. Organic growers need carrot varieties that are adapted to organic conditions and have market qualities that organic consumers demand, such as superior nutrition and flavor. In the webinar, members of the CIOA research team will present results from the first three years of the project. In particular, participants will learn about advancements in breeding under organic conditions for nematode resistance and for beneficial relationships with soil microorganisms. http://www.extension.org/pages/72577/carrot-improvement-for-organic-agriculture-webinar#.VQbURY7F8_v


Pesticide Drift: Prevention and Response


March 24. Join Practical Farmers of Iowa hear Andy and Melissa Dunham share the processes they have gone through to find out who is accountable and how to receive compensation for damages from pesticide drift, as well as their strategies for preventing it from happening again.  http://practicalfarmers.org/news-events/events/farminars/

Getting started with beef cow-calf production



Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00 pm. Beef prices are at record levels and offer profitable opportunities for farmers with access to affordable acres for forage production.  This session will cover basic management practices critical to profitable beef production, beef cow/calf cost of production values, and evaluating profitability by cost per unit of production. http://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/


Tomato Nutrition in High Tunnels


March 25. Online. Penn State and Cornell University have teamed up to present the Winter Wednesday Lunch Series of vegetable and small fruit production webinars to keep extension educators, producers, and industry representatives in Pennsylvania, New York, and surrounding states informed about critical production issues. Each webinar costs $10. This is the final webinar in this year's series. http://extension.psu.edu/plants/vegetable-fruit/news/2014/vegetable-and-small-fruit-production-webinars-return

DIY Taxes for Farmers

March 25th. All classes will be held Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 pm at Community Action (210 "O" St. Lincoln, NE).  Register here,https://communitycrops.z2systems.com/np/clients/communitycrops/eventRegistration.jsp?event=195&


Small Farm Webinar Series: Variety Selection & Rootstocks for Establishing Apple Orchards


March 26. Online. This is the concluding session of University of Illinois Extension's weekly educational series for the small farm community, held from 1:00 - 2:30 pm on Thursdays. This free series of online events is aimed at providing small farm producers with a look at how leading practices in production, management, and marketing enable operations to improve profitability and sustainability. This session will discuss characteristics of recommended apple cultivars and rootstocks for Illinois production.https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=10817

Grazing Workshop

March 26th. Auburn. The Southeast Nebraska Grassland Ass’n would like to invite all NSAS folks to join us in our 19th annual grazing workshop.  This year we are featuring Doug Peterson, long time rancher and Missouri Soil Health Conservationist.  Doug has decreased inputs and increased profits with grazing practices that significantly improve soil health.  Obviously, Doug will be coming at this from a grazing standpoint but will address many other factors that improve soil health with minimum inputs.  The workshop will be held on March 26th and the 4-H building in Auburn.  Lunch will be served and there will be lots of opportunity for questions, answers, and networking.  If you are interested, e-mail me at paulrohrbaugh@windstream.net and I will forward an electronic version of the brochure. 


Women in Farming Risk Management Education Workshop

March 28th. Bird City, Kansas. The second workshop in KRC’s “Women in Farming” series will focus on specialty crop topics including high tunnels, season extension, food safety, organic certification, pest management, cooperative marketing, and specialty crop insurance. The morning portion of this workshop will take place at the Bird City Senior Center, followed by a farm tour of Y-Knot Farm and Ranch, which includes 960 acres of certified organic wheat, forage, and pasture, and whose products include free-range eggs, grass-fed and grass-finished Belted Galloway beef, and produce from their gardens and high tunnel.


