Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Kansas Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course

Kansas Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course

Thursday September 2, 2010

The 2008 Farm Bill makes pollinators and their habitat a conservation priority for every USDA land manager and conservationist. This training session provides an overview of pollinator-specific language within the Farm Bill, and how to translate that language into on-the-ground conservation.

This day-long Short Course will equip conservationists, land managers, farm educators, and agricultural professionals with the latest science-based approaches to increasing crop security and reversing the trend of pollinator decline, especially in heavily managed agricultural landscapes.

Introductory topics include the basic principles of pollinator biology, the economics of insect pollination, recognizing native bee species, and assessment of pollinator habitat.

Advance modules will cover farm management practices for pollinator protection, the development of pollinator habitat enhancements, incorporating pollinator conservation into NRCS programs, selection of plants for pollinator enhancement sites, management of natural and urban landscapes, and the additional funding sources and technical support available to land managers.

Throughout the workshop these training modules are illustrated by real case studies of pollinator conservation efforts across the country.

The first 30 registrants will receive the Xerces Society’s Pollinator Conservation Toolkit that includes published farm and habitat management guidelines, fact sheets and nest construction plans, relevant Extension and NRCS publications. Additional Toolkits will be available for purchase ($20.00).

Location: USDA NRCS Manhattan Plant Materials Center, 3800 S 20th St., Manhattan, KS 66502-9535.

Cost: Free (lunch not included).

For Non-NRCS Registrations: Please send an email to shortcourses@xerces.org and be sure to include the following information: your name, affiliation, mailing address, phone number.

For NRCS Registrations: Please contact Janelle L. Heiser at 785-823-4577 or janelle.heiser@ks.usda.gov

COURSE TRAINING SKILLS AND OBJECTIVES
  • Awareness of various federal programs and funding available for pollinator conservation
  • Identify approaches to increase and enhance pollinator diversity on the land
  • Knowledge of the current best management practices that minimize land-use impacts on pollinators
  • Ability to identify bees and distinguish them from other insects
  • Understand the economics of insect-pollinated crops, and the effects of pollinator decline
  • Knowledge of the 2008 Farm Bill pollinator conservation provisions and how to implement those provisions in programs such as WHIP, EQIP, and CSP
  • Ability to assess pollinator habitat and to identify habitat deficiencies
  • Ability to make recommendations to farmers and land managers that conserve pollinators (including subjects such as tillage, pesticide use, irrigation, burning, grazing, and cover cropping)
  • Ability to design and implement habitat improvements, such as native plant restoration and nest site enhancements
COURSE AGENDA
Module 1. Introduction
  • Pollination economics and the role of native bees in commercial crop production
  • Pollination biology
  • Colony Collapse Disorder and honey bee industry trends
Module 2. Basic bee biology
  • Bee identification
  • Identifying pollinator nest sites
Module 3. Bee-friendly farming
  • The role of farm habitat
  • Mitigating pesticide damage
  • Protecting ground-nesting bees in cultivated fields
Module 4. Open Laboratory
  • Field observation and land-use discussion (outdoors)
  • Examination of pinned specimens, artificial nests, and display materials
Module 5. Habitat restoration
  • Habitat design considerations
  • Plant selection and seed sources
  • Planting techniques for native wildflowers
  • Long-term habitat management
  • Artificial nest sites
Module 6. 2008 Farm Bill provisions
  • Using NRCS programs and practices for pollinator conservation
  • Conservation case studies
Module 7. Additional resources

Acknowledgements

These Pollinator Conservation Short Courses are supported by the supported by the Michigan Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Since 1988, SARE has helped advance farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities through a nationwide research and education grants program. The SARE program is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Illinois High School Worm Project Becomes Family Business

Source: ACES News: Karen Moore, 815 268-4051; ksmoore@illinois.edu

Pay close attention to your child's high school assignments. They may become a family business one day. That's how Lynn Wilken got into the worm business.

His son A.J. needed a project for Future Farmers of America. "Worms were a hobby for me," said Wilken. "About four years ago, A.J. took it over as an FFA project. He worked at building it up, and took it to the FFA contests." Today, producing vermicompost is a part of the Wilken's diversified farming operation.

The University of Illinois is hosting this year's first sustainable agriculture tour to Wilken Worm Farm in Ashkum on Thursday, May 27.

The Wilkens currently raise African night crawlers — 250 per bucket. "We keep them in a temperature-controlled building," he said. "We feed them and allow them to eat through the bedding in two weeks time. Then we harvest them using screens with different sized holes to separate the worms, the castings, and the worm eggs."

The castings, which are actually worm manure, get bagged and sold as microbial-rich fertilizer. The eggs are placed into an incubator to hatch, then into buckets with new bedding, and the process begins again.

