Monday, September 26, 2016

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods!



Climate Change and its Effects on Animal Agriculture

Tuesday, September 27 at 12:00 pm CDT. Participate in this webinar to understand the current and potential effects that climate change will have on livestock farmers across the country. The emphasis of this webinar will be placed on dairy, beef, small ruminants, and horses and the impacts that extreme heat, cold snaps, weather shifts, droughts, and excessive rain will have on the animal’s health and diet.http://www.climatewebinars.net/webinars/climate-change-and-its-effects-on-animal-agriculture

Land Cover Change, Irrigation, and their Impacts on Climate

September 28. 3:30 pm. UNL's Hardin Hall. Dr. Rezaul Mahmood, professor at Western Kentucky University, specializes in weather and climate science. He has published more than 65 peer-reviewed papers in highly respected journals. Dr. Mahmood’s research focuses on meso-scale meteorology and climatology and observations, modeling atmospheric impacts of land use land cover change, modeling impacts of soil moisture on weather and climate, air quality meteorology, flash flooding climatology and hydrometeorology of the Appalachia. Rezaul provided significant leadership in development of the Kentucky Mesonet and WKU’s High Performance Computing Center (HPCC). His research has been funded by the NSF, NOAA, USDA-ARS, and others. http://snr.unl.edu/aboutus/when/seminarseries.asp?seminarseriesid=38

Using NRCS's PLANTS Database in Conservation Planning

September 28. Online. This free, one-hour webinar is presented by the USDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center. Participate to learn how the data available in the National Plant Data Team’s PLANTS database and website (http://plants.usda.gov) can be used in conservation planning. PLANTS is the central repository of basic plant information for NRCS, and provides data for the approximately 25,000 native and naturalized plant species in the United States and its possessions. This webinar will review how PLANTS data can be used in conservation planning, including pollinator plantings; alternative and cover crop selections, establishment and maintenance; rangeland management; managing for culturally significant plants; ecological site descriptions; invasive and noxious plant species control; and phytoremediation.http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/using-nrcs-plants-database-in-conservation-planning

Webinar on Market News Price Reporting

September 29. Online. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) invites you to a free webinar on its Market News price reporting for local and regional and organic markets, as well as a new farmers market app function for customers to self-report prices. Registration is required and space is limited. Register

Agronomy and Horticulture Seminar – Shawn Conley

September 30. 3:30 pm–4:30 pm. UNL's East Campus in  Keim Hall Room: 150. Shawn Conley, professor of agronomy and State Soybean and Small Grains Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison will present “Coolbeans—the musings of a soybean agronomist.” Academia often too quickly dismiss research ideas as “too applied,” “already been done” or “too simple” to be relevant to our discipline. In his seminar, Shawn Conley will address these misconceptions through real world examples from his research program and how those “simple” experiments tend to provide the greatest impact to both his research and extension program. Join us in person or online athttps://connect.unl.edu/fridayseminarseries.

Urban Agriculture and the Next Farm Bill Symposium

September 30
​. 
Washington, D.C. and Online
​. 
The George Washington University, AGree, Michigan State University, and the University of the District of Columbia present this free, one-day symposium focusing on the forthcoming 2018 Farm Bill. The event will also livestream. Panels will discuss social justice and urban agriculture, business and financing of urban agriculture, innovations, and more.




Opportunities


Transition Yellow Corn

We will have approximately 2,000 bushels of newly harvested transition yellow corn available for sale.  Anyone interested can reply directly to me. Thank you, Ken Thiltges, kmgthiltg@sentco.net

Certified Organic Rye

We have 700 bushels of organic rye​. Contact Terry at 402-338-5321 if interested.​

Job Opportunity

Resident Farmer, The Grain Place. The Grain Place Farm is a privately held corporation and is a 280 acre pioneering organic farm that has been in the same family since 1953. Ownership is being transitioned from family members to the Grain Place Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit private operating educational and scientific foundation. The farm is also home to Grain Place Foods a separate corporation that processes and packages organic grains and grain products. As members of the family retire and the foundation assumes majority ownership of the farm, we are searching for a farmer to take over operation of the farm. More information contact, cevans@grainplacefoods.com

Pekin Ducks

Looking for Pekin Drakes. Any age. Prefer 6 months or older. Thanks, Lisa Roti. nebraskafreedomfarms@gmail.com 

