Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods

Non-Timber Forest Products Webinar Series: Art from the Forest

October 29. Nontimber forest products include plants, lichens and mushrooms used for specialized art and craft practices: basketmaking, fiber dyeing, and more. Artisans who gather and use these species have specialized knowledge of their micro-habitats and require certain qualities in the material they use. In this one-hour webinar, Allaire Diamond M.S., Conservation Ecologist with the Vermont Land Trust, will discuss a variety of species used by master artisans and the unique opportunities for landowners to foster these species on their land and build relationships with artisan-gatherers. https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=3b9mqeifumu5

Planning and Design of Stream Crossings Webinar

October 29. This webinar is presented by the USDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center. Participation in the webinar will build an understanding of the process and procedures required to successfully plan and design a stream crossing structure to meet the USDA NRCS Practice Standard, Code No. 578 - Stream Crossing. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/planning-and-design-of-stream-crossings

What are aquaponics?

October 29th. Aquaponics is a food production system that combines conventional aquaculture with hydroponics in a symbiotic environment. Learn about the aquaponic way of growing with Keith Knudson.  How does growing with aquaponics differ from gardening the way we know it. Presented by Keith Knudson.  https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/670358306351617537

Fall 2014 Biotechnology / Life Sciences Seminar Series

October 29.  4:00 pm–5:00 pm. “Honey Bee Health Risks of Acaricide Exposures: A Rationale for Alternative Chemistries for Varroa Mite Management,” will be presented by Dr. Troy Anderson, Virginia Tech. Beadle Center 1901 Vine Street. Lincoln. Lisa Vonfeldt,402-472-2635, BiotechPSIOffice@unl.edu. A reception will be held at 3:30 p.m. 

The event is open to the public.

Basics of Poultry Health and Management

October 30. Online. Veterinary Extension within The Ohio State University's Department of Veterinary Preventative Medicine and the OEFFA have joined together to provide a series of webinars and workshops for veterinarians, Extension educators, and other professionals who work with certified organic livestock herds and flocks. This free webinar will cover the basic concepts of poultry disease diagnosis and control in organic production systems, with a brief discussion of management conditions that will impact poultry health. This webinar is presented by Dr. Mohamed El-Gazzar, Poultry Extension Veterinarian with OSU's Department of Veterinary Preventative Medicine. http://www.oeffa.org/events.php

BioChar and Beyond

Friday, October 31 at 10:00 am. Presented by Matt Kieffer, Student, Iowa State University. Matt Kieffer is a student at Iowa State University who, along with fellow ISU students have started a biorenewable business. Matt will discuss biochar from production to end product and its uses and applications worldwide.  Their company ARTI can be found online at http://artichar.com/. Don't miss this presentation, you will be impressed with the enthusiasm and drive of these young bioenergy entrepreneurs. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/agenergy/

Haney and PLFA tests and soil health

October 31. 3:30 pm–5:00 pm. Lincoln. Dept. of Agronomy & Horticulture, 402-472-2811, agrohort@unl.edu. Presented by Raymond Ward from Ward Laboratories, Inc. Ward will discuss the benefits and problems with these new tests for making fertilizer recommendations and to test for living microbes in soil both of which have the goal of the measuring soil health to refine fertilizer and pesticide applications each year.

Restoration Agriculture and Mob Grazing Workshop

October 31 – November 2. Clark, MO. In this 3-day, hands-on educational workshop, you will learn to merge the philosophies of restoration agriculture and mob grazing. This is not a permaculture design course, nor is it an introduction to Restoration Agriculture. This weekend will be the first time that Mark Shepard and Greg Judy will work together to synthesize the agriculture models of permaculture and mob grazing. The end result will be the installation of a permaculture swale system into Greg Judy's grazing system. 

Specialty Crop Workshop

October 31 - November 1. Wheatland, WY.  Specialty Crops & Topics Covered; Native seed production, Proso Millet, Markets & Marketing, Herbs, Quinoa. Location, Platte County Public Library 904 9th St. Wheatland, WY. Cost: $50.00 Registration limited to 60 people. To register contact, 57 Antelope Gap, Wheatland, WY 82201. Phone: 307-322-3667. Email: mmckinl2@uwyo.edu

Opportunity

Vegetable Operations Manager Position near Omaha

Vegetable/small fruit farm and nursery in Papillion has a full-time permanent vegetable operations manager position available. Tasks may include crop selection/scheduling, prep/planting, greenhouse management, construction/maintenance, and sales. Vegetable production experience helpful. The land has been farmed with organic practices for 30 years. Currently selling at local markets and planning to expand. On-farm housing may be negotiable. Also hiring full/part-time general laborer; farm or construction experience helpful. Send resume and cover letter to Lucena@MeristemFarmAndNursery.com or call Tom at 402-306-4500.

Vegetable Transplant Supplier Needed

The Community Crops plant sale sells plant starts and perennials to many Lincoln gardeners, and we also supply plants to our community gardeners.  We have outgrown the amount of plants our current supplier can produce and would like to find additional suppliers for 2015 to grow a variety of herb and vegetable transplants on contract.  All plants need to be grown using organic methods, using 32s and delivered in early May.  Please contact me to discuss details at ingrid@communitycrops.org or 402-474-9802.