Wilken has been selling the castings to wholesalers so the profit margin is small. "We are working on ways to build the business by selling to landscapers, golf courses, retail outlets, and direct sales to individuals. We're also hoping to expand the worm production itself. We plan on raising meal worms to sell to pet shops and for use in bird seed. We're also looking into raising red worms to sell to bait shops," he said.

Vermiculture is only a small portion of the Wilken's current farming operation. "My brother and I run a soybean seed processing plant under the name MWS Seeds," he said. "We raise about 30 varieties of soybeans on our own farm and contract with other farms for additional acres."

Birdseed also provides income for Wilken. "We bring in semi truck loads of sunflower seed, millet, safflower, and various other grains to mix with corn from our own farm to produce several birdseed mixes that attract different birds like finches, cardinals, and other songbirds," he said.

Karen Moore, U of I Extension Director of the Ford-Iroquois Unit commends Wilken for his unique combination of vermiculture, birdseed sales, and the family seed operation because it demonstrates compatibility through seasonal building usage.

"As we move into 21st century agriculture, it is important to think outside the box and move forward with new ideas that will assure profitability in the ag industry as well as provide for the needs of consumers in our state, nation, and internationally. This family business is an excellent example of how a seemingly small FFA project has grown into a viable entity in the community," she said.

The schedule for the remaining 2010 sustainable agriculture tours is as follows:

June 18, Feeding Universities Sustainably

Farmer Brown's Production Company and Mulberry Hill Farm, Jackson County

http://farmerbrownsproductioncompany.com

July 27, Illinois Berries

J & J Berry Farm, Jersey County

August 13, Romance Tour — Flowers and Wine

Bright Flower Nursery and Famous Fossil Vineyard & Winery

Jo Daviess County and Stephenson County

http://www.brightflowernursery.com

September 15, Agritourism — Farm Fresh Fun

Country Corner, Henry County http://www.country-corner.com

A fee of $20 per person will be charged for each tour, which includes lunch. Two adults pay $30 when registered together and children under the age of 10 attend free.

Registration at least one week in advance is required.

Visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/smallfarm/ag_tours.cfm to register and for more details about each of the tours including a map and agenda. To register by phone, contact Donna Cray at 217-241-4644. For more information, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant (217-968-5512; cvnghgrn@illinois.edu).

University of Illinois Extension is a statewide educational network that links the resources and research of the University of Illinois to the people of Illinois. The programs and workshops, which take place throughout the state, address issues involving youth, families, community development, agriculture, and natural resources. If reasonable accommodations are needed in order to participate in any of the programs, call 217-241-4644.

The tours are sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Professional Development Program, the Agriculture Tourism Partners of Illinois (ATPI), and the Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP) at the University of Illinois.

Michigan Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course Offered

Source: Xerces Society

Michigan Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course

Thursday June 24, 2010

The 2008 Farm Bill makes pollinators and their habitat a conservation priority for every USDA land manager and conservationist. This training session provides an overview of pollinator-specific language within the Farm Bill, and how to translate that language into on-the-ground conservation.

This day-long Short Course will equip conservationists, land managers, farm educators, and agricultural professionals with the latest science-based approaches to increasing crop security and reversing the trend of pollinator decline, especially in heavily managed agricultural landscapes.

Introductory topics include the basic principles of pollinator biology, the economics of insect pollination, recognizing native bee species, and assessment of pollinator habitat.

Advance modules will cover farm management practices for pollinator protection, the development of pollinator habitat enhancements, incorporating pollinator conservation into NRCS programs, selection of plants for pollinator enhancement sites, management of natural and urban landscapes, and the additional funding sources and technical support available to land managers.

Throughout the workshop these training modules are illustrated by real case studies of pollinator conservation efforts across the country.

The first 30 registrants will receive the Xerces Society’s Pollinator Conservation Toolkit that includes published farm and habitat management guidelines, fact sheets and nest construction plans, relevant Extension and NRCS publications. Additional Toolkits will be available for purchase ($20.00).

Location: USDA NRCS Rose Lake Plant Materials Center, 7472 Stoll Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823-9420

Cost: Free (lunch not included).

For Non-NRCS Registrations: Please send an email to shortcourses@xerces.org and be sure to include the following information: your name, affiliation, mailing address, phone number.

