NSAS September Membership Drive!!

Hello NSAS Friends & Supporters!

With the arrival of Fall soon upon us, it's a good time to count our blessings and assess the things that are valuable to us.  

As the current board president of NSAS, I am grateful for all the activity my board members have engaged in during the last few years.  We have entered into meaningful dialogue about animal welfare, updated the by-laws of the organization (the last version used words like "facsimile and registered mail!", launched the Producers Choice Chef Awards, initiated contact with FFA youth, and continued our work with the Beginning Farmers project.

I am grateful to have a dedicated and energetic Executive Director who shares his passion for sustainable agriculture with our organization.  His SHH (Sustainability Happy Hour) sessions and series of farm tours across the state have brought new energy and new faces to our table.  The Farmers Night Out evenings have given many of us an opportunity to meet some of our "neighbors" and take a minute to sit down and enjoy a meal or drink together.

It is my hope that you will also be grateful for the opportunity to be part of these events and discussions via the listserve and in person.  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.

NSAS has served as a key venue for me to learn a refreshing and grounded perspective on what I eat and where my food really comes from.  

Eat well, be well,

Krista, NSAS Board President

--

www.branchedoakfarm.com

Branched Oak Farm Dairy and Cheese
Food produced by people who care

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods

Getting started with USDA organic certification

Monday, March 9 at 7:00 pm. Vicki Morrone, Organic farming specialist, Center for Regional food Systems at MSU. In this session, you will learn what is required for USDA National Organic Program organic certification for crop production and animal and animal product (eggs, milk) production. A guide will be offered to help you decide if you want to certify organic or just practice organic and understand the differences in practices and market opportunities. The organic certification paper work and organic farm practices will be reviewed, offering a case example for each; field crops, mixed vegetables, poultry eggs and lamb.  Handouts with check lists and an organic farm plan will be offered with example answers to serve as a guide as you complete the paper work. Q & A will follow the session and can be continued via email after the program. http://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/

Heuermann Lecture: Climate Change in the American Mind

March 10.  3:30 pm. UNL's East Campus,  Hardin Hall, 33rd and Holdrege. Working to Meet the World’s Growing Food Needs. Anthony Leiserowitz from Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies will will report on recent trends in Americans’ climate change knowledge, attitudes, policy support, and behavior and discuss strategies for more effective public engagement.

Promoting Native Bee Pollinators in Organic Farming Systems Webinar

March 10. Join eOrganic for a webinar on promoting native bee pollinators in organic farming systems by David Crowder and Elias Bloom of Washington State University. The webinar will cover the importance of native bee pollinators in organic farming systems, particularly diversified systems that produce many crops per year. The webinar will be geared to farmers and researchers, but primarily for farmers or individuals interested in biodiversity conservation. The webinar is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. http://www.extension.org/pages/71374/promoting-native-bee-pollinators-in-organic-farming-systems-webinar#.VPRayfnF8_s

Understanding the Carbon Cycle in Agricultural Fields: A Case Study with Hayland

March 10. Online. Participate in this webinar presented by USDA NRCS Science and Technology for a discussion of the carbon cycle in agricultural fields, the role of a healthy soil food web, and the impact that various agricultural systems have on carbon levels in soil. The presenter is Jay Fuhrer, District Conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bismarck, North Dakota. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/understanding-the-carbon-cycle-in-agricultural-fields-a-case-study-with-hayland

High Tunnel Webinar Series: Crop and Equipment Options and Nutrient and Irrigation Management in High Tunnels

March 10. This is the fourth webinar in a weekly series of high tunnel webinars from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Center for Crop Diversification. It covers what and when to plant and crop options for continued high tunnel production in Kentucky climates. Other topics include types of equipment for high tunnel production, and nutrient and irrigation management in high tunnel production systems. http://news.ca.uky.edu/article/high-tunnel-webinar-series-convenient-option-growers