Thanks! Ingrid

Chickens, Goats & Cattle Sale

Selling 25 +- chickens.  A colorful, diversified variety flock of _soon-to__-__be_ egg layers.  An Orschlen's *special* _"everything that could fly out of water tank"_ of white, orange, speckled, barredchicks beginning of May, 2014.  All hens except oneloud, white rooster (what a surprise). These chickens have forage with cattle in the pasture paddocks and housed in a portable coup. Spend time frolicking in the grass and forages eating whatever fits in the beak on an organic farm.  Supplemented with poultry mix for layers in "always available feeder". These birds would be a perfect starter egg layer flock because of the variety of different types of chickens the same age to try out; nearly 6 months old, free-range and trained to a coup at night.  Talk about your side by side test! Selling whole flock at $7.25 a chicken or willing to sell in smaller select choice groups at an adjusted price.  Delivery possible. Troy Kash-Brown,402-476-9616, please leave a message. Located west of Pioneers Park on West Van Dorn, Lincoln.

Quince

Does anyone know of anyone that is growing quince?! Amy, amy@edibleomaha.com

FarmTable Delivery is hiring

We really need a driver ASAP. Qualifications include: - Experience driving an 18ft vehicle - Experience driving a diesel vehicle - Good driving record - Familiar with driving in Omaha, Des Moines, Lincoln a plus! - Detailed orientated - good time management skills - a people person. Right now, 10-15 hours a week. Will increase as company grows. Will Train! SEND RESUMES with REFERENCES to farmtabledelivery@gmail.com 

Farm for Sale in Western Nebraska

We have operated a pastured poultry (including processing) operation and a direct beef operation.  This would be an excellent opportunity for someone who would like to start a small scale sustainable agricultural business. We are having an auction on October 21st which will have all of our equipment for the pastured poultry operation (including processing equipment) and livestock equipment. The link for the auction is: http://www.helbergnussauction.com/selected_auction.php?Auction_ID=18

(check back often as we are still adding items). We also have our cattle herd for sale.  We will only sell them all to one buyer to keep the herd together.  The herd consists of approximately 40 cows and 3 bulls.  The herd is comprised of Angus and Angus/Lowline cross. If you have any questions, please call or email myself or my husband Dan. Dan's cell phone is 308-631-6849. Email iskathi@openabar2ranch.com 

BarnRaiser at Darby Springs Farm

As you may know, we have been slowly growing our farm, Darby Springs, over the past several years. We have launched a crowdfunding campaign with Barnraiser and are asking you to join us in building a creamery barn to create farmstead ice cream, featuring local flavors, and space to learn and grow as a food community. Click here to skip the rest and get right to it: https://www.barnraiser.us/projects/building-the-barn-at-darby-springs-farm. We already sell pastured meat, milk, and eggs, but want to grow to bring you farmstead ice cream and opportunities to experience all our farm has to offer. To do this the Barn will have: The Loft: event and classroom space; Community Kitchen: a certified kitchen for use by all; Farm Store: featuring our ice cream and homemade baked goods as well as other area farmers & artists; Creamery: where the wonderful desserts are made; Milking parlor. Click here to check out our video, get full project details and support our project if you can, or spread the word to your friends: https://www.barnraiser.us/projects/building-the-barn-at-darby-springs-farm

News

Penalty flag for UNL leaders

I’m throwing a red penalty flag at UNL and calling out our purported land-grant university for flagrant ethical inconsistency. Earlier this year, UNL’s administration forced two of its employees, extension agents, to resign from the board of the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society. The administration cited an obscure rule and decided it was a conflict of interest for a UNL employee to be volunteering with a group that supports and educates Nebraskans on clean family-scale farming, a group that has a long track record of integrity and accomplishment across the state with thousands of our Nebraska farm families and that provides education in a field UNL generally gives scant attention. Yet now, as reported by the Journal Star (Oct. 12), we learn that UNL’s administration is giving a glowing green light to a board appointment for another UNL employee: Vice Chancellor Ronnie Green. The vice chancellor has been appointed to the board of Neogen, a multinational ag pharmaceutical corporation based in Michigan, a corporation that’s also eyeballing UNL’s Innovation Campus. UNL’s administration apparently regards this as fine and dandy. The ultimate referees in this matter — NU's Board of Regents — must engage a basic question when considering this matter on Nov. 20. Why is it somehow a conflict of interest for UNL employees to serve on a volunteer board for a nonprofit group that supports farmers who grow clean, chemical-free food for Nebraskans, yet it is no conflict of interest for another UNL employee to serve on the board of a profit-driven multinational corporation?   Read the rest here

Upcoming

Internal Parasite Management in Pasture-Based Sheep and Goat Operations Webinar

November 3. Veterinary Extension within The Ohio State University's Department of Veterinary Preventative Medicine and the OEFFA have joined together to provide a series of webinars and workshops for veterinarians, Extension educators, and other professionals who work with certified organic livestock herds and flocks. This free webinar is presented by Wayne County OSU Extension Educator Rory Lewandowski. To register, go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6088907739364733953

