ORGANIC
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news and information about organic agriculture
to agricultural education professionals.
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Winter 2007
Welcome
to the MOSES Organic Update. This periodic newsletter offers timely
news, announcements and information about the dynamic world of
organic agriculture to education and agricultural service personnel
in the Upper Midwest. Subscribers will receive a short e-mail
announcement, providing a direct hot-link to each issue of the
web-based newsletter. Contact us with any comments or questions
at harriet@mosesorganic.org.
In this issue:
The 18th Annual Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference
Updated Organic Fact Sheets on the MOSES website
Report: Certified Organic Farmland Found in Every State
Organic Center Releases Report on Soil Quality in Organic Agriculture
The OMRI Organic Seed Database
New Organic Market Farm Documentation Forms Posted by ATTRA
Iowa Communities Receive Funding for Regional Food Projects
Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference Call for Posters Extended
USDA appoints new members to the National Organic Standards Board
Targeted Grazing: A Natural Approach to Vegetation Management and Landscape Enhancement
University of Arkansas Extension Introduces Organic Production Resource Manual
Iowa Organic Association Holds Inaugural Meeting
Minnesota Sustainable Agriculture Loans
Call for WI ADD grant proposals
ARS sow study shows beneficial bacteria boosts intestinal health, nutrient uptake
No-Till Plus Project first cropping season wraps up
Events
About MOSES
The 18th Annual Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference
The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) announces the 18th annual Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference to be held at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, February 22-24, 2007. An extraordinary, farmer-centered event, this conference is an annual gathering of over 2,200 participants from the Upper Midwest and beyond. Over 60 workshops will feature topics including: Season Extension for Forages, Other Small Grains, Business Planning for Beginning Farmers, Making the Most of Your Organic Dairy Grazing Operation, Organic Pork Production, Making and Using Compost, Using Cover Crops and Weed Biology. Pre-registration costs $165 and includes Thursday evening, and all day Friday and Saturday as well as organic breakfasts, lunches and snacks. http://www.mosesorganic.org/umofc/intro07.htm
Updated Organic Fact Sheets on the MOSES website
MOSES offers materials on organic certification, production and marketing in easy-to-understand formats. These resources simplify the requirements of the National Organic Program and bring together other resources to help farmers and others understand the complexities of organic certification and other issues relevant to organic production. The majority of these fact sheets have been produced by MOSES and funded by the USDA Risk Management Agency. These are offered as resources that may be copied as needed. If you use the information contained below, please credit MOSES and USDA-RMA as appropriate. http://www.mosesorganic.org/factsheets/index.htm
Organic Crops and Introduction to Organic Livestock Training for Agriculture Education Professionals - Cresco, IA
This January 11, 2007 seminar consists of a morning classroom discussion on organic row crops and forage production, including organic certification requirements, as well as an overview of organic dairy, beef and hogs. We will visit an organic processing facility in the afternoon. Please pre-register via email or fax no later than January 8th, 2007 to: Harriet Behar, MOSES organic outreach coordinator harriet@mosesorganic.org 608-872-2164, 608-872-2165 FAX. Flyer
Report: Certified Organic Farmland Found in Every State
As of 2005, all 50 states had certified organic farmland, according to a recent report issued by USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS). According to the report, U.S. organic farmland consisted of 2.3 million acres of cropland and 1.7 million acres of rangeland and pasture-to organic production systems. ERS collected data from USDA-accredited State and private certification groups to calculate certified organic farmland acreage and livestock in the United States. The data is presented in 13 tables showing the change in U.S. organic acreage and livestock numbers from 1992 to 2005. Data for 1997 and 2000-2005 are presented by state and commodity. Data for 2000-2005 include the number of certified operations, by state. http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/Organic/
Organic Center Releases Report on Soil Quality in Organic Agriculture
