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MAY
DATCP Food Products Labeling 101 - Webinar
May 17, 2012
Food Products Labeling 101 is an opportunity to find out exactly what you need to have on your product labels. Arthur Ness, a food scientist at the WI Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, will cover the mandatory label elements, nutrition labeling, claims on labels, special labeling issues, and licensing requirements. Following a short presentation, there will be ample time for questions. Arthur has been with the Division of Food Safety for over 30 years and brings a wealth of knowledge on product labeling and licensing requirements in Wisconsin. Visit their website for more information.
Native Pollinators - Workshop
May 18, 2012 | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | East Troy, WI
This workshop will teach you about some of the species of native pollinator insects and help you understand how to provide habitat for them to encourage their beneficial activities. Visit their website for more information and to register.
Spring Orchard Tree and Pest Management - Workshop
May 19, 2012 | University of Minnesota Duluth | Duluth, MN
How many degree days have accumulated, how does that correlate to the seasonal phenology of your trees (i.e. bud swell, bud burst, fruit set, June drop, etc.) and what that many mean for fruit production. Plan for the coming season to monitor fruit development, insect pests and diseases in your fruit trees. You will learn how to start using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic management perspective to identify potential pests of the early season (i.e. leaf rollers, apple worms, etc.) and potential treatments. Contact Kelly Bray to register and with questions : brayx114@d.umn.edu
Building Relationships with Regional Grocers - Webinar
May 23, 2012 | webinar
Presented by Terry Romp - the buyer for Heinen’s Fine Foods, a local chain of 17 grocers in northeast Ohio. Romp has developed the local purchasing program at the store and has nurtured relationships with local and regional growers. Romp previously owned and operated the Danny Boy Farm Market in North Olmstead. A fourth generation produce marketer, Romp will discuss best practices for growers who want to sell to regional grocers, along with information about packaging requirements, billing, volume and delivery to help aid local growers who want to sell their products to grocery stores. Click here for more information and to register.
JUNE
Goat Milk Processing - Workshop
June 1, 2012 | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | East Troy, WI
Use fresh goat's milk in the kitchen to make a variety of goat milk products such as Chevre, Yogurt and Ricotta. Visit their website for more information and to register.
Fundamentals in Commercializing Food Products for Agricultural Producers
June 1, 2012 | Renaissance Farm, Inc | Spring Green, WI
This workshop is focused on touring an actual production facility and growing fields, and engaging in an active discussion on the practical processes for commercializing healthy food products. Learn about the elements of refining food products, production, distribution and managing a food business. This workshop will provide you with insights on whether commercial food production fits with your business and personal goals, and how to succeed as a commercial food entrepreneur in Wisconsin. Click here to download the event flyer.
Early Summer Orchard Tree and Pest Management - Workshop
June 2, 2012 | University of Minnesota Duluth | Duluth, MN
Learn how to assess the level of fruit set and initial vegetative growth on your trees and what that may mean for management. Will discuss fruit thinning, “June Drop”, water sprouting and other issue that arise at this stage in the season; and plan for monitor fruit development, insect pests and diseases in your fruit trees as we move into the summer season. You will learn more about using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic management perspective when dealing with potential pests or diseases and we will discuss specific organic sprays or treatments you can use to control specific pests in the summer months. Contact Kelly Bray to register and with questions : brayx114@d.umn.edu
Water Pumping with Solar and Wind - Workshop
June 3, 2012 | Custer, WI
In this one-day course, participants will learn the various types of solar and wind water-pumping systems. Participants will learn to determine the preferred application for each system. This course will also cover the technical side including: pump types, solar and wind electrical inputs, and energy storage. The course will describe how the variables of water volume and pumping height determine the capacity and energy demands for moving water. Contact the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) at 715-592-6595, or visit our website to register.
Permaculture Design Certification Course
June 7-14, 2012 | UW-River Falls | River Falls, WI
Learn how to use permaculture design to: Enhance small-scale farming and suburban/urban food production, Transform back yards, city lots, rooftops and community commons areas into bountiful (& beautiful) gardens, Enhance a farming business to be economically profitable, socially responsible and environmentally sound, Minimize work and reduce fossil fuel requirements for an energy-lean future. Participants who successfully complete the full design course are eligible to earn the internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC). Visit their website to learn more and to register.
Four Elements Herbal Farm - Open House & Tea Kickoff
June 9, 2012 | North Freedom, WI
Free guided tours at 12:30 and 2:30, featuring organic growing techniques, herbs and their uses, tea tastings and a hayride to the woods.Organic teas, herbal products and plants will be available for sale. Herbalist and farmer Jane Hawley Stevens will lead tours through field-grown herbs used in her herbal teas and healthcare products and through her famous Chakra Garden, which was featured in the April/May 2010 issue of Horticulture Magazine. David Stevens, farmer and UW Forester, will take visitors on a hay wagon through an organic prairie restoration and into the woods where to discuss native trees and shrubs. Visit their website for more information.
