Calendar of Events

February 3–4, 2009
North Platte, Nebraska

See the possibilities for making the absolute most of your land. Find out how you can develop hunting excursions, guest ranches, u-pick-em’ farms, and canoeing outfitters to increase your operational income.

February 4-5, 2009
Plymouth, Indiana

This conference is designed to meet the needs of women in agriculture by addressing personal, family and farm issues that affect their lives, families and farm businesses. Added this year is a track of information targeting the new generation of agriculture and new ideas to integrate the younger generation into agriculture and focus on niche markets.

February 5-7, 2009
State College, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture presents its 18th annual conference, "The Worldwide Search for Food Sovereignty: Finding Your Foodshed." The event begins with 13 diverse, day-long pre-conference tracks, on topics including cheesemaking, sustainable forestry, and farmers' markets. The main conference includes keynote speakers and an array of workshops. Tracks for kids are also offered, along with an array of social activities and exhibits.

February 5-7, 2009
Barre, Massachusetts

Northeast Organic Farming Association, Massachusetts Chapter presents this 3-day seminar with Dr. Arden Andersen. Participants will learn to apply the natural sciences to practical farm management to achieve results. The seminar focuses on the relationship between healthy soils and better plant and livestock production.

February 5, 2009
Palmetto, Florida

Florida Organic Growers (FOG) will partner with UF IFAS to present a free workshop for farmers interested in transitioning to organic production. The workshop is intended for commercial producers interested in transitioning to organic production and will include an update on financial support for organic transition made available by the 2008 Farm Bill.

February 5, 2009
East Troy, Wisconsin

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute offers this morning workshop on the complexities of soil. In this introduction to soil science, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the way mineral particles, organic matter, air and water create the foundation for all that we grow.

February 5-7, 2009
Lexington, Kentucky

"To Market to Market, Adding Value to Your Farm," will feature keynote speaker Wendell Berry. The conference is designed for producers, users, and supporters of grass-fed products. The agenda includes speakers, sessions, field trips and local food meals.

February 6-8, 2009
Killeen, Texas

The agenda for this event includes half-day workshops, featured speaker Joel Salatin, and session presenters including Professional Growers, Master Gardeners, Organic Scientists, Industry Professionals, Chefs, and Value-Added Producers. Networking opportunities for interest groups are also offered.

February 6-7, 2009
Fayetteville, Arkansas

Friday's schedule offers sessions of interest to market managers and board members including: maintaining and growing a small market; sales tax, insurance and other legal issues, farmers' market board development and market evaluation. Saturday's programs will appeal to farmers' market vendors as well as management. Topics include: vendor success stories, market promotion, recruiting vendors, and more. A schedule and registration form are available online in PDF (351K).

February 6, 2009
East Troy, Wisconsin

This workshop offered by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute will focus on A Systems Approach to Growing Nutrient Dense Produce. The workshop will include a description of Biological Gardening and how to implement this system. It will also discuss how to accelerate the soil system and the guidelines of Biological Gardening.

February 6, 2009
Lincoln, Nebraska

The Organic Crop Improvement Association presents an afternoon workshop led by Liz Sarno, who will offer an overview and answer any questions for the beginning organic farmer. The workshop precedes the Welcome Reception of OCIA’s Annual General Membership Meeting.

February 7 and 5 Saturdays after, 2009
Carrollton, Georgia

Rolling Hills Resource Conservation & Development Council and the Carroll County Cooperative Extension Service are pleased to announce a sustainable agriculture program being offered called the Sustainable Growers School. This program is designed to teach new and existing growers sustainable farm and land conservation practices. SGS utilizes classroom, lab and field work as practical elements in educating its students in sustainable and organic production management and marketing practices. The course consists of 4 core session and two 3-session elective tracks, with topics such as soils, farm planning, animal husbandry, vegetables, and greenhouse selection.

February 7, 2009
Lincoln, California

The keynote speaker this year is Michael Dimock, the president of Roots of Change, who has been working on sustainable agriculture issues for a long time. The day-long event includes workshops for beginning farmers and livestock producers, as well as sessions on marketing, interns and the business of farming.

February 7-9, 2009
Osage Beach, Missouri

The Missouri Vintner’s Association and Missouri Wine and Grape Board would like to invite you to attend the 24th Annual Midwest Grape and Wine Conference. This year’s conference, which is focused on sustainability in wineries and vineyards, will feature three full days of informative viticulture, enology and marketing sessions, a deluxe trade show and seven course Midwest dinner.

