FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Public Meeting
October 20. Chicago, Illinois. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will sponsor a public meeting on the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act: Final Rules to Establish Requirements for Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human and Animal Food. The meeting will provide interested persons an opportunity to discuss the final rules for current good manufacturing practice, hazard analysis, and risk-based preventive controls for human and animal food (the preventive controls final rules). FDA will also respond to questions and discuss the next phase of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) implementation with respect to human and animal food preventive controls requirements. http://www.ppleventreg.com/FDA-FSMA- Oct20-Chicago/
Getting Started on a Farm or Ranch Transition Plan
Tuesday, October 20 at 11:00 am CDT. Please join us for our October Women in Ag webinar on farm succession planning. Our presenter will be Joy Kirkpatrick, Outreach Specialist for the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Dairy Profitability. Kirkpatrick received both her BS and MS degrees from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. This webinar will provide an overview of the components of a farm succession or transition plan. The webinar will be helpful to those who are considering transferring the business, which includes management decisions as well as the labor and assets and for those who may be considering their estate plans. Knowing the components of succession planning, how to get started, and clarifying your goals are can help you when you meet with your attorney and tax specialist. The webinar will also provide a “blueprint” to break down the process into manageable steps. This blueprint starts with gathering information on “Where are you now”, considering “Where do you want to be” and finally the action plan, “How do you get there”. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ womeninag
Online Integrated Pest Management Conference
October 20. The first annual Northeastern IPM Center (NEIPMC) Online Conference will feature updates from active projects funded by the NEIPMC's Partnership Grants Program. In addition, the online conference will have updates from IPM-related projects funded through the Northeastern Sustainable Agriculture and Education (NE SARE) Program. The rapid-style conference will feature five-minute presentations in which the speakers will discuss, show, or possibly sing about highlights from their projects. The purpose of the conference is to increase collaboration and awareness about current IPM-related research and extension in the Northeast in a fun way. http://www.northeastipm.org/ipm-in-action/current-news/ online-integrated-pest- management-conference/
Converting hybrid poplar to biofuels: feedstock properties and conversion techniques
Wednesday, October 21 at 1:30 pm CDT. Location: http://hardwoodbiofuels.org/event/ webinar-converting-hybrid- poplar-to-biofuels/. Presenter s: Rick Gustafson, Renata Bura, and Fernando Resende, University of Washington. Hosted by: Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest (AHB)
Silvopasture
October 21. Online. This Agroforestry in Action webinar will provide an introduction to silvopasture systems being incorporated into regional farms. The speaker, Joseph Orefice Ph.D., of Paul Smith's College, has spent the past four years researching the topic in the Northeast United States. He will draw upon his research that documented silvopasture practices on farms in the Northeast. Details here!
Calling All Food Entrepreneurs!
You're invited to be part of a market that features unique food options from local food entrepreneurs like you! Join us for an informational meeting for potential tenants of Tenth Street Market. Learn more about our progress and future plans for the first year-round indoor public market in Omaha. Wednesday, October 21 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm. UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center; Rooms 230-231 | 6001 Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68182. *Available parking in lots D/E. The Tenth Street Market is seeking locally owned food related businesses that will offer a variety of unique food options, including: Contact Laura Hall atlhall@vgagroup.com; 402.345.5401 ext. 109
Organic Livestock Inputs
October 22. Online. This webinar training session is part of an educational livestock health series offered by Veterinary Extension at The Ohio State University and OEFFA. It is presented by the International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) and the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). Participants will learn about commonly used organic inputs, what organic inspectors look for during an inspection, and how OMRI evaluates livestock inputs. The course will include pre-course assignments; in-class discussion, examples, and exercises; and a post-course evaluation. This webinar is usually valued at $350, but will be available free to a limited number of veterinarians and livestock professionals who pre-qualify for OEFFA scholarships. http://www.oeffa.org/news/?page_id=1556
