Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods!

Climate Impacts on Water Management in the North Central Region

Monday, March 28 at 1:00 pm CDT. Speakers will be Jonathan Aguilar from Kansas State and Jane Frankenberger from Purdue. Register at our website atclimateagwater.wordpress.com. Links to the archived webinars are also available at this website. 

Regulations and Best Practices for Value Added-Products

March 29th. Nicole Saville from Spiritus Vitae Botanicals in Lincoln, NE will discuss how to navigate the legal requirements for value-added products. Nicole has experience getting regulatory approval for several types of value-added products including infusions, herbal teas, syrups and more! https://communitycrops.z2systems.com/eventReg.jsp?event=996&

Webinar: Trialing No-Till Systems in the Market Garden

March 29. Online. This free, one-hour, evening webinar from NOFA Massachusetts will be presented by Liz Joseph, Heifer International. Learn tips for managing a no-till, one acre garden from Liz, who has been managing her market garden with no-till and hand-tillage systems for five years. http://www.nofamass.org/events/webinar-trialing-no-till-systems-market-garden

How to Assess a Horse's Health and Welfare

Tuesday, March 29 at 6:00 pm CDT. This webcast is intended to help participants learn and apply equine welfare principles that will lead to improvements in the care and management of horses. The importance of equine welfare and definitions of welfare will be presented. Participants will also be introduced to current advances in equine welfare science and to valuable resources relevant to the welfare of horses.http://myhorseuniversity.com/resources/webcasts/health_welfare

Entomology Seminar on Variations in Insect Mating

March 29.  4:00 pm. UNL's Nebraska East Union. Contact, Jeri Cunningham, 402-472-8678, jcunningham1@unl.edu. Katie Keller, a graduate student in the entomology department at UNL, will present the seminar, “Variations in Insect Mating.”

Impacts of the Food Safety Modernization Act on Diversified Organic Vegetable Farms

March 29. Online. Join eOrganic for a free webinar on the impacts of the Food Safety Modernization Act on Diversified Organic Vegetable Farms, by Erin Silva of the University of Wisconsin. While it still remains unclear as to how many aspects of the regulation will look "on the ground," this webinar will address what diversified organic vegetable farmers need to begin thinking about with respect to moving forward toward compliance. Advance registration is required. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8892256681358029570

Getting started with meat goats

Wednesday, March 30 at 6:00 pm CDT

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The focus of this Webinar will be raising Meat Goats and will include such topics as health, housing, nutrition and management of the different phases of production.

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http://events.anr.msu.edu/BegFrmrWeb2016/​

Savanna-Based Restoration Agriculture

March 30

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Online

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This event is part of the Agroforestry in Action Webinar Series, a production of the Center for Agroforestry at the University of Missouri. Presentations in this webinar series explore topics in agroforestry from North America and around the globe, showcasing examples of excellence in practice and research. Live webinars are presented on a monthly basis and are free and open to all.

​ http://www.agroforestryinaction.org/#!live-webinar-schedule/c10d6​

Conservation Planning Considerations for Outdoor Swine Operations

March 30

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Online

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This webinar is presented by the USDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center. This webinar will introduce participants to conservation practices and strategies that can be considered when assisting producers with their outdoor swine operations. The presenter is James T. Green, Jr., Ph.D., North Carolina State University. Participants will have a better understanding of the unique difficulties presented and the opportunities provided to solve resource concerns on outdoor swine operations. 

​http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/conservation-planning-considerations-for-outdoor-swine-operations​

Waste Management at the Processing Plant

March 30

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Online

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This free, one-hour webinar from the Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network begins at 1 p.m. Eastern. For those new to meat processing, or those looking for new ideas for their plant, this webinar will provide a general overview on waste management for both solid waste and wastewater. The webinar will discuss wastewater management, basic systems and pre-treatment options, and regulations. It will also cover solid waste streams (things like manure, bones, trim, etc.) and solutions for dealing with those various waste streams.

