Revisiting Organic Agriculture Webinar Series: Nutrient Management
December 1. Online. American Society of Agronomy concludes its monthly series, Revisiting Organic Agriculture, with this webinar featuring organic farmer Carmen Fernholz and soil scientist Julie Grossman. This session will present basic concepts to help you work with organic producers and improve soil nutrient status. It will place special emphasis on nitrogen management and tools organic growers use to manage this critical nutrient cycle. It will also provide resources that you can use to learn about organic nutrient management. http://agronomy.peachnewmedia.com/store/ subscription/subscription- detail.php?subid=769
Webinar "Mitigating Pollinator Decline in Landscapes"
Tuesday, December 1 at 11:30 am CST. Ms. Heather Holm, Author and Restoration Specialist, How to identify 5 families of native bees in landscapes, provide identification and life history information, nest site descriptions, especially in spring and fall. crops: apples, squash, blue berries, tomatoes. Dr. Karl Foord, Extension Educator Entomology, UMinnesota. How to conserve bees in the landscape. Favorite nectar and pollen hosts, what crops that they pollinate, time of activity, any other information on pollination services, and how to properly use insecticides. crops: apples, squash, blue berries, tomatoes. Dr. Dan Cariveau, Assistant Professor Ecology Bees, UMinnesota. In general what do we know about bee communities, how they coexist, are they in decline. Dr. Vera Krischik, Associate Professor, Extension Specialist Entomology, UMinnesota, Moderator and Dr. Mary Meyer, Professor, Extension Specialist Horticulture, UMinnesota. https://umn.webex.com/umn/onstage/g.php?MTID= eef7ff8f7ecab2f195a9a44d07871d bbf
Entomology Seminar on Essential Oils in Insect Control
December 1. 4:00 pm–5:00 pm. UNL's Nebraska East Union. Contact, Jeri Cunningham, 402-472-8678, jcunningham1@unl.edu. “Essential Oils in Insect Control” presented by Aaron Gilman, a graduate student in the Department of Entomology.
Regional Climate Impacts: Great Plains
Thursday, December 3 at 2:00 pm CST. Experts will provide findings from the Quadrennial Energy Review (QER), energy job strategies, and the National Climate Impact Assessment. As part of the QER discussion, we plan to share climate-based findings related to national security, resilience, the grid of the future, environment, grid siting, and shared transport. This discussion will outline federal energy policy objectives, proposals, and actions, particularly as they relate to climate change and resilience for underserved communities. For more information on the QER, please visit http://energy.gov/epsa/quadrennial-energy-review-qer. Register, https://attendee. gotowebinar.com/rt/ 2333084875447928066
Webinar "Managing invasive species in landscapes"
Thursday, December 3 at 11:30 am CST. Dr. Cristelle Guédot, Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist Entomology, UWisconsin. How to identify and manage spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii). Dr. Paul Botch, Extension Specialist Entomology, Michigan State U. How to identify and manage brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). Dr. Jonathan Larson, Extension Specialist Entomology, UNebraska. How to identify and manage Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica). Dr. Angela Orshinsky, Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist Plant Pathology, UMinnesota. How to identify and manage downy mildew (Impatiens walleriana). Dr. Vera Krischik, Associate Professor, Extension Specialist Entomology, UMinnesota, Moderator and Dr. Mary Meyer, Professor, Extension Specialist Horticulture, UMinnesota. https://umn.webex.com/umn/onstage/g.php?MTID= e7f627b175dee5471bfa92d6645a1c 0c5
2015 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: Wildlife in the Backyard - a Double-edged Sword
Friday, December 4 at 1:00 pm CST. It is wonderful to have wildlife in your backyard until that wildlife damages your plants, disfigures your lawn, or invades your house. In this webinar Dr. Scott Hygnstrom from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point will explain how to minimize problems from small mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks, moles, voles, rats, and mice. Moderated by Mike McQueen and Danielle Carroll, Regional Extension Agents, Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Click here to login as a guest and participate in the live event. Note: on December 4, the link to the live webinar opens about 15 minutes before the webinar. If you try to log in earlier, you will get an error message. http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/fireant
Agronomy & Horticulture Seminar – Amit Jhala
Herbicide Resistant Weeds in Nebraska: Research & Extension. December 4. 3:30 pm–4:30 pm. UNL's East Campus @ Keim Hall. Amit Jhala, assistant professor, Extension Weed Management Specialist, UNL Agronomy and Horticulture, will talk about how repeated and intensive use of herbicide(s) with the same mode of action can rapidly select for shifts to tolerant, difficult-to-control weeds, and the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds. Join us in person or online at https://connect.unl.edu/fridayseminarseries. Refreshments served at 3 pm.
Midwest CSA Conference
December 3-4. Eau Claire, Wisconsin. With the continued growth of the CSA movement in the Midwest comes opportunities and complexities. The conference will provide a forum for CSA farmers and advocates to come together for deliberative discussion and peer-to-peer learning. Full-group sessions, including a keynote by Steven McFadden, author of the newly released Awakening Community Intelligence: CSA Farms as 21st Century Cornerstones, will discuss shared values of the movement and strategies for promoting cooperation and shared risk among farms and communities. http://www.midwestcsa.com/
Western Sustainable Ag Crops and Livestock Conference
December 5th. Ogallala. This is an excellent conference with a lot of good information presented from farmers and ranchers and researchers about sustainable crop and livestock systems, particularly for those living in western Nebraska. This conference has been held for several years and we continue to have good programs each year for this conference. If you are interested, please register for the conference and pass this along to people that you think may be interested, especially those that live in western Nebraska. To download a brochure and registration form, go to http://ckb.unl.edu.
