Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods

Introduction to Cut Flowers

August 25. Kansas City. Looking for a way to complement your market offerings throughout the season? Cut flowers could be one way to diversify and increase profitability. This workshop in the Growing Growers series will cover the basics of growing and marketing cut flowers. http://www.growinggrowers.org/workshops.html

Farmers Markets: Rules, Regulations and Reforms

August 25 or 28. Online. This webinar, held twice, will provide an opportunity for farmers market vendors and farmers market managers in Illinois to learn about new regulations and reforms that impact farmers markets and provide input to the Governor-appointed Illinois Farmers Market Task Force about future farmers market regulations. This webinar will provide an overview of the reforms that HB5657 made and what farmers and market managers need to know about the new law. http://web.extension.illinois.edu/smallfarm/

Online Organic Agriculture Course

Tuesday, August 26. 16-week online Transitioning to Organic Agriculture Course (Tuesdays, Aug 26 – Dec. 9th).  Classes will include lessons on weed management, nutrient management, pest management and markets for organic grain, vegetable and fruit crops. Programs and policies from USDA, NRCS and other groups to assist in the transition will be presented. For more information please contact the Organic Agriculture Program at Iowa State at 515-294-7069 or contact Kathleen Delate at kdelate@iastate.edu.  $10/session; $50/course.  Web access info will be given to those who register.

Tree Farm Standards 2015

August 26th. This year the American Tree Farm System is taking a look at our Standards of Sustainability per the PEFC requirements for certification. In January to March there was a public comment period on the Standards as they are now. An Independent Standards Review Panel (ISRP) looked at those comments and has come out with a revised standard. Now we have opened a second public comment period on this revised standard, as well as the accompanying Guidance Document. Sarah Crow and ISRP Chair Steven Sinclair will lead this webinar going over the revised standards and any changes that have been suggested. This webinar will be valuable for Tree Farmers new and old, as well as any one interested in sustainable forestry in America! https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=nb38j7ybykcw

No-till/Cover Crop Field Day

Wednesday, August 27. Stella. More information available at http://bit.ly/VA1baP 

Systems for Accountability and Efficiency on the Market Farm: Webinar

August 27. Whether you manage one seasonal worker or a large year-round crew, good management can make the difference between making headway on your farm's work, or just creating headaches. Consultant and veteran farmer Chris Blanchard has worked with farmers throughout the Midwest to develop systems that make it easy to achieve reliable results throughout your farming operation. Learn about them in this free, one-hour webinar from Countryside Conservancy. http://www.cvcountryside.org/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=16350

Targeted Grazing Online Workshop: Monitoring for Success

August 27. Online. This event is part of a series of online workshops presented by the Targeted Grazing Committee of the Society for Range Management. The presenter is Dr. Marc Horney, California Polytechnic State University.http://www.rangelands.org/targetedgrazing/index.shtml

Solar-powered Water Systems for Grazing Operations

August 27. Online. This webinar is part of a series presented by the Natural Resources Conservation Service East National Technology Support Center. This webinar will present differences and USDA NRCS planning considerations for using solar-powered watering systems for livestock grazing operations compared to typical electrical power sources for livestock water. One of these planning considerations is knowing when to choose solar power as the energy source for the watering system. Other planning considerations covered during this webinar include water delivery and engineering design concepts. Additionally, animal behavior and management adjustments that may need to be incorporated as a result of using this type of water delivery system will be discussed. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/

Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties of Soil and Water

Thursday, August 28. Mead. UNL ARDC. More Information:  http://ardc.unl.edu/training.shtml

Tunnel to Table Workshop

August 31. Colby, Kansas. This event is the first in Kansas Rural Center's series of three "Tunnel to Table" workshops that will offer experienced and beginning vegetable and fruit growers critical information on applying polytunnels – such as high tunnels and low tunnels – as strategic tools for Kansas farms. Topics of each workshop's presentations and round-table discussions featuring area growers will include Kansas-specific polytunnel structure considerations, production and marketing strategies, economics of tunnel production, and solutions to common region-specific challenges. Each workshop also offers the opportunity to tour and learn from a unique farm with established polytunnel systems.http://kansasruralcenter.org/low-tunnel-giveaway-and-registration-open-for-krc-high-tunnel-workshops/

Seed Festival Harvest and Threshing

Hands on seed harvest and threshing festival. Sunday, August 31, 3: pm, continuing Sept 1 morning. At Meadowlark Hearth, Scottsbluff, Ne, Learn what carrot flowers look like and beet seed as well as many more types of seed: how to grow and save them. Overnight place to camp or to put sleeping bag place. Bring food to share. Email or call us to let us know to expect you! bcorymb@gmail.com or 308-631-5877. Our farm is 5 minutes east of Scottsbluff on hwy 26 & Co Rd 26 turn north, first farm on left.