Mechanical Farm Implements: Scale-Appropriate Technology for Specialty Crop Production

November 6. Onine. This free webinar from OEFFA will explore factors to consider in choosing equipment for a successful specialty crop farm, with presenter Jean-Paul Cortens of Roxbury Farm. Learn about the best equipment to use for tillage, weed control, mulching, planting, seeding, harvesting, and haymaking on a specialty crop farm. http://www.oeffa.org/

Kansas Rural Center Farm & Food Conference and 35th Anniversary Celebration

November 7-8. Manhattan, Kansas. "Sustainable Agriculture: A Once and Future Vision," will celebrate KRC's 35th Anniversary and focus on the future of agriculture, food, and community in Kansas and the region. A full two-day slate of conference workshops will provide inspiring ideas, helpful information and valuable connections for attendees, ranging from practical farm management, diversification and transition strategies, to community and food advocacy training. Keynote speakers will include Bryan Welch and Fred Kirschenmann. http://kansasruralcenter.org/calendar/conference-2014/

Profitable Poultry 6-week Online Course

September 2, 2014

Greetings! Many small farms integrate a poultry enterprise--and many new farmers get started with poultry--because chickens, eggs, turkeys, and ducks are popular with customers, low-investment, quick-turnaround enterprises. But there's a lot to know, from getting breed selection right, to maintaining flock health, understanding marketing regulations, and optimizing feed rations. Profit margins can be slim, and making good decisions about these things means the difference between profit and loss! BF 130: Poultry Production - Profiting from Layers, Broilers, Turkeys, and Ducks is a 6-week online course that will help you improve your existing poultry operation or set up a new poultry enterprise. The course consists of weekly real-time webinars followed by homework, readings, and discussions on your own time in an online setting. The course runs Wed. Oct 15 - Nov. 19, 2014, with webinars Wed. evenings from6:30-8pm EST. The cost is $200, but multiple people from the same farm may participate without paying extra. See the course description page for more on the course learning objectives, instructors, and outline. BF 130: Poultry Production is part of the line-up of 12 online courses offered this Fall, Winter and Spring by the Cornell Small Farms Program. Learn which courses would be best for you, read about our team of experienced instructors, see answers toFrequently Asked Questions, and  view the calendar of course offerings for 2013-2014. Courses often fill very quickly, so don't miss your chance to sign up today!

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods

Introduction to Cut Flowers

August 25. Kansas City. Looking for a way to complement your market offerings throughout the season? Cut flowers could be one way to diversify and increase profitability. This workshop in the Growing Growers series will cover the basics of growing and marketing cut flowers. http://www.growinggrowers.org/workshops.html

Farmers Markets: Rules, Regulations and Reforms

August 25 or 28. Online. This webinar, held twice, will provide an opportunity for farmers market vendors and farmers market managers in Illinois to learn about new regulations and reforms that impact farmers markets and provide input to the Governor-appointed Illinois Farmers Market Task Force about future farmers market regulations. This webinar will provide an overview of the reforms that HB5657 made and what farmers and market managers need to know about the new law. http://web.extension.illinois.edu/smallfarm/

Online Organic Agriculture Course

Tuesday, August 26. 16-week online Transitioning to Organic Agriculture Course (Tuesdays, Aug 26 – Dec. 9th).  Classes will include lessons on weed management, nutrient management, pest management and markets for organic grain, vegetable and fruit crops. Programs and policies from USDA, NRCS and other groups to assist in the transition will be presented. For more information please contact the Organic Agriculture Program at Iowa State at 515-294-7069 or contact Kathleen Delate at kdelate@iastate.edu.  $10/session; $50/course.  Web access info will be given to those who register.

Tree Farm Standards 2015

August 26th. This year the American Tree Farm System is taking a look at our Standards of Sustainability per the PEFC requirements for certification. In January to March there was a public comment period on the Standards as they are now. An Independent Standards Review Panel (ISRP) looked at those comments and has come out with a revised standard. Now we have opened a second public comment period on this revised standard, as well as the accompanying Guidance Document. Sarah Crow and ISRP Chair Steven Sinclair will lead this webinar going over the revised standards and any changes that have been suggested. This webinar will be valuable for Tree Farmers new and old, as well as any one interested in sustainable forestry in America! https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=nb38j7ybykcw

No-till/Cover Crop Field Day

Wednesday, August 27. Stella. More information available at http://bit.ly/VA1baP 

Systems for Accountability and Efficiency on the Market Farm: Webinar

August 27. Whether you manage one seasonal worker or a large year-round crew, good management can make the difference between making headway on your farm's work, or just creating headaches. Consultant and veteran farmer Chris Blanchard has worked with farmers throughout the Midwest to develop systems that make it easy to achieve reliable results throughout your farming operation. Learn about them in this free, one-hour webinar from Countryside Conservancy. http://www.cvcountryside.org/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=16350