For NRCS Registrations: Please contact Betsy Dierberger at 517-324-5265 or betsy.dierberger@mi.usda.gov

COURSE TRAINING SKILLS AND OBJECTIVES
  • Awareness of various federal programs and funding available for pollinator conservation
  • Identify approaches to increase and enhance pollinator diversity on the land
  • Knowledge of the current best management practices that minimize land-use impacts on pollinators
  • Ability to identify bees and distinguish them from other insects
  • Understand the economics of insect-pollinated crops, and the effects of pollinator decline
  • Knowledge of the 2008 Farm Bill pollinator conservation provisions and how to implement those provisions in programs such as WHIP, EQIP, and CSP
  • Ability to assess pollinator habitat and to identify habitat deficiencies
  • Ability to make recommendations to farmers and land managers that conserve pollinators (including subjects such as tillage, pesticide use, irrigation, burning, grazing, and cover cropping)
  • Ability to design and implement habitat improvements, such as native plant restoration and nest site enhancements
COURSE AGENDA
Module 1. Introduction
  • Pollination economics and the role of native bees in commercial crop production
  • Pollination biology
  • Colony Collapse Disorder and honey bee industry trends
Module 2. Basic bee biology
  • Bee identification
  • Identifying pollinator nest sites
Module 3. Bee-friendly farming
  • The role of farm habitat
  • Mitigating pesticide damage
  • Protecting ground-nesting bees in cultivated fields
Module 4. Open Laboratory
  • Field observation and land-use discussion (outdoors)
  • Examination of pinned specimens, artificial nests, and display materials
Module 5. Habitat restoration
  • Habitat design considerations
  • Plant selection and seed sources
  • Planting techniques for native wildflowers
  • Long-term habitat management
  • Artificial nest sites
Module 6. 2008 Farm Bill provisions
  • Using NRCS programs and practices for pollinator conservation
  • Conservation case studies
Module 7. Additional resources

Acknowledgements

These Pollinator Conservation Short Courses are supported by the supported by the Michigan Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Since 1988, SARE has helped advance farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities through a nationwide research and education grants program. The SARE program is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), U.S. Department of Agriculture.

2010-2012 Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Courses Offered

Source: Xerces Society

The 2008 Farm Bill makes pollinators and their habitat a conservation priority for every USDA land manager and conservationist. This training session provides an overview of pollinator-specific language within the Farm Bill, and how to translate that language into on-the-ground conservation.

Each day-long Short Course will equip conservationists, land managers, farm educators, and agricultural professionals with the latest science-based approaches to increasing crop security and reversing the trend of pollinator decline, especially in heavily managed agricultural landscapes.

Introductory topics include the basic principles of pollinator biology, the economics of insect pollination, recognizing native bee species, and assessment of pollinator habitat.

Advance modules will cover farm management practices for pollinator protection, the development of pollinator habitat enhancements, incorporating pollinator conservation into NRCS programs, selection of plants for pollinator enhancement sites, management of natural and urban landscapes, and the additional funding sources and technical support available to land managers.

Throughout the workshop these training modules are illustrated by real case studies of pollinator conservation efforts across the country.

The first 30 registrants will receive the Xerces Society’s Pollinator Conservation Toolkit that includes published farm and habitat management guidelines, fact sheets and nest construction plans, relevant Extension and NRCS publications. Additional Toolkits will be available for purchase ($20.00).

Location: California, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, South Dakota, Nebraska, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Alaska, Hawaii, and West Virginia (Exact Dates and Locations to be Announced)

Cost: Free for the first 30 registrants at each event ($20 thereafter).

Registration: To register please send an email to shortcourses@xerces.org and be sure to include the following information: your name, affiliation, mailing address, phone number, and the state(s) for which you would like to receive Short Course schedule announcements. As Courses are scheduled in your area, we will contact you with additional registration information.

COURSE TRAINING SKILLS AND OBJECTIVES

  • Awareness of various federal programs and funding available for pollinator conservation
  • Identify approaches to increase and enhance pollinator diversity on the land
  • Knowledge of the current best management practices that minimize land-use impacts on pollinators
  • Ability to identify bees and distinguish them from other insects
  • Understand the economics of insect-pollinated crops, and the effects of pollinator decline
  • Knowledge of the 2008 Farm Bill pollinator conservation provisions and how to implement those provisions in programs such as WHIP, EQIP, and CSP
  • Ability to assess pollinator habitat and to identify habitat deficiencies
  • Ability to make recommendations to farmers and land managers that conserve pollinators (including subjects such as tillage, pesticide use, irrigation, burning, grazing, and cover cropping)
  • Ability to design and implement habitat improvements, such as native plant restoration and nest site enhancements