Opportunity

Organic Hens for Adoption!

We are replacing some of our flock and need to find home for our older hens (1.5years old). You are welcome to buy as many as you can care for. We are asking that you pay $4 for each hen. Our hens enjoy vegetable scraps, grit, oyster shell, bugs, fresh water and organic feed. They are locked up every night to keep them safe from critters. We recommend that you bring a large box or a pet carrier to bring your hens home. Our farm is located at 1240 Ironwood Road, Harlan, Iowa. Please let us know if you need directions. We are offering pick up times this week. Please let us know what day and time will work for your pick up this week. We need to find homes for these ladies ASAP. Ellen Walsh-Rosmann, 712-579-1933,www.pinoakplace.com/

For Sale

We have a few things for sale.  John Deere 24 T  twine Baler $1000. New Holland 116 windrower, needs hydraulic pump, otherwise works great $3500.  King Kutter Shredder  6ft.  $500. Give us a call if you are interested 402-780-5287. Melissa

Farm Job Available in Kansas

We at Heartland Farm, a 25 year old organic Farm in central Kansas are seeking a full time, live-in farmer to run all aspects of our 80 A. (not all in farm acreage) sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace.  Sister Jane Belanger, OP. Heartland Farm, 1049 CR 390, Pawnee Rock, KS 67567. www.heartlandfarm-ks.org

sheepbelanger@gmail.com  or  hfarm@gbta, 620-923-4585

Farm Job Wanted

I am currently looking for a farm job. I would like to stay close to Blair, Omaha, Fremont, or even across the border in Iowa.  Brenda Ruenholl,  Washington County, brrr@juno.com, 402-533-2541, 402-203-0850

Cows for Sale

I've decided that there is such a thing as too much diversity, at least when it comes to my cow herd. I have quite the mix of cattle right now and I'd like to at least narrow it down to a few breeds. So I've decided to sell the Scottish Highland and Longhorn cattle. Here are links to the ad's if you are interested:  Scottish Highland, http://lincoln.craigslist.org/grd/4605367179.html .  Longhorns, http://lincoln.craigslist.org/grd/4605366958.html .  I'd make any NSAS member a heck of a deal if they wanted them all. Thanks,  Jon, jkyoachim@gmail.com

2014 Organic Farmer Seed Survey

The purpose of this survey is to better assess certified organic crop producers’ attitudes and perceptions regarding organic seed. The purpose is also to understand producers’ current use of organic seed and any obstacles that restrict organic seed sourcing. Producers should be prepared to offer best estimates on their organic seed usage or have their seed records on hand. The survey also asks which crops and traits should be prioritized through organic plant breeding programs. If you are a certified organic crop producer, please take ten minutes to respond to this survey. Your responses are voluntary and will be held confidential. Your responses will not be identified by individual or farm. All responses will be compiled and analyzed as a group. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QQ73TMW

Upcoming

Southeast Nebraska Diversified Ag Tour

Friday, September 5, 7:30am. Southeast Nebraska. The stops will include Union Orchard-The Wostrel Family; Bloom Where You're Planted Farm,- Teresa & Terry Lorensen; Lunch: Slattery Vintage Estate- Barb & Sarah Slattery; Ox Bow Animal Health; and Chisholm Family Farm- The Chisholm Family.  Cost $20.00 per person.  Deadline to Register: Friday, August 29.   For more information contact Vaughn Hammond at 402-873-3166 or email Vaughn.hammond@unl.edu

"Green Agritourism" - Power of Business Friday 15

Friday, September 5 at 10:15 am Central. Our September 5 Friday 15 guest is Beth Kennett, from Liberty Hill Farm, in Rochester, VT. Liberty Hill Farm is a 240-acre working dairy farm, that has been offering "farm vacations" to visitors from all over the world. Many of Liberty Hill's guest return year and after year. We'll chat with Beth about how Liberty Hill attracts and keeps customers and what it means to be a "green" agritourism destination. https://powerofbusiness.wufoo.com/forms/friday-15-the-power-of-business-live-chat/

Dr. Paul Johnsgard to speak this Thursday in Lincoln!

