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Event Calendar the MOSES Organic Farming Conference (held annually in La Crosse, WI along with Organic University)
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The Organic University (OU) brings you an in-depth look at a variety of issues relevant to successful organic production, marketing and organic farm management. Small classes are designed to encourage discussion relevant to your particular situation. All courses included an organic breakfast, lunch, breaks and a resource book. You may only register for one OU course as each individual course runs a full day. The OU began in 2001 with six courses dealing with transitioning to organic, organic transplant production, soil management, organic market gardening, organic livestock production, and an introduction to organic farming. A total of 19 courses have been offered over the five year history of the OU. Read more about the OU and its HISTORY! 2010 OU COURSES (Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010 at the La Crosse Center)Read more about OU Courses below. Information on our 2011 Conference will be posted in the fall.
1.Building Biologically Active Soils FULL!
Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits for Certified Crop Advisors have been approved through the Certified Crop Advisor Program of the Am. Society of Agronomy. These credits are offered as an ongoing educational certification for registered crop advisors. In 2010 we are offering an impressive total of 96.75 credits in 3 days of programming. Categories include: Soil & Water Management: 17.75 credits, Crop Management: 35.25 credits, Integrated Pest Management: 23.75 credits, Professional Development: 15.5 credits, Nutrient Management: 4.5 credits. Download a CEU Course Guide for more details on specific credit assignments. 1. Building Biologically Active Soils FULL!From bacteria to earthworms, soil organisms process organic materials into the raw materials plants need to thrive. Join Midwestern Bio-Ag's Gary Zimmer and Western Illinois University Professor of Soil Science Joel Gruver to find the in-depth understanding and corresponding management strategies you need to enhance the health and fertility of your soils. Experienced growers looking to increase the fertility of marginal land, as well as those seeking to improve their best parcels, will find an abundance of valuable information in this course, while newer growers will gain a basic understanding of good soil management. 2. Horsepower 101: Using Draft Horses Effectively Do draft horses fascinate you, while you remain uncertain about their practical application for your operation? Join a knowledgeable, diverse panel for an exploration of how farmers on many different scales and in different agricultural settings use draft horses successfully. Dairyman and row crop farmer John Davis, market farmer Kate Stout of North Creek Community Farm, and moderator Dan Guenthner of Common Harvest Farm, will bring their unique perspectives to this enlightening session about using, living with, and caring for draft horses. The discussion will cover the use of horses in vegetable and row crop operations, with information on equipment and harnessing as well as horse selection and nutrition. 3. Quality Forages and Dairy Rations Nutrition forms the backbone of any dairy operation, and healthy soils drive the production of quality forages and grain crops. Join grazier Karl Dallefeld of Midwestern Bio-Ag along with New York NRCS Grazing Nutrition Specialist Karen Hoffman for an intensive look at dairy herd nutrition. This course will explore ration development in the context of a soil building crop rotation, and take a hard look at proper nutritional supplementation. The discussion of ration development and mineral supplementation will be considered in light of current economic realities and the need to keep cows healthy and productive. 4. The Interdependence of Plants and Soil Climb inside a plant for the fantastic journey from the biologically-active area around the roots right up through the leaves! Join University of Minnesota's Bud Markhart and University of Illinois' Michelle Wander for a lively exploration of the interplay between plants, water, air, soil microorganisms, and pests, as well as the physical functions of the plant as it absorbs nutrients from a dilute environment and balances water loss and carbon dioxide through its leaves and amazing stomata. This course is certain to provide a new perspective on what it means to be a plant, and the practical implications for the organic farmers who help bring those plants to fruition. 5. The ABCs of CSA Interested in starting or improving your own CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)? Join David and Barbara Perkins of Vermont Valley Community Farm and Laura Frerichs of Loon Organics as they discuss the nitty, gritty details of managing a CSA farm. With the different perspectives provided by one established operation and another farm that is experienced but still growing, these dynamic operators will explore their approaches to and experience with planning, record keeping, organization, labor management, member involvement, weekly deliveries, and much, much more. While they provide plenty of tips for both new and experienced CSA farms, David, Barbara, and Laura will share the successes and challenges they encountered as they developed their CSA's into viable, successful operations. 6. Intro to Organic Agriculture Specifically designed for agriculture education professionals, policy makers, lenders, and anyone wishing to understand the wide-ranging affects organic agriculture has on our region, this course will cover the basics of what you need to know to understand organic agriculture. Covering the basics of organic crop and livestock production, marketing, and certification; the history of organic agriculture in the United States; and the interface between government programs and organic farming, University of Minnesota's Organic Outreach Coordinator Jim Riddle, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture's Organic and Grazing Specialist Laura Paine, and the Gardens of Eagan's Linda Halley will present a dynamic day of information. 7. Market Your Own Meat Marketing your farm's meat directly to the customer can increase your bottom line, but it comes with its share of challenges and risks. In this full-day seminar, Jennifer Rupprecht of Lewiston, Minnesota, Rebecca Goodman of Wonewoc, Wisconsin, and Ryan Jepsen of Dorchester, Iowa, will discuss both direct and cooperative sales of meat products, and the secrets to creating a niche that fits both your production style and your marketing capabilities. Learn how to connect with a wide variety of customers, from families to restaurants and retail stores, while you build a loyal clientele for your meat products. These experienced farmers will share their experiences with production activities, marketing strategies, and slaughtering and packaging options. 8. Organic Poultry Production Growing healthy, organic birds for consumers while providing a viable living for the farmer challenges growers of all sizes. In this comprehensive seminar, two farm families will share the production systems they have in place for raising broiler chickens and turkeys in settings from pastured poultry to larger-scale permanent facilities housing thousands of birds. Vince Maro of Mondovi, Wisconsin, and Eric Miehlisch of Lanesboro, Minnesota, will discuss housing requirements, including cleanliness and the decision about whether to maintain birds year-round or seasonally; sources and raising of baby chicks; poultry health; and ration choices in this course on raising and marketing organic meat birds. 9. Understand Weeds to Control Them Weeds remain one of the most significant constraints in organic crop production systems. Successful organic weed management requires more than just better cultivation equipment. Multiple physical, biological, and cultural tactics woven together with an understanding of basic ecological processes provides the basis for more effective, lower cost strategies for weed suppression. Matt Liebman of Iowa State University and Chuck Mohler of Cornell University will provide practical examples from both agronomic and horticultural cropping systems to help you do a better job of weed control on your farm. 10. Transitioning to Organic Row Crops Farmers considering organic production, new to organic production, or just wanting to improve their production of row crops, small grains, and forages, will benefit from taking this course. Longtime organic farmer and University of Minnesota Organic Research Coordinator Carmen Fernholz will be joined by the University of Illinois' Dan Anderson for a full day of the critical planning, production, and marketing information you need to succeed at producing organic crops in a wide variety of rotations. Dan and Carmen will provide an in-depth look at soil building, seed selection, crop rotations, equipment, harvest options, fertility, weed control, pest management, and more in this comprehensive seminar. Return to TOP |
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