Eat Local & Organic Expo

March 29. Overland Park, Kansas. Join Kansas City Food Circle at their 17th annual exhibition of farmers. This is the first of two dates for the event. Meet and buy directly from some of the best local, organic, and free-range farmers in the area. There will also be workshops and CSA information. http://kcfoodcircle.org/eat-local-expo/



Opportunities


Foreign Exchange student

I work with a non-profit foundation that places high school exchange students with host families in the Omaha area. I'm looking for a host family for Ana Beatriz from Brazil and I thought some of her interests would line up with this group. She loves animals (wants to be a vet and currently volunteers with rescues), cooking, and horses). Host families provide 3 meals a day and transportation to/from school (walking, bus, carpool are all fine options). The students come with instance and spending money for any other needs. If you're not ready to host, but know someone who is, send them my contact information! We offer a $100 referral incentive payment if someone you send me ends up hosting one of our students. 
Please feel free to ask any questions! I can be reached at 402-499-9031 or at andrealundberg@gmail.com


NSAS Consignment Suggestions

I've been tossing around the idea of an annual farm consignment auction (or two or three) that has a portion of the proceeds donated to the NSAS. I was thinking a relatively small percentage would go to NSAS, to encourage anyone from the public to bring items. Thoughts?  I'm deferring to the collective knowledge of the group here. Any feedback as to why this would work or wouldn't? Tips or tricks to ensure success? Location suggestions? Any existing sales that we could piggyback on? We can put our stamp on it a number of different ways. For example, we could use products from NSAS members to cater the event. Or have a sale focused on smaller/older equipment. Or ...Shoot me an email directly, if you have ideas. Thank you, Jon. jkyoachim@gmail.com

NASS Organic Producer Survey



USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service has an Organic Survey underway to gather detailed data on U.S. organic agriculture production. The survey is a complete inventory of all known organic producers that are certified, exempt from certification, and transitioning to certified organic production. Farmers and ranchers can fill out the survey online at www.agcensus.usda.gov until April 3, 2015.  

Mother Earth News Survey

Later this year, Mother Earth News will publish an article about the growing evidence of the vital importance of getting the right balance of fatty acids in our diet. Some researchers now believe that the shift away from beneficial fatty acids in modern diets is leading to health consequences that are as serious as the problems we face with climate change. As you probably know, grass-fed products are better sources of fatty acids than industrial products. We plan to help raise public awareness of this fact by conducting a large-scale survey to measure the fatty acid profiles of samples of grass-fed meat, eggs and dairy products from across the continent. We will publish the results of the survey in conjunction with our article. We are recruiting producers to join in this nutrient-testing project and hope that you will choose to participate. In order to be included, we need to hear back from you by March 15. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K5ZHWTB?newsletter=1&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=HE%20eNews&utm_campaign=2.23.15%20MEN%20HE%20eNews



Upcoming






Getting started with direct marketing

Monday, March 30 at 6. New farmers who plan to sell products directly to consumers should become as familiar as possible with the various approaches available.  On-farm sales, CSA, local farmers markets and other techniques will be presented, with pros and cons of each. This session will provide a valuable overview of direct marketing and help you determine which strategies will best fit your operation. This session will also briefly touch on the applicable regulations for which products need to be licensed to be sold direct to consumer. http://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/


Food Safety Modernization Act: Implications for Farmers


March 31. Online. Sophia Kruszewski, a policy expert at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, about what the Food Safety Modernization Act is and what its implementation will mean for farmers. Organic farmer and farm consultant Chris Blanchard will discuss details about who it will impact and how to comply with the new rules and regulations. These interactive webinars are led by farmers, are open to everyone and allow participants to ask questions of presenters in real-time. http://practicalfarmers.org/2015-winter-farminar/


Getting started with managing soil, irrigation and fertilization interactions

Wednesday, April 1 at 6. “It all starts with the soil” is a truism that can’t be ignored. This session will help you understand your soil type and how it influences irrigation and fertilization decisions. Having this understanding will help get the most out of nutrient and water applications while maximizing production and maintaining environmental quality.  http://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/

Monday, March 16, 2015

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods


Getting started with season extension

Monday, March 16 at 6pm. This program is part of a 20-webinar Michigan State University Extension 2015 Beginning Farmer Webinar Series.  A descriptive flyer and on-line registration and payment for any or all of the webinars is available athttp://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/  A registration fee of $10 per webinar, or $100 for all 20 webinars is required. Collin Thompson, MSU Extension program instructor/farm manager, MSU North Farm at the Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center. http://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/


Women’s Week 2015: Women in Agriculture Reception and Discussion

4:30 pm–6:00 pm. UNL East Campus Union, Lincoln. Women in agriculture overcome obstacles in male dominated industries and achieve success every day. Featuring Tasha King, Sigma Alpha Regional Consultant; Asia Haack, Ag Loan Officer at Cornerstone Bank, Central City, NE; Hilary Maricle, Boone County Commissioner; and Karna Dam, Extension Educator, Unit Leader. Co-sponsored by Sigma Alpha and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.