GivingTuesday
About
NSAS
Tuesday, December 1st, All Day. Now in its fourth year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources. We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.
This year NSAS is once again participating in Giving Tuesday. 2014's GivingTuesday donations allowed us to provide 8 scholarships for youth and beginning farmers for the Healthy Farms Conference. Consider supporting the works of the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society. You can join and/or donate online at, http://www.nebsusag.org/join.shtml. Or by contacting NSAS Board Treasuer Jo Lowe at jo@4jl.net or 402-780-5139 for offline options.
Opportunities
Growing Farmers Training Program
January to April 2016. If you want to start your own small farm, the Community Crops Growing Farmers Winter Workshops are just for you! This series of twelve workshops is designed to give you a solid foundation from which you can build your own successful small farm business. In addition, graduates who need land are eligible to farm at the Prairie Pines Incubator Farm. For more information: http://www.communitycrops.org/growingfarmers
Big Garden is hiring
Big Garden in Omaha is currently seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Programming Coordinator. This position will involve volunteer coordination, attending community events, engaging with gardeners and diverse community members, organic gardening, and some administrative duties. This is a perfect position for a person who enjoys being out in the field, communicating regularly with people, and has experience and interest in sustainable agriculture. Please visit www.biggarden.org for application instructions or contact Executive Director Nathan Morgan nmorgan@biggarden.org
Farm and Ranch Project Staff Attorney Job Opening: Legal Aid of Nebraska
In case someone here has interest or knows someone who has an interest, Legal Aid of Nebraska is seeking a Staff Attorney in its Farm & Ranch Project. Listing is here:
Cropland
I have 150 irrigated acres in Western Douglas County that I will be available for cash rent spring of 2016. Jeaniffr Snide, G&J Snide Farms LLC, Jeaniffr5@aol.com
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,
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, autumnsonrise@yahoo.com
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 Vegetable Grafting Symposium
December 7. Grand Rapids, Michigan. The 4th National Vegetable Grafting Symposium focuses on "Growing New Roots for the Vegetable Industry in the United States." Sessions include an overview of vegetable grafting today, propagation for grafting, and grafting production systems. There will also be poster presentations during the meeting. http://www.vegetablegrafting.org/2015/08/ save-date-4th-national- vegetable-grafting-symposium/
Acres USA Conference and Eco-Ag U
December 8-11. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Eco-Ag U offers optional, intensive courses by eco-farming's top consultants, practitioners, and thinkers for advanced learning. The conference features presentations by some of the world's leading authorities and practitioners of ecological agriculture, including successful large-scale farmers, leading consultants, and cutting-edge scientists. Special rooms are dedicated to eco-consultants and staffed throughout the day by some of the leading advisors in eco-agriculture. For more than 40 years this annual conference has changed lives, improved farming practices, and served up a lot of fun.http://www.acresusa.com/events
Land Matters: Making New Solutions Possible Through Technology
Wednesday, December 9 at 9:00 am CST. Speakers: Christopher Barlow,Thomson Reuters, Trevor Davies, KPMG, Mercedes Stickler, USAID. Join an online discussion about how land tenure, rights and security affect the world's poorest. Land is a difficult resource to manage, especially in countries without stable systems in place. But finding ways to effectively and sustainably administer it is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. While land rights, tenure and security are already priorities for the public sector and the world's largest development donors, the private sector too has an important role to play in ensuring effective land and property management. Register at https://pages.devex.com/land-matters-making-new-solutions- webinar-registration.html
Market Research Webinar
Wednesday, December 9 at 11:00 am CST. Market research is an important part of a marketing and business plan. This webinar will review the basics of marketing research, identifying a customer and market research tools. For more information:http://www.extension.umd.edu/womeninag/webinars. To register: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ wednesday-webinars- registration-11452674257
An Integrated Approach to Managing Yellowmargined Leaf Beetle in Crucifer Crops
December 9. Online. Join eOrganic at 2 pm Eastern Time for a free, one-hour webinar on an integrated approach to managing Yellomargined Leaf Beetle (YMLB) in Crucifer Crops on organic farms. This webinar will provide advanced IPM information related to trap crops, attractants, and biorational insecticides. It will conclude with a detailed discussion of organic integrated pest management strategies suitable for multiple pest problems in organic and conventional crucifer production systems. http://www.extension.org/pages/73225/an-integrated- approach-to-managing- yellowmargined-leaf-beetle- ymlb-in-crucifer-crops
Basics of avian influenza
Thursday, December 10 at 2:00 pm CST. There is a lot of information available on avian influenza but it can be bit confusing. This webinar will discusses the basics of what avian influenza is and what small and backyard flock owners need to know to keep their chickens healthy. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/poultry
Livestock and Wildlife Interactions—Using targeted grazing to develop wildlife habitat
December 10. Online. This free webinar is part of the Targeted Grazing On-The-Ground series presented by the Targeted Grazing Committee of the Society for Range Management. This session is presented by Dr. John Hendrickson, ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory. https://targetedgrazing.wordpress.com/ training/
National Conference on Grazing Lands
December 13-16. Grapevine, Texas. National Grazing Lands Coalition will host a 6th National Conference on Grazing Lands, including a special Grazing Land Soil Health tour of Texas. Sessions during the three-day event will address cover crops, soil health, grazing and forage management, business management, grazing weeds, water quality, and more. http://www.grazinglands.org/grazing-conference/
