Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods!

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

Webinar Series: Farm Financial Tips and Management Information

November 16th. Online. 10;30am. To help farmers, producers and farm business owners who want to gain insight into improving financial management, Ohio State University Extension is offering a free, four-part webinar series on managing risk and financial management. The series, called “Ready, Set, Go: Preparing Farms to Successfully Manage Risk,” can help participants better understand their financial situation by focusing on financial statements and using them to their advantage, said Chris Bruynis, an OSU Extension educator. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the college.http://go.osu.edu/farmwebsurvey

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

SNR Fall Research Seminar; The Impact of Climate & Irrigation on Crop Yields

November 18th. 3:30 pm. UNL's East Campus Hardin Hall. Tara Troy, assistant professor of water resources engineering at Lehigh University, presents this free and public seminar. Troy’s research lies at the intersection of climate, water, and food, with a particular interest in understanding the role of climate variability on water supply and demand across a variety of scales. She joined Lehigh’s faculty in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2013. Prior to Lehigh, Troy was an associate research scientist for the Columbia Water Center at Columbia University, with projects about flood risk and water sustainability. She received her Ph.D. in 2010 from Princeton University, with her dissertation focused on quantifying the drivers and impacts of climate change on land surface hydrology over northern Eurasia during the past century.

Additional Public Info: http://snr.unl.edu/aboutus/when/seminarseries.asp?seminarseriesid=35#seminar6

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

Livestock and Endangered Species--What do targeted grazers need to know about endangered species?

November 19. 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/

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/

Advocating for Humanely and Sustainably-Raised Food

November 21st. Omaha.  12:30PM Doors open. With presentations by Joe Maxwell, “How and Why HSUS is supporting local farmers and promoting humanely-raised food and why local advocacy is imperative to success”. And a keynote by Bernie Rollins, “Mandates for more humane conditions for agricultural animals and why societal influence is leading to corporate change in the production of our food”. There'll be presentations from several local folks as well. Venue Parking, on street parking is available, but parking in metered spots is no longer free on Saturdays, so bring your quarters if that is your choice! Alternatively, there is a parking garage located at 1313 Harney, which is just one block north of the venue. Questions to Jocelyn, jnickerson@humanesociety.org, 402.541.7077

Opportunities

Holiday Harvest Market

November 22nd. Lincoln. The Holiday Harvest Farmers Markets offer an abundance of local food and late-season produce for winter, now with two indoor markets at a NEW, larger location at Park Centers Banquet Hall. 10am - 2pm. Park Centers Banquet Hall, 2608 Park Blvd, Lincoln. Park Centers is right off the Jamaica North Bike Trail, with ample parking and much more room, which means more local producers and more great food. http://www.holidayharvestfarmersmarket.com/vendor-list.html

Farm Transportation Needed

Is anyone going to be going through Kansas in the next few days and coming back towards Nebraska who could pick up two female Saanen goats for a fee? Figured it doesn't hurt to ask! I am not able to drive 10 hours round trip any day this week, and the seller will be taking them to market by Friday if I cant get them. I would be able to meet wherever in Nebraska near Omaha and surrounding areas. I also have a dog to pickup near Pilot Mound Iowa this week, so if anyone is traveling that way, please let me know, same scenario, pick up for a fee. Thanks!!!! Serena Bourne, serenasaurus09@yahoo.com

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: 

http://www.legalaidofnebraska.org/node/1126/staff-attorney-farm-ranch-project

Greenhouse Trays & Pots for Sale

I have scads of used greenhouse trays that I will sell really cheap. "32 trays" - 10x20 trays for 32s (2.5x2.5x3.5" tall pots), "18 trays" - 10x20 trays for 18s (3.5x3.5x4" tall pots), Landscaper pots in all sizes from 1-4 gal. Bring your van or pick up and load 'em up. but call or text first: 402-310-6670. Questions? Email me at gene@heartlandorganics.net. 