Plant Propagation and Production Planning


March 16. Kansas City, Kansas. This event launches the 2015 Growing Growers workshop series, offering learning opportunities in sustainable farming in the Kansas City area. Growing Growers works to increase the production of local food by helping new and existing producers grow their businesses. http://www.growinggrowers.org/workshops.html


Insect, Weed and Disease Control in High Tunnels

March 17. Online. This is the fourth in a series of six weekly high-tunnel webinars from The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Center for Crop Diversification. During this webinar, specialists will teach how to manage pest pressures with cultural and biological controls, and cover available pesticide and fungicides approved for use in high tunnels in Kentucky. http://news.ca.uky.edu/article/high-tunnel-webinar-series-convenient-option-growers


Balancing Competing Commitments

Tuesday, March 17 at 11:00 am. Join Margaret Viebrock of Washington State University Extension as she shares ways to balance your busy farm life schedule. Learn how to conquer the clutter in your life and then get rid of your biggest time wasters. It may sound easy, but without a plan, it never happens.  Find out how to change your life, using seven easy steps.  Be prepared to make some changes that will affect your productivity, help you accomplish the most important things and bring a better balance to your life.https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag


Webinar: Head-to-Head: Comparing Two Insurance Options for Specialty Crop Farmers


March 17.  7-8:30 p.m. Central. Hosted by Practical Farmers of Iowa, learn about two promising insurance options available in 2015: Non-Insured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP). Listen in as Kevin McClure of FSA and Mark Shilts of RMA work through costs and benefits of a sample farm. http://practicalfarmers.org/news-events/events/farminars/


Great Plains lecture: Storage systems for drought management and food and water security


March 18. 3:30 pm–5:00 pm.  Center for Great Plains Studies, 1155 Q St. Lincoln. Contact, Katie Nieland, 402-472-3965,knieland2@unl.eduRoberto Lenton, director of the University of Nebraska Water for Food Institute, will speak about drought and water storage at this free public lecture. Free and open to the public. http://www.unl.edu/plains/paul-olson-seminars-great-plains-studies


Webinar: Sustainable Poultry Breeding and Production


March 18. 1:30 p.m. Central. Hosted by FACT, learn more about raising heritage birds for eggs and meat. Jim Adkins of the Sustainable Poultry Network will share his knowledge of and passion for sustainable poultry production.  http://www.fundafarmer.org/online-learning-humane-farmers/

Advancing the Agriculture Economy through Innovation

March 18-20. Fort Collins, Colorado. Colorado State University's summit on Advancing the Agriculture Economy through Innovation will pave the way for understanding what agriculture will look like in the next 10, 20, or even 50 years. Innovators in an Agriculture-Water-Food-Beverage-Bioenergy innovation ecosystem are gathering and growing along Colorado’s Front Range, creating next-generation technologies and business models to nourish, refresh, and energize the world. Featured speakers and panelists will delve into the most pressing issues driving and shaping innovation. http://csuaginnovationsummit.com/


2015 Pond/Lake Management Workshop - Douglas/Sarpy County

March 18. 6:00 pm.  Douglas/Sarpy County Extension Office, 8015 West Center Road, Omaha. Workshop topics include: How lakes function in Southeast Nebraska: characteristics and challenges, Managing for fisheries, Project funding and regulations, Lake management planning, Resolving Common Maintenance Problems (Algae, leaks, undesirable fish, fish kills, clarity, erosion, nuisance animals), Develop an individualized maintenance plan for your pond. Register here: water.unl.edu/pond/lake-workshops


Getting started with marketing

Wednesday, March 18 at 6:00 pm. “Where am I going to sell this stuff?” is a question that needs answering long before any product is in hand. Much time and money can be saved if producers do some research on where to sell. This will also help producers decide on what and how much to grow, price and many other aspects that will help lead to success. http://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/