Meat Pricing Webinar

March 10th. 7pm. Are you a livestock farmer who has struggled with the best way to price your meat so it’s fair to you and your customers? This farminar is for you: Tune in and learn how to fairly price your meat cuts for direct or wholesale markets. Bobbie Gustafson,of Story City Locker, will share the factors she considers when making pricing decisions. Then hear experienced livestock farmer Tom Cory share his insights and perspective as a producer. http://www.practicalfarmers.org/farminar

Advanced Marketing Techniques and Advanced Markets

March 11th. All classes will be held Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 pm at Community Action (210 "O" St. Lincoln, NE). Cost for the series is $150, scholarships are available. Individual classes are $20 each, please contact Kirstin to register for individual classes. For more information, contact Kirstin Bailey, kirstin@communitycrops.org or call 402.474.9802. http://www.communitycrops.org/wholefarm

O'neill Sustainable Ag Meeting

On Wednesday March 11 at 7p we will be having a Sustainable Ag meeting in O'neill at the library.  This will primarily be an introductory and organizational meeting with the purpose of planning some sort of regular schedule of meetings, speakers, pasture walks and farm tours.  I would like to see at least one regular meeting a month. Even if it's just to share fellowship with one another. Potential future topics include: Grazing, multi-species grazing, hoop houses, truck crops - vegetable and fruit farming, direct marketing, etc.  Suggestions are welcomed and encouraged. All are welcome, near or far. Organic producer, conventional producers, in between producers, consumers, and other interested parties. Chris Marlowe, Butte, Nebraska. 402 775 5000 Home

What is Gametophytic Incompatibility?

March 11. What is Gametophytic Incompatibility? It has a funny name, but this natural trait in corn can prevent unwanted outcrossing with transgenic varieties or other market classes of corn. Find out about the breeding that is going on with this trait and how to breed your own organic corn from Frank Kutka, a corn breeder. https://attendee.gototraining.com/rt/7481891117344979713

Managing egg laying flocks

Wednesday, March 11 at 10:00 am. The last in the five-part egg production webinar series gives an overview of the management of small, commercial, egg laying flocks. Topics to be covered including lighting, ventilation, getting the hens to the nest, culling and general care of pullets and hens. The discussion will be lead by Dr. Michael Darre at the University of Connecticut, with input from Drs. Ken Anderson at North Carolina State University, Paul Patterson at Penn State University, and Jacquie Jacob at the University of Kentucky. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/poultry

Water Seminar Series; Kremer Memorial Lecture, the Value of Groundwater

March 11,  3:30 pm.  UNL's East Campus, Hardin Hall Room. Michael Schneiders, president of Water Systems Engineering, Inc., will present this free and public seminar.

Precision Technology in Pasture Dairy

March 11. Online. This webinar is part of the series "Grazing Guides for Dairy Systems," from Penn State Extension. This webinar will discuss management and the adaptation of current and future technologies that may offer opportunities for precision feeding in pasture dairy systems. http://extension.psu.edu/animals/dairy/events/precision-technology-in-pasture-dairy

Getting started with hop production

Wednesday, March 11 at 6:00 pm. This program is part of a 20-webinar Michigan State University Extension 2015 Beginning Farmer Webinar Series.  A descriptive flyer and on-line registration and payment for any or all of the webinars is available athttp://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/  A registration fee of $10 per webinar, or $100 for all 20 webinars is required. Rob Sirrine and Erin Lizotte, MSU Extension. http://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/

Procrastinator's Farm Bill

March 11th. Have you waited until the last minute to make your farm bill decisions?  This webinar will give a quick overview of the decisions producers must make by Mar. 27th for the new Farm Bill programs. http://www.eventbrite.com/e/wednesday-webinars-registration-11452674257

Tree Care Workshop on “Disaster-ready Communities” - Norfolk

March 12.  9:00 am–3:00 pm.  Norfolk Room: Lifelong Learning Center, 801 E. Benjamin Ave. Topics include detection and treatment plans for pests and diseases; recommendations for structural pruning techniques that can be done in advance to minimize storm damage; and safety considerations for people working in and around trees after a disaster. Contact Amy Seiler or register online at http://go.unl.edu/dwkw

2015 Pond/Lake Management Workshop

March 12.  6:00 pm–8:00 pm. Grand Island. Have you ever experienced an algae bloom? Fish kill? Murky water? Or do you just want to know what’s going on in a lake or pond?