For Sale

We have new: geese 6 packs; duck 6 packs; chicken egg 6 packs; paper jumbo cartons for duck eggs; foam large chicken carton; paper chicken cartons. Sold at our cost. Can buy two or more boxes for discounts. Free: gazillions of clean used cartons. Email: lil-nipper-ranch@msn.comPlease place in Subject line: Egg Cartons.  On farm pick up, will consider delivery

For Sale

Turkeys. Started on Purina Game Bird Startena, non medicated, 30%. Three weeks ago switched to Soy Free, Non GMO layer ration 19-20%. Also after 8 weeks, free choice organic wheat. Free ranging.  Can do on farm pick up or by possible delivery. Email:  lil-nipper-ranch@msn.comPlease place "Turkeys" on the subject line.   

For Sale

Good Boer breeding bucks for sale.  They are 100% grass fed. Also have a couple nice pastured X- bred (Hereford/large black) boars for sale. If interested call 308-750-1086Bob Bernt 

For Sale

Round alfalfa bales.  First cutting.  Good cure.  $60 ea.  200 available.  Can load. Please call George Oamek at 402-980-9770Sharon Oamek, Honey Creek Creamery, Inc. 

Equipment for Sale

BCS 749 walk behind tractor with 30" tiller, rotary plow, and potato/root digger blade for sale. Tractor features 13 HP Honda GX390 gas engine, 3 forward and 3 reverse speeds, individual wheel brakes, power safe clutch, pull start (always starts on first pull). This thing is a beast with a great warranty. Used 2.5 seasons. This is a package deal. Rotary plow essential in making and maintaining raised beds, hilling potatoes, etc. Tiller will go deep and create great fine tilled beds and the root digger is great for rolling the taters out. Available for pick up in southeast Nebraska. Thanks, Robert White, lnkrob@gmail.com 

For Sale

I have a 1967 John Deere 2510 for sale. It's diesal. I am the third owner. The last owner rebuilt the engine. It handles well, turns good and you can clearly see what you're doing from the seat. It has six implements, 2 cultivators, a chisel, a disk, a 3 bottom plow and a 5' land pride reverse tiller. The tiller makes a fine seed bed on level ground but isn't appropraite for sloped ground as it will drag to soil to the bottom. The tiller was only used for two years. If you're interested please send me an e-mail and I can send you pictures. Thanks, Maria Stewart, Lebanon, Ks,   

Osage Orange Posts

Over the years several NSAS members, especially organic producers , have bought osage orange posts from my son Chris Rohrbaugh.  He still offers posts but is also producing for Crete Lumber in Crete.  Crete Lumber has always been a great supporter of sustainable agriculture. Paul & Cyndie Rohrbaugh, Pawnee Pride Meats

Large stacking agricultural crates for producers for sale

FarmTable Delivery is selling large stacking agricultural crates for producers.  They measure 23.75 x 15.75 x 7.25 inches, have ventilation holes and are asymmetrical so they can either nest or stack with a 180 degree turn.  A great product - food grade, freezer and dishwasher safe, some producers use them for deliveries and have customers dishwash and return them!
Or order by email, farmtabledelivery@gmail.com.

​New Farm Storage Facility Loan

​T​he Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) Program administered by the FSA has expanded to include some new eligible commodities. The new commodities eligible for facility loans include floriculture, hops, rye, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, meat and poultry (unprocessed), eggs, and aquaculture (excluding systems that maintain live animals through uptake and discharge of water). Commodities already eligible for the loans include corn, grain sorghum, rice, soybeans, oats, peanuts, wheat, barley, minor oilseeds harvested as whole grain, pulse crops (lentils, chickpeas and dry peas), hay, honey, renewable biomass, and fruits, nuts and vegetables for cold storage facilities.​ ​Loan applications should be filed in the administra-
tive FSA office that maintains the farm’s records.​ ​For more information about Farm Storage​ Facility Loans, visit ​ ​www.fsa.usda.gov/pricesupport, or contact your local FSA office. To find your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.