Non-Antibiotic Control of Fire Blight: What Works As We Head Into a New Era


Tuesday, March 17 at 1:00pm. In 2015, apples and pears produced organically under the USDA National Organic Program standard must utilize non-antibiotic materials in spray programs for fire blight suppression. Effective non-anrtiobiotic control programs will be presented with particular emphasis on integrated sequencing of materials. Interactions among non-antibiotic materials and their potential to cause russeting on developing fruits will be addressed. http://www.extension.org/pages/72567


Buildings Of The Future

March 18 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. The Energy Department and its Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will present a live webinar that will feature the Energy Department’s Pat Phelan and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Nora Wang. Guest speakers include Mary Ann Lazarus and Thomas Knittel of HOK and Chris Garvin of Terrapin Bright Green to discuss how natural systems and place-based building design can create sustainable and resilient future buildings across the United States and globally. The panelists will discuss how these strategies can inform the future of buildings and cities and share their perspectives on how an ecosystem approach can be integrated into the urban environment. Register for the webinar here. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7591378287587955201

Sustainable Small Farm Online Summit

March 18-21. Online. The free online Sustainable Small Farm Summit is an exciting gathering of 18 farmers and activists who are coming together to share valuable insights into the often-neglected business side of farming. The goal is to support new farmers and people transitioning into farming to become even more effective at creating financially viable plans. http://www.smallfarmsummit.org/

Small Farm Webinar Series: Veggie Compass Record-Keeping Software

March 19. The University of Illinois Extension presents a weekly educational series for the small farm community, providing practical knowledge on emerging topics which advance local food production in Illinois. This series of online events is aimed at providing small farm producers with a look at how leading practices in production, management, and marketing enable operations to improve profitability and sustainability. Veggie Compass is a farm management tool designed to help fresh market vegetable growers analyze farm records. This webinar will familiarize you with Veggie Compass, so you can begin to use this tool to locate efficiencies, set prices based on actual costs of production, and increase farm profits. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=10817


Corn Stover Webinar

Thursday, March 19 at 6:00 pm. The term “stover” refers to all of the leaf, stalk and cob tissue commonly left after grain harvest. Grain gets all of the attention, but only accounts for 50 percent of each corn crop by weight. Corn stover has traditionally been returned to the soil as an important source of organic matter and plant nutrients. Yet, increasingly tight margins in the crop and cattle sectors have some producers looking to capture additional value from this abundant co-product. http://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?folder=fieldcropswebinars2015


Southern Foresters' Climate Observations: State Comparisons and Spatial Trends
Climate change beliefs and concerns are well documented for the American public, but fewer studies focus on the perceptions and adaptation needs of key groups involved in management of natural resources. A survey of professional foresters in the southern United States found that southern foresters observed an overall change in climate, longer dry periods or drought conditions, greater frequency and/or severity of invasive plant infestations, warmer winters, and hotter summers with the highest frequency. Other examples of climatic change (e.g., greater frequency and/or severity of fires) was observed frequently only in select states. A spatial analysis of foresters’ responses provided evidence that observations of climatic change are generally observed with higher frequency by foresters from Oklahoma, Florida, and Kentucky. 


NGFN Webinar: What is break-even and viability for different food hub models?


March 19. Online. This National Good Food Network webinar peers into the operations and financial books of several illustrative examples of different hypothetical hubs to tease apart the “magic numbers” where each model reaches profitability and true viability. The webinar is free. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3399986084975337473

Local Grains Videoconference


March 19. The videoconference, which begins at 10:30 a.m., will give insight into the local grains effort. It is a view of agriculture that supports value-added, organic, small-scale production and especially encourages the use of foods grown near the point of consumption. The videoconference also will give participants an opportunity to learn about the local grains efforts of a group of farmers, scientists, grain processors, and bakers from across the United States. For several months, this team of 65 people has been participating in a closed online group . Conversation during the conference will determine the future of the group and whether it remains as an email listserv or develops more networking opportunities within and among regions. Attending the videoconference is free of charge. http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/newsreleases/2015/march-9-2015/local-grains-videoconference-set-for-march-19

