Managing Dry Matter Intake in Pre- and Post-Partum Dairy Cows
November 9. Online. This free webinar is part of an educational livestock health series offered by Veterinary Extension at The Ohio State University and OEFFA. Gain practical information to help you maximize dry matter intake. Dr. Bill Weiss, professor and dairy Extension specialist with The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences, will explain factors to consider during the weeks before and after calving, and how to prevent metabolic disease and the subsequent negative immune system effects in lactating dairy cows. The session is geared toward veterinarians, Extension educators, farmers, and other animal health professionals who work with certified organic livestock. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/ 7019897228775731202
Grassland Studies 2015 Fall Seminar Series
November 9. 3:00 pm–4:00 pm. UNL's Nebraska East Union. Greg Lardy, head of the Department of Animal Science, North Dakota State University, will present “Trends driving change in the beef industry.” Dr. Lardy is this year’s Leu Distinguished Lecturer. Free and open to the public. Refreshments available. http://grassland.unl.edu/upcoming-seminars
ServSafe training
November 9 & 10. 8:30 am–5:00 pm. Panhandle Research and Extension Center, Scottsbluff. The two-day ServSafe course provides up-to-date information about food microbiology, sanitary food handling and storage, personal health and hygiene, sanitary facilities and equipment, HACCP food safety program, and pest control procedures. Attendance is limited so register now! Jamie Goffena, 308-432-3373, jgoffena2@unl.edu
Compost Carryover Effects on Soil Quality and Productivity in Organic Dryland Wheat
November 10. Online. Join eOrganic for a free, one-hour webinar at 3:30 pm Eastern Time about an organic farming research project on Compost Carryover Effects on Soil Quality and Productivity in Organic Dryland Wheat. This webinar will present data from the original compost carryover research project in Utah as well as introduce the goals and objectives of a new multi-state long-term project initiated in the fall of 2014, involving a collaboration between scientists at Utah State University, Washington State University, and the University of Wyoming. http://www.extension.org/pages/73247/compost- carryover-effects-on-soil- quality-and-productivity-in- organic-dryland-wheat
NGLC-Nebraska Extension Traveling Roadshow
November 10. 9:30 am–1:30 pm. Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, Whitman, NE. The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition (NGLC) and Nebraska Extension are hosting Tony Malmberg, on a four day, eight stop traveling road show across Nebraska. Tony Malmberg is a third-generation rancher and the recipient of many honors from agricultural organizations, environmental and wildlife interests, including the National Environmental Stewardship Award from the National Cattlemen Beef Association. Tony demonstrates profitable ecological land use that adds value to his community. Cost is $15, which covers the cost of the meal. For more information, contact Ron Bolze, Coordinator, Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, 402-321-0067 (cell) or ron@nebraskagrazinglands.org.
SNR Fall Research Seminar; Water Law Update
November 11. 3:30 pm. Lincoln. Hardin Hall Room. Anthony Schutz, associate professor of law at the UNL College of Law, will present this free and public seminar.
CSA Operators
November 11th. Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a growing business area for many Maryland producers. A CSA can bring in additional income to finance the operation, connect customers with your farm, and bring you a new customer pool, but this relationship depends on a useful contract that works for your business. Ashley Ellixson and Paul Goeringer, both with the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and the Agriculture Law Education Initiative, will walk you through some of the legal issues associated with CSAs, where operators mess up, and highlight new resources to assist CSA operators in developing easy to understand contracts for their operations. http://www.extension.umd.edu/womeninag/ webinars
Livestock and Endangered Species--What do targeted grazers need to know about endangered species?