The Organic Center released a report in October 2006 proposing a new method to quickly and cost-effectively track changes in soil quality brought about by the transition to organic farming. Alan Franzluebbers, Ph.D, and Richard Haney Ph.D, two leading soil scientists working for the Agricultural Research Service, the research arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, wrote the Organic Center’s Critical Issue Report, Assessing Soil Quality in Organic Agriculture. http://www.organic-center.org/science.environment.php
The OMRI Organic Seed Database
OMRI provides the Organic Seed Database as a trusted service for growers and certifiers. OMRI provides independent verification of organic certification of organic seed. Each supplier provides us with certification information which OMRI verifies before that item is shown. We also allow the supplier to update the availability of seed varieties, allowing you to check the availability from many suppliers at once. http://seeds.omri.org
New Organic Market Farm Documentation Forms Posted by ATTRA
In order to become certified organic, producers must demonstrate to an accredited certification agency that their operations comply with National Organic Program regulations. The 23 forms in this package, developed in 2006 by NCAT’s George Kuepper and Holly Born, with assistance from the UMN’s Jim Riddle, are provided as tools that market gardeners and produce farmers can use for documenting practices, inputs, and activities that demonstrate compliance with organic regulations. Maintaining good records can also assist in other aspects of the operation, such as improving management and increasing profitability. View the organic market farm forms. Website
Iowa Communities Receive Funding for Regional Food Projects
Nearly $50,000 has been awarded to three Iowa communities to support efforts to provide new markets and more effective networks for selling sustainably raised Iowa foods. The Regional Food Systems Working Group, coordinated by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, awarded grants and additional technical support to Iowa organizations working in the northeast, southwest and southeast areas of the state. The grants include: • $20,000 to the Northeast Iowa Food and Farm Coalition working in Allamakee, Clayton, Howard, Fayette and Winneshiek counties; • $20,000 to the Cultivators in Cass and surrounding counties of Adair, Adams, Audubon, Montgomery, Pottawattamie and Shelby in southwest Iowa; and • $7,300 to the Southeast Iowa Local Food Network in Jefferson, Davis and Van Buren counties. Website
Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference Call for Posters Extended
The call for posters to be presented at the 2007 Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference has been extended until January 12, 2007. The conference is set for February 22-24, 2007 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Anyone interested in submitting a poster presentation on organic production, development, and marketing research topics relevant to the Upper Midwest can contact Holly Born at NCAT. Successful applicants will be notified by January 26th, 2007. hollyb@ncat.org
USDA appoints new members to the National Organic Standards Board
Four new members of the National Organic Standards Board were appointed in early December. They include Tracy Miedema, Stahlbush Farms/Small Planet Foods from Oregon. Tina Ellor, Phillips Mushrooms from Pennsylvania, Steve DeMuri of Campbell’s Soup from California and Katrina Heinze of General Mills from Minnesota. More Info
Targeted Grazing: A Natural Approach to Vegetation Management and Landscape Enhancement,
A handbook on grazing as a new ecological service
A new handbook that focuses on using sheep and goats to manage vegetation and enhance landscapes was recently completed in a collaborative effort by researchers, educators, and producers from across the United States. Targeted Grazing: A Natural Approach to Vegetation Management and Landscape Enhancement is available online in its entirety.
The handbook covers topics such as using targeted grazing to control invasive species of weeds and using sheep and goats to create fire breaks. It also includes grazing prescriptions that can be used to target specific plant species and examples of how sheep and goats are being used to manage vegetation. http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/rx-grazing/Handbook.htm
University of Arkansas Extension Introduces Organic Production Resource Manual
The University of Arkansas Extension Service announces the release and publication of its first Organic Production Resource Manual. The document was constructed to assist extension workers, ag-professionals, consultants and growers in Arkansas and the region with fundamental questions and resources for organic production. The document's development and contents were based upon research on the information needs of various clientele groups, and compiled as part of a graduate student thesis. The 110-page Resource Manual is available online in PDF (598K) and will be available in hardbound/notebook copies in the future.
