Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods!

Farmers Night Out! visits Darby Springs Farm!

September 11th. Darby Springs Farm near Ceresco. Join us for an evening of learning and fun! We'll start with a potluck, featuring our pastured chicken. Bring your favorite side. We'll then tour our farm highlighting: pastured chickens, both egg layers and meat, 100% grassfed dairy using holistic management and our experiments with wetlands grazing and in-pasture stockpiling of forages. We'll also talk about how we integrate growing food and enhancing our soils, water, & wildlife through regenerative agricultural practices. We'll finish the evening with some of our ice cream and sharing the process of starting a farmstead creamery and farm store. Questions todarbysprings@gmail.com and by visiting, https://www.facebook.com/events/481334958695378/

Integrating Cash Crops, Cover Crops and Livestock

September 8. Bedford, Iowa.  Learn about how the wheat + cover mix + grazing is a soil-builder that has also reduced P and K applications and herbicide use at Paul and Nancy Ackley's farm. Doug Peterson, with the State Soil Health Conservation in Gallatin, Missouri, will be a featured speaker.

Entomology Seminar on Hybridization in Western Corn Rootworms

 September 8.  4:00 pm–5:00 pm. UNL's  Nebraska East Union. Contact,  Jeri Cunningham, 402-472-8678,jcunningham1@unl.edu. “Invasion, Demography, and Evolution: A Case of Hybridization in Western Corn Rootworms” presented by Dr. Gerald Bermond, Post-Doc Research Associate in the Entomology Department.

Livestock Water Development & Electric Fencing

September 8. Salina, Kansas. Mark Green, NRCS specialist from Missouri, will hold his popular workshop on electric fencing and livestock watering options for all species of livestock. Green will explain electric fence products, the pros and cons of various materials used in electric fence construction, and installation techniques. He will also cover livestock watering topics, water distribution for improved grazing distribution, permanent and portable tanks, above and below ground pipeline, and water sources—wells, streams, springs, and ponds. http://www.kansasfarmersunion.com/event/livestock-water-development-and-electric-fencing/

Cover Crop/Soil Health Field Day

Nebraska Extension and NRCS are sponsoring a Cover Crop/Soil Health Field Day in Nemaha County on September 9th. Contact Gary Lesoing, (402) 274-4755. Here is the link to the flyer on our website as well, http://nemaha.unl.edu/documents/135003/1171163/Cover+Crop+Field+Day+Flyer+2015/b8ca8fa6-0f7e-462a-91e4-85bf97ac4323.   

Great Plains lecture: Teaching Sustainability in Namibia

 September 9.  3:30 pm–4:30 pm.  Great Plains Art Museum Room: Main gallery, 1155 Q St. Lincoln. Free. Contact,  Katie Nieland,402-472-3965, knieland2@unl.edu. In a semi-arid grassland not unlike our own, Viktoria Keding has developed a special center to teach Namibians about environmental sustainability. In this talk, “Teaching Sustainability in Namibia,” Keding will speak about NaDeet—the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust—which was founded to spread environmental education throughout the area. http://www.unl.edu/plains/paul-olson-seminars-great-plains-studies

Use of NRCS Conservation Practice Standards and Specifications

September 9. Online. This webinar is a review of the purpose and structure of NRCS conservation practice standards. Participants will learn to use NRCS conservation practice standards to support the NRCS conservation planning process. The presenter will discuss documenting the specifications of how an NRCS conservation practice standard is locally applied in a conservation plan. This one-and-a-half hour webinar is presented by the USDA NRCS Central National Technology Support Center beginning at 2 pm Eastern. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/use-of-nrcs-conservation-practice-standards-and-specifications

Webinar: Animal Welfare Standards and Commercial Aquaculture Operations

Environmental and ethical considerations are playing an increasing role in the food purchasing decisions of consumers and retailers. The scrutiny of producers’ animal welfare practices is intensifying and animal welfare standards, voluntary and mandatory, are proliferating. The focus has traditionally been on terrestrial livestock operations, but concerns are also being raised about the welfare of farmed fish both on land and in the marine environment. This webinar will provide an overview of existing and emerging animal welfare standards for farmed fish. For additional program details, visit the National Agricultural Law Center website here, https://uaag.adobeconnect.com/r3hj3zy9as9/