November 12. 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 will be facilitated by Dr. Rachel Frost, Missouri River Conservation Districts and Council, and Dr. Marc Horney, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo. https://targetedgrazing.wordpress.com/ training/
Kansas Rural Center Annual Farm & Food Conference
November 13-14. Manhattan, Kansas. KRC’s Annual Conference promises to have something for a broad spectrum of attendees—from conventional and organic farmers, to beginning and established farmers and local food advocates and community leaders. The theme is "Roots, Shoots and Boots: Healthy Farms, Healthy People from the Ground Up." The entire first day will be dedicated to a Soil Health Forum, focusing on the nexus between cover crops, no till, and organic systems. The second day will feature David Hunt, a nationally recognized teacher and leader in organizing for social change. Breakout sessions will focus on local food systems, community food solutions and economic opportunities, farm transitions and beginning farmer opportunities, health-agriculture connections, state and federal food policy, and more. http://kansasruralcenter.org/ conference-2015/
News
Veterans in Agriculture: Nothing chicken about this vet
A simple thing like a childhood visit to the grandparents’ farm can lead to a future in agriculture as an adult. That’s the case for Dan Hromas, who owns Prairie Pride Poultry at Grand Island, Neb. However, the farm didn’t happen right away as he spent several years in the military before returning home to farm. “I enlisted in the Marine Corps when I was 17,” Hromas said. “I served four years on active duty. Then, I joined the Army, and the Army sent me to college on an ROTC scholarship. I graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor’s in Microbiology. I got my commission as a second lieutenant and was assessed in the Nebraska Army National Guard. I retired from the service last year in July.” Why make the switch from one branch of the service to another? Read the rest about Nebraska's Dan Hromas!
Opportunities
Farm Manager Postion
Community Crops, a diverse agriculture and food non-profit based in Lincoln, Nebraska, is currently hiring a Farm Program Manager, who will be responsible for managing the Growing Farmers Training Program. The position will be responsible for the management of the Growing Farmers Training Program, the planning and execution of an extensive, in depth Growing Farmer Workshop Series, collaborating with other local groups to run the Urban Homesteading Workshop Series and for assisting with the Community Crops Collaborative CSA. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter/e-mail to Ingrid Kirst, Executive Director, atingrid@communitycrops.org or Community Crops, 1551 S. 2nd Street, Lincoln NE 68502. Feel free to contact Ingrid with any questions at the above email address or at (402) 474-9802. http://www.communitycrops.org/jobs
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,
Billy Available
Hey everybody, we have tried to sell our male Saanen goat born in February. They must be the weed of barnyard animals because no one seems to want him. I am hoping someone would want him for free. If you or anyone you know wants him, please contact me asap at 402-380-7233 to arrange a pickup. 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,
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
Demystifying Organic Certification for Processors Webinar
November 16. Online. Join CCOF for a webinar that reviews the steps of organic certification for processors and covers basic principles of organic processing in the United States. Participants will also learn simple techniques to keep their organic certification up-to-date. The webinar will cover topics specific to maintaining an Organic System Plan, including recordkeeping, labeling, and using the National List to identify ingredients allowed in organic processing. This webinar is ideal for businesses looking to get into organic processing, as well as current organic processors who wish to improve their knowledge of the organic certification process. http://www.ccof.org/demystifying-organic- certification-processors- webinar
Extension Programming Approaches for Farmers Under the Affordable Care Act
Monday, November 16 at 9:00 am CST. Location: http://ncrcrd.adobeconnect.com/ncrcrd. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) changed how Farmers and Ranchers might insure themselves, their families, and their workers. What are the new options under the act? How do operators decide whether it makes sense to participate? How can they make informed decisions about their options? This webinar will feature innovative approaches from three Extension professionals actively delivering ACA-related programming for farmers and ranchers, and engage participants about perspectives from their stakeholders. Participants will obtain a road map of existing resources for Extension professionals to use in their programming.