Iowa Organic Association Holds Inaugural Meeting
A new association dedicated to enhancing the growth organic farming and food production in Iowa was launched at the sixth annual Iowa Organic Conference, held in November. According to AgriNews coverage, the Iowa Organic Association is seeking to advance organic opportunities by fostering education, research, promotion and market development and policy. http://webstar.postbulletin.com/agrinews/75765049066014.bsp http://www.iowaorganic.org/
Minnesota Sustainable Agriculture Loans
The state of Minnesota has a standing allocation of $1 million dollars in a "revolving fund" to facilitate the adoption of alternative management practices that will enhance farm profitability, benefit the rural environment, and provide a more sustainable farming system. The loans may be for capital purchases, which include: rotational grazing systems, on-farm energy production, composting equipment, solar-powered equipment, hoop buildings, reduced or no herbicide weed control, and more. The maximum loan per farm family is $25,000 and fixed interest is at 3 percent over a term not to exceed seven years. Questions about the program can be directed to Mary Hanks, mary.hanks@state.mn.us at 651-201-6277, or write to Sustainable Agriculture Loan Program, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 625 Robert Street North, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-2538. Proposals are due February 15, 2007. http://www.mda.state.mn.us/esap/esaploan.htm
Call for WI ADD grant proposals
Individuals, associations, agribusinesses and industry groups are invited to submit proposals to the 2007 Agricultural Development and Diversification grant program. DATCP will award $380,000 total this year; the maximum grant amount is $50,000. Proposals must be received in the Division of Agricultural Development by March 15 at 5:00 p.m. "We are looking for projects that will add value to Wisconsin agriculture and invest in the state's future," said Nilsestuen. "These highly competitive grants return millions of dollars to the state in increased profits, new markets, and new technologies." 2006 grant projects ranged from developing ways to expand and develop markets for locally-grown food to research to improve potato processing characteristics and increase potato profitability. The 2007 RFP, guidelines, template, evaluation sheet, tips and past projects are available online at www.datcp.state.wi.us, search 'ADD grants' or call Mike Bandli at 608-224-5136 for more information.
ARS sow study shows beneficial bacteria boosts intestinal health, nutrient uptake
A probiotic supplement stimulated the immune system and improve nutrient absorption in two separate animal studies recently conducted by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists. Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when added to foods or dietary supplements in sufficient numbers, can benefit the consumer in one or more ways.Healthy animals and humans benefit every day from trillions of natural intestinal bacteria. These friendly bacteria help keep "bad" bacteria from gaining a foothold that could lead to illness or disease. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2006/061117.htm
No-Till Plus Project first cropping season wraps up
Farmer and researcher collaborators take stock of what worked and what didn’t and prepare for improvement in 2007. http://www.newfarm.org/depts/notill/features/2006/1206/update.shtml
Upcoming Events
January 7-9 - Wisconsin Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Conference Oconomowoc, WI
This is a 3-day educational conference put on by the University of Wisconsin Extension in cooperation with the Wisconsin Fresh Market Vegetable Growers, Wisconsin Berry Growers, Wisconsin Apple Growers, and Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Associations. It is open to the public and provides topics of interest concerning apples, berries, fresh vegetable growing and marketing, and agriculturally-related tourism. There is also a Trade Show which features associated businesses. Wisconsin Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Conference
January 9 - Farm Beginnings - Hutchinson, MN
Farm Beginnings provides 34 hours of training and hands-on learning opportunities in the form of classroom sessions, farm tours and mentorships. It is a year-long training and support effort. Farmers and other agricultural professionals are the primary presenters, mentors and steering committee members.
Class Dates: Tuesday, January 9 – 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Tuesday, January 23 – 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Tuesday, February 6 – 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Wednesday, February 20 – 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Tuesday, March 6 (SNOW DATE)
http://www.landstewardshipproject.org/fb/register.html
January 11 - Organic Crops and Introduction to Organic Livestock Training for Agriculture Education Professionals - Cresco, IA
Register on-site between 8:15-8:45 AM. The seminar consists of a morning classroom discussion on organic row crops and forage production, including organic certification requirements, as well as an overview of organic dairy, beef and hogs. We will visit an organic processing facility in the afternoon.The presentation starts promptly at 9 AM Prairie Edge Nature Center-2 miles south of Cresco, 11562 Valley Ave Cresco IA 52136 563-547-3634 Sponsored by MOSES (Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service) and with funding from a North Central SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) Professional Development Program grant. No cost for this training other than for the organic lunch, paid at the morning registration before the training. Please pre-register via email or fax.