Dr. Paul Johnsgard discusses his book,Yellowstone Wildlife: Ecology and Natural History of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Come out this Thursday, August 14, at7:00 p.m. to hear Dr. Paul A. Johnsgard

Closing out Wachiska Audubon’s summer schedule of activities will be a highlight for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. Come out this Thursday, August 14, at 7:00 p.m. to hear Dr. Paul A. Johnsgard discuss the information and photos in his latest book, Yellowstone Wildlife: Ecology and Natural History of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This book is illustrated with Paul’s drawings along with around 40 photographs by his one-time student, Thomas R. Mangelsen. This large book would be a wonderful coffee table addition. For those who don’t yet know Dr. Johnsgard, he has written over 60 books on nature, ecology, birds, and other topics including fiction. Besides writing and drawing, Paul is an exceptional photographer and carver. He is Foundation Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus at UNL. He has been the recipient of many awards including National Audubon’s Charles H. Callison Award. Dr. Johnsgard is truly a great friend of Audubon and Wachiska. At the drop of the hat he has always been willing to help however he can over the past 40 years. Please join us to hear about one of his latest endeavors, that of Yellowstone and the Teton National Park region. This free public presentation will take place in the Dick Administration auditorium on Union College campus, 3800 South 48th Street, in Lincoln. From 48th and Calvert streets, go one block south to the north end of the campus. Now that the new science building is finished, parking is still adequate even though it is not in the same place! You may park on both sides of South 48th Street as well as in the lots of the SDA Church and behind Prescott Hall and the gymnasium. No permits are needed, but respect the few places that are designated for specific purposes. ONE THING TO REMEMBER THIS MONTH: We will need to use only the west doors of the Dick building due to renovation inside. Unfortunately, the handicapped ramp will not be accessible this month. The elevator will still be useable inside. Finally, refreshments are always served after the presentation. This time will be an opportunity to purchase the new design of Wachiska t-shirts, so bring your checkbooks. The cost including tax is $18. Sizes are still available in S-XXL. Hope to see you all Thursday night to learn about Yellowstone and the Tetons and view dazzling photos. Thank you for your interest in and support of Wachiska Audubon! Arlys Reitan Wachiska Audubon Society 4547 Calvert St Ste 10 Lincoln NE 68506-5643 402-486-4846 office@wachiskaaudubon.org www.wachiskaaudubon.org

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods

Young Farmer Night with No More Empty Pots || Truck Farm Omaha

Join us for a farmer hangout at the SMALLEST urban farm in Omaha, Nebraska: Truck Farm Omaha. We will give a tour of the Truck Farm, talk about the history and making of the education program and our partnership with No More Empty Pots. *No More Empty Pots will also give a tour of our new office space in Florence and future Commercial Kitchen space. The event is potluck style. Please bring a dish to share, reusable plates and cups. Support local farmers when purchasing your food items. 8511 North 30th Street --> Next to North Star Bar and Mouth of the South Restaurant. Farmers, friend, food lovers--all are invited! Details and to rsvp, https://www.facebook.com/events/678796468877918/?ref=25

Young Farmer Night @ Ficke Cattle Company

Saturday August 23. 873 182 Road- Pleasant Dale. Come see all the exciting things happening at Ficke Cattle Company! Farm Tour starting at 5:30p.m. With supper served at 6:30. Directions to Ficke Cattle Co. from Crete/Pleasant Dale exit, go south to roundabout (HWY6 & 103), 2 miles West on HWY 6 to 182 road, turn South 1⁄4 mile. Contact Del at 402-499-0329 for more information. More details at, https://www.facebook.com/events/1463741093880775/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Local Food Production Tour

Monday, August 18. Lincoln. Local food production is alive and well in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, in and around Metro Omaha/Council Bluffs.  Nebraska SARE is sponsoring this tour to 5 farms/sites where you will have an opportunity to see diverse farming operations.  Please register by August 14th for an accurate lunch count. Contact Nemaha County Extension at 402-274-4755 or glesoing2@unl.edu to register or get more info.

Legal and Financial Clinic

Monday, August 18. Fairbury. Call the Farm Hotline at 800-464-0258 to sign up.

Your Body, Your Tools

Tuesday, August 19 at 11:00 am CDT. Women's bodies are different from men's. The tools women use should be different too! Learn more about how the ergonomics of farming and how the right moves and tools can help women farmers avoid injuries and pain.  Ann Adams and Liz Brensinger of Green Heron Farms in New Tripoli, PA, are avid gardeners-turned-market-growers with a passion for sustainability, heirloom varieties and great food. After 13+ years “growing” Green Heron Farms – and meeting lots of other women who, like them, were in search of tools and equipment that fit their bodies and their needs – they formed Green Heron Tools in 2008. Green Heron Tools is a company dedicated to providing gardening and farming tools and equipment specially designed for women. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag/

Bioenergy Feedstock Field Days

August 19 or 20. Beaver Crossing or Dawson. These free field days will provide information on the agronomics, economics, and sustainability of biomass production of switchgrass and other perennial energy grasses. The field days are sponsored by CenUSA Bioenergy, a multi-state USDA-sponsored research project, focusing on the use of perennial bioenergy crops in the Midwest. Topics at the field days are pest and disease management; genetics establishment/ management/economics; harvest/marketing/commercialization; biomass – biofuel conversion process; alternative uses – livestock; and environmental benefits – soil/water/wildlife. The field days will include drill and harvest demonstrations and discussion, as well as the opportunity to see various grass varieties. http://ardc.unl.edu/bioenergyfeedstockfieldday

Legal and Financial Clinic

Wednesday, August 20. Norfolk. Call the Farm Hotline at 800-464-0258 to sign up.