​ http://articles.extension.org/pages/73518/waste-management-at-the-processing-plant​

Identifying Disease and Pest Problems on the Farm

March 30th. Tom Creswell, director of the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab.https://purdue.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bmBrd3hIYREwlWB

Webinar: Planning for Farm to School Success

Thursday, March 31, 1pm – 2pm. Hear about the different ways to incorporate school gardens into your farm to school program as well as how schools are successfully procuring school garden produce for their meal programs. Join Bob Gorman, the Farm to School Regional Lead in the Food and Nutrition Services' Mountain Plains Regional Office, as he moderates this webinar. https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=q4mdwam7hrx5

Setting Up a Grazing System on a Small Farm

March 31

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Online

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This event concludes the Small Farms Winter Webinar Series presented by University of Illinois Extension. This free, one-hour webinar with Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator, begins at noon CT.

​ https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=13379​

First Friday: “We, The Heartland”

April 1st. 5:00 pm.  Great Plains Art Museum. Contact, Katie Nieland, 402-472-3965,knieland2@unl.edu. “We, The Heartland” is a love letter to the cultural landscape of the prairies. Photographs by Kate Schneider portraying the proposed Keystone XL pipeline route in Nebraska and South Dakota are paired with handwritten letters to President Obama from landowners and Lakota natives. The landscapes address the unseen threat the proposed pipeline poses to the land, and the accompanying letters address the indexical relationship between the land and those who seek to preserve it. Also up now:

- “From This Grass Earth,” photography and poetry from the Northern Great Plains, - “Denizens: Wildlife on the Western Frontier, an exhibition of vintage engravings, 1770-1902” (lower level), - 75 Iconic Covers from the University of Nebraska Press (lower level lobby). http://www.unl.edu/plains/schedule-exhibitions

All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: Help pollinators cope with pesticides

April 1

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Online

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Pollinating insects are at risk when pesticides are used carelessly. Learn practical tips for preventing polliniator deaths from pesticides by Jack Rowe, Dr. James Tew, Sallie Lee, and Dani Carroll from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. https://learn.extension.org/events/2317

Farm to School Opportunity

April 2. North Platte Public Schools. Join the Center for Rural Affairs, in partnership with UNL, at a farm to school training. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the farmer and school connection, and to spend face-to-face time with school food service staff. Workshops & Lunch are free. ​Please register via email or phone, ​sarahs@cfra.org, 402-783-1183.

Composting Demonstration

April 2. 2:00 pm.  Pioneers Park Nature Center’s backyard composting demonstration area in LNK. Contact,  Sarah Browning, Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, 402-441-7180, sbrowning2@unl.edu

Opportunities

Organic Custom Grazing

I have 150 acres of grass that is certified Organic. I'd potentially be interested in custom grazing pairs/cows/yearlings. I also have an additional 250 acres of grass that can be certified. I've been custom grazing 50 pairs the last few years on non-certified ground. Please let me know if you're interested or know of someone who might be. Jon Yoachim, 402-309-4088

Facility Manager Position at Prairie Hill

PRAIRIE HILL Learning Center, a Montessori farm - school located on HWY 77 seven miles south of Lincoln, seeks a Facility Manager beginning in May. 20-30 hours per week, with daily hours beginning at 6:45am. Position involves being knowledgeable and handy with maintenance of buildings and grounds on our 12 acre farm. Good communication and organizational skills are required. Respect for and appreciation of children is crucial.  E-mail: Send a resume to prairiehillschool@yahoo.com Mail: PRAIRIE HILL Learning Center, 17705 S. 12 St., Roca, NE 68430, Telephone: 402-438-6668 and ask to speak to our Executive Director, Mandie Schadwinkel. 