Please RSVP to pre-register no later than January 8th, 2007 to: Harriet Behar, MOSES organic outreach coordinator harriet@mosesorganic.org 608-872-2164, 608-872-2165 FAX. Please provide your name, agency, physical address, phone number and email address when you RSVP as well as referring to this Cresco Organic Training in the subject line of your email. Flyer
January 11-13 - Illinois Specialty Crop Conference - Springfield, IL
Crowne Plaza Hotel and Convention Center
This year’s keynote address on “Food Farmacy: How Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs Affect Health,” was delivered in unique style – including a guitar and short song – by Dr. James Duke, a retired USDA plant physiologist who has written widely on the medicinal value of herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Dr. Duke kept the audience more than interested with facts and stories about the reasons why the foods we grow provide the benefits that they do.
For more information or for a 2007 conference brochure, Contact: Illinois Specialty Growers Association 1701 N. Towanda Ave. Bloomington, IL 61701 Phone 309/557-2107 FAX 309/557-3729 handley@ilfb.org Website
January 11-12 - The Future of Farm-Gate Prices in the Organic Livestock Industry - De Moines, IA
(A dialogue sponsored by OFARM, Inc. for organic producers and producer groups) Baymont Inn & Suites-Des Moines Airport Des Moines, IA. Start-3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007 Concluding by 12 noon-Friday, Jan. 12, 2007. The Organic Farmers’ Agency for Relationship Marketing, Inc. (OFARM) invites organic livestock producers, producer groups and others who work with organic livestock producers to dialogue about the future of organic livestock marketing and the industry. With names like Wal-Mart, ConAgra, Tyson and Cargill entering organics, OFARM is encouraging a dialogue among farmers about how to deal with challenges facing producers and the industry. OFARM is currently experiencing success with 8 farmer associations/cooperatives with members in 22 states and Canada in networking and collaborating on organic grain marketing. A study by Iowa State University’s Aldo Leopold Center by Dr. Richard Levin’s University of Minnesota Extension Economist (retired) concludes, “OFARM is negotiating higher prices than farmers are able to get when acting alone.”
Website OFARM Contact information: For further information contact Oren Holle, OFARM President at 785-337-2442 or John Bobbe OFARM Executive Director at 920-825-1369.
January 12-13 - Practical Farmers of Iowa Annual Conference - Des Moines, IA
"Paths to Prosperity" is the theme for this conference. Numerous workshop sessions will address grazing, high-tunnel greenhouses, eating locally, and transitioning to organics. Practical Farmers of Iowa Annual Conference
January 12-14 - Growing Your Community Food System “From the Ground Up” - Milwaukee, WI
Friday, Saturday and Sunday *Friday’s are special training days for the New Commercial Urban Agriculture Training Program participants and for the Multicultural Alliance Building through Dismantling Racism training days. “Growing Your Community Food System” is an intensive, hands on, training workshop offering diverse groups the opportunity to learn, plan, develop, operate, and sustain community food projects.
Workshops Topics: Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture/Aquaponics, Bee Keeping, Community Project Design, Ethnic Marketing, Living Biological Worm Systems An Innovative Approach to Sustainable Production, Vermiculture, Composting, Year-round Greenhouse Production. Other workshops may include: Record keeping/accounting, Mushroom growing, farm animal care, soap making, and cheese making.