Targeted Grazing Online Workshop: Monitoring for Success

August 27. Online. This event is part of a series of online workshops presented by the Targeted Grazing Committee of the Society for Range Management. The presenter is Dr. Marc Horney, California Polytechnic State University.http://www.rangelands.org/targetedgrazing/index.shtml

Solar-powered Water Systems for Grazing Operations

August 27. Online. This webinar is part of a series presented by the Natural Resources Conservation Service East National Technology Support Center. This webinar will present differences and USDA NRCS planning considerations for using solar-powered watering systems for livestock grazing operations compared to typical electrical power sources for livestock water. One of these planning considerations is knowing when to choose solar power as the energy source for the watering system. Other planning considerations covered during this webinar include water delivery and engineering design concepts. Additionally, animal behavior and management adjustments that may need to be incorporated as a result of using this type of water delivery system will be discussed. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/

Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties of Soil and Water

Thursday, August 28. Mead. UNL ARDC. More Information:  http://ardc.unl.edu/training.shtml

Tunnel to Table Workshop

August 31. Colby, Kansas. This event is the first in Kansas Rural Center's series of three "Tunnel to Table" workshops that will offer experienced and beginning vegetable and fruit growers critical information on applying polytunnels – such as high tunnels and low tunnels – as strategic tools for Kansas farms. Topics of each workshop's presentations and round-table discussions featuring area growers will include Kansas-specific polytunnel structure considerations, production and marketing strategies, economics of tunnel production, and solutions to common region-specific challenges. Each workshop also offers the opportunity to tour and learn from a unique farm with established polytunnel systems.http://kansasruralcenter.org/low-tunnel-giveaway-and-registration-open-for-krc-high-tunnel-workshops/

Seed Festival Harvest and Threshing

Hands on seed harvest and threshing festival. Sunday, August 31, 3: pm, continuing Sept 1 morning. At Meadowlark Hearth, Scottsbluff, Ne, Learn what carrot flowers look like and beet seed as well as many more types of seed: how to grow and save them. Overnight place to camp or to put sleeping bag place. Bring food to share. Email or call us to let us know to expect you! bcorymb@gmail.com or 308-631-5877. Our farm is 5 minutes east of Scottsbluff on hwy 26 & Co Rd 26 turn north, first farm on left.

Opportunity

Organic Hens for Adoption!

We are replacing some of our flock and need to find home for our older hens (1.5years old). You are welcome to buy as many as you can care for. We are asking that you pay $4 for each hen. Our hens enjoy vegetable scraps, grit, oyster shell, bugs, fresh water and organic feed. They are locked up every night to keep them safe from critters. We recommend that you bring a large box or a pet carrier to bring your hens home. Our farm is located at 1240 Ironwood Road, Harlan, Iowa. Please let us know if you need directions. We are offering pick up times this week. Please let us know what day and time will work for your pick up this week. We need to find homes for these ladies ASAP. Ellen Walsh-Rosmann, 712-579-1933,www.pinoakplace.com/

For Sale

We have a few things for sale.  John Deere 24 T  twine Baler $1000. New Holland 116 windrower, needs hydraulic pump, otherwise works great $3500.  King Kutter Shredder  6ft.  $500. Give us a call if you are interested 402-780-5287. Melissa

Farm Job Available in Kansas

We at Heartland Farm, a 25 year old organic Farm in central Kansas are seeking a full time, live-in farmer to run all aspects of our 80 A. (not all in farm acreage) sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace.  Sister Jane Belanger, OP. Heartland Farm, 1049 CR 390, Pawnee Rock, KS 67567. www.heartlandfarm-ks.org

sheepbelanger@gmail.com  or  hfarm@gbta, 620-923-4585

Farm Job Wanted

I am currently looking for a farm job. I would like to stay close to Blair, Omaha, Fremont, or even across the border in Iowa.  Brenda Ruenholl,  Washington County, brrr@juno.com, 402-533-2541, 402-203-0850

Cows for Sale

I've decided that there is such a thing as too much diversity, at least when it comes to my cow herd. I have quite the mix of cattle right now and I'd like to at least narrow it down to a few breeds. So I've decided to sell the Scottish Highland and Longhorn cattle. Here are links to the ad's if you are interested:  Scottish Highland, http://lincoln.craigslist.org/grd/4605367179.html .  Longhorns, http://lincoln.craigslist.org/grd/4605366958.html .  I'd make any NSAS member a heck of a deal if they wanted them all. Thanks,  Jon, jkyoachim@gmail.com

2014 Organic Farmer Seed Survey

The purpose of this survey is to better assess certified organic crop producers’ attitudes and perceptions regarding organic seed. The purpose is also to understand producers’ current use of organic seed and any obstacles that restrict organic seed sourcing. Producers should be prepared to offer best estimates on their organic seed usage or have their seed records on hand. The survey also asks which crops and traits should be prioritized through organic plant breeding programs. If you are a certified organic crop producer, please take ten minutes to respond to this survey. Your responses are voluntary and will be held confidential. Your responses will not be identified by individual or farm. All responses will be compiled and analyzed as a group. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QQ73TMW