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

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, 

jkyoachim@gmail.com

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

Webinar Series: Farm Financial Tips and Management Information

November 23rd. Online. 10;30am. To help farmers, producers and farm business owners who want to gain insight into improving financial management, Ohio State University Extension is offering a free, four-part webinar series on managing risk and financial management. The series, called “Ready, Set, Go: Preparing Farms to Successfully Manage Risk,” can help participants better understand their financial situation by focusing on financial statements and using them to their advantage, said Chris Bruynis, an OSU Extension educator. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the college.http://go.osu.edu/farmwebsurvey

Making on the Farm: Re-use, Innovation and Tradition Webinar

November 24. Online. The current reinvigoration of small scale agriculture, including urban farming, has paralleled the growth of the maker movement. This webinar with Paul Treadwell will look at the impact of making on the farm as the continuation of a longstanding tradition. http://events.cornell.edu/event/making_on_the_farm_re-use_innovation_and_tradition_webinar

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods!

Farmers Night Out! Visits Big Muddy Urban Farm

July 30th. Big Muddy Urban Farm, Omaha.  We are a collectively-run urban farm providing local & diverse fruits, vegetables & herbs as well as sharing skills & resources with our community. Join us in discussion as we talk about urban agriculture, the many dimensions of growing in the city and having a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. A growing trend across the country, urban agriculture is taking roots in many cities, including Omaha. While food grown in the city may never be able to feed its population, it has great potential to share skills and ideas of self-sufficiency and community resilience, while expanding the dialogue around food. In Omaha, there are many new and existing organizations, from grass-roots to governmental, that are joining the conversation.   @BigMuddyFarm. https://www.facebook.com/events/863436153740218/ 

Silviculture for Non-foresters: Managing a forest for multiple objectives

July 28. Online. This free, one-hour webinar beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern is presented by USDA NRCS Science and Technology. The webinar will examine the growth and development of trees and forests and how to manipulate these characteristics to maximize multiple benefits, including forest products, forest health, wildlife habitat, and visual quality. The presenter is Karen P. Bennett, Extension Forestry Professor and Specialist with University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/silviculture-for-non-foresters

North Central ROTFY: The Beckers

Join us July 28th at 2pm ET to hear Merlin and Georgie Becker, our North Central Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, talk about their incredible Tree Farm! The Becker Woodland goes back four generations in the family.  The land has changed over the last century, but one thing that has not changed is the hard work and sweat equity the Beckers have poured into their land.  Hard work teamed with stewardship programs and professional forestry advice has made this property a forest management showcase.https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=ma82ro8jafbq

Dundee Community Garden Event

Native Prairie Pollinator Wildflowers, Tuesday July 28, 7 p.m. with Tom Lundahl of Meristem Farm and Nursery.  Tom will show us native prairie perennials and talk about what he’s learned about these plants in his years on the farm. This free event takes place at the Dundee Community Garden, 4902 Underwood Ave. Omaha.

Climate Change Solutions in the Midwest

July 30th. Learn about the impacts of climate change in Nebraska and the Midwest, and how it is already impacting people and places around the world. We will highlight the working solutions that are already taking a strong hold, starting the shift from a dirty fossil fuel economy to a clean, sustainable and renewable economy. Ilonka Zlatar holds a Master's degree in Natural Resources Science from UNL, and recently received the Climate Reality Leadership Training in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was born in Chile and immigrated to the US at the age of 11. She's a long time advocate of sustainability, waste reduction, and the local slow food movement, and currently works at WasteCap Nebraska. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1983435780674886146

Introduction to Straw Bale Building

July 31st. Keipos, Inc. will be hosting Jim Schalles at New Earth Farm & Goods for a hands on 3 day workshop covering foundations, straw bale wall systems, cob mixing, passive solar design, roofing systems and earthen plasters as we erect a straw bale chicken coop. Use the techniques you learn from this workshop for erecting your own chicken coop or apply your skills to build a shed, a tiny home, or pair with our rocket stove workshop and plan your sustainable straw bale sauna! Onsite camping is available and organic meals are provided. Tuition price is set at $150 although some scholarships may be available. Class size is limited to 12 students so sign up today! https://www.facebook.com/events/438960179562438/