Workshops are held at Growing Power’s Community Food Center: Growing Power Community Food Center 5500 West Silver Spring Drive Milwaukee, WI 53218 Tel: (414) 527-1546 Fax: (414) 527-1908 Email: loretta@growingpower.org Website
January 13 - “Tilling the Soil: Entrepreneurial Training for Agricultural Business Owners” - East Troy, WI
Tilling the Soil is a complete business plan development course that will set you on the path to successful business ownership. This course brings experts in law, accounting, banking, insurance, management and marketing to you in a classroom setting. Classes will be held at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in East Troy, Wisconsin over the course of 5 Saturdays: January 13th, February 3rd and 10th, and March 3rd and 10th. Classes will meet from 9a.m. – 4 p.m. Each morning and afternoon session features an instructional period, an expert speaker and time for discussion and application of new knowledge. Michael Fields is partnering with Agricultural Innovation Center and the Small Business Development Center; for more information visit: www.uww.edu/sbdc or email: ask-sbdc@uww.edu. Tilling the Soil is just one of the courses offered by Michael Fields Agricultural Institute as part of our 2007 Garden and Farm Workshop Series so stay tuned to our website for more workshop updates! www.michaelfieldsaginst.org
January 19-20 - The Minnesota Organic Conference and Trade Show - St. Cloud, WI
Highlights include: Diana Endicott Kansas organic farmer and coordinator of Good-Natured Family Farms, a successful co-op of meat and vegetable producers. Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens New York organic grain producers and operators of Lakeview Organic Grain feed mill. Plus, dozens of practical workshops! Trade Show, reception and organic meals are included. Website
January 19-21 - Wisconsin School for Beginning Market Growers - Madison, WI
Held on the UW-Madison campus. Registration for the three day-long program costs $250.The Wisconsin School for Beginning Market Growers is sponsored by the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems.
For more information contact John Hendrickson at (608) 265-3704 or jhendric@wisc.edu, or visit the CIAS web site: www.cias.wisc.edu/marketgrower.php. Press Release
January 24-27 - 27th annual Eco-Farm Conference - Pacific Grove, CA
Asilomar Conference Grounds, Eco-Farm features prominent keynote speakers and more than 50 workshops on the latest advances in agricultural production, marketing, research, and important issues. The conference provides a unique opportunity to exchange vital information with people from around the world while renewing your spirit at historic Asilomar on California's magnificent Monterey coast.
More information at http://www.eco-farm.org/efc/aboutefc.html
January 25-28 - Guelph Organic Conference - Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Canada's premiere organic event offers four full days of incredible workshops and seminars-novice to expert, an outstanding trade show filled with organic exhibits, a public forum, and more. The theme for this 26th conference is "Next Generation Organics," focusing on youth, local organics, and the survival of a movement started by pioneers. Website
January 26-27, Midwest Value Added Conference - Red Wing, MN
"Ringing in the Profits" is the theme for this 9th annual conference. River Country Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council hosts this event for producers from Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, including a trade show and educational sessions.
Poster http://www.rivercountryrcd.org/valad.htm
Contact: Hiawatha RC&D Council, Inc. Phone: (507) 281-1959 ext.4 email: rivercountry@hotmail.com
January 26-28 - Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, Inc.'s 25th Annual Winter Education Conference - Syracuse/Liverpool, NY
Building the Farm Economy Around Local Foods, Holiday Inn, Syracuse/Liverpool, NY
Friday & Saturday Workshops, Trade Show & Organic Marketplace: explore exhibits of farming and gardening equipment, processors, supplies, soil fertility amendments, books, funding and market opportunities! Early Bird Deadline: December 15, 2006 Get the Early Bird discount and be eligible for a drawing to win FULL CONFERENCE registration, meals and hotel accommodations! Conference Program Schedule available online at: www.nofany.org/events/2007conference/nofanyconference07.htm
January 27 - Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference - Grayling, MI
Farmers are meeting the challenges of today's agricultural world with a new found passion and creative production, marketing and management strategies. This conference brings these success stories to you! Keynote speaker Dr. George Bird - Soil & Small Family Farms - Pioneering in the 21st Century.