Solar Electric Production, High Tunnel and Solar Greenhouse Open House
June 11, 2012 | Sweet Earth Farm | Gays Mills, WI
With the help of a variety of grants, a solar electric array was installed that powers the various farm activities on this organic vegetable farm with small scale honey and egg production. Come learn about accessing these grants as well as the production of solar electricity that is tied with the electric grid. In addition, an energy efficient solar earth-bermed greenhouse and NRCS funded plastic high tunnel will be toured. (Organic Valley sponsored event) Click here to download the event flyer.
Breeding and Growing Organic Wheat for Bread Quality and Health
June 11, 2012 | Mead, NE
Educators, nutritionists, health professionals, farmers learn more about organic wheat. UNL organic research fields to learn how wheat is bred, how wheat works in an organic farm rotation, cover crops used with wheat and promising experimental lines for organic production. Lunch featuring local artisan breads - panel of local bakers discuss characteristics needed in flour for artisan bread. Presentation from Celiac Sprue Association about gluten-free diet, sources of gluten, and challenges for those living gluten-free and for grain growers trying to grow for this market. UNL will share research results on antioxidant study and wheat quality. For more information visit their website or email esarno2@unl.edu.
Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course
June 13, 2012 | Duluth, MN
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. Click here for more information and to register.
Renewable Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Social and the Energy Fair
June 17, 2012 | Custer, WI
Thinking about Renewable Energy on your farm? Here's your chance to get to know the industry professionals and renewable energy experts who can help you put your thoughts into action. So bring your ideas and ask your questions during the Renewable Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Social during MREA's 23rd Annual Energy Fair. Visit their website for more information.
 Organic Sheep Production - MOSES Event
June 19, 2012 | Pine Knob Farm | Soldiers Grove, WI
Raising organic sheep can be a challenge and Bonnie will be sharing what she has learned over the years to produce high quality organic lamb, wool and sheepskins on her farm. Jean Stramel, NRCS grazing specialist will lead a discussion on how to evaluate and improve pasture quality as we walk the pastures. Keeping the sheep healthy through all stages of life, along with parasite management will be covered. Visit our Summer Event page for detailed information and to register.
Farmhack Iowa
June 20, 2012 | Echollective Farm | Mechanicsville, IA
Focus for this event will be on-farm energy production, including electric tractor conversion and biodiesel production from waste oil. Participants will demonstrate innovative on-farm designs already in practice, and share and create new ideas for invention. Farm Hack was to encourage a new culture of agricultural design; one of creative, open-source adaptation and invention that fits the needs of the diverse farmers working our land. Farm Hack also has Internet forums where farmers can brainstorm, share and discuss designs and tools across the country. Visit their website for more information.
Small Scale Biodigesters
June 20, 2012 | Waunakee, WI
In this one-day course, participants will overview the process of anaerobic digestion and review how anaerobic biodigesters work, digester design options, biogas uses, as well as economic, installation, and operating considerations. The course outlines realistic energy and financial expectations for digesters and looks at case studies that detail the experiences of farms using small-scale digesters. Participants will also tour a local digester. Visit their website for more information and to register.
Permaculture Design Certification Course
June 24-July 1, 2012 | Crazy Rooster Farm | Mondovi, WI
In this hands-on course, you'll learn about sustainable food production, renewable energy, water harvesting, natural building, earthworks, animal husbandry and much more, all geared to give you the skills to practice Permaculture on any scale, from a city lot, to suburban yard to country homestead. Course graduates earn their Permaculture Design Certificate at the course's concusion. Visit their website for more information and to register.
Beginning Market Farming - Young Organic Steward Program - Workshop
June 30, 2012 | Radical Root Farm | Grayslake, IL
Perfect for beginners and intermediate growers. Topics include selecting a business structure; capital and farm financing; planning your year; soil building and equipment selection, plus aspects of production and marketing. The training will be part “classroom style” and part “farm tour.” Speakers will include Alex Needham and Alison Parker of Radical Root Farm, they are part of the incubator program at Prairie Crossing Learning Center. They have a CSA, sell at farmers markets and also direct market their vegetables. Visit our Summer Event page for detailed information and to register.
JULY
Scaling Up Your Vegetable Operation - MOSES Event
July 1, 2012 | Radical Root Farm | Grayslake, IL
As the demand for fresh organic produce continues to grow, there is great opportunity to increase your farm's production. Wholesale distributors, retail stores, restaurants, and even expanding your farmers market or CSA numbers are all excellent opportunities for market growers. Alex Needham and Alison Parker will lead a tour of their fields, reviewing their equipment and providing tips for larger-scale production. MOSES' Harriet Behar will give a short presentation on selling to wholesale accounts. Visit our Summer Event page for detailed information and to register.
