Monday, April 6, 2015

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods

Turning Milk to Gold (Butter)

Monday, April 6th. Noon – 1:00pm with Shannon Mason of Cowbella and Sonia Janiszewski & Richard Giles of Lucky Dog Food Hub. Learn more about how Shannon Mason and other upstate farmers work together with Lucky Dog Food Hub to reach larger markets in the NYC metropolitan region.   Register Here, http://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2015/03/30/small-farms-new-markets-webinar-series-opens-april-6th/

Growing Farm to School

April 6. Council Bluffs, Iowa. This is one of three planned workshops that will highlight practical examples of farm to school in action and provide resources tailored to Iowa. Topics will include connecting school gardens to the lunchroom, classroom, and community; working with farmers and food hubs to bring local fresh food to school cafeterias; increasing knowledge of food safety guidelines; and cultivating a strong network of stakeholders in farm to school activities. Space is limited and registration is required.https://www.ncat.org/downloads/Iowa_Farm2School_Workshops_030915.pdf

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

Food as Medicine Online Seminar

April 7-9. Online. Learn & get inspired with 16 experts, authors & longtime practitioners sharing about wild food & fermentation, nourished eating, natural healing & more! For FREE access to the online summit, register here: http://ashevillage.org/food-as-medicine-summit/

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

Food Safety and Food Safety Plans

April 8th. 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 402.474.9802.http://www.communitycrops.org/wholefarm

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

Water Seminar Series; 
Nitrates in Nebraska Groundwater & a Small Town's Plight to Avoid Treatment

April 8.  3:30 pm. UNL's East Campus, Hardin Hall. Ryan Chapman, wellhead protection coordinator at the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, will present this free and public seminar.

Green Globes – A Unique Approach To Green Building Certification

April 9th. 7pm.  @ UNO's Community Engagement Center, Room 201, 6500 Dodge Street. Speaker: Shervin Ansari, Kiewit Corporation’s Sustainability Manager, LEED AP BD+C, SFP, Green Globes Professional (GGP) & Green Globes Instructor at UNO. Green Globes is a nationally recognized green building certification that offers an affordable alternative to LEED. New and existing buildings certified through Green Globes cost less. In addition, these facilities operate with lower energy and water bills, increased recycling, and other sustainable measures. Often, sustainable improvements qualify for tax incentives and meet state and federal requirements. Sponsors: Nebraskans for Solar & UNO’s Center for Urban Sustainability. For more information, please visit:www.nebraskansforsolar.org/calendar

Local Foods on a Budget

April 9th. Omaha. Learn how to incorporate more local & organic food into your life, even on a tight budget. We will discuss everything from CSAs, the best retail spots to buy local, tips for shopping at the farmer's market, and advice from experts. https://www.facebook.com/events/579577175518410/

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/

What is Permaculture?

April 10th. 7pm. Papillion. Contact Jonathen at jonathan@keipos.org http://www.keipos.org/workshops.html

Chickens 101 for Little Sprouts

April 11th. Omaha. Bring your little ones to learn about the wonders of chickens at City Sprouts! Meet our chickens, learn about the different breeds, how a chicken lays an egg,/
 and more! 
Free and family friendly, this programming is in partnership with the NE SciFest. 

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

Spring Gardening Workshop

 April 11th. Omaha. https://www.facebook.com/events/630050940430524/

Eat Local & Organic Expo

April 11. Kansas City, Missouri. Join Kansas City Food Circle at their 17th annual exhibition of farmers. This is the second 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

Help Wanted

Small but diverse greenhouse and herb/vegetable growing operation in SW Lancaster County needs a p/t to f/t employee/intern/helper effective ASAP. Minimum availability: Now until Memorial Day. For the right person, this position could extend until October/November.  Work in a 100° greenhouse required for first few weeks; then work shifts to the field. Must be able to lift 40 lbs. Must be able to get to a workplace 22 minutes from central Lincoln on time. Some flexibility on shifts, but limited to daylight hours. We are a Certified Natural Grower. If interested, please send a one-page resume and your contact information togene@heartlandorganics.net. I will reply to everyone who applies via email. Thanks.

Egg Cartons

If anyone needs egg cartons, I have 20 bundles of generic, never used, still in plastic wrapping, recyclable pulp egg cartons available. I have switched packaging and don't need these anymore.  I can be contacted at 402-217-2797.  Thanks!  Dan Hromas - Prairie Pride Poultry

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
The Relevance of Soil Biology in Assessing Fertility and Soil Health

April 14. Participants in this webinar will learn how soil biology directly and indirectly influences crop growth and nutrient cycling, along with methods for measuring biological activity in soil and interpreting soil respiration to understand nutrient availability. In the Soil Health and Sustainability series, this webinar is presented by USDA NRCS Science and Technology. The presentation will be given by Will Brinton, Ph.D., Director, Woods End Laboratories. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/relevance-of-soil-biology-in-assessing-fertility-and-soil-health

Assessing Carbon Footprints on the Farm

April 14. In this webinar from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Gijs Kuneman from the Centre for Agriculture and Environment (CLM) in the Netherlands will speak about current developments on climate impacts from farming. He will address tools for monitoring carbon footprint at the farm level including the CLM Climate Yardstick and the Cool Farm Tool and look at innovative approaches to lower carbon footprints at the farm level. http://www.iatp.org/event/assessing-carbon-footprints-on-the-farm

O'Neill Sustainable Ag Meeting

April 15th. Contact Marlowe at marlowepasture@nntc.net for details

From Lilies to Gladiolus: Flower Power Plant Breeding Webinar

Wednesday, April 15 at 1:00 pm. Join the National Association of Plant Breeding and PBG Works for a webinar on flower breeding, entitled From Lilies to Gladiolus: Flower Power, by Neil Anderson of the University of Minnesota. The webinar takes place on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 2PM Eastern Time (1PM Central, 12PM Mountain, 11AM Pacific Time). The webinar is free and advanced registration is required. Register in advance at http://www.extension.org/pages/72712

Manure and Nutrient Management in Tile Drained Lands

Friday, April 17 at 1:30pm. This webinar will expose participants to management and fate of manure and nutrients in tile drained agricultural landscapes. Participants will be given an introduction to tile drainage followed by information and case studies on the fate of manure application timing, rate and mobility to tile drains. Finally participants will learn about management practices and technologies aimed at helping producers reduce the risks associated with manure and nutrients reaching tile drains and associated surface waters. http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/lpelc

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