Workshop topics include: How lakes function in Southeast Nebraska: characteristics and challenges; Managing for fisheries; Project funding and regulations; Lake management planning; Resolving Common Maintenance Problems (Algae, leaks, undesirable fish, fish kills, clarity, erosion, nuisance animals); Develop an individualized maintenance plan for your pond; Additional Public Info: Register here: water.unl.edu/pond/lake-workshops

Small Farm Webinar Series: Effective Farmers Market Displays

March 12. Online. The University of Illinois Extension presents a weekly educational series for the small farm community, providing practical knowledge on emerging topics which advance local food production in Illinois. Webinars will be held from 1:00 - 2:30 pm on Thursdays and are free. In this session, learn more about trends and tips to create displays that really sell your products, including how to create a customer-friendly space, the importance of labeling, and how to make your display stand out at the market.

Agronomy & Horticulture Seminar - Bethany Johnston

Grassnap - An App to make monitoring easier.  March 13. 3:30 pm–4:30 pm. Bethany Johnston, Associate Extension Educator in the Central Sandhills Area, UNL Panhandle Research & Extension Center, will discuss the need for easy data collection methods, the basics of monitoring in a grazing system, and how to use GrassSnap to collect photo-monitoring data. A newer version of GrassSnap will be discussed for grasslands outside of Nebraska and for researchers collecting photo data in the field. Join us in person or online at https://connect.unl.edu/fridayseminarseries/.

Midwest School for Beginning Apple Growers

March 13-15. Madison, Wisconsin. This intensive three-day course demonstrates what it takes to set up and run a successful orchard business. Topics include soil fertility, pest management, business planning, risk management, recordkeeping, marketing and economics. Grower-instructors primarily teach the course, with featured presentations and hands-on labs by UW faculty and other specialists. http://www.cias.wisc.edu/midwest-school-for-beginning-apple-growers/

Women in Farming Risk Management Education Workshop

March 14. Lawrence, Kansas. Kansas Rural Center will host its first Women in Farming workshop, focusing on specialty crop production with a particular emphasis on the unique opportunities and challenges for women farmers. The morning portion of the workshop will address food safety and services that agencies provide. The afternoon portion of the workshop will take place at The Red Tractor Farm, featuring a farm tour. http://kansasruralcenter.org/register-women-in-farming-workshop-lawrence/

Opportunities

NSAS Consignment Suggestions

I've been tossing around the idea of an annual farm consignment auction (or two or three) that has a portion of the proceeds donated to the NSAS. I was thinking a relatively small percentage would go to NSAS, to encourage anyone from the public to bring items. Thoughts?  I'm deferring to the collective knowledge of the group here. Any feedback as to why this would work or wouldn't? Tips or tricks to ensure success? Location suggestions? Any existing sales that we could piggyback on? We can put our stamp on it a number of different ways. For example, we could use products from NSAS members to cater the event. Or have a sale focused on smaller/older equipment. Or ...Shoot me an email directly, if you have ideas. Thank you, Jon. jkyoachim@gmail.com

IPM Fly Control Project Seeking Farmers

Looking for Livestock Farmers interested in developing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system for Fly Control on their farm/ranch. Meeting will be next Wednesday, March 11th on the UNL East Campus from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Entomology Hall:http://maps.unl.edu/ENTO . If you would like to attend or need more details please call Liz at 402-309-0944 or email atorganicu2@windstream.net .