Targeted Grazing Online Workshops: Plant Ecology & Response to Grazing

March 19. Online. This workshop is part of a series of online presentations and discussions led by experts on the topic of targeted grazing and made possible by the Targeted Grazing Committee of the Society for Range Management. https://targetedgrazing.wordpress.com/training/

Global Food Futures Through to 2050 and the Role of R&D

Department of Agricultural Economics Seminar Series. March 20. 3:00 pm. UNL's East Campus Union. Contact, Jane Witte, 402-472-1913janewitte@unl.edu
Presented by Philip Pardey, University of Minnesota. http://agecon.unl.edu/seminar


CSA Fair

March 21st. Open Harvest in Lincoln. Open Harvest Co-op Grocery and the Old Cheney Road Farmers' Market are excited to host the 2nd Annual CSA Fair in the Open Harvest Parking lot (1618 South Street, Lincoln) next Saturday, March 21st from 1 to 4 PM. The first twenty people that buy a CSA share at the event will receive a $5 market token + $5 co-op cash card. Special guests: The Lincoln Arts Council. 


Paradigm Days - Pollinators

Omaha. March 21st. A presentation about caring and maintaining a lawn or landscape that is natural, sustainable and accommodating to native birds, insects and wildlife. https://www.facebook.com/events/1590688534482365/


Nebraska Interfaith Power & Light Conference – God, Creation, And Climate

March 21. 8:30am. University of Nebraska Omaha. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Richard Miller, Associate Professor of Theology at Creighton University and author of God, Creation and Climate Change: A Catholic Response to the Environmental Crisis, winner of the 2011 Catholic Press Association of U.S. and Canada book award in the faith and service category. This event brings together people of all backgrounds to talk about the spiritual, moral and ethical implications of climate change. Topics include: Generating Climate Conversations in Your Congregation; Clean Energy in Nebraska; Introduction to Climate Advocacy; Culture Change for the Faith Community; Fossil Fuels Divestment; Sustainable Facilities Management; UNL Climate Assessment Report. For ticket and registration information, please visit Nebraska Interfaith Power & Light’s website: www.nebraskaipl.org.

Paradigm Days - Giant Pumpkin Growing

Omaha. March 22nd. Join Darren Christensen, NE State Record Holder, as he talks about how to grow and care for GIANT pumpkins.https://www.facebook.com/events/409410339218440/

Introduction to Mason Bees

March 22nd. Omaha. Learn about the Mason Bee life cycle, benefits of alternative pollinators and how to acquire and care for Mason Bees from Debra Swirmicky. https://www.facebook.com/events/515745908567128/

Opportunities


Foreign Exchange student

I work with a non-profit foundation that places high school exchange students with host families in the Omaha area. I'm looking for a host family for Ana Beatriz from Brazil and I thought some of her interests would line up with this group. She loves animals (wants to be a vet and currently volunteers with rescues), cooking, and horses). Host families provide 3 meals a day and transportation to/from school (walking, bus, carpool are all fine options). The students come with instance and spending money for any other needs. If you're not ready to host, but know someone who is, send them my contact information! We offer a $100 referral incentive payment if someone you send me ends up hosting one of our students. 
Please feel free to ask any questions! I can be reached at 402-499-9031 or at andrealundberg@gmail.com


NSAS Consignment Suggestions

I've been tossing around the idea of an annual farm consignment auction (or two or three) that has a portion of the proceeds donated to the NSAS. I was thinking a relatively small percentage would go to NSAS, to encourage anyone from the public to bring items. Thoughts?  I'm deferring to the collective knowledge of the group here. Any feedback as to why this would work or wouldn't? Tips or tricks to ensure success? Location suggestions? Any existing sales that we could piggyback on? We can put our stamp on it a number of different ways. For example, we could use products from NSAS members to cater the event. Or have a sale focused on smaller/older equipment. Or ...Shoot me an email directly, if you have ideas. Thank you, Jon. jkyoachim@gmail.com

IPM Fly Control Project Seeking Farmers

Looking for Livestock Farmers interested in developing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system for Fly Control on their farm/ranch. Meeting will be next Wednesday, March 11th on the UNL East Campus from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Entomology Hall:http://maps.unl.edu/ENTO . If you would like to attend or need more details please call Liz at 402-309-0944 or email atorganicu2@windstream.net .