How to Be a Better Boss on the Market Farm: Webinar

August 20. Employees make it possible to get more done, but managing workers and their work takes dedicated time, energy, and processes. Veteran farmer and consultant Chris Blanchard turned his work environment from "The Yelling Farm" into a positive, supportive, and effective workplace. In this free, one-hour online workshop from Countryside Conservancy, Chris shares his principles for being a better boss to get better results from one of your most valuable assets - your employees. http://www.cvcountryside.org/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=16349

Landowner Habitat Tour

Thursday, August 21. Broken Bow. Rangeland Management. See NebraskaPF.com or call 308-850-8395

Legal and Financial Clinic

Thursday, August 21. Valentine or Lexington. Call the Farm Hotline at 800-464-0258 to sign up.

Webinar on Organic Certification: What's in an Organic Farm Plan?

August 21. In this free, one-hour webinar from the National Center for Appropriate Technology, learn what information is needed when submitting your farm plan to an organic certifying agent. The presentation features Mary Ellen Holliman, Coordinator for Organic Certification, Texas Department of Agriculture, and Skip Connett of Green Gate Farms in Austin, Texas. Space is limited. https://attra.ncat.org/farm_plan

Exploring the Movement to Healthy School Meals Through Farm to School

Thursday, August 21 at 1:00 pm. In addition to describing the movement to include local and regional foods in school meal programs, cultivate school gardens, and provide students with agricultural and food related experiential learning opportunities, this webinar will make the case as to why farm to school programs are an emerging best practice for healthy school meal programs. As part of the presentation, the presenter will summarize how USDA and other diverse partners including schools, state and local government agencies, Cooperative Extension Systems, and non-profit organizations are working to scale up farm to school efforts through training and technical assistance, grants, research and evaluation, and state and national policy initiatives. Key resources for helping you engage in farm to school through your work and programming efforts will also be provided. Join the webinar for an engaging discussion!  https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/healthyschools

National Good Food Network Webinar: Ins-TRUCK-tion Manual: Lease, Buy, or Other?

August 21. Online. One major expense of food hubs (and many other Good Food businesses, including farms) is vehicles. How do you decide whether to lease or own? Farm Credit of the Virginias and Farm Credit Council have created a new tool that will give you a definitive financial answer to that question. This free National Good Food Network webinar will illustrate how to use this tool with an engaging example so that you may apply it to your unique business situation.https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/345092490

From Ginseng to Mushrooms: Goodies from Your Woods

August 21. Online. This one-hour webinar is the first in a series of eight on non-timber forest products. It is presented by Jeanine Davis of NC State University, who will go over the wide world of non-timber forest products and explain how many can be profitable. https://www.extension.org/sites/default/files/Webinar%20Line%20Up%20.pdf

Avian anatomy and how to perform a necropsy

Thursday, August 21 at 6:00 pm. If you have a chicken die, you can perform your own necropsy (animal version of an autopsy). Dr. David Frame will be discussing avian anatomy so you know what the insides should look like and how to perform your own necropsy. David D. Frame is an associate professor in the Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences Department at Utah State University, specializing in poultry diseases and production management. Dr. Frame currently serves as the USU Extension Poultry Specialist with an additional assignment as poultry diagnostician for the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. He also actively participates in providing community education classes in backyard poultry raising. Before beginning a professional career in poultry, Dr. Frame extensively bred and showed exhibition chickens. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/poultry

Maximizing Crop Production Using Humus Technology

Presented by Edwin Blosser, President & Founder Midwest Bio-Systems, Tampico, IL. Friday, August 22. 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Day's Schedule. 9:00 a.m. “Edwin’s Journey” Humus-based vs Conventional Agriculture. Nutrient Management. Different ways to reach the goal: compost, tea, biologicals, etc. Penn Valley Farm Story. 12:00 noon – Lunch. 12:30 p.m. Life in the Soil Video. 1:00 p.m. Reading Your Soil & Crops. Field Visit. 3:00 Adjourn. Location: Christian Resource Center, 603 S K Rd., Giltner. Cost: $50 single; $60 with spouse. Cost includes coffee & rolls, plus noon meal. RSVP: Paul Huenefeld 402-631-9317 (to guarantee meal). Directions to location: From I-80/Giltner Exit (#324), South 31⁄2 miles to Giltner School (stop sign), North on K Road 1⁄4 mile to CRC (West side of road), East (6 Road) 2 miles to K Road. 