Donahue Trailer needed

Does any one have a donahue trailer for rent for a half of a day close to Lincoln? Rich Vernon, richvernon7@yahoo.com

NASS Organic Producer Survey

USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service has an Organic Survey underway to gather detailed data on U.S. organic agriculture production. The survey is a complete inventory of all known organic producers that are certified, exempt from certification, and transitioning to certified organic production. Farmers and ranchers can fill out the survey online at www.agcensus.usda.gov until April 3, 2015.  

Mother Earth News Survey

Later this year, Mother Earth News will publish an article about the growing evidence of the vital importance of getting the right balance of fatty acids in our diet. Some researchers now believe that the shift away from beneficial fatty acids in modern diets is leading to health consequences that are as serious as the problems we face with climate change. As you probably know, grass-fed products are better sources of fatty acids than industrial products. We plan to help raise public awareness of this fact by conducting a large-scale survey to measure the fatty acid profiles of samples of grass-fed meat, eggs and dairy products from across the continent. We will publish the results of the survey in conjunction with our article. We are recruiting producers to join in this nutrient-testing project and hope that you will choose to participate. In order to be included, we need to hear back from you by March 15. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K5ZHWTB?newsletter=1&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=HE%20eNews&utm_campaign=2.23.15%20MEN%20HE%20eNews

Upcoming

Getting started with season extension

Monday, March 16 at 6pm. This program is part of a 20-webinar Michigan State University Extension 2015 Beginning Farmer Webinar Series.  A descriptive flyer and on-line registration and payment for any or all of the webinars is available athttp://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/  A registration fee of $10 per webinar, or $100 for all 20 webinars is required. Collin Thompson, MSU Extension program instructor/farm manager, MSU North Farm at the Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center. http://events.anr.msu.edu/beginningfarmerwebinars/

Plant Propagation and Production Planning

March 16. Kansas City, Kansas. This event launches the 2015 Growing Growers workshop series, offering learning opportunities in sustainable farming in the Kansas City area. Growing Growers works to increase the production of local food by helping new and existing producers grow their businesses. http://www.growinggrowers.org/workshops.html

Insect, Weed and Disease Control in High Tunnels

March 17. Online. This is the fourth in a series of six weekly high-tunnel webinars from The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Center for Crop Diversification. During this webinar, specialists will teach how to manage pest pressures with cultural and biological controls, and cover available pesticide and fungicides approved for use in high tunnels in Kentucky. http://news.ca.uky.edu/article/high-tunnel-webinar-series-convenient-option-growers

Advancing the Agriculture Economy through Innovation

March 18-20. Fort Collins, Colorado. Colorado State University's summit on Advancing the Agriculture Economy through Innovation will pave the way for understanding what agriculture will look like in the next 10, 20, or even 50 years. Innovators in an Agriculture-Water-Food-Beverage-Bioenergy innovation ecosystem are gathering and growing along Colorado’s Front Range, creating next-generation technologies and business models to nourish, refresh, and energize the world. Featured speakers and panelists will delve into the most pressing issues driving and shaping innovation. http://csuaginnovationsummit.com/

Sustainable Small Farm Online Summit

March 18-21. Online. The free online Sustainable Small Farm Summit is an exciting gathering of 18 farmers and activists who are coming together to share valuable insights into the often-neglected business side of farming. The goal is to support new farmers and people transitioning into farming to become even more effective at creating financially viable plans. http://www.smallfarmsummit.org/

Small Farm Webinar Series: Veggie Compass Record-Keeping Software

March 19. The University of Illinois Extension presents a weekly educational series for the small farm community, providing practical knowledge on emerging topics which advance local food production in Illinois. This series of online events is aimed at providing small farm producers with a look at how leading practices in production, management, and marketing enable operations to improve profitability and sustainability. Veggie Compass is a farm management tool designed to help fresh market vegetable growers analyze farm records. This webinar will familiarize you with Veggie Compass, so you can begin to use this tool to locate efficiencies, set prices based on actual costs of production, and increase farm profits. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=10817