Upcoming


Residue and Tillage Management in Organic Farming Systems: Central States

October 4. Online. In the Understanding Organic Agriculture series, this free, one-hour webinar is presented by USDA NRCS Science and Technology. Several Iowa organic producers will be interviewed about their management practices to maximize soil health and reduce erosion. Join this webinar for a discussion of these challenges and opportunities in the context of organic farms in Central states. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/residue-and-tillage-management-in-organic-farming-systems-central-states

How to Implement and Verify Biodiversity Conservation Activities in Organic Agricultural Systems

October 5
​. 
Online
​. 
Join eOrganic for a free, one-hour webinar on biodiversity conservation on organic farms. Organic producers will learn how to implement conservation practices, and certification personnel will become skilled on how to observe and verify organic operations' biodiversity conservation practices
​.​

2016 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: Don’t use too much pesticide or fertilizer – learn how to calibrate your home grounds and garden sprayers and spreaders

Friday, October 7 at 1:00 pm CDT
​. 
Concerns for the preservation of our environment and conservation of resources, as well as the costs associated with pesticides and fertilizers, make it imperative that pesticides and fertilizers be applied correctly. Learn practical tips for calibrating home garden sprayers and spreaders by Dr. Ples Spradley, Associate Professor – Pesticide Safety Education, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture Little Rock, Arkansas. 
http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/fireant
 

Monday, September 19, 2016

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods!


Organic Seed Production Webinar Series #4: Seed Quality, Harvesting Techniques, and Equipment

September 20. Online. Join OSA, Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA), and other organic seed experts for the fourth of this six-webinar series on organic seed production providing training for seed growers and seed production interns throughout the 2016 growing season. The free webinars are open to the public and appropriate for farmers, interns, students, and other agricultural professionals. http://articles.extension.org/pages/73816/organic-seed-production-webinar-series

Organic Seed Production Six Webinar Series Part 4: Seed Quality, Harvesting and Equipment

Tuesday, September 20 at 1:00 pm CDT. Location: Register in advance at http://articles.extension.org/pages/73816A new six-webinar series on organic seed production will provide training for seed growers and seed production interns throughout the 2016 growing season (June - November). This series, offered by Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) and the Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA), will cover a range of topics, from planting to harvest to the economics of seed production. The series is delivered as part of a new seed internship program offered by OSA and MESA with support from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. The free webinars are open to the public and appropriate for farmers, interns, students, and other agricultural professionals. They will take place on the third Tuesday of each month, and the first one is on June 21st! You can just register once at the link below and attend any or all of the webinars listed below!

Getting it There: The Role of Distributors in Providing Local Food to Institutions

September 21. Online. Farm to Institution New England has conducted some research that provides insight into the experience of more than 60 New England food distributors in providing local food to institutions such as schools, hospitals, and colleges. Hear the key findings from this research. This webinar will lay out recommendations for four key audiences: food distributors, government agencies, philanthropies/nonprofits, and institutions. There will also be time for audience Q&A. http://www.farmtoinstitution.org/event/getting-it-there-role-new-england-food-distributors-providing-local-food-institutions

The Basics of Human Resource Management on the Farm

Wednesday, September 21 at 2:00 pm CDT. This session includes an overview of the seven steps to staffing for the farm and ranch.  You'll learn how to map the human resource needs for your agricultural operation, writing job descriptions, advertising your position, and the do's and don'ts of the interview process.http://go.umd.edu/OSUAgLabor

SBS Seminar: Romy Chakraborty, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

September 22. 3:30 pm–4:30 pm. UNL's City Campus,  Hamilton Hall Room: 112.  School of Biological Sciences, 402-472-2720biology@unl.edu. “Exploring Plant-Microbe Interactions for Sustainable Supply of Nutrients” The School of Biological Sciences Seminar is a weekly series presented by invited speakers and UNL faculty to showcase current research advances in biological sciences. Additional Public Info:http://biosci.unl.edu/school-biological-sciences-seminar-series

United States Department of Agriculture Fall Forum:

September 22. 4:00 pm–5:30 pm. UNL's East Campus. Hardin Hall. Jessie Brophy,402-472-7080jbrophy3@unl.eduAgriculture is rapidly evolving, and USDA is constantly striving to meet the shifting demands of producers, consumers, businesses, families—and everyone in between. Over the past seven years, USDA has engaged its resources to support a strong next generation of farmers and ranchers by improving access to land and capital, building new markets and market opportunities, extending new conservation opportunities, offering appropriate risk management tools, and increasing our outreach, education, and technical support. Please bring your suggestions on how USDA can partner with others to address issues related to land tenure and transition, new and beginning farmers, and tools to support the next generation of agriculture. For more information on USDA’s work to support beginning farmers and land tenure, please visitwww.usda.gov/newfarmers and USDA’s Land Tenure information source. Please RSVP to go.unl.edu/USDAFallForum,