Upcoming

Southeast Nebraska Diversified Ag Tour

Friday, September 5, 7:30am. Southeast Nebraska. The stops will include Union Orchard-The Wostrel Family; Bloom Where You're Planted Farm,- Teresa & Terry Lorensen; Lunch: Slattery Vintage Estate- Barb & Sarah Slattery; Ox Bow Animal Health; and Chisholm Family Farm- The Chisholm Family.  Cost $20.00 per person.  Deadline to Register: Friday, August 29.   For more information contact Vaughn Hammond at 402-873-3166 or email Vaughn.hammond@unl.edu

"Green Agritourism" - Power of Business Friday 15

Friday, September 5 at 10:15 am Central. Our September 5 Friday 15 guest is Beth Kennett, from Liberty Hill Farm, in Rochester, VT. Liberty Hill Farm is a 240-acre working dairy farm, that has been offering "farm vacations" to visitors from all over the world. Many of Liberty Hill's guest return year and after year. We'll chat with Beth about how Liberty Hill attracts and keeps customers and what it means to be a "green" agritourism destination. https://powerofbusiness.wufoo.com/forms/friday-15-the-power-of-business-live-chat/

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods

YFN @ Paradise in Progress Farm

July 22nd. 6pm. Fort Calhoun. Join the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society as our Nebraska Young Farmer Night series visits Fort Calhoun and Paradise in Progress Farms owned by Ben & Michelle Godfrey. PIP Farms, on the outskirts of Fort Calhoun, NE, raises primarily free-range pastured pigs using rotational grazing and permaculture design principles to maximize land use and efficiency while minimizing effort and expense. Our goal is to produce the finest pork from the happiest, healthiest pigs with the least work while having the most fun. We partner with several local businesses to supplement the pigs’ diet with redirected landfill-bound pre-consumer food-waste with the triple goal of improving herd nutrition, soil tilth and the sustainability of the greater Omaha area. For details, directions and to rsvp please visit, https://www.facebook.com/events/1437621603192424/?notif_t=plan_user_joined

Tune-Up Your Farm Market Booth To Boost Sales Webinar

Tuesday, July 22 at 11:00 am. Link: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag. Mid-Summer is a great time to change up your farm market booth displays to draw in more customers. Join University of Vermont Extension Community Economic Development Specialist Mary Peabody for practical tips on low-cost ways to create eye-catching displays that encourage sales. This 30-minute webinar starts at noon Eastern Time.

Energy Analysis: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How?

July 24. Online. This free webinar is part of a series of energy webinars presented by the USDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center. http://www.conservationwebinars.net

Choosing Appropriate Technology to Run Your Good Food Business

July 24. This free National Good Food Network webinar will give you the tools to perform an accurate analysis of your business technology needs. Although the presentation will focus on food hubs (arguably one of the more complicated Good Food businesses, as a "middle man" interacting with all pieces of the food system), the same theories apply to all businesses. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/813255322

Midwest Conference for Farmer Veterans

July 25-26. Des Moines, Iowa. Join other veterans for networking and learning about unique opportunities, programs, and jobs available to military veterans and service members who are farming, aspiring to farm, or seeking agricultural related careers. Day One of the conference will feature tours of diverse working farms and provide a chance to interact with other farmers and veterans. Day Two will focus on educational presentations and workshops led by agricultural experts, agency personnel, and veteran service providers. The conference is hosted by the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Iowa and Drake University. Support also is provided by the USDA and Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/calendar/2014-07-25/midwest-conference-farmer-veterans

Nebraska Moth Night

Saturday, July 26th. 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. Join us for the third annual Nebraska Moth Night at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, part of National Moth Week. There will be interactive, family-friendly displays and activities before night falls and various stations to attract moths after dark. Faculty members and students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln entomology department will be on hand to help identify moths and make sure that everyone who attends experiences the fun of mothing! A donation of $5/family is suggested. For more information, contact Andy Matz, theandymatz@gmail.com, University of Nebraska Insect Science Club.

Opportunity

Sweet Corn Opportunity

An Omaha bakery is looking to bake a bread using sweet corn as an ingredient.  For more information please contact Erik @johnsonhillfarm@yahoo.com

Seedlings Needed

We recently lost about 150 (total) cabbage and cauliflower seedlings that were planted for fall harvest. User error I am sure. I am asking around to see if anyone has some extra cauliflower, cabbage or even broccoli seedlings they are interested in getting rid of at a fair price. We have broccoli, kale and kohlrabi in already. If you have any other ideas, I would welcome suggestions. We grow in Waverly and Omaha, so anything in either vicinity would be helpful. Alton, altonemitchell@gmail.com

Human Resource Needs of Small Farms

Fellow NSAS Members, I am working with a couple other Extension Educators on developing educational materials/programs to help small to medium sized farmers/ranchers manage their human resource risks. We are seeking to better understand the human resource education needs of Nebraska’s growing small and medium scale agricultural businesses in order to develop programming and materials to meet these needs. To do this we are conducting an online survey to determine what human resource topics are important to Nebraska’s farmers/ranchers and to learn what delivery methods (in person, online, etc.) are preferred. We would greatly appreciate it if you took a few minutes to complete the online survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AgHRMangSurvey.  The survey should take approximately 10 – 15 minutes to complete, you must be at least 19 years old to participate, and participation is entirely voluntary. If you have any questions regarding this questionnaire please feel free to contact me Jessica, (jjones12@unl.edu or 402-335-3669).