Targeted Grazing Online Workshops: Plant Ecology & Response to Grazing

March 19. Online. This workshop is part of a series of online presentations and discussions led by experts on the topic of targeted grazing and made possible by the Targeted Grazing Committee of the Society for Range Management. https://targetedgrazing.wordpress.com/training/

Grazing Workshop

March 26th. Auburn. The Southeast Nebraska Grassland Ass’n would like to invite all NSAS folks to join us in our 19th annual grazing workshop.  This year we are featuring Doug Peterson, long time rancher and Missouri Soil Health Conservationist.  Doug has decreased inputs and increased profits with grazing practices that significantly improve soil health.  Obviously, Doug will be coming at this from a grazing standpoint but will address many other factors that improve soil health with minimum inputs.  The workshop will be held on March 26th and the 4-H building in Auburn.  Lunch will be served and there will be lots of opportunity for questions, answers, and networking.  If you are interested, e-mail me at paulrohrbaugh@windstream.net and I will forward an electronic version of the brochure. 

6LocalChefs & NSAS Membership!!

Hello NSAS friends!

Here is an outstanding deal that will run until midnight tonight (January 23rd):

Buy your tickets to the Producers Choice Chef Award Dinner at www.chefaward2015@bpt.me 

and get a year's membership for $10!!!  (Regularly $45) 

All you have to do is:

1.  go to www.chefaward2015@bpt.me and buy your tickets for Sunday's event

2.  respond to this by email @, chefaward@gmail.com so we know you're coming and will have membership sign ups ready for you on Sunday night.  You can pay for your special membership at the registration table that evening.

The Producers Choice Chef Award Dinner is at 5:30 -9pm on Sunday night (January 25th) in Omaha at the Institute for Culinary Arts, 32nd and Sorenson Parkway.  

Six local chefs will be preparing delicious and locally sourced food for our fundraiser dinner.  

Isa Moscowitz from Modern Love Omaha 

Ben Maides from Avoli Osteria 

Colin and Jessica Duggan from Kitchen Table 

Glenn Wheeler from Spencer's for Steaks and Chops

Kevin Shinn from bread&cup

John Hamburger from Back Alley Bakery 

There will be great raffle items to win, too!!!

Go to the NSAS website for more information or check out the attached invite.

REMEMBER: THIS DEAL IS ONLY GOOD THROUGH MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!!!!

Eat well, be well,

Krista, NSAS Board President

p.s.  gift memberships available upon request.

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods

Celebrating the Fabric of the Local Food Community

January 25th. Omaha. Institute for the Culinary Arts. Join emcees Jeremy Maskel from KETV, Omaha News Leader and Chef Paul Kulik from Le Bouillon as well local chefs nominated by NSAS producer members for their dedication to building our local food system. This year our producer members have nominated 6 chefs and restaurateurs for the Producers Choice Chef Award! Isa Moscowitz from Modern Love in Omaha. Ben Maides from Avoli in Omaha. Colin and Jessica Duggan from Kitchen Table in Omaha. Glenn Wheeler from Spencers for Steaks and Chops in Omaha. Kevin Shinn from Bread & Cup in Lincoln. John Hamburger from Back Alley Bakery in Hastings! Each ticket includes two drink passes for beer from Ploughshare Brewing or wine Glacial Till Vineyard.  There will be a raffle for great prizes and Edible Omaha will have their winter issue available.  Join us for an entertaining and delicious evening as we celebrate the fabric of our local food community! http://chefaward2015.bpt.me/

Farmland Leases Built to Last: Content and Legal Context

Monday, January, 19. 12:00 pm. Leasing farmland is so commonplace farmers may not think twice about the lease itself… until things go wrong. Don’t let misunderstandings with landowners hinder your farm. Prevent problems with a strong lease that addresses water usage, equipment access, payment strategies, dispute resolution procedures, long-term concerns, and termination processes, plus more. Negotiating tactics and various laws affecting farmland leases will be on the agenda. This webinar is funded by USDA Risk Management Agency. http://farmcommons.org/farmland-leases-built-last-content-and-legal-context