Opportunity

Farm Job Available in Kansas

We at Heartland Farm, a 25 year old organic Farm in central Kansas are seeking a full time, live-in farmer to run all aspects of our 80 A. (not all in farm acreage) sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace.  Sister Jane Belanger, OP. Heartland Farm, 1049 CR 390, Pawnee Rock, KS 67567. www.heartlandfarm-ks.org

sheepbelanger@gmail.com  or  hfarm@gbta, 620-923-4585

Farm Job Wanted

I am currently looking for a farm job. I would like to stay close to Blair, Omaha, Fremont, or even across the border in Iowa.  Brenda Ruenholl,  Washington County, brrr@juno.com, 402-533-2541, 402-203-0850

Black Astrolop Roosters

I have a couple of extra black australorp roos that I would like to sell.  These are from hatchery chicks I received this spring so they are around 5 months old. Asking $10.  Could bring to Lincoln. Robert, Quail Acres Farm,lnkrob@gmail.com. 

Cows for Sale

I've decided that there is such a thing as too much diversity, at least when it comes to my cow herd. I have quite the mix of cattle right now and I'd like to at least narrow it down to a few breeds. So I've decided to sell the Scottish Highland and Longhorn cattle. Here are links to the ad's if you are interested:  Scottish Highland, http://lincoln.craigslist.org/grd/4605367179.html .  Longhorns, http://lincoln.craigslist.org/grd/4605366958.html .  I'd make any NSAS member a heck of a deal if they wanted them all. Thanks,  Jon, jkyoachim@gmail.com

Bean Walkers

I am trying to find bean walkers to weed about 100 acres of transitioning soy bean fields. It will be 2 or 3 weeks before I need them because the beans were replanted on about June 24th after 2 hails.The fields are just south of Utica. I can be emailed or called at 402-617-1718,cherylrrichter@gmail.com .  Thanks, Cheryl Richter

2014 Organic Farmer Seed Survey

The purpose of this survey is to better assess certified organic crop producers’ attitudes and perceptions regarding organic seed. The purpose is also to understand producers’ current use of organic seed and any obstacles that restrict organic seed sourcing. Producers should be prepared to offer best estimates on their organic seed usage or have their seed records on hand. The survey also asks which crops and traits should be prioritized through organic plant breeding programs. If you are a certified organic crop producer, please take ten minutes to respond to this survey. Your responses are voluntary and will be held confidential. Your responses will not be identified by individual or farm. All responses will be compiled and analyzed as a group. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QQ73TMW

Upcoming

Introduction to Cut Flowers

August 25. Kansas City. Looking for a way to complement your market offerings throughout the season? Cut flowers could be one way to diversify and increase profitability. This workshop in the Growing Growers series will cover the basics of growing and marketing cut flowers. http://www.growinggrowers.org/workshops.html

Systems for Accountability and Efficiency on the Market Farm: Webinar

August 27. Whether you manage one seasonal worker or a large year-round crew, good management can make the difference between making headway on your farm's work, or just creating headaches. Consultant and veteran farmer Chris Blanchard has worked with farmers throughout the Midwest to develop systems that make it easy to achieve reliable results throughout your farming operation. Learn about them in this free, one-hour webinar from Countryside Conservancy. http://www.cvcountryside.org/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=16350

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods!

Nebraska Young Farmer Nights visits 26th Street Farm!

August 12th, Hastings. Join us for a farmer hangout at our farm in Hastings, Nebraska. We will give a tour of our farm, talk about how we have adapted as beginner farmers over our three years of experience, and our lessons in small farm efficiencies. We only ask that you bring a pizza topping from your farm (veg, cheese, etc), beverage or dessert to share and we will be making pizzas in our homemade wood fired oven. Farmers, friend, food lovers--all are invited! Details and to rsvp, https://www.facebook.com/events/671574716248979/

New Earth Farm & Goods Young Farmer Night

August 14th. Papillion. New Earth Farm & Goods is a 5 acre integrated and holistic farm.  New Earth Farm is trying to grow everything edible that can grow in eastern Nebraska, from fecundity to livestock, planting food forests and gardens, foraging whatever is forgeable, sharing the abundance with CSA members, wild and domesticated animals, and willing customers.  New Earth Farm welcomes willing hands and minds who want to participate in and eat from what the sun, water and soil provides. Potluck will be at 6 followed by a farm tour. Details @ https://www.facebook.com/negoods

Managing for Soil Health on an Organic Farm – A Farmer’s Perspective

August 12. This free, one-hour webinar is part of the Soil Health webinar series presented by NRCS East National Technology Support Center. Presenter Klaas Martens, of Penn Yan, New York, uses a diverse crop rotation to farm over 1,400 acres of organic corn, soybeans, small grains, a variety of peas, and cover crops. By adhering to one simple principle - every crop follows a suitable predecessor - Martens has improved soil health and function to cycle nutrients, increase water infiltration and availability, and eliminate both weed and disease pest problems. In this presentation, Martens will focus on the use of plants to change the soil and how soil biology can perform the services that are expected from tillage. He will also cover relay cropping, or starting one crop before the previous crop is harvested, and how this practice allows him to maintain a living root and cover on the soil all year. http://conservationwebinars.net/