Exchange student interested in sustainability

My name is Andrea Lundberg, and I work with a  non-profit called the Aspect Foundation. As part of the State Department’s public diplomacy mission, we place exchange students with host families. I’m the local coordinator for the Lincoln/Omaha area. I was hoping you might know of a family who might be interested in hosting a young lady from Belgium, Nora. Nora is very active with an organization called Projet Comenius, which works on fair trade and sustainability initiatives. Hosts provide three meals a day and transportation to the local high school. Please feel free to call me at 402-499-9031 or email me with any questions! Below is a lInk to Nora’s profile:

http://services.aspectfoundation.org/st/index.php/st_search/profile/UY4-BEL-507-F

Heritage Chickens

I am looking for heritage chicken producers in Nebraska that might be willing to sell me live birds that I can butcher myself.  I am looking to buy young heritage birds but would be most interested in buying a mix of young and old birds. I live in Kearney and am either looking to process in Grand Island or near North Platte so if I can find a farmer in central Nebraska that would be optimal. Jed, yadidyamg@gmail.com

Kickstarter for Local Food Distribution and Delivery Service in Iowa and Nebraska

We're bringing local food from local farmers to chefs, restaurants, grocery stores, and more, but we need a better truck! We are at a critical turning point in our journey. We're currently renting a refrigerated reefer truck. But renting isn't practical. In order to continue this journey we need to get a better vehicle that will be able to serve more farmers, more restaurants and grocery stores and better our food system as a whole. The distribution problem hasn't been solved yet. And we're willing to put our energy, money and time into making it work. Farmers are calling us daily for help.  Complete details, https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1183278462/bring-local-food-to-more-people-with-a-delivery-ve?ref=email

Upcoming

Grassfed Rising: Polishing the Soil-Grass-Consumer Connection

July 30 - August 1. Columbia, Missouri. The Grassfed Exchange presents this event to help producers grow in knowledge of the grassfed industry and in finishing cattle specifically. The conference includes one day of pasture walk tours at the ranches of Greg Judy and Luke Linnenbringer and two days full of presentations to help attendees improve their skills and operations. Speakers include Don Huber, Fred Provenza, Paul Brown, and others. http://www.grassfedexchange.com/

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods

Food Safety in Organic Poultry Webinar

February 4. Online. Join eOrganic for a webinar on Food Safety in Organic Poultry Production by Irene Hanning-Jarquin and Sandra Diaz Lopez. The webinar will cover basic microbiology with respect to poultry production with a focus on foodborne pathogens. Pre-harvest, processing, and post-harvest intervention methods will be discussed. The objective is for the intended audience to gain familiarity with the aspects of food safety and an understanding of approaches that can be used as intervention practices. The webinar is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. http://www.extension.org/pages/70273/

Insights from an Organic Certifier

February 4. Online. The NRCS East National Technology Support Center is launching its 2014 series of webinars on organic and sustainable agriculture with this free webinar. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/documents/planned-conservation-webinars

Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network Webinar: Cooperative Interstate Shipment

February 4. Online. This Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network webinar is presented in collaboration with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Ohio and Wisconsin were the first two states to qualify for the new Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program, which allows state-inspected meats from qualifying plants to be shipped across state lines. On this webinar, state inspection program directors and plant operators from both Ohio and Wisconsin will tell us why their states signed up and how it's working out so far for the plants who are participating. The agencies will also describe the process they went through to qualify. An official from USDA-FSIS will provide background on the CIS program. http://www.extension.org/pages/70151/

2014 Western Tree Care Workshops

North Platte. 

 Tuesday, February 4th. 

 

8:30 am-3:30 pm. 

Developed specifically for public works employees, green industry professionals, and landscape enthusiasts, these full-day workshops cover emerging issues in tree and landscape care. 

 

Location, 

North Platte NRD Conference Room, 

100547 Airport Rd, 

Scottsbluff NE, C

ontact, 

Amy Seiler, 

308-632-2749, 

 

aseiler2@unl.edu

Marketing for Profit: Tools for Success

February 4 or 5. Online. The Farmers' Market Federation of New York is offering a series of marketing webinars for direct marketing farmers. Each webinar is offered twice. This session is called "Drudgery that Pays Well! Maintaining Databases and Information," with Laura Biasillo, Ag Development Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County. http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/work-shop-programs/webinars/registration.html

Harvesting Clean Energy

February 4-6. Helena, Montana. The 2014 Harvesting Clean Energy will draw participants from a diverse range of fields - from farmers, ranchers, and other rural land owners, to agriculture and forest-based businesses and organizations, facility managers and food processors, to rural utilities, lenders, economic development leaders and elected officials, and representatives of local, state, federal and tribal agencies and clean energy firms, consultants, and supporters. Hear from leading experts and practitioners about the steps to successful clean energy projects that can help you cut costs and diversify revenue for your business or facility operations—be it on the farm, in the forest or in the city. Learn how you can improve efficiencies and produce clean energy, feedstocks, and co-products for yourself and for market. The renewable energy opportunities addressed include biofuels, woody biomass, microhydro, geothermal, solar, wind and combined heat and power. http://harvestcleanenergy.org/events/conference.html

Consider Food Safety Requirements for GMOs Before Starting Development

Wednesday, February 5th. 