Livestock First Aid and Safety

Friday, July 31 at 1:00 pm CDT. Injured animals and animals under stress react differently than they do in normal circumstances. If you don't work with livestock often, you may not completely understand how to keep yourself and animals safe in stressful situations, or how to provide first aid to injured animals. Learn what to do from Scott Cotton, Wyoming Extension ANR Area Educator, during this 60-minute session. Andrea Higdon, Emergency Management System Director for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky, will moderate. http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/eden

Opportunities

Freezer Equipment for Sale

Some items may already have been sold. Please check with Jim. North Star Neighbors has discontinued its business and has numerous items for sale:

12' by 20' Knockdown Walkin Freezer, 36 inch door, aluminium flooring, with 27,000 BTU compressor unit. Single phase. Runs great. Full of Stainless steel shelving.

53 ft refrigerated 1997 UTILITY Trailer. This trailer has been modified with a 4 Ton capacity compressor unit(used less than one year), single phase. A wall was placed for capacity at 30 feet from front. It is a portable unit that can be plugged into a 220 volt outlet. It served us as a extra walkin freezer. Works great. It has the potential to become a great portable poultry processing system. Has some poor temporary shelving that can go with or without. Possible delivery. 

Three door cooler made by TRUE, excellent condition. 2 Amana 21 cubic ft chest freezers. Hobart meat slicer, only used once by former owner. Blue Bunny Display freezer.

And more. Contact Jim @ Jim Knopik, 308-550-0288  cell. 308-536-2023  home, jknopik@hamilton.net

Organic Prairie Hay

We currently have 75 tons in big round bales and should have another 75 tons ready next week. With an additional 50 tons ready in the next 45 days. They are located near Fairbury and the price is $115/ton.  We might get a second cutting on some of that. If you buy the first cutting, you'll get first shot at the second cutting. I'd like to market nationally as well. If you know of someone who can help me, please let me know. 402-309-4088. Thank you, Jon. 402-309-4088, 

jkyoachim@gmail.com

Natural Fertilizers

Does anyone have any extra fish hydrolysate or emulsion they would be willing to sell? Also looking for sources of organic chicken or horse manure (doesn't have to be certified). Gary Fehr, Lincoln Neighbors Urban Farm, facebook.com/lnufarm, lnufarm.wordpress.com. fehrgary@gmail.com

Feast on the Farm

August 1st. Prairie Pines Training Farm, Lincoln. A deliciously local feast from all your favorite chefs, surrounded by fields of vegetables. https://www.facebook.com/events/103850326625593/

Adjustable Hay Straw Bale Stacker

I have an adjustable hay/straw stacker, good for square bales or loose straw; available to the first respectable offer.  Slider works and the fourteen spears are intact.  Must be able to pick up.  Feel free to contact me with any questions; pictures available upon request.  Thanks! Dan Hromas, 4022172797

Farm Hand Position Available

I am writing to announce an open position for a part time farm hand. This position involves approximately 30 hours a week in exchange for room and board. Additional paid work is available now and then. This individual would have their own living quarters separate from the main house. This position would be great for a single person, maybe a recent retiree who still has plenty of gusto for farm chores and gardening help. This position will be physically demanding and involve outdoor work in all weather conditions, so please keep that in mind. We will require a background check and references. This position will require some fixit know how. If you know anyone who may be interested in this position, please have them contact me at:  serenasaurus09@yahoo.com. Serena Bourne

Dual Purpose, Grass-fed Shorthorn/Devon Herd for sale

We're looking to sell some/all of our wonderful Shorthorn/Devon herd. They have not been given any antibiotics, hormones, vaccinations or grain in the 4+ years we have owned them. We do not baby these cows and they do very well. They are dual purpose. Which means they work very well in our grass-fed beef operation but they also produce a lot of milk. I was told that the older cows had been milked at least once by the previous owners but we haven't actually milked any. We're more interested in developing our beef herd so some of the younger ones will have more of a beef influence.  We have 15 cows/heifers total that are available. Two of those have a strong Longhorn influence, though. About half are going to be in the 7-9 year old range. From there it goes to 5 year-olds and on down. We've been culling about 2-3 cows a year and adding 2-3 replacement heifers. We can be flexible on the timing. They are almost done calving so you can buy them as pairs or we can wait until the calves can be weaned and the cows are re-bred. My intent is to base the pricing on the Huss Livestock Market in Kearney. Ultimately, the pricing will depend on how many you want and how/when you want them (bred cows or pairs). The cattle are located in south-central/eastern Nebraska, in Thayer County, near Reynolds. Delivery is possible. Jon Yoachim, 402-309-4088, jkyoachim@gmail.com