COURSE AGENDA
Module 1. Introduction
  • Pollination economics and the role of native bees in commercial crop production
  • Pollination biology
  • Colony Collapse Disorder and honey bee industry trends
Module 2. Basic bee biology
  • Bee identification
  • Identifying pollinator nest sites
Module 3. Bee-friendly farming
  • The role of farm habitat
  • Mitigating pesticide damage
  • Protecting ground-nesting bees in cultivated fields
Module 4. Open Laboratory
  • Field observation and land-use discussion (outdoors)
  • Examination of pinned specimens, artificial nests, and display materials
Module 5. Habitat restoration
  • Habitat design considerations
  • Plant selection and seed sources
  • Planting techniques for native wildflowers
  • Long-term habitat management
  • Artificial nest sites
Module 6. 2008 Farm Bill provisions
  • Using NRCS programs and practices for pollinator conservation
  • Conservation case studies

Module 7. Additional resources

Acknowledgements

These Pollinator Conservation Short Courses are supported by the supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Since 1988, SARE has helped advance farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities through a nationwide research and education grants program. The SARE program is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), U.S. Department of Agriculture. More information about SARE is available at www.sare.org.

Monday, March 29, 2010

North Dakota Cover Crop Program Seeks Area Producers

Source: Beth Wischmeyer, The Dickinson Press

Area soil conservation officials are looking for participants for a new cover crop incentive program, which would provide $750 a year in exchange for feedback and information about how the cover crops worked on their land.

The 2010-2012 Cover Crop Demonstration Plot North Central Region-Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Incentive will provide funding for 20 acres of land per producer for up to three years, said Shawn Krance, project manager for the Southwest North Dakota Soil Health Demonstration Project.

Producers must follow incentive guidelines, which include a cover crop “cocktail” consisting of a minimum of three species, with at least 10 percent of each species in the mixture, unless more than 10 species are used.

Cover crop cocktail mixes can include peas, lentils, mustard, sweetclover, safflowers and chickpeas, among others.

The project is funded through grants and sponsorship and is not federally funded, Krance said.

“As part of an outreach idea, we are allowed to pay producers incentives for planting cover crops mixtures,” Krance said during an informational meeting held Wednesday at the Eagle’s Club in Dickinson.

A cover crop is any annual, biennial, or perennial plant grown to improve any number of conditions associated with sustainable agriculture. Cover crops can be used to improve soil fertility and quality, water management, infiltration rates, diversity, soil organic matter, grazing forage, wildlife habitat and better control of weeds, pests, diseases and erosion, according to Western and Central Stark and Dunn counties soil conservation districts information.

“There has been some research done that says as you increase soil microbial activity you increase those biological services in the soil,” Krance said.

Producers in Stark, Billings and Dunn counties are eligible to sign up for the program.

Wayne Fisher, a Dickinson-area farmer, said he is considering signing up for the program. He’s used cover crops for a few years under a different program, which included radishes, cowpeas, millet and soybeans.

“I hope to add some organic matter to the soil and maybe not have to use as much fertilizer,” Fisher said.

The use of cover crops is gaining in popularity, Krance said.

“Hopefully producers will see the benefits of planting cover crops in their management system,” Krance said.

Applications for the program will be taken through April 16 and ranked. Eligible applications received after April 16 will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Krance said anyone who’s interested or who would like more information on program specifications can contact the Western Soil Conservation District at 701-225-3811 ext. 3 or the Dunn County Soil Conservation District at 701-764-5646 ext. 3.

------------

The Southwest ND Soil Health Demonstration is NCR-SARE Research and Education project LNC09-312

Season Extension Day at the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center

Source: Organic Ecology

Are you interested in learning about low-input methods of growing produce earlier in the spring and later in the fall? Season Extension Day at the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center (SWROC) near Lamberton will highlight a number of topics relating to earlier and later vegetable and fruit production techniques.

Topics and speakers include:
• A review of the SWROC high tunnel’s first season with Kelley Belina and LaMoine Nickel, SWROC staff.
• Managing fertility in high tunnels with Carl Rosen, Professor and Extension Soil Scientist from the University of Minnesota.
• Information on growing raspberries in high tunnels with Steve Poppe, Horticulture Scientist from the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, MN.
• Construction of, and production in, a passive solar winter greenhouse, with Chuck Waibel and Carol Ford, owners of a winter community supported agriculture (CSA) business in Milan, MN.
• Information on a new project using a movable greenhouse and quick hoops to extend vegetable production in Mountain Lake, MN.

There will be a tour of the SWROC’s high tunnel. In addition, Robin Martinek, State Agronomist from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), will explain the new Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) high tunnel cost share program, which will have made its 2009 funding decisions by this time.

Season Extension Day will take place on Thursday, May 6. Registration is at 8:45am, and the program begins at 9:00am. Cost is $15.00 and includes refreshments, lunch, and handouts. Registration forms are available on line at http://swroc.cfans.umn.edu or by calling 507-752-7372. Due to space considerations, pre-registration and payment are necessary before Wednesday, April 28.