Mid-Summer Orchard Tree and Pest Management - Workshop
July 7, 2012 | University of Minnesota Duluth | Duluth, MN
Apple Maggot season! Continuing to assess the fruit development and vegetative growth on our trees, practice “scouting” an orchard to identify specific pest and diseases and how to use the results fo your scouting to make management decisions (to spray or not to spray!). Explore the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic management perspective when dealing with potential pests or diseases and we will discuss specific organic sprays or treatments you can use to control specific pests. Contact Kelly Bray to register and with questions : brayx114@d.umn.edu
Solar Dehydration - Workshop
July 8, 2012 | Custer, WI
In this one-day course, participants will learn about energy conscious ways to dehydrate and preserve foods. Participants will also learn how to make and use different types of solar dehydrators. Click here for more information and to register.
Saving Labor on the Market Farm
July 15, 2012 | Rock Spring Farm | Decorah, IA
Market farming is all about moving stuff around, whether you're moving vegetables from the soil to the packing house, water from the well to your transplants, or seeds from their packet to the soil. Join Chris Blanchard of Rock Spring Farm for a tour of the systems he uses to make moving stuff easy. In parternship with Practical Farmers of Iowa. Visit our Summer Event page for detailed information and to register.
Renewable Energy Systems for the Farm - Workshop
July 16, 2012 | East Troy, WI
Michael Feilds Agricultrual Institute - This overview course will provide participants with a basic overview of solar and wind energy technologies and how they can be incorporated into a farm operation, to supply some or all the electrical or heating needs. Students will learn what it is, how it works, what it can do, components, system types, basic site assessment and basic sizing. Lunch is included in the workshop fee. Visit their website for more information and to register.
Organic Dairy Farm Tour
July 19, 2012 | Flavor Ridge Farm | Altura, MN
Laverne, Arlene, Ross & Tiffany Nelson provide a unique opportunity to see a successful multi-generational organic dairy farm in detail. Learn how the Nelsons have expanded their operation to allow the next generation to join their operation and how they have successfully expanded their infrastructure, cropland and pastures to accommodate this growth. In partnership with CROPP Cooperative. Visit our Summer Event page for detailed information and to register.
Organic Livestock Production for Beginners - Young Organic Steward Program - MOSES Event
July 21, 2012 | Castle Rock Farm & Creamery | Osseo, WI
Join Will Winter, DVM and Wayne, Karla and Jake Kostka of Castle Rock Organic Farms for a day-long intensive training designed for beginning farmers. Learn what it takes to produce high quality organic livestock and livestock products. Poultry, hogs, sheep, cattle and goat production will all be covered in detail. The training will consist of a morning/early afternoon classroom session, followed by a lunch featuring local and organic foods, and then a tour of the farm and processing facilities. Visit our Summer Event page for detailed information and to register.
Organic Crop Production
July 25, 2012 | Wilson Organic Farms | Cuba City, WI
Join Will Winter, DVM and Wayne, Karla and Jake Kostka of Castle Rock Organic Farms for a day-long intensive training designed for beginning farmers. Learn what it takes to produce high quality organic livestock and livestock products. Poultry, hogs, sheep, cattle and goat production will all be covered in detail. The training will consist of a morning/early afternoon classroom session, followed by a lunch featuring local and organic foods, and then a tour of the farm and processing facilities. In partership with CROPP Cooperative. Visit our Summer Event page for detailed information and to register.
AUGUST
Improving Dairy Profitability through Better Grazing
August 4, 2012 | Jeremy & Jodi Peake Organic Dairy Farm | Waukon, IA
The Peakes will talk about their grass-based organic dairy farm and how they are seeking to improve profitability through reducing their reliance on purchased inputs such as hay and grain. They hope to achieve this mainly by improving grass and hay quality on their farm. In partership with Practical Farmers of Iowa. Visit our Summer Event page for detailed information and to register.
Late-Summer Harvest, Orchard Tree & Pest Management - Workshop
August 4, 2012 | University of Minnesota Duluth | Duluth, MN
Early season varieties may be starting to mature. We will compare and contrast the development of different fruit varieties and their susceptibility to different insect pests and diseases. We will practice “scouting” an orchard to identify specific pest and diseases and how to use the results to plan for fall harvest and management. Explore the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic management perspective when dealing with potential pests or diseases. Contact Kelly Bray to register and with questions : brayx114@d.umn.edu
In Her Boots: Sustainable Agriculture for Women, By Women - MOSES Event
August 11, 2012 | Hilltop Community Farm | La Valle, WI
Hosted by Erin Schneider of Hilltop Community Farm along with Laura Mortimore of Orange Cat Community Farm and Donna Neuwirth of the Wormfarm Institute, this workshop focuses on beginning an orchard, selling value-added under the Pickle Bill, small-scale CSA start-up, farming as a single woman, starting a non-profit, and farmstays. We'll also have a farm tour and lunch (sponsored by Organic Valley Family of Farms). The first 15 registrants receive a free copy of the book Renewing the Countryside-Wisconsin. Visit our Summer Event page for detailed information and to register.