4:00 pm-5:00 pm. 

Presented by Dr. Richard Goodman, UNL Internal Speaker. 

 A reception will be held at 3:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. 

Additional Public Info: Open to the public. 

http://biotech.unl.edu/. Beadle Center, 

 

1901 Vine Street, Lincoln. 

Spring 2014 Biotechnology/Life Sciences Seminar Series (link)

Getting Started With Organic Vegetable Pest Control Webinar

February 5. Online. This evening webinar is part of the ongoing 2014 Beginning Farmer Webinar Series from Michigan State University Extension.http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/dependable_information_for_beginning_farmers_where_can_it_be_found

Small Farms Winter Webinar Series: Organic Pest Management: Insects

February 6. 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 are held from 1:00 - 2:30 pm on Thursdays and are free. This session is presented by Rick Weinzierl, University of Illinois Extension Specialist, Entomology, Department of Crop Sciences. https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=8854

"925,000 Campsites: The Commodification of an American Experience"

Friday, February 7th. 4:30 pm. In conjunction with his exhibit at the College of Architecture, Martin Hogue, William Munsey Kennedy Jr. fellow at the State University of New York's Department of Landscape Architecture, will give a lecture on this and other research projects. A reception will follow immediately in the College of Architecture, 10th and R Streets. Using author-produced maps and diagrams, as well as a collection of archival materials, the exhibit examines how this cultural ideal of rugged American character came to be appropriated and transformed into widely replicated templates and generic spatial protocols. Location:  Room: Reception following at College of Architecture. Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center

"The Maximilian-Bodmer Expedition"

Friday, February 7th. 

5:00 pm-7:00 pm. 

Karl Bodmer's vivid reflection of the landscapes, wildlife, frontier settlements, and American Indian peoples that he and Prince Maximilian of Wied encountered during their expedition of 2,500 miles along the upper Missouri River in 1832-1834. The exhibit is equipped with a mobile phone tour enabling visitors to learn about the expedition while they view the artwork. 

 

Free Admission. 

Location: 

Great Plains Art Museum, 

 

1155 Q St., Hewit Place,

All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: If Flowers are Restaurants to Bees, Then What Are Bees to Flowers?

February, 7th. 1pm Central. Learn how bees help flowers and therefore help feed the world.  Find out what you can do to help encourage these valuable pollinators.  This webinar will be presented by Dr. John Skinner, a Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee.  Moderated by Danielle Carroll, Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Click here to login as a guest and participate in the live event. For more webinars in this series, see All Bugs Good and Bad 2014 Webinar Series.  The  webinars are brought to you by the following eXtension Communities of Practice: Imported Fire Ants, Urban IPM, Bee Health, Invasive Species and Gardens and Landscapes; and by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/fireant

A visit to Mosaicultures Internationales Montreal: The Giants of the Horticultural Arts

Friday, February 7th. 3:30 pm-5:00 pm. Seminar presented by Ellen Paparozzi, professor, UNL Agronomy & Horticulture. Department of Agronomy & Horticulture Seminar. Keim Hall on UNL's East Campus in Lincoln. 

Horsin Around 2014 

Featuring Tommy Sheets from New Albany, Indiana. Saturday, February 8th. In its 22nd year, UNL’s Horsin Around continues to treat the Midwest horse industry with some of the country’s elite trainers that are rarely available in the area. The 2014 edition of Horsin Around will be another rare opportunity to learn from one of the best coaches of youth and amateurs as Tommy Sheets, from New Albany, Indiana will be the feature trainer. Please visit the site below for more information: http://animalscience.unl.edu/web/anisci/anscextensionequinehorsinaround

Your Path from Farm to Fork: Choosing Humanely & Sustainably-Raised Foods

February 8th. Omaha. A seminar for consumers seeking alternatives to factory farmed food. Doors open at 10:00AM, presentations start at 10:30AM. A locally-sourced, gourmet buffet lunch will be provided! Fort Omaha Campus, Swanson Conference Center, Bldg 22. MCC Institute for the Culinary Arts (Campus entrance at 32nd & Sorensen Pkwy) . $25.00. Presentation topics include: the costs associated with buying humanely-raised food; why local farmers employ high animal welfare standards to provide sustainable food for Nebraska families; and what methods are easiest for making purchases of these products. Special guest speakers include: Chef Clayton Chapman, Owner of The Grey Plume—discussing humane options for dining out and what products will be offered at the grand opening of The Grey Plume Provisions, a retail complement to Chapman’s award-winning restaurant. Chef Brian O’Malley, Faculty Member, MCC Institute for the Culinary Arts—offering insight into how local chefs support eating with a conscience. Space is limited, RSVP is required! Contact jnickerson@humanesociety.org with any questions.