Robinette Farms Apprenticeship

We're looking for one more addition to our farm for 2016. If you or someone you know wants to learn about small-scale vegetable production, CSA management, management-intensive grazing and pastured poultry, please get in touch! Testimonials from former Apprentices can be found here: http://www.robinettefarms.com/apprentice-testimonials 

Details about the Apprenticeship here: http://www.robinettefarms.com/apprenticeship/info

Positions Available

I wanted to let you know that we are still trying to fill multiple positions on both our farm, New Earth Farm & Goods, and with our non-profit, Keipos. Here are the positions available: 1) Farm Apprentice at New Earth Farm & Goods, which includes food, housing, and pay. 2) Internships positions with Keipos, a 12-week program working at our heart and in the city, which includes a PDC certificate. Jonathan Dodd,  Keipos, Inc. http://keipos.org, http://negoods.com,  jonathan@keipos.org, 

321.544.2851

Dryland Farming Opportunity

I have + or - 6 acres that I am transitioning to organic status. It has not had any pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers applied to it for five years. It is currently in alfalfa that has reached the end of its productivity. It does not have access to irrigation. Anyone out there want to farm it organically on a sharecrop or cash rent basis? I also have 10 acres of prairie grass (never sprayed with anything) that will need to be harvested - usually sometime between June 25 and July 10. Will do that on a sharecrop or cash basis as well. I do not have the necessary large farming equipment, but have access to some on a rental basis. Interested?  Please email me at gene@heartlandorganics.net. Gene Gage, Heartland Organics

Ducks, Geese & Guineas

We are looking for baby ducks and geese available this Spring.  We are interested in Cayuga, Khaki Campbell or other breeds for egg production.  The geese we are looking for are Chinese or African for guard animals.  Guineas for bug control. 

Summer Garden Educators

Big Garden in Omaha is hiring. WE ARE HIRING for our 2016 Summer Garden Educators. Know 19+ young adults looking for a full-time summer job gardening & working with youth? Contact Cait at ccaughey@bigmuddyumc.org for more information.

Fund a Truck, Fund Local Foods!

Nebraska Food Cooperative is asking for your help to raise capital for loan repayment and truck repairs.  Our delivery trucks put on a lot of miles to deliver fresh food across our state.  We had to replace one of our vehicles and make extensive repairs on another. As a grassroots community to help small farms and build local economies, we are asking for your contribution so that the money tied up in these expenses can be freed to go toward running the co-op and making our network stronger.  We believe in the value of the co-op, and we believe in you, our community of co-op members! Read more, and support NFC today!

Upcoming

Getting started with the basics of insect morphology

Monday, April 4 at 6:00 pm CDT. Understanding an insect’s form and features will help you tell friends from enemies and determine how to best deal with them. This session will deepen your understanding of insects, both pests and beneficials.http://events.anr.msu.edu/BegFrmrWeb2016/

Transitioning to Organic Production

April 5. Online. This webinar will explore the challenges producers face when transitioning part or all of their operation to organic certification. Case studies will be used to profile and discuss different producer groups that are successful in the transition from conventional production to organic. This presentation will introduce participants to Making the Transition to Organic: Ten Farmer Profiles, a publication from the University of Minnesota that features both crop and livestock producers. In the Understanding Organic Agriculture series, this free, one-hour webinar is presented by USDA NRCS Science and Technology. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/transitioning-to-organic-production

Avoiding Disease in Dairy Calves

Tuesday, April 5 at 12:00 pm CDT. Location: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/dairexnetwebinar/. Presenter: Dr. Geof Smith, North Carolina State University

An Introduction to the Anaerobic Digestion System Enterprise Budget Calculator

April 6. Online. This event is part of the Anaerobic Digestion Systems Webinar Series presented by Washington State University researchers and their collaborators. Join Dr. Greg Astill, the creator of the Anaerobic Digester (AD) System Enterprise Budget Calculator, for a walk-through of the basic operations of the budget calculator and a demonstration of the results it produces. The Budget Calculator is intended for dairy owners, AD system industry experts, and AD researchers to be able to easily calculate the net present value of investment under a variety of technology and price scenarios for an AD system. http://csanr.wsu.edu/anaerobic-digestion-systems-webinar-series2016/