Biomass on the Farm: Staying Safe and Healthy
October 22. Online. This is a special webinar presentation for National Bioenergy Week, beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern. It offers a sneak peek at some of what will be found in a new, major publication entitled Safety and Health Management Planning for Biomass Producers. Douglas Schaulfer, Research Associate, Department of Ag and Biological Engineering at Penn State College of Ag Sciences will discuss the new report whose research was informed by site visits to active biomass operations as well as years of experience in the field. http://www.newbio.psu.edu/Extension/Webinars.asp
Center for Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization - Policy Research Group Symposium
October 22. 1:00 pm–6:00 pm. UNL's East Campus Union. Contact, Jane Witte, 402-472-1913, janewitte@unl.edu. Presentations by: Julian Alston, University of California-Davis, Nicolas Kalaitzandonakes, University of Missouri, Jayson Lusk, Oklahoma State University, Ian Sheldon, Ohio State University. http://cafio.unl. edu/prg
Beyond Beauty: The Opportunities and Challenges of Cosmetically Imperfect Produce
October 22. Online. This free webinar from the National Good Food Network reports on how JoAnne Berkenkamp at Tomorrow’s Table and The Real Food Challenge have been exploring the market--from farmer to processor to college foodservice--of produce that is healthful and delicious, if a little imperfect. The webinar will begin at 1:30 pm MDT with a statement of the issue, including some details like why there are imperfections in produce, rates of imperfections, as well as a sense for what growers in Minnesota do with this produce right now. Then we will turn to how we can more fully utilize the imperfect produce, including some blue sky thinking… and some possible unintended consequences. The webinar will conclude with ideas for bringing such product to market efficiently and policy recommendations. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/ 2292732802262820609
“The Soil Will Save Us”
October 23. 7:30 pm. UNL's Hardin Hall. Karma Larsen, 402-472-7923, klarsen1@unl.edu. Journalist Kristin Ohlson is the author of “The Soil Will Save Us: How Scientists, Farmers and Foodies are Healing the Soil to Save the Planet,” a look at efforts to develop land management practices that respect nature and heal landscapes. It won a 2015 Books for a Better Life award in the “Green category.” Her articles have appeared in the New York Times, Salon, Smithsonian, Discover, New Scientist, Gourmet, Oprah, and more. She is the author of the memoir “Stalking the Divine,” which won the American Society of Journalists and Authors Best Nonfiction Book Award, and co-author of the 2007 New York Times bestselling “Kabul Beauty School.” A reception with hors d’oeuvres and desserts precedes the ticketed talk at 6:30 p.m. The cost for the lecture is $15 for NSA members and $20 for non-members; and lecture plus reception is $20 for NSA members and $30 for non-members. Space is limited. Sign up at plantnebraska.org or call 402-472-2971.Additional Public Info: arboretum.unl.edu
Solar Stock Water Workshop
October 23. Abilene, Kansas. Kansas State University watershed specialists will conduct a stock water workshop at the Garten family farm. Herschel George and Ron Graber of K-State Research and Extension will demonstrate solar watering systems for livestock and provide instructions for installing tire tanks. The workshop is free. http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/news-stories/2015- news-releases/october/solar_ watering100915.html
Agronomy & Horticulture Seminar – Josh Davis
October 23rd. 3:30 pm–4:30 pm. UNL's East Campus, IANR Assistant Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement, will discuss trends in the globalization of higher education, describe specific IANR initiatives that are underway, and highlight tools and opportunities for those interested to become more involved.Join us in person or online at: https://connect.unl.edu/fridayseminarseries. Refreshme nts served at 3 pm
Mother Earth News Fair
October 24-25. Topeka, Kansas. Mother Earth News Fairs feature more than 150 workshops from the leading authorities on organic gardening, food preservation, homesteading and livestock, green building, and natural health, as well as inspiring keynote speakers, demonstrations, and regional and national exhibitors that feature sustainable products and services. http://www.motherearthnewsfair.com/ kansas/
Opportunities
Feeder Pigs