Regional Food Hubs: Strengthening Farm to School Procurement

August 12. Presented by the Wallace Center, this webinar will focus on regional food hubs and their ability to bridge the gap between local farms and school systems. The presentation will include a discussion of food hub characteristics and their role in the farm-to-school supply chain; a closer look at how one food hub is successfully connecting small farmers to their local public school system; and an overview of resources to help you locate food hubs in your area and strategies for engaging them with school food service programs. http://www.farmtoschool.org/resources-main/regional-food-hubs-strengthening-farm-to-school-procurement

WILD About Bats!

Join us for a free workshop focusing on these intriguing flying mammals.  Learn and explore first-hand by observing live bats, modeling activities related to bats & bat conservation, & unraveling  mysteries about these fantastic, flying critters. Wednesday, August 13.  10:00am - 3:00pm (lunch provided). TaHaZouka Park, Norfolk. 

 

To register,

lindsay.rogers@nebraska.gov

Organic Certification Basics

August 14. Online. The National Center for Appropriate Technology offers an opportunity for Texas producers to learn the ABC's of organic certification requirements, from organic consultant Leslie McKinnon and Brent Johnson of Johnson's Backyard Garden in Austin, Texas. Space is limited. https://attra.ncat.org/certification_basics

Growing and Funding Equitable Food Hubs

August 14. Online. Healthy Food Access Portal will host an interactive webinar on how you can develop an equitable food hub in your own community. Presenters will highlight how their food hub operations are creating a more equitable and inclusive food system and discuss lessons learned and strategies for success. http://www.healthyfoodaccess.org/news-and-events/events/food-hub-webinar

Legal and Financial Clinic

Thursday, August 14. North Platte. Call the Farm Hotline at 800-464-0258 to sign up.

Landowner Habitat Tour

Thursday, August 14. Southwestern Knox County. Northeast Nebraska Focus on Pheasants Efforts. See NebraskaPF.com or call 308-850-8395

“Go for the Goal” Finance for Farm Women

Friday, August 15 at 11:00 am. This 60 minute webinar will discuss the “nuts and bolts” of setting and achieving business and personal finance objectives. Topics to be covered include: “bucket lists”, values, type of goals, adjusting goals to match cash flow, developing an action plan to achieve goals and goal setting resources. Link: Pre-registration:http://tinyurl.com/p7cuwvy

Livestock Mortality Composting – Beyond the Basics Part 1

Friday, August 15 at 1:30 pm CDT. Livestock mortality composting is a relatively inexpensive, biosecure, and environmentally sound approach to addressing the issue of carcass disposal. This webcast will feature presentations by national experts who participated in Langston University’s Livestock Mortality Composting – Beyond the Basics Conference held earlier this year.  The topics include: pile characteristics for effective composting, management and environmental considerations when siting and managing composting facilities; mortality compost nutrients for on-farm use; and teaching the benefits of mortality composting to producers. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/lpelc

UNL Extension Organic Farm Tour

Saturday, August 16. Abie. Learn how to increase your soil health by reducing tillage, increasing crop diversity and incorporating cover crops into your cropping system, as well as topics on weed flaming and no-till.  Afterward, a free dinner will be provided by the Fendrich Family.  Please RSVP to Wendy at 402-584-3837, and get more information about the tour or directions.

Opportunity

Cows for Sale

I've decided that there is such a thing as too much diversity, at least when it comes to my cow herd. I have quite the mix of cattle right now and I'd like to at least narrow it down to a few breeds. So I've decided to sell the Scottish Highland and Longhorn cattle. Here are links to the ad's if you are interested:  Scottish Highland, http://lincoln.craigslist.org/grd/4605367179.html .  Longhorns, http://lincoln.craigslist.org/grd/4605366958.html .  I'd make any NSAS member a heck of a deal if they wanted them all. Thanks,  Jon, jkyoachim@gmail.com

Bean Walkers

I am trying to find bean walkers to weed about 100 acres of transitioning soy bean fields. It will be 2 or 3 weeks before I need them because the beans were replanted on about June 24th after 2 hails.The fields are just south of Utica. I can be emailed or called at 402-617-1718,cherylrrichter@gmail.com .  Thanks, Cheryl Richter