Overview of poultry related equipment

Wednesday, April 6 at 10:30 am CDT. Location: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/poultry

Irrigation Options for Market Gardens and Small Farms

April 6th. Lyndon Kelley, irrigation. https://purdue.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bmBrd3hIYREwlWB

Grazing Guides for Dairy Systems Webinar Series: Gaining Control of Parasite Issues in Grazing Systems

April 6. Online. In this free webinar, Dr. Robert Van Saun of Penn State University will provide an overview of the challenges internal parasites pose for grazing dairies as now the host and parasite are both in the same environment. He will discuss fundamentals to approaching a sustainable and appropriate parasite control program and detail practical recommendations for developing a farm-specific control program. http://extension.psu.edu/animals/dairy/events/grazing-guides-for-dairy-system-gaining-control-of-parasite-issues-in-grazing-systems

Evaluating Sprouted Grains on Grazing Dairy Farms

April 7. Online. Join eOrganic for a webinar focused on research that is evaluating fodder systems on grazing dairy farms. To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and challenges of sprouted grain systems on dairy farms in the Northeast, Dr. Kathy Soder is conducting a research and outreach project with funding from Northeast SARE. Dr. Soder has been collecting farm data (animal productivity, feed information, economic data) to develop science-based, objective recommendations that can be used by farmers, consultants and researchers in making educated decisions on a case-by-case basis on whether to implement a sprouted grain system on the farm. This free, one-hour webinar beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern will report project findings thus far. http://articles.extension.org/pages/73431/evaluating-sprouted-grains-on-grazing-dairy-farms-webinar-by-eorganic

What motivates Urban Farmers?

What motivates Urban Farmers? Can they feed their family, their community? These are all questions a recent study sought to answer. 

A study led by NYU Steinhardt and published in the British Food Journal shows that three of the four top reasons farmers grow in urban areas – food security, education, community building, and producing food for the market – have social motivations. The researchers analyzed data collected from a national survey of 370 urban farmers and identified and analyzed their social missions, as well as exploring differences and similarities among farms with varying missions. The researchers found that while food production is an essential part of the mission for all urban farms, approximately two-thirds of farmers surveyed also expressed a social mission. Study authors included Carolyn Dimitri or NYU Steinhardt, Lydia Oberholtzer of Penn State University, and Andy Pressman of the National Center for Appropriate Technology.

In addition, the survey found that farms with explicit social missions, relative to those with a strict market orientation, donate a higher share of food from their farm and are less likely to own farmland. Urban farms located in lower income areas are more likely to have social goals related to building community or improving security food security.

Read the results of the study here!

Nebraska is home to a growing Urban Agriculture movement.  Places like Omaha Home for Boys, Community CROPS, NSAS, Boys Town, City Sprouts, Big Garden and more are helping lead the charge.  As land, food and resources become even more scarce, it is increasingly important for people to learn to grow in whatever environment they are living in.  Who can urban farming feed?  They can feed people in these urban environments. They can feed their families. They can feed an idea of growing your own food.

Healthy Farms Conference Breakout Sessions VII

A.  Leveraging labels to market your product: An overview of the labeling landscape and an in depth look at AWA Certification  

How do you let consumers know that your farm really has the well-treated animals raised outdoors on pasture or range that they see on supermarket labels and want for their families? Today’s producers face a bewildering range of terms and claims used to promote and label food. Animal Welfare Approved audits and certifies family farms that utilize high-welfare methods of farming, outdoors on pasture or range. Certified farms use the AWA label as a way to add value and to assure customers of high-welfare farming practices. Hear from Alexandra Frantz, Central Region Farmer and Market Outreach Coordinator, about what the most commonly used labels mean (and don’t mean) and how certification and effective labeling can help your products stand out in the marketplace.