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

HMI Open Gate Learning Day: Stigge & Sons Ag Day

August 5. Washington, Kansas. The Open Gate Learning Series from Holistic Management International consists of farm/ranch days held on the land and hosted by an experienced Holistic Management practitioner. Attendees have the opportunity to identify common challenges and discuss creative solutions in a friendly atmosphere. The goal of the day is to create a forum for sharing practices, ideas, advice, and solutions. This event focuses on Integrating Livestock & Cover Cropping for Profit. http://holisticmanagement.org/training-programs/open-gate-on-farm-learning-series/

 Manure as a Solid Waste and Clean Air Issues in Animal Agriculture Webinar

August 6. Online. Dr. Shannon Ferrell, associate professor of agricultural economics, Department of Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University, will discuss the implications of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Clean Air Act (CAA) on animal agriculture, recent litigation, and other legal issues. This webinar is open to livestock producers, Extension educators, agricultural service professionals, and anyone else interested in learning more about the potential impacts of RCRA and the CAA on livestock operations. The one-hour webinar is free to attend and begins at noon Eastern Time. http://extension.umd.edu/news/events/thu-2015-08-06-1200-manure-solid-waste-and-clean-air-issues-animal-agriculture-webinar

2015 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: Management of Japanese Beetles and Other White Grubs

Friday, August 7 at 1:00 pm CDT. Japanese beetles and other white grubs attack the roots of lawns and other turf grass areas.  Then, as adults, they can eat your favorite plants in the garden and landscape. This webinar presented by Dr. J. C. Chong from Clemson University will provide the information you need to understand and control these pests.   Moderated by Bethany O'Rear and Ken Creel, Regional Extension Agents, Alabama Cooperative Extension System. http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/fireant

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods!

Landlord-Tenant Communication and Agricultural Mediation

Monday, May 4 at 6:00 pm. Agricultural land leasing is an important feature of Maryland agriculture.  Issues often arise between landlords and tenants not understanding what the law is or how to communicate with each other.  On April 28th and May 4th, agricultural landlords and tenants or those looking to get into agriculture will have the opportunity to participate in a webinar series focused in on leasing issues.  You can register for the webinar at https://arecleasingwebinar.eventbrite.com. The webinar series is sponsored by the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Agriculture Law Education Initiative, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland Department of Agriculture, and Maryland FarmLink and funding is provided by USDA-NIFA and the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center. https://arecleasingwebinar.eventbrite.com

Getting prepared for pullets for a 4-H egg enterprise

Monday, May 4 at 6:00 pm. The purpose of the webinar is to equip youth with knowledge on how to prepare for started pullets for an egg enterprise.  The webinar will discuss:

The production cycle of a hen. Why started pullets? Preparing your coop, bedding, nest boxes, perches, feed & waterers (checklist). Preparing for and preventing possible problems: predators, disease & biosecurity. Keeping records of expenses/income. Keeping records of production. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/poultry

Decoding Organic Feed and Supplement Requirements for Livestock

May 5. Online. This webinar will help participants understand the livestock feed requirements of the National Organic Standards in more detail. Join Oregon Tilth and presenters Jackie Sleeper and Jeff Mattocks for a breakdown of the livestock feed standards and how they apply to specific systems; an overview of feed supplements, including how they are classified and regulations for use; and guidelines for ensuring that your animals' nutritional needs are being met while remaining compliant with the standards. http://tilth.org/event/decoding-organic-requirements-for-livestock/