Marketing Your Products - Turning Samples into Sales

Tuesday, January 20 at 11:00 am. Providing product samples is a great way to help increase sales at your farmers market booth or farm stand.  However, it is also important to do it in a way that does not give away all your product (and therefore profits!) and that also will provide a safe product that meets regulatory requirements. In this webinar, you'll learn how to choose which products to sample, how to control costs in sampling, and generally how to make the most of sampling. Lorin Fahrmeier, whose family sells a large amount of produce and other products through their farm stand and at farmers markets will provide insight from her extensive personal experience on how to turn sampling into sales. Londa Nwadike will also present some practical ideas on how to do sampling safely and also meet regulatory requirements. Lorin is the Farm to Institution Program Coordinator for the University of Missouri Extension and Londa is the State Extension Food Safety Specialist for both the University of Missouri and Kansas State University.https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag

Rotational No-Till, Mulching and Conservation Tillage for Organic Vegetable Farms Webinar

Tuesday, January 20 at 1:00 pm. Join eOrganic for a webinar on no-till, high-residue mulching and conservation tillage on organic vegetable farms, by German farmer Jan-Hendrik Cropp. The webinar will take place on January 20, 2015 at 2PM Eastern Time, 1PM Central, 12PM Mountain, 11AM Pacific Time. The webinar is free and open to the public and advance registration is required. Register now at http://www.extension.org/pages/71822

Health concerns with backyard poultry flocks

Tuesday, January 20 at 2:00 pm. The summer of 2014 saw many cases of Salmonellosis traced back to backyard poultry flocks - see CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/live-poultry-05-14/index.html. Dr. Colin Basler of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention will be speaking about health concerns related to maintaining a backyard poultry flock. This event was originally scheduled for January 13, but due to circumstances beyond our control, it had to be re-scheduled for January 20. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/poultry

Food Safety Liability And Regulations For The Farm

Tuesday, January, 20. 12:00 pm. We’ve been hearing all about the upcoming regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act. But, as important as it is, farm liability for food safety goes beyond this new law. A food safety incident has potentially disastrous implications for any direct-to-consumer farmer. We’ll talk about how a food safety incident plays out, from lawsuits to recalls and contract breaches. Most importantly, we’ll talk about ways to protect farmers. This webinar is funded by USDA Risk Management Agency. http://farmcommons.org/food-safety-liability-and-regulations-farm

 Connecting Migratory Waterbirds and Working Lands in South-Central Nebraska

January 21. Online. Participants will learn about the importance of central Nebraska for migratory birds, the suitability of agricultural working lands for accommodating migratory birds, and partnership efforts to create habitat to achieve bird conservation goals. This webinar is sponsored by the USDA NRCS National Wildlife Team. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/connecting-migratory-waterbirds-and-working-lands-in-south-central-nebraska

Growing Hops for Market

January 22.  This session will provide an overview on the plant, variety selection, field management, setting up a Hopyard, harvesting, and selling Hop cones to home brewers and microbreweries.  Grant McCarty, University of Illinois Extension Small Farms/Local Foods Educator. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=10817

36th Annual NPSAS Winter Conference

January 22-24. Aberdeen, South Dakota. "Feeding Our Neighbors by Nourishing Our Soil" is the conference theme. The agenda includes speakers Dr. Don Huber, Alan Guebert, and Cody Holmes, plus workshops on livestock, planting trees for food, gardening, canning, small-farm dairy production, bee keeping, recycling, cover crops, local foods and more. There will also be exhibitors, youth workshops, and organic/local foods. http://www.npsas.org/news-events/winter-conference.html

National Good Food Network Webinar: Facilitating value chain development without costly new infrastructure