Design Your Succession Plan: Opening the Lines of Communication
Tuesday, November 17 at 11:00 am CST. Location: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag. Please join us for our November Women in Ag webinar on farm succession planning. Our presenter will be Lori Scharmer, Family Economic Specialist for North Dakota State University Extension Service. Scharmer received both her BS and MS degrees from North Dakota State University. Good communication is key to a successful farm or ranch succession plan. During this webinar we will explore the value of opening the lines of communication and the role women play in bringing the family together and getting the conversations started. We will discuss strategies for discussing sensitive issues that may create conflict. We will look at the differences in styles of communication by personalities, gender and between the generations. A family with good communication can accomplish the seemingly unachievable, while a family with poor communication will find any challenge impossible to overcome.
Extreme Weather: Challenges and Opportunities for Organic Farming Systems in the Midwest Region
November 17. Online. Join eOrganic for a free, one-hour webinar on Extreme Weather: Challenges and Opportunities for Organic Farming Systems in the Midwest Region, by Joel Gruver of Western Illinois University. The webinar begins at 2 pm Eastern Time, and preregistration is required. This webinar will discuss the impacts of extreme weather on organic farming systems in the Midwest region and explore opportunities for increased weather resiliency with an emphasis on soil management. http://www.extension.org/pages/73260/extreme-weather:- challenges-and-opportunities- for-organic-farming-systems- in-the-midwest-region#. VjbJmG7CrLI
Grazing System Designs for Non-traditional Livestock
November 17. Online. This free webinar is presented by USDA NRCS Science and Technology at 2:00 pm Eastern. Unconventional grazing systems typically involve an unusual management effort, an unusual kind or class of livestock, multi-species grazing, and more often a combination of these three. Join the webinar to learn about the what, where, and why options, with conservation benefits only one of the reasons to participate. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/ webinars/grazing-system- designs-for-non-traditional- livestock
Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network Webinar: Finger Lakes Meat Project
November 18. Online. The Finger Lakes Meat Project is a regional initiative in New York State to grow the freezer trade (sales of meat in bulk quantities such as whole, half and quarter animals) to benefit livestock farmers and consumers. The Project consists of educational efforts, an online directory of farms called The Meat Suite and two community freezers in Central NY called The Meat Locker. Learn more about this project, how it got started and its value to local farms on this free, Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network webinar at 1 pm Eastern. http://www.extension.org/pages/33477/nmpan- webinars#.VkCZT7erTIU
Matching Appropriate Seed to Conservation Practices
November 18. Online. Participate in this training to learn ways to improve the long term success of conservation plantings. The webinar will highlight ecological restoration tools aimed at restoring native plant communities; examine broad benefits of plant community restoration; and illustrate how seed choices can improve (or harm) plantings. This webinar is aimed at NRCS conservation planners and partners, particularly those less familiar with ecologically based planning. This free, one-hour webinar is presented by the USDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/ webinars/matching-appropriate- seed-to-conservation-practices
NGFN Webinar: National Food Hub Survey 2015
November 19. Online. Join the National Good Food Network to learn the latest we know from an in-depth survey of a significant number of U.S. food hubs. Designed, run and analyzed by Michigan State University's Center for Regional Food Systems in cooperation with the NGFN Food Hub Collaboration, this is truly the definitive word on food hubs in the United States. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/ 5676318206879324418
Women, Land and Legacy Soil Health Fertility Learning Sessions
November 19. Storm Lake, Iowa. The Women, Land and Legacy Chapters of Buena Vista and Pocahontas Counties are hosting a free learning session on soil fertility. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/news/ ia/newsroom/releases/?pname= 2386#events
Sustaining Our Iowa Land (SOIL)
November 19-20. Des Moines, Iowa. Drake University Agricultural Law Center, in cooperation with the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, will host a two-day conference Sustaining Our Iowa Land (SOIL): Past, Present and Future Soil and Water Conservation Policy. The conference will bring together a wide range of individuals and organizations working to protect Iowa's soil and water resources to consider the roles that policy and law play in shaping our stewardship efforts. http://drakeaglaw.org/soil-water-conservation- policy-conference/