Pain Management on Organic Dairy Farms Webinar

May 5. Online. This event is part of an educational livestock health series offered by Veterinary Extension at The Ohio State University and OEFFA. During this webinar led by Dr. Ulrike Sorge DVM and Dr. Gustavo Schuenemann, you will learn how to recognize signs of pain in animals, the economic impact of pain on the well-being and production of animals, and about approaches to address pain in animals within the organic guidelines. The session is geared toward veterinarians, Extension educators, farmers, and others who work with certified organic livestock. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6637881805111636738

Plant Breeding Approaches and Technologies for Challenges in Agriculture: A view from a Texas Maize Breeding Program

Wednesday, May 6 at 1:00 pm. Join the National Association of Plant Breeding and the Plant Breeding and Genomics Community of Practice for a webinar on corn breeding by Seth Murray of the Texas A&M University . The webinar takes place on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 2PM Eastern Time (1PM Central, 12PM Mountain, 11AM Pacific Time). The webinar is free and advanced registration is required. Register now at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/174502756169625089

Mushroom cultivation and marketing

May 6th. Lincoln. Ash Gordon of Nebraska Mushroom will present on commercial mushroom growing and some of the marketing opportunities that are available to growers. https://communitycrops.z2systems.com/np/clients/communitycrops/eventRegistration.jsp?event=220&

Spotted Wing Drosophila Monitoring and Management Webinar

May 6. Webinar to help growers learn new management tips for spotted wing drosophila and new methods to trap and get rid of the pest. The webinar will teach participants the basics of adult monitoring with traps, cultural controls, how to manage spotted wing drosophila with insecticides once detected, and how to determine if fruit is infested with larvae using a simple salt water test. The webinar runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon. http://oardc.osu.edu/7504/Webinar-offers-Management-and-Monitoring-Tips-for-Spotted-Wing-Drosophila.htm

Using State-and-Transition Simulation Models to Guide Sustainable Management of Ecosystems: Three Case Studies from Across the US

Thursday, May 7 at 1:00 pm. Sustainable management of natural resources under competing demands is challenging, particularly when facing novel and uncertain future climatic conditions. Meeting this challenge requires considering information about the effects of management, disturbance, land use and climate change on ecosystems. State-and-transition simulation models (STSMs) provide a flexible framework for integrating landscape processes and comparing alternative management scenarios, but incorporating climate change is an active area of research. In this presentation, three researchers (Jennifer Costanza from North Carolina State University, Megan Creutzburg from Portland State University, and Brian Miller from Colorado State University) will present work funded by Climate Science Centers across the country to incorporate climate projections into STSMs. https://nccwsc.usgs.gov/webinar/455

Mob Grazing School

May 7-9. Clark, Missouri. Greg Judy and Ian Mitchell Innes team up for this school covering all the critically important steps in implementing high density planned grazing. There will be classroom sessions in the morning; pasture walks covering all aspects of mob grazing in the afternoons. http://www.greenpasturesfarm.net/events.php?eventID=9019

Women in Farming Risk Management Education Workshop

May 9. Linn, Kansas. The Kansas Rural Center's third "Women in Farming" Risk Management Education Workshop will focus on business, financial, and legal risk management during the morning session. In the afternoon a farm tour of Lucinda Stuenkel's farm near Palmer, Kansas, will focus on conservation practices including cover crops and no till, and cattle management for women. http://kansasruralcenter.org/category/risk_management/

Opportunities

Seeking Straw Bales for the Malone Center

I'm looking for 6-8 bales and I'm able to pick them up. The Malone Center is located in Lincoln, so the closer to Lincoln the better. Just let me know if you're able to help. Danny Martin, danny.martin303@gmail.com

2014 Farm Bill - Conservation Compliance Changes | NRCS

The 2014 Farm Bill re-established the applicability of the Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation provisions to crop insurance subsidies, but the Farm Bill did not change how these were implemented in conservation programs. USDA is seeking comments on an Interim Final Rule, which would make official this change to conservation compliance provisions. Submit comments on regulations.gov.

Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) provisions aim to reduce soil loss on erosion-prone lands and to protect wetlands for the multiple benefits they provide. HELC and WC provisions apply to all land that is considered highly erodible or a wetland, and that is owned or farmed by persons voluntarily participating in USDA programs, unless USDA determines an exemption applies. 