January 22. Online. Join the National Good Food Network for this expanded webinar diving deep into the approaches people across the country are taking to improve the food system without costly new infrastructure. "Value Chain Coordinators" are people who work to connect the dots in a value chain. They ensure the right people, goods and resources connect with each other. Most often value chain coordinators work outside day-to-day business operations, a vantage point that offers a unique perspective on the optimal solutions in a regional market. Presenters include Ann Karlen, Fair Food; Todd Erling, Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corp.; Steve Warshawer, La Montanita Coop; Lauren Gwin, Niche Meat Processors Assistance Network; and Debra Tropp, USDA. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6258438140577286401

Cover Crop Economics Decision Support Tool

January 22. Online. This webinar is presented by the USDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center. Participate for a demonstration of how a conservation planner can use an Excel-based tool to answer a producer's questions: What does cover cropping cost? What are the economic benefits? How do the costs and benefits change over time? http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/cover-crop-economics-decision-support-tool

Managing Bad Stink Bugs Using Good Stink Bugs

Thursday, January 22 at 1:00 pm. Join eOrganic for a webinar on managing stink bugs using the spined soldier bug, by Yong-Lak Park of West Virginia University. Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) have caused considerable economic damage in the Mid-Atlantic states, and biological control agents against BMSB are not readily available for growers yet. In this webinar, the efficacy and utilization of the spined soldier bug as a native biological control agent will be presented and discussed.  The webinar will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 2PM Eastern Time (1PM Central, 12PM Mountain, 11AM Pacific Time). The webinar is free and open to the public, and advance registration is required. Attendees will be able to type in questions for the speaker. Register now at:http://www.extension.org/pages/71371

Applied Ecology Seminar

Global Climate Change, Drought & Breeding Phenology in a migrant songbird.  January 23.  2:00 pm.  UNL's Hardin Hall. Mary Bomberger Brown, research assistant professor, will present this free and public seminar.

Practical Farmers of Iowa Annual Conference

January 23-25. Ames, Iowa. The event attracts farmers of all sorts, sizes, systems, and enterprises. From pre-conference short courses that run the day before and morning of the conference to in-depth workshops, roundtables, breakfast meetings, and a rich array of sessions in several core tracks, those who attend are sure to come away with valuable working knowledge to improve their farms and enrich their lives. The 2015 Annual Conference will foster discussion on longer crop rotations, cover crops, pollinator habitat, weather resiliency, soil preservation, perennial crops, diverse crop mixes, and irrigation. It will also explore how to tackle low profit margins and volatile market prices, and how to chart a profitable future. Learn from discussions between beginning farmers navigating future farming careers, and experienced farmers helping them reach their destinations through farm succession, mentorship, and education. http://practicalfarmers.org/2015-annual-conference/

Opportunities

Hogs wanted

In Search of Bulk self feeder for Hogs. Please contact Andrew, hollisterrentals@gmail.com

Local Foods Survey

This survey is being conducted by graduate student, Megan McGuffey, from the University of Nebraska at Omaha who is working with the Local Foodshed Working Group. The goal of this survey is to help create a more accurate picture of how many farmers are participating in the Lincoln/Lancaster County local food market. We are asking you to help us to complete this survey so that we can better understand the complex, local food system that gets food to our plates. If you have any questions or concerns about the survey please contact Megan McGuffey at mmcguffey@unomaha.edu. Follow this link for the survey,  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wuvRR4EFNcvPiazbZ4F6Av-PjeuvXrtFgT54SW4Pl2o/viewform?c=0&w=1