Season Extension Day is sponsored by the U of M Southwest Research and Outreach Center (SWROC), University of Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA), the Minnesota North Central Region-Sustainable Agriculture and Education Program (NCR-SARE), the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), and the St. Peter Food Co-op and Deli. For more information call 507-752-7372.

Monday, March 22, 2010

NCR-SARE Announces 2010 Call for Professional Development Program Preproposals

The 2010 North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program’s (NCR-SARE) Professional Development Call for Preproposals is now available online at http://sare.org/ncrsare/PDP/pdp.htm

The PDP provides funds for professional development projects that provide sustainable agriculture training to agricultural professionals and educators in the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), other governmental agencies, and educators in the profit and non-profit sector serving the food and fiber system.

Projects can be two to three years in duration, and funding level is capped at $75,000 for each project, but projects requesting less than full amount are encouraged. Approximately $360,000 will be available for funding projects.

Any questions regarding the North Central SARE PDP program should be addressed to Linda Kleinschmit (LindaKL@ksu.edu, 402-254-3310).

The deadline for preproposals is 4:30 pm CDT on Friday, May 21, 2010.

McIntosh, MN “Farm to Cafeteria” Workshop: Bringing Local Foods to Community Cafeterias

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

MCINTOSH, Minn. (3/12/2010) — University of Minnesota Extension will coordinate a “Farm to Cafeteria” workshop on bringing local foods to community cafeterias March 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the McIntosh Community Center, 240 Cleveland Ave. SW, McIntosh.

Community cafeterias are those found in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, colleges or similar institutional settings. Producers, food service staff, parents, teachers and other community members interested in supporting the local foods movement in their region are encouraged to participate.

A morning session will feature a panel of producers, food service staff and educators with hands-on experience selling local foods to institutions and others involved in local foods. Panelists will share their expertise on rules and regulations, how to get started and overcome barriers, and how to identify resources. Two sessions are offered in the afternoon. The farmer track will help producers develop a food safety plan for farm products intended for marketing to institutions. The school track will help participants create a “Farm to School” plan for the 2010-11 academic year, including strategies for menu planning and procurement.

The workshop is open to the public and a $10 registration fee covers the cost of a locally-produced lunch. To register online, visit www.regionalpartnerships.umn.edu and click on “Farm to Cafeteria,” or contact Extension educator Jim Stordahl at stordahl@umn.edu. The workshop is a collaborative effort among the University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, University of Minnesota Extension, the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota, the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, the Northwest and North Country Statewide Health Improvement Program, the Headwaters Food Sovereignty Council, and the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

Sponsored, in-part, by NCR-SARE.

For more information on the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, visit www.regionalpartnerships.umn.edu. For more information on Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Illinois On-farm Research Mini-Grants Available

Source: The Rock River Times

URBANA, Ill.—University of Illinois Extension is looking for organic and sustainable farmers with weed problems to participate in on-farm research.

“In 2009, 15 Illinois farmers participated in the project,” said Dan Anderson, University of Illinois Extension Specialist. “We visited their farms, helped them identify weed-management issues, and developed some strategies to help solve the problem.”

This year, Anderson hopes to have a total of 20 participants in the program.

Anderson said that across the Midwest, organic and sustainable farmers report that managing perennial weeds without chemicals is one of their most difficult challenges.

“We hope to help organic and sustainable ag farmers improve their skills and practices in managing perennial weeds using integrated management approaches,” Anderson said.

To participate in the program, farmers must be currently farming in Illinois or in neighboring states within close proximity of the Illinois border.

“We are looking for sustainable and organic farmers interested in learning methods to cope effectively with perennial weeds in their grain or vegetable systems,” Anderson said. “We’ll be looking at an applicant’s farming system, farm location, and how open they are to innovative approaches to managing perennial weeds.”

All applicants will receive a packet of material on a number of ideas for integrated management approaches to controlling perennial weeds in crop and vegetable farming systems. These might include cover crops, tillage, soil balance, flaming, scouting/early removal (by hand or tillage), rotations, mowing/fallow or hay rotation, livestock/rotation, sprays (organic), biological control (release of beneficial, predatory insects or organisms), and optimizing competition from growing crop.

Participating farmers will be chosen from the applicant pool. Those chosen will be contacted by the on-farm research coordinator to develop and finalize plans for their on-farm project.

Anderson stressed these on-farm research projects are a win-win situation. “The participants will each receive $500 per year of participation, but more important, they will benefit from getting the latest research-based info on managing perennial weeds without chemicals and one-on-one assistance in developing a viable on-farm research project.”