Agronomy and Horticulture Seminar – Arthur Zygielbaum

September 23. 3:30 pm–4:30 pm. UNL's East Campus, Keim Hall. Judy Fredrick, 402-472-5138jfredrick3@unl.eduArthur Zygielbaum, research associate professor, Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies, UNL School of Natural Resources, will present, “Phenotyping and remote sensing—what are the chances?” Remote sensing has been used for decades to estimate vegetation biophysical parameters. While techniques relating spectral reflectance to pigment content are well understood, reliable estimation of osmoregulated compounds has yet to be realized. This talk is an overview of reflected spectrum remote sensing. Join us in person or online at https://connect.unl.edu/fridayseminarseries.

2016 Farm Tour and Field Day - Backyard Aquaponics

Join Community Crops on a visit to aquaponics farm, The Edible Source in southeast Lincoln, NE. Farm owner Adam Beckman will be on hand to show off the earth-sheltered greenhouse and answer questions about his aquaponics operation. After the tour there will be a building demonstration of a small table-top aquaponics system that you can implement on your own farm or in your backyard. https://communitycrops.z2systems.com/np/clients/communitycrops/eventRegistration.jsp?event=1532&

Composting Demonstration

September 24.  10:00 am.  Pioneers Park Nature Center’s backyard composting demonstration area.  Sarah Browning, Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, 402-441-7180sbrowning2@unl.edu. Learn how to be successful with composting by attending a free composting demonstration sponsored by Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County and the City of Lincoln Recycling Office. Demonstrations are presented by Extension Master Gardeners. You will see three types of composting bins and how to use them. Two lucky participants will win either a composting thermometer or a composting bin. 

Prairie Festival

September 23-25. Salina, Kansas. This festival will celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Land Institute, recognizing the organization's achievements. The event includes a look in the rearview mirror and a look ahead. Former Land Institute interns, graduate fellows and post-doctoral researchers will return. Fred Iutzi, a former Land Institute Fellow, will become president of the organization, and scientists will take the stage to talk about their research. https://landinstitute.org/events/calendar-events/prairie-festival-2016



Opportunities


Job Opportunity

Resident Farmer, The Grain Place. The Grain Place Farm is a privately held corporation and is a 280 acre pioneering organic farm that has been in the same family since 1953. Ownership is being transitioned from family members to the Grain Place Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit private operating educational and scientific foundation. The farm is also home to Grain Place Foods a separate corporation that processes and packages organic grains and grain products. As members of the family retire and the foundation assumes majority ownership of the farm, we are searching for a farmer to take over operation of the farm. More information contact, cevans@grainplacefoods.com

Pekin Ducks

Looking for Pekin Drakes. Any age. Prefer 6 months or older. Thanks, Lisa Roti. nebraskafreedomfarms@gmail.com

For Sale

We have new: geese 6 packs; duck 6 packs; chicken egg 6 packs; paper jumbo cartons for duck eggs; foam large chicken carton; paper chicken cartons. Sold at our cost. Can buy two or more boxes for discounts. Free: gazillions of clean used cartons. Email: lil-nipper-ranch@msn.comPlease place in Subject line: Egg Cartons.  On farm pick up, will consider delivery.

For Sale

Started on Purina Game Bird Startena, non medicated, 30%. Three weeks ago switched to Soy Free, Non GMO layer ration 19-20%. Also after 8 weeks, free choice organic wheat. Free ranging.  Can do on farm pick up or by possible delivery. Email:  lil-nipper-ranch@msn.comPlease place "Turkeys" on the subject line.  

For Sale

Good Boer breeding bucks for sale.  They are 100% grass fed. Also have a couple nice pastured X- bred (Hereford/large black) boars for sale. If interested call 308-750-1086Bob Bernt

For Sale

Round alfalfa bales.  First cutting.  Good cure.  $60 ea.  200 available.  Can load. Please call George Oamek at 402-980-9770Sharon Oamek, Honey Creek Creamery, Inc. 