Alexandra Frantz; As the Central Region Farmer and Market Outreach Coordinator for AWA, Alexandra works to expand the market for Certified AWA products by promoting Certified AWA farmers and developing relationships with retailers, restaurants, farmers markets, and consumers. In addition to attending and speaking at events and conferences across the Midwest, Alexandra provides a broad range of marketing support—from traditional press releases to social media features—for Certified AWA farmers, and identifies and recruits pasture-based farmers interested in AWA Certification.

B. Training for Beginning Farmer in Nebraska; The Farm Beginnings Nebraska Story!

The Farm Beginnings® Program works to get more successful farmers on the land and organize for a system in which family farmers can flourish. Family farmers are a force for change. They are caring for the land, strengthening rural communities, running viable farm businesses, and producing food and fiber for their communities. Farm Beginnings provides a wide range of trainings, including Farm Dreams, Farm Beginnings and the Journeyperson Course. We are working to improve land access for family farmers through organizing to reform key policies. We facilitate a vibrant network of farmers who lead field days, skill shares, and lots of support to each other. We have developed a Farm Transition Toolkit and a clearinghouse that connects land owners and land seekers. The 2016 Farm Beginnings® Nebraska Classes are being held in  Weeping Water, NE at the Cass County Extension Office.

In this session we will discuss the Farm Beginnings Nebraska program and hear from several graduates

Gary Lesoing; has served as Nebraska's SARE State Coordinator since 2008. Lesoing has been involved in research and extension in sustainable agriculture since 1980. He conducted research in organic and diversified cropping systems at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Agriculture Research and Development Center. In 1998 Lesoing became a Regional Agronomy Specialist for the University of Missouri-Columbia in the West Central Region of Missouri and continued working in sustainable agriculture. In 2004 he moved back to his home state of Nebraska and became an Extension Educator in Nemaha County with a focus on crop production, sustainable agriculture and beginning farmer training. Lesoing holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology (1975) from Peru State College in Nebraska and a Master of Science Degree in Animal Science (1977) and a PhD. in Agronomy (1992) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Gary and his wife Evey have two adult daughters and two grandchildren. Gary is an NSAS member, and has served on the Board of Directors for NSAS.

C.  Introduction to High Density Planting of Tree Fruits 

The latest trend in fruit tree production is high density planting using dwarf trees with increased plant population. Planting 1000 trees or more per acre rather than 180 trees per acre as done in traditional planting schemes.  Learn about the pros and cons as well some of the different types of high density planting methods and how this might fit into your production and marketing plans.

Vaughn Hammond; is currently the Team Leader and Mentor at Union Orchard located near Nebraska City.  His career has focused around local foods and sustainable, alternative agriculture and the entrepreneurship related to small farming.  His education includes a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and a Masters of Science in Entomology.  His previous experience includes working for the University of Nebraska as a research technologist and Extension Educator and Agriculture Advisor in Afghanistan working with fruit, vegetable and honey producers in the Paktya Provence. Vaughn is a longtime NSAS member.

Click below for details and to register!

Celebrating the Fabric of Local Foods with Robert Egger!

Producers Choice Chef Award event to feature Robert Egger!

Tickets for the upcoming Producers Choice Chef Award are still available, and folks have about 2 days to secure there spot at thee one awesome celebration of local foods.  This year among the chefs, farmers & foods, we'll be featuring Robert Egger from L.A. Kitchen "Revealing the Power of Food." Folks will get to enjoy awesome foods and libations, as well as hear from Egger on food justice issues and his works in Los Angelas with the L.A. Kitchen. 







About Mr. Egger, @robertegger

Robert Egger pioneered the model of L.A. Kitchen during his 24-year tenure as the President of the DC Central Kitchen, the country’s first “community kitchen”, where food donated by hospitality businesses and farms is used to fuel a nationally recognized culinary job training program. DC Central Kitchen operates its own revenue generating business, Fresh Start Catering, as well as the Campus Kitchens Project, which coordinates programs in 33 university and high school cafeterias nationwide.