To apply, visit http://asap.sustainability.uiuc.edu/org-ag/, scroll down and click on “2010 Mini Grants! Apply NOW,” or contact Dan Anderson at (217) 621-7974; aslan@illinois.edu.

The mini-grant program is supported by funding from the North Central Region—Sustainable Agriculture Research Education Program.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

NCR-SARE in Your State

What are SARE grantees in your state doing? In Ohio, researchers at Ohio State University, OSU’s Organic Food and Farming Education and Research program, Iowa State, and University of Wisconsin are starting to provide state farmers with critical information about which corn hybrids are best suited to organic production – and how best to control weeds and build soil fertility.

Learn more about SARE grants in your state here:
http://sare.org/highlights/state_summaries.shtml

For detailed information on SARE projects, go to www.sare.org

Web Series: Energy Conservation in Greenhouses and Alternative Fuels for Heating

Do you have questions about energy conservation and alternative fuels for heating greenhouses? Find answers in this series of free webinars developed for agricultural educators. All presentation materials and references will be made available to registered participants for developing their own programs.

This Professional Development Series was funded by an NCR-SARE Professional Development grant.

Greenhouse Energy Conservation
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 – 3:30 to 4:45 CST
Presenter: Scott Sanford – Sr. Outreach Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Topics will include type of structure, glazing materials, types of heat loss, infiltration losses, heating systems, heat distribution, thermal curtains, space efficiency, summer ventilation, supplemental lighting and a brief look at passive solar greenhouse design. The hour will be packed with information and resources.

Thermal/Shade Curtains for Greenhouses
Thursday, April 1, 2010 - 3:30 to 4:45 CST
Presenter: Scott Sanford – Sr. Outreach Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Topics will include the advantages and uses of a curtain system, types of configurations, installation issues, basic components, types of curtain materials, installation, curtain opening devices, controls, curtain management, approximate energy savings and installed costs. We also look at an alternative technology that uses foam between poly films to reduce heat losses. There are several greenhouse energy estimation tools available for estimating the energy use and potential energy savings from different energy conserving technologies and management practices which will be reviewed.

Energy-Efficiency in Greenhouse Crop Production
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 - 3:30 to 4:45 CST
Presenter: Erik Runkle – Associate Professor, Michigan State University
Topics will include the use of supplemental lighting on plugs and transplants to accelerate cropping and improve plant quality, controlling photoperiod for flowering of finished plants, and energy-efficient temperature strategies during the finish stage.

Alternative Fuels for Heating Greenhouses
Thursday, April 8, 2010 - 3:30 to 4:45 CST
Presenter: Scott Sanford – Sr. Outreach Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison
This presentation will look at different potential fuel sources (biomass & used oils), types of furnaces and boilers including outdoor wood-fired hydronic heaters, pellet or grain fired boilers/furnaces, stand alone stoves and a case study of two greenhouses. The presentation will include information on energy grants to help pay cost share the capital costs of energy saving equipment or heating equipment to burn a renewable fuel.

About the Presenters:
Scott Sanford: M. Engr. Senior Outreach Specialist, Rural Energy Program, Biological Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Mr. Sanford works on energy conservation and renewable energy issues for agriculture and rural businesses. His work with the UW Rural Energy program involves developing tools for energy auditors, publications, providing programs for workshops and doing applied research. He is also leading the development of web-based energy assessment tools for various agricultural enterprises. Focus areas include dairy farms, irrigation, greenhouses, grain drying, crop storage, lighting and maple syrup production. More information at www.bse.dreamhosters.com/directories/staff-directory/scott-sanford/

Erik Runkle, Ph.D.: Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University
Dr. Runkle’s research group focuses on the environmental physiology of ornamental herbaceous plants, with an emphasis on commercial floriculture crops. In particular, his group is investigating how light (quantity, quality, and duration) and temperature (including vernalization) influence growth and development of annual bedding plants, herbaceous perennials, and potted flowering plants. Three underlying objectives of this research are: 1) to introduce “new” floriculture crops to the greenhouse industry to replace or supplement the production of other, less profitable crops; 2) to improve the production efficiency of crops currently grown; and 3) to minimize production inputs – with an emphasis on greenhouse energy – to reduce production costs. More information at www.hrt.msu.edu/erik-runkle.

Registration:
This webinar series is targeted to any Agricultural Educator – Extension agent, High School Vo-Ag or college. The webinar is free. Please use the following link to register http://www.uwex.edu/ics/wlwreg/wlw_dept_list.cfm?class=B&cat=IOL

If you have problems registering or the dates aren’t convenient but you’d like to participate in a future workshop on Greenhouse Energy Conservation and Alternative fuels, please email Scott Sanford, sasanford@wisc.edu. Please include the words “SARE Greenhouse webinar” in the subject line.