Research on Midwestern organic farmers at the Leopold Center

The Qualtrics questionnaire is being administered as part of study by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University so that we can better understand motivations of organic farmers in the Midwest to create social, environmental and economic value.  The results of this study will help create awareness of the role of Midwestern organic farmers as green/environmental entrepreneurs in promoting sustainable development.  Little is known about the link between organic farmer motivation and economic, social and environmental value.  This research is designed to be supportive of the global organic farming movement. The questionnaire, which can be accessed through the Qualtrics link below, will take 15 minutes or less to complete. Follow this link to the Survey: https://iastate.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9vLLOPATgF7bV3L  Your answers will be strictly confidential.  Only summary results will be examined.  We will ensure that those who have returned the questionnaire are not contacted again. We have also attached a word copy of the questionnaire for your reference. We will send you a copy of the results if you are interested.  We would like to express our appreciation for your assistance with this study.  Feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions. Dr Priyanka Jayashankar (Leopold Center & College of Business, Iowa State University): priyanka@iastate.edu, 515-294-8110

Upcoming

Heritage and Ancient Wheat: Varietal Performance and Management Webinar

January 27. Join eOrganic for a webinar on Heritage and Ancient Wheat: Varietal Performance and Management with Steve Zwinger, North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center. Team members of the NIFA OREI-funded Value-added Grains for Local and Regional Food Systems project will present information derived from three years of experimentation at multiple sites on varietal performance, including yield potential, standability, disease tolerance, and grain quality, and growing practices, including planting rate and nitrogen fertility application. Farmer experience with and recommendations on growing these crops will also be featured. The webinar is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. http://www.extension.org/pages/72265/heritage-and-ancient-wheat:-varietal-performance-and-management-webinar

Conservation Biological Control: Habitat Management to Control Pests

January 27. Online. Learn to enhance habitat for native beneficial insects that help control crop pests. This webianr will focus on the ecology of native beneficial insects and how to increase their numbers on your farm through simple conservation strategies. Lady beetles, syrphid flies, lacewings, and other beneficial insects prey upon crop pests, reducing or eliminating the need for pesticides. Learn how to recognize these insects and their habitat, and how to evaluate, design, and improve habitat for them. This webinar is presented by USDA NRCS Science and Technology. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/conservation-biological-control-habitat-management-to-control-pests

Conservation Planning for Diverse Vegetable Rotations: Tools and Issues

January 28. Online. Participants will learn the various steps for completing a conservation plan on a diverse vegetable rotation. Learn how diverse rotations are created and the challenges that vegetable producers face when using them. Steps in the conservation planning process will be reviewed and participants will learn how to use these steps to develop rotations with vegetable producers. Various tools and resources will be presented to assist the planner when working with vegetable producers on these rotations. This webinar is presented by the USDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center, with presenter Steve Boetger, Agronomist.http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/conservation-planning-for-diverse-vegetable-rotations-tools-and-issues

Small Farm Webinar Series: Potato Production

January 29. Online. The University of Illinois Extension presents a weekly educational series for the small farm community, providing practical knowledge on emerging topics which advance local food production in Illinois. Webinars will be held from 1:00 - 2:30 pm on Thursdays and are free. This presentation will discuss the basic concepts and production practices for potato production, along with variety selection. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=10817

Water, Soil, & Toil: The Ways We Farm

Thursday, February 5. Lecture + Panel Discussion. Free and Open to the Public. Nebraska's Farmers & Ranchers make tough decisions every day in their farming and ranching practice. Recently proposed policy expansion and calls for increased consideration of animal welfare have pressured farmers, ranchers, and the organizations that represent them to take positions. Where are the farmers’ and ranchers’ voices? Event 1, What: Lecture + Panel Discussion, ”Water, Soil, Toil: The Ways We Farm”. When: Afternoon, Thursday, February 5. @ UNO’s Weitz Community Engagement Center, 6401 Dodge St. Omaha. Event 2, What: Keynote Address, NSAS Healthy Farms Conference. When: Morning, Friday, February 6. @ MCC’s Swanson Conference Center: 5300 N 30th St. Omaha. Details:http://nebsusag.org/conference.shtml. For EVENT 1 RSVP, comments, and questions, contact Adele Phillips: (402) 687-2103 x 1009, adelep@cfra.org.