In addition, Robert is the Founder and President of CForward, an advocacy organization that rallies nonprofit employees to educate candidates about the economic role that nonprofits play in every community. Robert has received numerous awards for his leadership in the nonprofit sector, and his book, Begging for Change: The Dollars and Sense of Making Nonprofits Responsive, Efficient and Rewarding For All, received the 2005 McAdam Book Award for “Best Nonprofit Management Book” by the Alliance for Nonprofit Management.

We are excited to have Mr. Egger participate in the Producers Choice Chef Award and look forward to his presentation!



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Join us on November 1, 2015 as we celebrate the Fabric of Local Foods. Enjoy a five course meal prepared by local chefs made with ingredients from local producers. Our keynote speaker, Robert Egger, will share challenges and solutions to eliminate intergenerational hunger. Egger is Founder and President of L.A. Kitchen, which recovers fresh fruits and vegetables to fuel a culinary arts job training program.

Check us out online:

Facebook

Instagram 

Twitter

YouTube

Engage in a unique farm to table dining experience for one night only. Reserve your seat at the table! Sponsorships and tickets are available.

All proceeds will support programs of Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society and the food hub for No More Empty Pots.

For more information:

Call: 402.502.1642 and ask for Susan

Email: chefawards@gmail.com 

Weekly Events & Opportunities in Sustainable Farming & Foods!

NaturePalooza 2015

September 29.  3:00 pm–8:00 pm. UNL's East Campus,  Hardin Hall. See wildlife up close, test your outdoors skills with Campus Rec, browse the exhibits, cast for bass, call for turkeys, sing and dance with the String Beans, dare to venture down to the snake pit and bone yard, learn to make your yard a wildlife habitat, and sample Lincoln’s hottest food trend: food truck cuisine. Free prizes and gifts.http://snr.unl.edu/event/naturepalooza2015/index.asp

Nebraska Natural Legacy Conference

September 29th - 30th. Join us in celebrating a decade of the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project at Natural Legacy Conference 2015! Come learn what is new with mountain lions, river otters, owls, grassland birds, amphibians, pollinators, native oak tree regeneration, and more! The Natural Legacy Project invites natural resource professionals, conservationists, Natural Resource and Biological Science students, and land managers and owners to gather in central Nebraska to learn about important actions taking place in the state for wildlife habitat and at-risk species. http://shopoutdoornebraska.ne.gov/Events/?id=19&pid=239da35a7d5e4c53adcc3e97588f2087

Entomology Seminar on host-plant resistance and insects

September 29.  4:00 pm. UNL's East Campus Union. Contact, Jeri Cunningham, 402-472-8678, jcunningham1@unl.edu. “An overview of host-plant resistance and insects” will be presented by Dawn Sikora, graduate student in the Entomology Department.

Validation of Dried and Fermented Meats: Tools for Small Processors

Wednesday, September 30 at 12:00 pm CDT. Specialty fermented and dried meat products, from jerky to biltong, are growing in popularity, and an increasing number of small meat processors are making these products for their own sales or on a co-packing basis. HACCP regulations require these processors to use "validated" processes -- that is, processes scientifically proven to kill dangerous pathogens. That kind of scientific support can be hard to track down. On this webinar, we will learn about tools that small processors can use to assure their products are safe and in compliance with regulations. This webinar is an online version of a recent symposium by these speakers at the 2015 International Association for Food Protection Conference in Portland, Oregon. https://connect16.uc.att.com/usda/meet/?ExEventID=85277207

Reading & Weeding

September 30th. The garden is a great place for learning, especially for curious little ones! Play in the garden and join us for a book reading -- fun for the whole family! Free, ages 3+ and open to the public. This program is part of our Growing Gardeners Workshop Series, which is a collaboration between City Sprouts and the Big Garden. Our purpose is to offer four seasons of hands-on workshops that feature skills and techniques for every gardener and urban farmer: growing, cooking, preserving and eating healthy local food. All workshops are free or low-cost, all ages, and no one will be turned away for inability to pay. https://www.facebook.com/events/1527840204173707/

Agroforestry for Climate Change Adaptation

Online. 