To read more on the NCR-SARE Professional Development project associated with this series, visit the SARE online reporting site at: http://www.sare.org/MySare/ProjectReport.aspx?do=viewProj&pn=ENC07-098

Monday, March 8, 2010

University of Nebraska Extension Entrepreneurship AgriMarketing Professional Development Opportunity

The AgriMarketing Professional Development opportunity created by the University of Nebraska Extension Entrepreneurship Work Group will increase your entrepreneurial marketing knowledge, skills and confidence while working with agricultural producers and help improve ability to work with clientele to develop:
  • sustainable ag-business feasibility plans
  • understand general marketing concepts
  • develop online direct marketing strategies.
The 2 year program includes three face-to-face market focused trainings and a series of follow-up webinars:
  • Building Feasibility – June 24 & 25, 2010
  • AgriMarketing Concepts – February 15 & 16, 2011
  • Online Direct Marketing – November 9 & 10, 2011
The promotional flyer includes more detailed information on the program highlights, workshops, and expected long-term outcomes. Registration and scholarship information can be found at http://go.unl.edu/marketingforag

Application deadlines: Scholarship - April 16; Registration - June 3.

Space is limited so sign up now.

The UNL Extension Entrepreneurship work group is excited to bring this opportunity to our state. We hope that you will help us by encouraging your staff to participate by forwarding this information within your organization. Our hope is to get a great cross-section of providers that represent all regions of the state.

This professional development opportunity is funded through a SARE grant.

Contact:
Connie Hancock
University of NE Extension
Extension Educator
920 Jackson St.
Sidney, NE 69162

308-254-4455 - phone
308-254-6055 - fax
chancock1@unl.edu

Organics 201: Seminar Will Help Farmers Go Organic

Source: Ohio's Country Journal
Posted on March 4th, 2010

Consumer demand for healthy, organic food continues to rise. More Ohio farmers are considering organic production to add value to their products and to take advantage of the premium prices shoppers are willing to pay for certified organic food. Making the transition to organic farming and completing the paperwork required for certification can present challenges.

To help farmers meet this growing demand, the O.S.U. Organic Food and Farming Education and Research (OFFER) Program and the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) have organized this "Organics 201” seminar. "Organics 201” is a one-day training seminar, which will guide farmers through the process of completing an Organic Farm Plan, which they must complete annually to receive and maintain organic certification.

"To receive organic certification, farmers have to follow rigorous production standards and submit a detailed application to an accredited certification organization,” said Mike Anderson, OEFFA’s Organic Educator. "This seminar is designed to demystify the certification process and to help farmers complete an Organic Farm Plan, the primary record keeping requirement for organic crop producers.”

"Organics 201: Developing an Organic Farm Plan” will be held at Bromfield Administration Building, at the Ohio Department of Agriculture, on March 24, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Bromfield Administration Building is located at 8995 E. Main St., in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Registration for Organics 201 is $35, $30 for members of OEFFA.

All participants will be served lunch and will receive a copy of the "Organic Whole Farm Planning Workbook” by Margaret Frericks Huelsman.

The seminar will feature Dr. Deb Stinner, the director of OSU’s OFFER Program. Deb has studied organic crop production practices at the Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center in Wooster, Ohio, for nearly two decades. Specialists from OEFFA’s Organic Certification office will guide participants through the development and completion of individualized organic farm plans. By the end of this seminar, participants will have a nearly complete plan that will enable them to apply for organic certification in 2010.

"Organics 201” is presented by two of Ohio’s most recognized authorities on organic farming—OFFER and OEFFA—and is presented with funding provided by NCR-SARE.

The OFFER Program at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) was developed to provide outstanding research and educational support for sustainable production, processing, and marketing of organic foods from the field to the table for farmers, gardeners, processors, retailers, and consumers.

The Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA) was formed in 1979 by farmers, gardeners, and conscientious eaters who committed to work together to create and promote a sustainable and healthful food and farming system.

For more information, please contact Mike Anderson, mike@oeffa.org (614) 421-2022 ext. 204.

Back Yard Fruit Growers Webinar Announced

Source: Herald Times

The Purdue School for Back Yard Fruit Growers will take growers through “Adventures in Backyard Fruit Production” in a series that offers opportunities to learn about modern fruit production practices.

The school will take place from 9:30-11:30 a.m. EST on March 4, 11, 18 and 25 and April 1, with a sixth session to be announced. The program will be held at 25 sites around the state using Webinar broadcasts. Participants have the option to access sessions from home via a high-speed Internet connection.