Equipment for Sale

BCS 749 walk behind tractor with 30" tiller, rotary plow, and potato/root digger blade for sale. Tractor features 13 HP Honda GX390 gas engine, 3 forward and 3 reverse speeds, individual wheel brakes, power safe clutch, pull start (always starts on first pull). This thing is a beast with a great warranty. Used 2.5 seasons. This is a package deal. Rotary plow essential in making and maintaining raised beds, hilling potatoes, etc. Tiller will go deep and create great fine tilled beds and the root digger is great for rolling the taters out. Available for pick up in southeast Nebraska. Thanks, Robert White, lnkrob@gmail.com 

For Sale

I have a 1967 John Deere 2510 for sale. It's diesal. I am the third owner. The last owner rebuilt the engine. It handles well, turns good and you can clearly see what you're doing from the seat. It has six implements, 2 cultivators, a chisel, a disk, a 3 bottom plow and a 5' land pride reverse tiller. The tiller makes a fine seed bed on level ground but isn't appropraite for sloped ground as it will drag to soil to the bottom. The tiller was only used for two years. If you're interested please send me an e-mail and I can send you pictures. Thanks, Maria Stewart, Lebanon, Ks,   

Osage Orange Posts

Over the years several NSAS members, especially organic producers , have bought osage orange posts from my son Chris Rohrbaugh.  He still offers posts but is also producing for Crete Lumber in Crete.  Crete Lumber has always been a great supporter of sustainable agriculture. Paul & Cyndie Rohrbaugh, Pawnee Pride Meats

Chicken Equipment for Sale

After 20+ years of chickens, we have decided to call it quits!  So we have for sale a Heavy duty custom-built chicken picker and scalde.  More pics available.  $800 each.  402-254-2372.  Dave & Jill Wubben

Large stacking agricultural crates for producers for sale

FarmTable Delivery is selling large stacking agricultural crates for producers.  They measure 23.75 x 15.75 x 7.25 inches, have ventilation holes and are asymmetrical so they can either nest or stack with a 180 degree turn.  A great product - food grade, freezer and dishwasher safe, some producers use them for deliveries and have customers dishwash and return them!
Or order by email, farmtabledelivery@gmail.com.

​New Farm Storage Facility Loan

​T​he Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) Program administered by the FSA has expanded to include some new eligible commodities. The new commodities eligible for facility loans include floriculture, hops, rye, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, meat and poultry (unprocessed), eggs, and aquaculture (excluding systems that maintain live animals through uptake and discharge of water). Commodities already eligible for the loans include corn, grain sorghum, rice, soybeans, oats, peanuts, wheat, barley, minor oilseeds harvested as whole grain, pulse crops (lentils, chickpeas and dry peas), hay, honey, renewable biomass, and fruits, nuts and vegetables for cold storage facilities.​ ​Loan applications should be filed in the administra-
tive FSA office that maintains the farm’s records.​ ​For more information about Farm Storage​ Facility Loans, visit ​ ​www.fsa.usda.gov/pricesupport, or contact your local FSA office. To find your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.



Upcoming

Climate Change and its Effects on Animal Agriculture

Tuesday, September 27 at 12:00 pm CDT. Participate in this webinar to understand the current and potential effects that climate change will have on livestock farmers across the country. The emphasis of this webinar will be placed on dairy, beef, small ruminants, and horses and the impacts that extreme heat, cold snaps, weather shifts, droughts, and excessive rain will have on the animal’s health and diet.http://www.climatewebinars.net/webinars/climate-change-and-its-effects-on-animal-agriculture

Using NRCS's PLANTS Database in Conservation Planning

September 28. Online. This free, one-hour webinar is presented by the USDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center. Participate to learn how the data available in the National Plant Data Team’s PLANTS database and website (http://plants.usda.gov) can be used in conservation planning. PLANTS is the central repository of basic plant information for NRCS, and provides data for the approximately 25,000 native and naturalized plant species in the United States and its possessions. This webinar will review how PLANTS data can be used in conservation planning, including pollinator plantings; alternative and cover crop selections, establishment and maintenance; rangeland management; managing for culturally significant plants; ecological site descriptions; invasive and noxious plant species control; and phytoremediation.http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/using-nrcs-plants-database-in-conservation-planning

Urban Agriculture and the Next Farm Bill Symposium

September 30
​. 
Washington, D.C. and Online
​. 
The George Washington University, AGree, Michigan State University, and the University of the District of Columbia present this free, one-day symposium focusing on the forthcoming 2018 Farm Bill. The event will also livestream. Panels will discuss social justice and urban agriculture, business and financing of urban agriculture, innovations, and more.