Irrigation Water Management Plan - An Overview

Online. 

Ag Literacy Festival

 October 1.  10:00 am.  Agricultural Research & Development Center, near Mead.  UNL ARDC, 402-624-8000, ardc@unl.edu. Ag Awareness Coalition and Festivals. With continued urban growth, many youth do not have as much exposure to agriculture as in the past. Many communities are losing touch with Nebraska’s greatest resource - agriculture. The Agricultural Literacy Festival provides an opportunity for youth to take a close-up look at agriculture. The Ag Literacy Festival is sponsored by the Agricultural Awareness Coalition of Nebraska. The goal of the Agricultural Awareness Coalition is to help youth (predominantly urban) become aware of agriculture. The group develops resources and opportunities that will increase youth understanding and awareness about agriculture concepts.

Growing Strawberries for Home Gardeners Using Integrated Pest Management

Thursday, October 1 at 11:30 am CDT. Growing Strawberries for Homeowners Using IPM is a 90-minute webinar designed for Extension Master Gardeners and Extension Educators to learn more about integrated pest management, IPM, with home strawberry plantings. The webinar features Dr. Eric Hanson, Professor Michigan State University, on Selecting and Managing Strawberries followed by questions and answers; South Dakota State University Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist Dr. Rhoda Burrows, who will discuss Managing Strawberry Diseases using IPM followed by questions and answers; and Jeff Hahn, Extension Entomologist from the University of Minnesota, on Managing Strawberry Insects using IPM. Webinar host is Dr. Mary Meyer professor from the University of Minnesota. Participants are asked to preregister at the url above, and complete a PRE test or survey on their knowledge of IPM, here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V69DRNJ. For more information. https://umn.webex.com/umn/onstage/g.php?MTID=ede93e250042e1f43fa3540ed8ef93673

Agronomy & Horticulture Seminar - Marco Cristancho

"Keep Enjoying Your Morning Coffee: Research can maintain healthy beans in times of Climate Change." October 2. UNL's East Campus Union. 3:30 pm–4:30 pm. Marco Cristancho – Scientific Director, Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Parque los Yarumos, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia, will talk about how climate change has caused major reductions in coffee production due to increased incidence of insect pests and diseases, as well as abiotic stresses that are threatening sustainable coffee production around the world. Join us in person or online at https://connect.unl.edu/fridayseminarseries

Pasture Walk

Sunday October 4, 2015, from 3 PM to 5 PM.  Doug and Sheila Garrison invite you to a walk in our pasture.  Meet in pasture located one-quarter mile North of US HWY 34 and NW 140th Street, Lancaster County Nebraska (east side of road).  NW 140th Street is the Lancaster – Seward County line. Street Address: 7650 NW 140th Street, Malcolm, NE. Pasture Walk Topics: View pasture raised, 100% grass-fed beef herd, low stress nose ring weaning, eastern gamagrass planting, warm season CRP grass grazing, solar powered fence and water, automatic time controlled Batt-Latch gate release, native grass, forb, flower identification, pollinator, bird, wildlife observations, monitoring forages and soil carbon.Dress for walking in a tall grass prairie.  Bring your ideas and questions.  Let's learn together.  Share our successes and mistakes. If questionable weather on the day of the walk or further information: http://dsfamilyfarm.com/2015-pasture-walk/

Seminar Series - Department of Agricultural Economics

October 2.  3:00 pm–4:30 pm. UNL's East Campus, Filley Hall. Contact,  Jane Witte, 402-472-1913, janewitte@unl.edu. Presented by David Just, Cornell University. http://agecon.unl.edu/seminar

Opportunity!

NSAS Membership Month!