Donahue Trailer needed

Does any one have a donahue trailer for rent for a half of a day close to Lincoln? Rich Vernon, richvernon7@yahoo.com


NASS Organic Producer Survey


USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service has an Organic Survey underway to gather detailed data on U.S. organic agriculture production. The survey is a complete inventory of all known organic producers that are certified, exempt from certification, and transitioning to certified organic production. Farmers and ranchers can fill out the survey online at www.agcensus.usda.gov until April 3, 2015.  

Mother Earth News Survey

Later this year, Mother Earth News will publish an article about the growing evidence of the vital importance of getting the right balance of fatty acids in our diet. Some researchers now believe that the shift away from beneficial fatty acids in modern diets is leading to health consequences that are as serious as the problems we face with climate change. As you probably know, grass-fed products are better sources of fatty acids than industrial products. We plan to help raise public awareness of this fact by conducting a large-scale survey to measure the fatty acid profiles of samples of grass-fed meat, eggs and dairy products from across the continent. We will publish the results of the survey in conjunction with our article. We are recruiting producers to join in this nutrient-testing project and hope that you will choose to participate. In order to be included, we need to hear back from you by March 15. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K5ZHWTB?newsletter=1&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=HE%20eNews&utm_campaign=2.23.15%20MEN%20HE%20eNews



Upcoming



Financing a Farmland Purchase


March 23. 12 p.m. Hosted by Farm Commons, learn more about the legal basics with bank loans, land contracts (aka contracts for deed), and family financing. The legal language behind promissory notes, security agreements, land contracts, and mortgages isn’t just “boilerplate.” Farmers will learn the basics behind these documents. http://farmcommons.org/financing-farmland-purchase-legal-basics-traditional-and-non-traditional-farmland-purchases


Efficiently Manage your Farm’s Risks with Insurance


March 24.  Hosted by Farm Commons, learn how insurance is vital to build a resilient farm. What’s a farm liability policy and is it the same as a property/casualty policy? How does it work with a homeowner’s policy? Is workers’ compensation required and how does it work? Find the right policies for you with this webinar. http://farmcommons.org/efficiently-manage-your-farm%E2%80%99s-risks-insurance


Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture


March 24. The first multi-state, participatory plant-breeding project to focus solely on organic carrots. Organic growers need carrot varieties that are adapted to organic conditions and have market qualities that organic consumers demand, such as superior nutrition and flavor. In the webinar, members of the CIOA research team will present results from the first three years of the project. In particular, participants will learn about advancements in breeding under organic conditions for nematode resistance and for beneficial relationships with soil microorganisms. http://www.extension.org/pages/72577/carrot-improvement-for-organic-agriculture-webinar#.VQbURY7F8_v


Pesticide Drift: Prevention and Response


March 24. Join Practical Farmers of Iowa hear Andy and Melissa Dunham share the processes they have gone through to find out who is accountable and how to receive compensation for damages from pesticide drift, as well as their strategies for preventing it from happening again.  http://practicalfarmers.org/news-events/events/farminars/

Grazing Workshop

March 26th. Auburn. The Southeast Nebraska Grassland Ass’n would like to invite all NSAS folks to join us in our 19th annual grazing workshop.  This year we are featuring Doug Peterson, long time rancher and Missouri Soil Health Conservationist.  Doug has decreased inputs and increased profits with grazing practices that significantly improve soil health.  Obviously, Doug will be coming at this from a grazing standpoint but will address many other factors that improve soil health with minimum inputs.  The workshop will be held on March 26th and the 4-H building in Auburn.  Lunch will be served and there will be lots of opportunity for questions, answers, and networking.  If you are interested, e-mail me at paulrohrbaugh@windstream.net and I will forward an electronic version of the brochure. 

DIY Taxes for Farmers

March 25th. All classes will be held Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 pm at Community Action (210 "O" St. Lincoln, NE).  Register here,https://communitycrops.z2systems.com/np/clients/communitycrops/eventRegistration.jsp?event=195&