We have another set of feeder pigs coming up ready for adoption to a new farm-home. We have 20 piggies in the 25-30 lb range. All are pasture raised and were weaned at 7-8 weeks. They are being trained to hot wire.Ben Godfrey,
Billy for Sale
We are selling one of our billy goats. He is a Saanen, one year old and has already proven himself. He bred one of our females already. We don't want to chance him breeding with his mother so we are selling. If you are interested, or know of anyone who is interested, please call 402-380-7233. Thank you, Serena Bourne
Farming Opportunity
I have an opportunity to rent some ground just east of Beatrice but I need to farm it Organically. I live too far away and don't have the time right now to rotary hoe and/or cultivate in a timely fashion. Is there anyone that lives in the area that has experience (and preferably equipment) and would be interested in doing some custom farming? Thank you, Jon Yoachim, 402-309-4088,
Trailer for Sale
I have a 2011 12' x 6' Dura-line Bumper Stock [livestock] Trailer for sale, like new, I can provide pictures upon request and am willing to deliver. Dan Hromas, Grand Island,
Solar Fencer for Sale
I have a Gallagher B100 fencer for sale. Purchase 3.5 years ago, used 2 of the last 3.5 years. http://gallagherelectricfencing.com/ collections/solar-powered- energizers/products/new- gallagher-b100-solar-powered- fence-charger-fencer- energizer-60acres-7miles.
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.
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".
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
National Organic Standards Board Meeting
October 26-29. Stowe, Vermont. The board meeting provides a public forum for the organic community to weigh in on issues concerning organic production and processing. During the meeting, the board will address several petitions pertaining to changes to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, including substances due to sunset in 2017 and 2018. While the meeting is open to the public, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) invites those interested in speaking at the meeting to register.http://www.ams.usda.gov/press-release/usda-announces- meeting-national-organic- standards-board-invites- public-comments-0
Warm Season Native Grasses for Restoration
October 28. Online. This webinar is presented by the NRCS East National Technology Support Center. Participants will be introduced to how, when and why one might use native warm season grasses. Presenter Ramona Garner, Ph.D., Plant Materials Specialist with the East National Technology Support Center of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will discuss techniques that may provide the user with a more productive and beneficial native-grass planting.
Paving the Way for an Organic Planet: Growing with Healthy Soil Biology
October 29-30. Denver, Colorado. This Rodale Institute course is hosted in Colorado by Chipotle Mexican Grill. The goals of this workshop are as follows: 1. Provide participants with the knowledge about why soil health is important. 2. Describe how soil biota produce healthy soil. 3. Define the roles of management practices and their impacts on soil health. 4. Define a set of measurement matrices for healthy soil. 5. Provide tools for monitoring and assessing soil health against the matrix. This class is conducted by Rodale Institute's Chief Scientist Dr. Kris Nichols and Farm Director Jeff Moyer. It is recommended for farmers, gardeners, landscape professionals, and environmental-education professionals. A few scholarships are available for small farmers who would like to attend this class. http://rodaleinstitute.org/event-registration/?ee=161
Long-term soil productivity and sustainability of forest harvest residue harvesting
Friday, October 30 at 12:00 pm CDT. Presenters: Jeff Hatten, Assistant Professor, Oregon State University; Scott Holub, Silviculture Research Scientist, Weyerhaeuser NR Company. Forest harvesting intrinsically removes organic matter and associated nutrients; these exports may impact soil productivity of managed forests. We will examine the effects of removing forest floor and harvest residues on soils and sustainable production in intensively managed Douglas-fir forests of the Pacific Northwest. We will discuss the amount and types of biomass being removed and how biomass harvesting impacts various nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium). Nutrient removals may impact long-term production or growth in these forests, and we will use simple thresholds and nutrient budgets to examine this trend. Finally, we will discuss the limitations of this approach and opportunities for further research. Webinar attendees will come away with an understanding of the issues surrounding long-term sustainability in forest residue harvesting scenarios and the limitations of our knowledge on these issues. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/ 3399378061156075522
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