NOP Organic Crop Standards Webinar

September 9 and 11. Online. IOIA's NOP Organic Crop Standards webinar is a 100-level course designed to prepare participants to verify compliance with the NOP Crop Standards. This webinar training course will focus on topics including the National List of allowed synthetic and prohibited natural inputs for crop production. Participants will also gain skill in understanding and navigating the NOP regulations. This webinar will be given in two sessions, on two dates, each three hours long. Enrollment is limited. http://www.ioia.net/schedule_web.html#sept9

Ogallala Tree Care Workshop

September 10.  8:45 am–3:15 pm.  Keith County Fairgrounds Activity Building Room, 1100 W 5th St. in Ogallala. Contact, Amy Seiler,308-633-1173, aseiler2@unl.edu. T his will be a very hands-on workshop. We’ll primarily be outside where participants will engage in best management practices in the areas of pruning, watering, mulching, tree selection and planting. Tree health issues will also be covered, particularly some of the damage from drastic temperature changes in November 2014 and late spring snow storms in 2015. Registrations will be accepted the day of the workshop but are not guaranteed a meal. Contact Amy Seiler by Sept. 8 to pre-register • aseiler2@unl.edu • 308-633-1173

Bird Conservation in the Face of Future Climate Change

Thursday, September 10 at 11:00 am CDT. National Audubon Society scientists recently completed a comprehensive analysis modeling the winter and summer ranges of 588 North American bird species in response to future climate change. Using citizen science data and climate information, these models characterize the relationship between the distribution of each species and climate through the end of the century. Chad Wilsey will talk about the results and the implications for bird conservation in the Eastern US. Continuing Education Credits applied for from Society of American Foresters and The Wildlife Society. http://www.sustainableforestswebinars.net/webinar-access-instructions

Why Local Food Matters

Thursday, September 10 at 10:00 am CDT. Presented by Debra Tropp, Ag Marketing Services, USDA. This webinar will provide an overview of what we know about changing consumer demand, some of the drivers behind these changes in demand, and how USDA Ag Marketing Services Local Food Research and Development Division is trying to help farmers and food marketers take advantage of the recent surge in local food demand through grant assistance, primary data collection, applied research on emerging business models, technical assistance and market facility design. https://msues.adobeconnect.com/_a828402417/srdc/

Renewable Energy Forum

September 10th. Norfolk. A renewable energy forum that is free and open to the public is scheduled for the Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. The forum, sponsored by the Nebraska Farmers Union, will focus on the importance and potential of farm-based renewable energy, including wind and solar from farm to commercial scale use. Neligh area farmer Art Tanderup and his solar installer, Martin Kleinschmit of Hartington, will discuss the process and financing used to install a solar electric generation system at Tanderup’s farm. http://nebraskafarmersunion.org/news/

Southeast Nebraska Diversified Ag Tour

September 11th. Nebraska Extension in southeast Nebraska is sponsoring its 10th Annual Southeast Nebraska Diversified Ag Tour on Friday, September 11th.  This tour focuses on local food production and sustainability and we will visit some established farms and very new farms in southeast Nebraska.  This tour is for anyone; Extension Educators or Specialists, farmers, consumers, Master Gardeners or just someone that wants to learn more about local food production, sustainability and entrepreneurship in southeast Nebraska. Cost of this tour is $20 and includes lunch and transportation.  If you interested in participating in the tour, please register by calling Nebraska Extension in Nemaha (402) 274-4755 or Johnson (402) 335-3669) Counties by Tuesday September 8th.

World Food Prize Nebraska Youth Institute

September 11. 9:00 am–5:00 pm. UNL's Nebraska East Campus Union. Contact, Brooke Talbott, 402-472-9782, btalbott2@unl.edu. Nebraska high school students and teachers visit campus to present research papers on global issues related to food security. Students pick one country and one topic to research and propose their own solution to combat hunger in their chosen subject area. Students are then invited to experience current research related to food security through immersion experiences on-campus. http://casnr.unl.edu/worldfoodprize

Opportunity!