Organic On-Farm Plant Breeding and Seed Saving - Workshop
August 12-13, 2012 | Verona, WI
Learn the fundamental skills to maintain, develop, and adapt seed varieties for your organic farm conditions at this workshop hosted by University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Organic Seed Alliance. The workshop is presented as part of the Northern Organic Vegetable Improvement Collaborative (NOVIC), a farmer-researcher participatory network working to breed and test varieties in the northern tier for organic farms. Organic plant breeding specialist Dr. John Navazio and Professor Bill Tracy will discuss such topics as: the biology of seed, seed production basics, choosing appropriate seed crops for your system and climate, maintaining the genetic integrity of varieties with appropriate population sizes and isolation distances, conducting variety trials, and basic on-farm breeding techniques such as mass selection and progeny testing.
Organic 'Blue Fruits' Production
- MOSES Event
August 16, 2012 | Blue Fruit Farm | Winona, MN
Spend an afternoon with Jim Riddle & Joyce Ford learning about the organic growing requirements of highly nutritious perennial fruits, including soil fertility, planting distances, weed, insect, and bird control. See solar-powered rain water collection and irrigation system. Jim and Joyce are knowledgeable organic producers and will share how they planned and implemented this new multi-acre venture on their farm. We'll also tour their native prairie plantings. Visit our Summer Event page for detailed information and to register.
In Her Boots: Sustainable Agriculture for Women, By Women
- MOSES Event
August 17, 2012 | The Bridge - Between Retreat Center | Denmark, WI
Hosted by the women running The Bridge-Between Retreat Center, this event covers retreat and workshop operations, non-profits, outbuilding retrofits and green design, developing a farm vision, growing in hoop houses, and agritourism. We'll also have a farm tour and lunch (sponsored by Organic Valley Family of Farms). The first 15 registrants receive a free copy of the book Renewing the Countryside-Wisconsin. Visit our Summer Event page for detailed information and to register.
Better Farming Through Better Soils Field Day
August 21, 2012 | Lone Rock, WI
Midwestern BioAg annual biological farming Field Day - Four tracks offered: Soils, Row Crops, Dairy/Livestock, Vegetable/Specialty Crops; Also soil pit, test plots, booths, product information, and more. Visit their website for more information.
SEPTEMBER
Fall Harvest, Orchard Tree & Pest Management - Workshop
September 8, 2012 | University of Minnesota Duluth | Duluth, MN
As fall season varieties are starting to mature, we will discuss methods for harvesting your crop using safe handling practices to minimize fruit damage and preparations for crop storage as needed. We will compare and contrast the flavors, textures and colors of different fruit varieties and their susceptibility to different insect pests and diseases. We will practice “scouting” an orchard to identify fall pest and diseases issues and how to use the results to plan for fall harvest and management. Explore the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic management perspective when dealing with potential pests or diseases. Now is the time to think about “orchard floor management” before you put your orchard to bed for the season. Contact Kelly Bray to register and with questions : brayx114@d.umn.edu
In Her Boots: Sustainable Agriculture for Women, By Women
- MOSES Event
September 9, 2012 | Grassroots Farm | Monroe, WI
Hosts Lindsey Morris Carpenter & Gail Carpenter of Grassroots Farm welcome Andy Hazzard of Hazzard Free Farm and Kriss Marion of Circle M Farm to share their experiences with small-scale CSA, diversified produce, farming as a single woman, starting a farm business post-retirement, diversifying through teaching workshops, and adding value through farmstays/B&Bs. We'll also have a farm tour and lunch (sponsored by Organic Valley Family of Farms). The first 15 registrants receive a free copy of the book Renewing the Countryside-Wisconsin.Visit our Summer Event page for detailed information and to register.
Biodiesel Production on the Farm - Workshop
September 16, 2012 | Mid-State Technical College | Wisconsin Rapids, WI
This course provides hands-on training for making fuel from locally produced resources for use in diesel engines, fuel oil burners, and generators. The course will include demonstrations of oilseed cleaning and pressing and biodiesel production methods using two different processors. Topics include SVO and conversion kits, economics of on-farm fuel production, regulatory considerations, safety, fuel quality, and usage.
Participants will make their own small batch of biodiesel and perform basic quality tests. Click here for more information and to register.
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