Website
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February
February 3-4 - Wisconsin School for Cut Flower Growers
Held on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus . Registration costs $175 and includes lunches and refreshments. The Wisconsin Cut Flower Growers School is sponsored by the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems.
For more information contact John Hendrickson at (608) 265-3704 or jhendric@wisc.edu, or visit the CIAS web site: www.cias.wisc.edu. Press Release
February 2-3 - Wisconsin Grazing Conference
Visit the GrassWorks web site or contact Paul Nehring for more information about this conference.
February 13 - Organic Dairy Field Day -Morris, MN
A Field Day on sustainable organic dairy farming will be held Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) in Morris, Minn. Lunch will be provided and a free-will offering will be taken. The field day will focus on low cost winter housing such as compost packs and feeding options, as well as maintaining herd health without antibiotics and profitable management strategies. In recent years, WCROC has been conducting extensive research into organic dairy production for more in WCROC’s research and outreach, see http://wcroc.coafes.umn.edu.
For more information, contact Terry VanDerPol at 320-269-2105 or tlvdp@landstewardshipproject.org. More information is also available from Paul Sobocinski at 507-342-2323 or sobopaul@redred.com. Complete Info
February 16-18 - Growing Your Community Food System “From the Ground Up” - Milwaukee, WI
Friday, Saturday and Sunday *Friday’s are special training days for the New Commercial Urban Agriculture Training Program participants and for the Multicultural Alliance Building through Dismantling Racism training days. “Growing Your Community Food System” is an intensive, hands on, training workshop offering diverse groups the opportunity to learn, plan, develop, operate, and sustain community food projects.
Workshops Topics: Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture/Aquaponics, Bee Keeping, Community Project Design, Ethnic Marketing, Living Biological Worm Systems An Innovative Approach to Sustainable Production, Vermiculture, Composting, Year-round Greenhouse Production. Other workshops may include: Record keeping/accounting, Mushroom growing, farm animal care, soap making, and cheese making.
Workshops are held at Growing Power’s Community Food Center: Growing Power Community Food Center 5500 West Silver Spring Drive Milwaukee, WI 53218 Tel: (414) 527-1546 Fax: (414) 527-1908 Email:loretta@growingpower.org Website
February 16-17 - Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Conference - Manhattan, KS
Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, K-State Research and Extension Kansas Rural Center sponsor "The Wellbeing of Rural Kansas: Paths to Healthy People, Healthy Environment, and Healthy Economies." This year's conference will focus on topics such as U.S. farm policy to promote rural wellbeing, social justice issues, local food systems, recent immigrants and the wellbeing of rural Kansas, spiritual and ethical dimensions of food production and consumption, alternative energy, environmental issues, and grass-fed beef production.
Website: http://www.dce.ksu.edu/sustainableag/
Contact: Jana Beckman Phone: (785)532-1440 email: beckman@ksu.edu
February 17 - The Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota's 16th Annual Conference - St. Peter, MN
“Sustainable Farming Systems: State of the Art,” at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. Dr. Jerry DeWitt, interim director of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and coordinator of the Iowa State University’s Extension Sustainable Agriculture Programs, will keynote the conference. The conference will feature cutting edge topics in sustainable agriculture, numerous food and agriculture exhibits, and an array of delicious locally produced foods. A detailed schedule and online registration will be available in December at www.sfa-mn.org and in the next edition of The CornerPost, SFA’s quarterly newsletter.
For more information, or to request exhibit space, please contact Anne Borgendale at communications@sfa-mn.org (320) 226-6318 or Mary Jo Forbord at mforbord@sfa-mn.org (320) 760-8732
February 22 - Organic University - La Crosse, WI
Intensive full day courses on organic farming; choose from 9 informative topics. 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. Join our wide diversity of qualified presenters, a majority of whom are organic farmers themselves, in these dynamic and focused sessions. A comprehensive resource book designed to help guide you long after the session is over is provided. Small classes are designed to encourage discussion relevant to your particular situation.
Contact MOSES for more information www.mosesorganic.org, info@mosesorganic.org or 715-772-3153. Request a flyer.