2014 Organic Farmer Seed Survey

The purpose of this survey is to better assess certified organic crop producers’ attitudes and perceptions regarding organic seed. The purpose is also to understand producers’ current use of organic seed and any obstacles that restrict organic seed sourcing. Producers should be prepared to offer best estimates on their organic seed usage or have their seed records on hand. The survey also asks which crops and traits should be prioritized through organic plant breeding programs. If you are a certified organic crop producer, please take ten minutes to respond to this survey. Your responses are voluntary and will be held confidential. Your responses will not be identified by individual or farm. All responses will be compiled and analyzed as a group. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QQ73TMW

Seedlings Needed

We recently lost about 150 (total) cabbage and cauliflower seedlings that were planted for fall harvest. User error I am sure. I am asking around to see if anyone has some extra cauliflower, cabbage or even broccoli seedlings they are interested in getting rid of at a fair price. We have broccoli, kale and kohlrabi in already. If you have any other ideas, I would welcome suggestions. We grow in Waverly and Omaha, so anything in either vicinity would be helpful. Alton, altonemitchell@gmail.com

News

Lincoln County Community Supported Agriculture

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) - The concept of community-supported agriculture is gaining momentum in Lincoln County. On Wednesday, Cathy Grauerholz loaded laundry baskets full of produce into a suburban and dropped them off at the West Center Research and Extension Center in North Platte. It was the first of many deliveries she will make every week through mid-October. The North Platte Telegraph reports (http://bit.ly/1o4frQJ ) crops were raised on Grauerholz’s farm about 6 miles south of Hershey. People paid her at the beginning of the season and, in return, she gives them fresh fruits and vegetables on a weekly basis. The food is distributed at sites in North Platte and Wallace. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jul/6/community-supported-agriculture-proving-popular/?page=all#pagebreak

Upcoming

How to Be a Better Boss on the Market Farm: Webinar

August 20. Employees make it possible to get more done, but managing workers and their work takes dedicated time, energy, and processes. Veteran farmer and consultant Chris Blanchard turned his work environment from "The Yelling Farm" into a positive, supportive, and effective workplace. In this free, one-hour online workshop from Countryside Conservancy, Chris shares his principles for being a better boss to get better results from one of your most valuable assets - your employees. http://www.cvcountryside.org/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=16349

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods

Nebraska Young Farmer Night @ West Blue Farm!

August 5th beginning at 5:30pm. Join us in Milford as the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society visits West Blue Farm near Milford for a Nebraska Young Farmer Night. We'll begin at 5:30pm with a potluck and introduction to West Blue followed by a pasture walk and farm tour. West Blue Farm has been direct marketing farm fresh meat since 1990. Chickens and beef are raised on the farm for our customers. The beef has been raised from birth and the chickens are brought in at one day of age. The alfalfa and oats in the feed has been grown organically on our farm since 1993. For details and to rsvp please visit, https://www.facebook.com/events/1458569301076328/?context=create&source=49 

Wheat Production Workshop

Monday, August 4th. Scottsbluff. The workshop will focus on the challenges facing wheat producers from wheat stem sawflies, kochia, virus and moisture. Speakers will be from UNL, USDA and Kansas St. University. CCU credits available. Registration is free and open to the first 80 people. Lunch will be provided. To register, contact Pat Martin at pmartin2@unl.edu or 308-632-1276.

Planning For Growth: Webinar

August 5. In the local foods movement, everybody's talking about "scaling up" - but what does that mean for your farm's operations, business, and quality of life? Join veteran farmer and consultant Chris Blanchard for this exploration of the practical impacts of increasing your business size, and the factors to consider as you decide whether to get bigger. This free, one-hour webinar is part of a series presented by Countryside Conservancy. http://www.cvcountryside.org/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=3662

Legal and Financial Clinic

Tuesday, August 5. Norfolk. Call the Farm Hotline at 800-464-0258 to sign up.

Pollination Conservation Workshop

Tuesday, August 5, 10am – 12pm. Mead. $35 Registration fee—pollinator seeds and other supplies will be included, lunch provided. Topics to be covered are pollinators, pollinator habitat, and landscape modification. * A special educator's tract will be offered for those interested in teaching pollination to youth. For more information, contact Natalia Bjorklund, Dodge County Extension 402-727-2775.

Weed Management in Organic Pastures Webinar

August 5. This free, one-hour webinar is part of a series of organic webinars presented by USDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center. Participate in this training to learn about organic management of pasture weeds. Emphasis will be placed on cultural, mechanical, and biological control of pasture weeds with specific weed examples highlighted. Organically approved chemical control of pasture weeds will also be reviewed. The presenter is Dr. Sid Bosworth, Extension Agronomist with the University of Vermont. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/

USDA Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small Producers Webinar

August 5. Online. USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced a webinar about the USDA Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small Producers. The webinar will provide an overview of the USDA Grass Fed program, website, and detailed information about the application (including how to apply), and evaluation process for gaining approval for the livestock to the Grass Fed Standard. The presentation will be followed by a Question and Answer period. This is a one-hour, listen-only webinar. The webinar will be recorded, and a link will be posted online for those who would like to listen in at a later date. http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5108408

Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) Field Day

Wednesday, August 6. Colby, KS. The event is free and open to the public but preregistration is required for meal planning.  See brochure for topics and contact info, or contact Vicki at 785-462-6281 or vbrown@ksu.edu.