NSAS Membership Month!

During the month of September NSAS will be celebrating membership month! Look for testimonials from board, staff and members throughout the month highlighting the vibrancy of the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society. To maintain the financial sustainability of our organization, I invite you to renew your memberships or if you aren't a member to join!!  In just a few easy clicks, you can show support for the sustainable agriculture movement right here in Nebraska!! 

Here are a few dates to keep in mind of upcoming activities NSAS has is store for you:

November 1st:  NSAS is partnering with No More Empty Pots this year to host the third Producers Choice Chef Award fundraising dinner.  This will again be in Omaha at Metro's Institute for Culinary Arts and this year's theme is collaboration.  We have five great chefs from the Omaha, Lincoln and Waverly area who will be putting on a great meal for us!

January 28-30:  NSAS will be celebrating 35 years!!  Plan to join us for our conference in Nebraska City at the Lied Lodge.  The "Back to the Roots" theme will be the backbone for great breakout sessions and as always the conference is a great way to catch up with your friends.

Opportunities

Survey seeks opinions of women livestock farmers

USDA Small Business Innovation Research grant to study the tool- and equipment-related needs of women livestock farmers. To assist Green Heron in designing better tools and equipment, women who raise or care for livestock of any kind are invited to complete a brief survey.   The survey will be open through September, and respondents who complete it will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Green Heron Tools gift certificate. Begun by two small-scale farmers with backgrounds in nursing and public health, Green Heron is the first company in the world to focus on scientifically designing agricultural tools and equipment that work well for women. For more information please visit www.greenherontools.com. Complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/greenherontools_women_livestock_farmers.

Pastured Feeder Pigs for Sale

Eleven pastured feeder pigs. 5 male, 6 Female. Unaltered. These pigs are two-three months old and between 40-50 lbs. They have been born and raised on pasture. They are weaned. We supplement the pasture with brewers grains from two local breweries and with expired produce from Whole Foods. Pigs located in Fort Calhoun. bgodfrey@oppd.com.  See more at: http://www.bestfarmbuys.com/classifieds/detail.php?classified_id=190339&category=Hogs#sthash.2Thc4BcL.dpufhttp://www.bestfarmbuys.com/classifieds/detail.php?classified_id=190339&category=Hogs#sthash.2Thc4BcL.dpuf

Soybeans

I'm looking to buy conventional soybeans with out Herbicides pesticides spray. In need of 10 Bushel   Rich, richvernon7@yahoo.com, 402-443-6762

Farm Family Placement Opportunity

'We are a family of four (with two kids), we are looking for any possibility that can lead us to live in the country (no more than one hour and a half driving from the farm to the city of Lincoln). We are specially looking for a farm/ house with a piece of land that is organic oriented .  Please do not hesitate to contact us for any queries (Cell phone; 402-4059195). rllasaca@gmail.com. Thanks. Troy Van Horn".

For Sale by Owner

Tekamah. (40+/- Acre farm with house & buildings). 

We have decided that we must downsize and are going to sell the farm. Please share with anyone you may know who is 

interested.  Northwest of Tekamah, Nebraska. Includes 5 

bedroom/3.5 bath raised ranch with walk-out basement house, Has two kitchens, oversized shower and whirlpool tub in 

master bath, plus walk-in closet. Property has been farmed organically for over 9 years, includes Morton machine shed, 

Butler livestock building and other small buildings. This farm has been ran to be self sufficient for several years. Farm 

does have underground wiring and a battery shed for solar power, solar panels do not go with farm, but all the 

underground wiring and permanent solar infrastructure stays. 

Call Rebecka Fleischman at 402-687-4149 for more information. 

More pictures available upon request. Schedule your tour today.

Looking for Mentorship in Shelton/Grand Island/Kearney Area.