Each day will feature a two-hour session that covers a topic important to fruit growers. The agenda includes:

• March 4 - Session 1: Assessing personal goals and learning how and where to begin fruit production.

• March 11 - Session 2: Growing tree fruit such as apples, pears and peaches.

• March 18 - Session 3: Growing small fruit such as grapes, strawberries, red and black raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

• March 25 - Session 4: Harvest, storage, preservation and use of fruit.

• April 1 - Session 5: Overview of crop protection using pest management and discussion of organic fruit production.

• Session 6, on a date to be announced, will be a hands-on workshop in pruning and training fruit led by local Extension educators.

Purdue presenters include associate professor Peter Hirst and professor Bruce Bordelon, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture; Linda Souchon, educator, Purdue Extension Johnson County; Rick Foster, professor and Extension coordinator for pest management, Department of Entomology; and Janna Beckerman, assistant professor, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology. Participants also will hear advice from successful fruit growers. Richard Hayden, professor emeritus, will introduce the series with a historical perspective on fruit culture and provide background on the basics of successful fruit culture.

Registration is $50 per person for all sessions or $15 per person for an individual session. The fee includes all handouts and resource materials. The school is sponsored by Purdue Extension and NCR-SARE.

For more information regarding program content, available viewing sites or how to register, contact your county Extension office at 812-349-2575, afthompson@purdue.edu . A full brochure is available at http://www.extension.purdue.edu/Hancock/BYfruitBrochure10.pdf

Friday, March 5, 2010

MN Conference to Explore 'Relocalizing Our Foodshed'

North Source: Dakota Ag Connection - 03/04/2010

A workshop on foodshed assessment, methods and models, will take place at the University of Minnesota's Coffman Memorial Union (Minneapolis East Bank campus) on March 15 and 16. These two days will be an opportunity for University and Community researchers to focus on emerging methods being used to study regional food systems and food system planning, and to consider how to address challenges involved in these methods, particularly around the relationship between research and implementation.

On Monday, the group will be joined by Christian Peters (Tufts - Nutrition Science and Policy) and Gail Feenstra (University of California Davis Food Systems Analyst - SARE), who will provide focusing keynotes for our discussions. Tuesday will be spent in small working groups to address issues of research development, interdisciplinary collaboration and funding opportunities.

This symposium was funded by the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development and is a joint effort between North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota (where over 100 faculty and are currently involved in research, outreach, teaching and campus-based activities associated with the development of regional food systems).

If you are currently involved in food systems research, or would like to be involved with research efforts in the future, please consider attending this conference.

To register, please follow the "Click here to register" link under "Relocalizing our Foodshed" on the U of M's Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships website: www.regionalpartnerships.umn.edu. Registration fee is $75.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Begin Farming Ohio Website Launched to Assist Beginning Farmers

Source: Begin Farming Ohio
Contact: Sharon D. Sachs, Spokesperson

For the first time Ohio’s new and beginning farmers have an entire website dedicated to their unique information needs and designed to make it easier for them to find the services and resources they seek. The website URL is www.beginfarmingohio.org

The website represents the collaborative efforts of the Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy; Ohio Department of Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture; Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA); the Organic Food and Farming Education & Research Program of the OSU Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center; and the Ohio State University Extension. These entities, working together as Begin Farming Ohio, aim to build Ohio’s capacity to provide, expand, enhance, and sustain services to beginning farmers.

The new website was developed with an affiliated partner, Innovative Farmers of Ohio (IFO). IFO allocated grant funds awarded by the national outreach office of the SARE program to enhance the website development process. IFO provided case studies and resource referral information first published in 2008, one output of Wisdom in the Land, a mentor-based pilot program for beginning farmers in central Ohio that IFO operated from 2006-2008.

The website will also provide listings of events of special interest to Ohio’s beginning farmers, and facilitate searches for educational and funding resources to assist beginning farmers with challenges related to production, marketing, and business management.

“In order to help sustain the future of agriculture, it is important to support beginning farmers,” said Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs. “The department is excited to be part of this collaborative effort, which will assist these farmers with less than 10 years experience.”

The USDA 2007 Census of Agriculture reports that 21% of U.S. family farms were beginning farms, and in contrast to established farms, beginning farms were more likely to be small farms.

About Begin Farming Ohio

Begin Farming Ohio was formed in 2008 as a collaboration of higher education, state government, and the non-profit sector to better serve Ohio’s beginning farmers. Each of the five founder organizations provides education, training, and other services to farmers and has an employee pool of professionals who are experts in both sustainable agriculture production and farm business management. Additional affiliated partners provide resources that complement the services of the collaborators. See www.beginfarmingohio.org for a complete list of collaborators and affiliates.