Landowner Habitat Tour

Thursday, August 7. Sargent. Sandhills Plant ID Tour. See NebraskaPF.com or call 308-850-8395

Nebraska GREAT PLAINS Summer Field Day

Friday, August 8. Nebraska City. See www.nnla.org for more info.

Feast on the Farm

Saturday, August 9, 2014, 5:00-8:30pm. Prairie Pines, 112th and Adams. Must be 21 or older to attend. Enjoy an evening on a beautiful, sustainable farm, and help Community Crops grow! For details and tickets visit, http://www.communitycrops.org/farmdinner

Opportunity

Bean Walkers

I am trying to find bean walkers to weed about 100 acres of transitioning soy bean fields. It will be 2 or 3 weeks before I need them because the beans were replanted on about June 24th after 2 hails.The fields are just south of Utica. I can be emailed or called at 402-617-1718,cherylrrichter@gmail.com .  Thanks, Cheryl Richter

2014 Organic Farmer Seed Survey

The purpose of this survey is to better assess certified organic crop producers’ attitudes and perceptions regarding organic seed. The purpose is also to understand producers’ current use of organic seed and any obstacles that restrict organic seed sourcing. Producers should be prepared to offer best estimates on their organic seed usage or have their seed records on hand. The survey also asks which crops and traits should be prioritized through organic plant breeding programs. If you are a certified organic crop producer, please take ten minutes to respond to this survey. Your responses are voluntary and will be held confidential. Your responses will not be identified by individual or farm. All responses will be compiled and analyzed as a group. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QQ73TMW

Seedlings Needed

We recently lost about 150 (total) cabbage and cauliflower seedlings that were planted for fall harvest. User error I am sure. I am asking around to see if anyone has some extra cauliflower, cabbage or even broccoli seedlings they are interested in getting rid of at a fair price. We have broccoli, kale and kohlrabi in already. If you have any other ideas, I would welcome suggestions. We grow in Waverly and Omaha, so anything in either vicinity would be helpful. Alton, altonemitchell@gmail.com

Human Resource Needs of Small Farms

Fellow NSAS Members, I am working with a couple other Extension Educators on developing educational materials/programs to help small to medium sized farmers/ranchers manage their human resource risks. We are seeking to better understand the human resource education needs of Nebraska’s growing small and medium scale agricultural businesses in order to develop programming and materials to meet these needs. To do this we are conducting an online survey to determine what human resource topics are important to Nebraska’s farmers/ranchers and to learn what delivery methods (in person, online, etc.) are preferred. We would greatly appreciate it if you took a few minutes to complete the online survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AgHRMangSurvey.  The survey should take approximately 10 – 15 minutes to complete, you must be at least 19 years old to participate, and participation is entirely voluntary. If you have any questions regarding this questionnaire please feel free to contact me Jessica, (jjones12@unl.edu or 402-335-3669).

Exchange student interested in sustainability

My name is Andrea Lundberg, and I work with a  non-profit called the Aspect Foundation. As part of the State Department’s public diplomacy mission, we place exchange students with host families. I’m the local coordinator for the Lincoln/Omaha area. I was hoping you might know of a family who might be interested in hosting a young lady from Belgium, Nora. Nora is very active with an organization called Projet Comenius, which works on fair trade and sustainability initiatives. Hosts provide three meals a day and transportation to the local high school. Please feel free to call me at 402-499-9031 or email me with any questions! Below is a lInk to Nora’s profile:

http://services.aspectfoundation.org/st/index.php/st_search/profile/UY4-BEL-507-F

Upcoming

Managing for Soil Health on an Organic Farm – A Farmer’s Perspective

August 12. This free, one-hour webinar is part of the Soil Health webinar series presented by NRCS East National Technology Support Center. Presenter Klaas Martens, of Penn Yan, New York, uses a diverse crop rotation to farm over 1,400 acres of organic corn, soybeans, small grains, a variety of peas, and cover crops. By adhering to one simple principle - every crop follows a suitable predecessor - Martens has improved soil health and function to cycle nutrients, increase water infiltration and availability, and eliminate both weed and disease pest problems. In this presentation, Martens will focus on the use of plants to change the soil and how soil biology can perform the services that are expected from tillage. He will also cover relay cropping, or starting one crop before the previous crop is harvested, and how this practice allows him to maintain a living root and cover on the soil all year. http://conservationwebinars.net/