Producers, and any affiliated individuals or entities who participate in most programs administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Risk Management Agency (RMA) are required to comply with these provisions. Farmers seeking federal crop insurance premium subsidies for the 2016 reinsurance year must comply by June 1 by filing form AD-1026. The 2016 reinsurance year runs from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/programs/farmbill/?cid=stelprdb1257899

Common Good Farm Annual Organic Plant Sale

mark your calendar for our 2015 annual spring plant sale! may 8, 9, 10 and onward throughout may & into june until we sell out...sale is daily after opening but we highlight the first three big weekends sales! 9 am - 6 pm each day. cash or checks please. EBT/SNAP also accepted. certified organic & Biodynamic plants...a wonderful selection of plants! https://www.facebook.com/events/314469905428804/

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".

OneCert Hiring

Administrative Specialists. This is a full-time position in our Lincoln office. For more details, Sam Welsch, President, OneCert, Inc., 2219 C Street, Lincoln, NE  68502, 402-420-6080. www.onecert.com

FarmTable Delivery is Hiring

We're HIRING! Office Manager, Vendor/Producer Relations, Accounts Receivable. Effective Immediately. (This is one single position, perfect for the well rounded person). Location: Harlan, Iowa. For more information contact, 

Ellen atFarmtabledelivery@gmail.com, 712.579.1933

Veg Farmland for Rent

Close in farmland for rent. About 1 acre 200 yards outside city limits in SW Corner of Lincoln. Organically maintained for at least 30 years. Bearing aronia bushes on part of the land. I know the owner and the land, as does Justin G Jones, and I think Ingrid Kirst at CROPS knows it too. If interested, call Jeff at 402-429-9507. In my opinion, it would make a good "training plot" for a couple of young veg farmers.  I tried to buy the property myself 15-16 years ago but I have no financial interest in the property or a possible rental; just doing an old friend a favor.

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.

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. 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

Managing natural resources with the challenge of climate change

Monday, May 11 at 12:00 pm. This talk will introduce the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) and share experiences assisting land managers to develop and implement conservation and management actions to help ecosystems respond to climate change. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/woodlands

Creating a Social Media Plan for Your Business

Wednesday, May 13 at 11:00 am. Webinar. Social Media is not a miracle worker. It is just one layer of communication, one tool to let the public know what your business is about. To do it right takes planning.  What should you be doing? How to strategize your content, develop a plan, and study who’s doing it right. Designed for existing businesses. Not for personal social media. For more information: To register: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/wednesday-webinars-registration-11452674257

Getting Oily With Soybeans: Plant Breeding Webinar

Wednesday, May 13 at 1:00 pm. Join the National Association of Plant Breeding and the Plant Breeding and Genomics Community of Practice for a webinar on soybean breeding by Istvan Rajcan of the University of Guelph. The webinar takes place on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 2PM Eastern Time (1PM Central, 12PM Mountain, 11AM Pacific Time). The webinar is free and advanced registration is required. Register now at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5309813595139364353

Using Case Studies to Facilitate Farmer Conservation Decisions

May 14. Online. This webinar is presented by the USDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center. Participants in this webinar will learn how to use case studies of producer experiences to facilitate conservation decision-making. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/using-case-studies-to-facilitate-farmer-conservation-decisions

2-Day Intensive Regenerative Land and Plant Propagation Course

May 15th and 16th. Papillion. In this course you will learn how to read landscapes, identify patterns, and harness the land for profitable gain while investing in the long-term fertility and health of the soil at the same time. You will also be given the knowledge, basic skills and tools necessary to create your own profitable plant propagation property, lifestyle and/or business. The Regenerative Land and Plant Course will give you the inspiration, information and hands-on skills you need to create a business or just feed your family and friends. http://www.keipos.org/classes-workshops.html

IOIA Webinar: On-Farm Food Safety Training

May 15. Online. The Independent Organic Inspectors Association offers this on-farm food safety training online in two 3.5-hour sessions. http://www.ioia.net/schedule_list.html