During the month of September NSAS will be celebrating membership month! Look for testimonials from board, staff and members throughout the month highlighting the vibrancy of the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society. To maintain the financial sustainability of our organization, I invite you to renew your memberships or if you aren't a member to join!!  In just a few easy clicks, you can show support for the sustainable agriculture movement right here in Nebraska!! 

Here are a few dates to keep in mind of upcoming activities NSAS has is store for you:

November 1st:  NSAS is partnering with No More Empty Pots this year to host the third Producers Choice Chef Award fundraising dinner.  This will again be in Omaha at Metro's Institute for Culinary Arts and this year's theme is collaboration.  We have five great chefs from the Omaha, Lincoln and Waverly area who will be putting on a great meal for us!

January 28-30:  NSAS will be celebrating 35 years!!  Plan to join us for our conference in Nebraska City at the Lied Lodge.  The "Back to the Roots" theme will be the backbone for great breakout sessions and as always the conference is a great way to catch up with your friends.

Opportunities

Solar Fencer for Sale

I have a Gallagher B100 fencer for sale.  Purchase 3.5 years ago, used 2 of the last 3.5 years. http://gallagherelectricfencing.com/collections/solar-powered-energizers/products/new-gallagher-b100-solar-powered-fence-charger-fencer-energizer-60acres-7miles.   

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.

Soybeans

I'm looking to buy conventional soybeans with out Herbicides pesticides spray. In need of 10 Bushel   Rich, richvernon7@yahoo.com, 402-443-6762

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, 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

Climate Change and Organic Agriculture

October 6. Online. Participate in this webinar in the Understanding Organic Agriculture series, presented by USDA NRCS Science and Technology, to learn about farming practices that can sequester carbon. Dr. Kris Nichols will discuss the Rodale Institute's white paper: Regenerative Organic Agriculture and Climate Change: A Down-to-Earth Solution to Global Warming. This paper discusses the positive impacts of organically managed soils on climate change. She will present data from farming systems and pasture trials around the world that show the carbon sequestration impact of organic management practices. The presentation will describe the farming practices that can be implemented to meet this objective. http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/climate-change-and-organic-agriculture

Raising guinea fowl

Tuesday, October 6 at 2:00 pm CDT. Guinea fowl are becoming popular for controlling ticks and other insects. If you are interested, or thinking about, raising guinea fowl, this is the webinar for you. Dr. Sam Nahashon from the University of Tennessee (http://www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/resumes/samuel_nahashon.aspx) will be discussing what is involved in raising guinea fowl.https://learn.extension.org/events/2034#.VXg8vkZ_CdA

Yields: More or Less

October 6. Online. This webinar is part of the monthly Revisiting Organic Agriculture series offered by the American Society of Agronomy. The speaker for this session is Kathleen Delate of Iowa State University. Online registration is available. https://www.agronomy.org/education/online-courses

Good Agricultural Practices Webinar Series

October 7 - October 28. Online. University of Illinois Extension presents this webinar series, held Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The webinar is designed to provide information to growers on how to keep produce safe from production to the market. Topics of this webinar will include the following: What is GAPs, Water quality and testing, Soil management, Record keeping, and Traceback. Each registered participant will be sent webinar instructions, handouts, and a GAPs manual prior to the first webinar and webinar instructions before each subsequent session. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?registrationid=12829

NOP Livestock Standards Webinar

October 8. Online. OEFFA will offer a 90-minute webinar introducing the National Organic Program's livestock standards. Gain a better understanding of the history and meaning of organic, the certification process, and the standards governing organic crop and livestock production. Come prepared to learn, having completed a brief, pre-course self-study assignment prior to the webinar. Be ready to engage in livestock discussion and examine real-world examples facing producers, veterinarians, and certifiers each day. The session is geared toward veterinarians, Extension educators, farmers, and other animal health professionals who work with certified organic livestock. There is no cost to attend the webinar, but pre-registration is required. http://www.oeffa.org/events.php