February 22-24 - 18th Annual Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference - La Crosse, WI
”Cultivating Integrity” More than 130 exhibitors, over 60 workshops, over 2200 farmers and others from the region and across the country. Delicious organic food, great music and wonderful company. An extraordinary, farmer-centered event, this conference is an annual gathering of over 2,200 participants from the Upper Midwest and beyond. The Conference is celebrated as the foremost educational and networking event for farmers and others in the organic farming community.
Contact MOSES for more information www.mosesorganic.org, info@mosesorganic.org, 715-772-3153. Request a conference flyer.
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March
March 4-7 - 5th International Organic Tree Fruit Research Symposium - East Lansing, MI
The Conference is intended to cover current soil, ground cover, tree, pest and horticulture management and other advances in organic tree fruit production, but we will specifically allow for focused sessions on market related issues too. The emphasis will be on practical research, on-farm advances and realistic marketing strategies.
Contact Mark Whalon B-11 CIPS, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 Or Email to RPMNews@msu.edu Complete info and Registration Form
March 16-18 - Growing Your Community Food System “From the Ground Up” - Milwaukee, WI
Friday, Saturday and Sunday *Friday’s are special training days for the New Commercial Urban Agriculture Training Program participants and for the Multicultural Alliance Building through Dismantling Racism training days. “Growing Your Community Food System” is an intensive, hands on, training workshop offering diverse groups the opportunity to learn, plan, develop, operate, and sustain community food projects.
Workshops Topics: Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture/Aquaponics, Bee Keeping, Community Project Design, Ethnic Marketing, Living Biological Worm Systems An Innovative Approach to Sustainable Production, Vermiculture, Composting, Year-round Greenhouse Production. Other workshops may include: Record keeping/accounting, Mushroom growing, farm animal care, soap making, and cheese making.
Workshops are held at Growing Power’s Community Food Center: Growing Power Community Food Center 5500 West Silver Spring Drive Milwaukee, WI 53218 Tel: (414) 527-1546 Fax: (414) 527-1908 Email:loretta@growingpower.org Website
March 22-24 - SPIN Cities: Farming Where We Live - East Troy, WI
PURPOSE: To equip a new generation of farmers with the know-how to farm commercially without having to own much, if any land, and without having to make a large financial investment INSTRUCTOR: Wally Satzewich, veteran urban farmer and developer of SPIN will show others how to replicate his success using this unique sub-acre farming approach FOR: Backyard or small lot farmers in urban and peri-urban areas WHEN: March 22-24, 2007 WHERE: East Troy, Wisconsin Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
TO REGISTER: Contact Janet Gamble at Michael Fields Institute at 262-642-3303 or jgamble@michaelfieldsaginst.org
COURSE OUTLINE AND PHOTOS: Visit http://www.michaelfieldsaginst.org/news/events.html
For more information on SPIN-Farming, visit www.spinfarming.com
March 23-24 - FamilyFarmed.org EXPO - Chicago, IL
Food, fun and more! Over 100 farmer and healthy-living exhibitors, dozens of informative workshops, farmer's market featuring produce, meats, cheese and more! The EXPO connects local sustainable farms and food producers with consumers, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants.
FAMILYFARMED.ORG
Visit the MOSES Calendar of Events for updated events and events scheduled after March.
About MOSES
The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) is a nonprofit organization developed to provide educational opportunities and resources to farmers and farm-support organizations, businesses and educators. MOSES has been a trusted provider of information and education about organic and sustainable farming systems in the Upper Midwest since 1999, primarily through the Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference, now in its 17th year and attended by over 1800 individuals in 2005. Executive Director Faye Jones has lead the organization since its inception, and now directs several employees working out of the MOSES office in Spring Valley, WI. A majority of the nine member MOSES Board of Directors are organic farmers from throughout the Upper Midwest.
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The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service PO Box 339 Spring Valley, WI 54767 ph 715-772-3153 fax 715-772-3162 info@mosesorganic.org www.mosesorganic.org
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