My family and I are returning to Shelton, NE in order to re-establish her family's farm. It is 160 acres but hasn't been used in nearly 30 years. We are going to be establishing a Joel Salatin Polyface Farm type farm. Where we will raise a multi specie critical and threatened heritage breed livestock as determined by the Livestock Conservancy Organization. All livestock will be pastured raised. We are also going to establish seasonal vegetable gardens. Looking for mentorship opportunities in the Shelton/Grand Island/Kearney area that would be willing to help us learn the does and don'ts of pasture based all natural farming. Michael Peña, Michael.A.Pena@uscg.mil

Whole-Farm Revenue Protection Survey 

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is working with the Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI) to better understand experiences with crop insurance and with a new crop insurance product called Whole-Farm Revenue Protection. Whole-Farm Revenue Protection is a pilot crop insurance policy available for the 2015 crop insurance year. The policy provides crop insurance coverage based on a farm’s 5-year revenue history, and it enables a farm to insure more than one crop with one policy. The link to the survey is https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/rafiwfrpsurvey. Questions about this survey can be directed to James Robinson at 919-542-1396 ext. 209 or james@rafiusa.org.

Upcoming

What "Newbees" Need to Know

September 16th. 8am.  Alex Zomchek, Master Beekeeping Instructor. Research and outreach related to honey bees, wild bees and other pollinators Join us for our free, monthly webinar series. All webinars are recorded and archived on the Bee Lab website:http://u.osu.edu/beelab/

Webinar: Nature-based Forestry: The Pro Silva Movement in Europe

Thursday, September 17, 11am – 12pm. The webinar will feature University of Maryland Extension Forest Stewardship Educator Lyle Almond. His presentation, “Nature-based Forestry: The Pro Silva Movement in Europe” will provide an overview of the movement that is sweeping across the European continent. The Pro Silva movement promotes continuous cover forestry, which mimics natural forest stand development for optimizing social, ecological, and economic benefits. The webinar will include Almond’s first-hand experience through his work in the European nation of Slovenia. The webinar will be conducted through Adobe Connect and will be free of charge.www.eventbrite.com/e/nature-based-forestry-the-pro-silva-movement-in-europe-tickets-17794387492

Overview of chicken anatomy

Thursday, September 17 at 2:00 pm CDT. There is a lot of interest in the general anatomy of chickens. This webinar will give this overview concentrating primarily on the reproductive and digestive systems but will also cover skeletal, muscular, excretory and respiratory systems. Dr. Jacquie Jacob from the University of Kentucky will be presenting. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/poultry

Applications of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in Agriculture

Thursday, September 17 at 2:00 pm CDT. This is the second in a year-long series of webinars; the topic of this hour-long webinar is ‘Applications of UAS in Agriculture’. The webinar will provide details on inventory management related applications of UAS acquired images. The discussion will also involve workflow for software needed to process UAS images. A third presentation will highlight a safety program in Colorado with emphasis on aerial applicators and UAS. A review of current topics of interest to UAS community in agriculture will also be part of the webinar. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/learnuasag

Thermal Manure-to-Energy Systems for Farms: Technical and Environmental Feasibility

Friday, September 18 at 1:30 pm CDT. The Farm Manure-to-Energy Initiative is regional, collaborative effort focused on demonstrating and evaluating the performance of thermal, poultry litter-fueled technologies capable of producing energy and facilitating the transport of excess nutrients out of high-density animal production areas. Results of performance evaluations, including technical and environmental feasibility will be presented, along with results from field trials where ash and biochars were compared side-by-side in row crop and vegetable production with commercial fertilizer and untreated poultry litter. Presenters will discuss challenges and opportunities associated with using thermal poultry litter-fueled technologies at the farm-scale. http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/lpelc

Farm Aid 30

September 19. Chicago, Illinois. Farm Aid 30, an all-day music and food festival, will feature performances by Farm Aid board members Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, and Dave Matthews — with Tim Reynolds — as well as Imagine Dragons, Jack Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Mavis Staples, Old Crow Medicine Show, Holly Williams, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Insects vs Robots, and Blackwood Quartet. In addition to a diverse lineup of music, Farm Aid 30 festivalgoers will be able to experience family farm agriculture firsthand. In the HOMEGROWN Village, attendees will have the chance to meet farmers from Illinois and across the country. The HOMEGROWN Village also features hands-on activities by local, regional and national farm and food organizations that engage festivalgoers in the ways family farmers are enriching our soil, protecting our water and growing our economy, in addition to bringing us good food for good health. https://www.farmaid.org/concert/