Low Stress Cattle Handling Workshop

February 8th. This workshop, part of the Amazing Grazing Series of Educational Events, will be offered February 8, 2014 at Ramada Hotel & Conference Center, 1616 W. Crawford St. in Salina, KS. 785-823-1791. Dr Lynn Locatelli of Cattlexpressions is a student of renowned animal handling expert Bud Williams. Dr Lynn began her veterinary career in Benkelman, Nebraska after graduating from UC Davis, and has 19 years of experience in both large animal veterinary practice and consultation. She educates many by private consultation and as a national and international speaker at veterinary seminars and cattleman’s conferences. She resides in Watrous, New Mexico. Everyone has a little different opinion about what low stress animal handling means. Plan to attend this Low Stress Cattle Handling session to learn cattle handling techniques that will improve cattle health, well being, performance, handler safety and profitability in your operation. Registration for the day is $25.00 and can be done by going to kansasgraziers.blogspot.com. You can register online or download a registration form and mail it to the address given. For questions or folks with no email to register: Call Mary Howell at 785-562-8726.

Nebraska Hop Growers Meeting

12pm. February 8th. Infusion Brewery, Omaha. https://www.facebook.com/events/1487033851522952/

Opportunities

Sourcing items for the NSAS conference menu

Hello NSAS Farmer Friends, Hopefully this finds you all well.  We are getting close to the annual conference again!!  It's always such a nice time to catch up with old friends, learn something new, and enjoy some food that is sourced from our local food growers.   We are working to finalize the menu for the conference and would request that you check your stores and see what you could contribute (sell, discount or donate) for the three meals we put on.  Consider:  root crops, other veg you may have stored, apples, nuts, cheese, meat, eggs, flour, ??? No Item may be to small to be considered.  Garnishes, break items... Please see what you could offer and reply to  jgarvey4@mccneb.edu.   Our conference meals are always the best of any conference!  Help make it happen again!!

Land for Rent

For immediate rent--101 acres, 12 way cover crops for livestock grazing--2' tall--at Douglas, NE. Contact Mike at 402.314.1571, mcdonald1.mike@gmail.com 

Veggie Producers

I have accepted a research gig (volunteer) to come up with a list of ag producers (not grain) who are selling produce and/or animal products into the Lincoln and/or Omaha markets, or have the capability and interest to do so. If you are such a person, please contact me off-list at the email address below and provide me with: Name, address, email address, and a very brief description of what you grow/raise.  Example below: Gene Gage, Heartland Organics, Martell,gene@heartlandorganics.net, sustainably grown veg and herbs. I will compile the list, organize it as best I can, and give it to the Lincoln Foodshed Working Group, a volunteer, non-profit group of Lincoln foodies. But I have to acknowledge that I have not a clue about what they intend to do with it.

Seeking Land for Veggie Production

Hello everyone. I am sending this out to begin the search for land for our farm, Cook Grow Sew, to continue our Vegetable production and possibly begin the expansion into raising animals. We have been renting a small plot of land (1 acre) for the last 2 years in Northeast Lincoln from Sunwest farms, and this year might be our last. We currently live in that part of Lincoln so it has been an ideal situation when it comes to managing the daily commute, but we are open to options. Ideally we would like to find a place we can be on for a longer period of time, as building soil is a time consuming and dedicated process. I have talked to a couple of folks and gotten some leads, but so far nothing has panned out.  We really appreciate any information that could help us to continue to grow local food for our community. Thanks, Jeremiah Picard, Cookgrowsew.com, 402.570.3746

Custom Grazing/Finishing Available

Hope this finds everyone well. We've been blessed with the opportunity to lease some additional ground and are looking to take in some cattle in 2014. We can take them in at anytime. We have  turnips, organic cornstalks, creek/timber ground and hay that are available now until the growing season. From there, we will have warm season pastures and annual forages for grazing/finishing. Depending on timing and a few other factors, we can take in, up to, an additional 30-60 AU's. Since we are building our herd, we will consider cash or cows as payment. Please feel free to call me on my cell if you'd like to discuss further, 402-309-4088. Thank You, Jon

Looking for Equipment

Anyone have a single row transplanter for sale or rent, suitable for bare rooted raspberrries? Mike @ mdl1356@gmail.com

Upcoming

2014 Healthy Farms Conference

February 14th & 15th. Kearney.  Deadline to reserve lodging is quickly approaching. $89.95/night good for single/ double/ triple/quadruple occupancy. To reserve a room call, 308.237.4400 and reserve a room under The Healthy Farms Conference reservations.  We have numerous opportunities  to participate including young and beginning farmer rates, family packages, and member discounts. To register for the conference please visit, http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-healthy-farms-conference-tickets-8213056473