February 8-12, 2009
Albuquerque, New Mexico

This annual meeting includes technical tours, technical sessions, symposia, workshops, a trade fair, and job fair, as well as committee meetings and social activities.

February 9, 2009
Seattle, Washington

Seattle Chefs Collaborative offers this 4th annual opportunity for farmers and chefs: an all-day conference, bringing together regional food producers and buyers for business-to-business networking, presentations & workshops.

February 10-12, 2009
Richland, Washington

This special conference is being sponsored by Washington State University Extension, the WSU Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, and others. The conference will review participants’ experiences with sustainability, highlight lessons learned and craft a plan to sustain Pacific Northwest agriculture and rural communities.
The plan will address the interests of decision makers in families, organizations, businesses, cooperatives, communities, higher education, government agencies and the media who influence the future of the region’s agriculture and natural resources. Participation in this conference is open to everyone interested in sustainability.

February 10-12, 2009
Syracuse, New York

This premier educational event brings 1500 attendees to central New York to participate in meetings and classes that span fruit and vegetable commodities as well as current technologies and events which affect agriculture as a whole. Specialists will provide growers with the latest in growing and production techniques, harvesting and storage options, and plenty of up-to-date and innovative research. The large trade show will feature many businesses specifically devoted to the fruit and vegetable industry, with equipment for all sizes of growing operations.

February 10, 2009
Sarasota, Florida

Come learn about diversified small farm and ranch production with opportunities in tree-based alternative enterprises. This workshop is sponsored by the DOF Forest Stewardship Program and UF/IFAS Extension. Examples of such alternative enterprises include forest farming, alley cropping with fruit trees, silvopastures, wildlife agroecotourism, and much more.

February 11-13, 2009
Unity, Maine

This course, sponsored by MOFGA, is geared for those who are considering converting to organic or starting an organic farm. The course will address soil science, compost, cover crops, weed and pest control, organic livestock, organic certification, and marketing. The course will also feature experienced organic farmers discussing organic production of several popular commercial enterprises.

February 12-14, 2009
Bloomington, Minnesota

The Minnesota Grape Growers Association is pleased to present the 5th annual Cold Climate Grape & Wine Conference. Thursday evening starts with beginning grape growing and winemaking sessions, followed by two full days of parallel educational tracks and extended networking & Trade Show opportunities.

February 12-14, 2009
Hutchinson, Kansas

The "Women Managing the Farm" project provides valuable tools and materials to address production, price, human, financial, and legal risks for farm women. This project develops and presents tools especially for farm women to increase overall support through various avenues such as comprehensive training, area networks of support, and an online discussion group.

February 12, 2009
East Troy, Wisconsin

Exploring organic matter and understanding how it influences soil health and fertility will be the topic of this three-hour workshop offered by the Michael Fields Sustainable Agriculture Institute.

February 13-15, February 28-March 1, March 14-15, 27-29, and April 4-5, 2009
Charlottesville, Virginia

Blue Ridge Permaculture Network offers a Permaculture Design Course that lays the foundation for understanding the workings of natural systems and for designing human environments that produce food, shelter, and energy. The 72 hour certificate course covers themes such as: ecological systems understanding, organic food production, natural soil improvement, watershed restoration, water conservation and management, edible forest gardening, native medicinal plants, natural habitat restoration, healthy buildings and human settlements, community and consensus building strategies, renewable energy systems, sustainable community development, local economics, reducing our ecological footprint, and ecological planning and design methods.

February 13-14, 2009
Grand Island, Nebraska

Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society presents this annual event that provides survival skills for today's farm family. Topics to be addressed include holistic management, money-making projects for youth, local food, Farm Beginnings Program, wine-making, bee-keeping,
organic production cover crops and cultural practices, and fruit and nut
production.

February 13-14, 2009
Huron, South Dakota

At this 30th annual winter conference the keynote speaker will be Karl Kupers, farmer and co-founder of Shepherd's Grain. He will speak on "Marketing Sustainability". Julie Garreau will speak on "Sheyenne River Youth Project". Additional sessions and activities are planned.

February 13, 2009
Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council's annual meeting is a good place to learn how to produce, store and utilize Ohio forages in a challenging climate. Dr. Neal Martin and Dr. Geoff Brink from the US Forage Dairy Research Center in Madison, Wisconsin are the featured presenters. There will be a producer panel and concurrent sessions by forage researchers discussing their projects and outcomes. For more information about OFGC annual meeting and OFGC, e-mail leah@smallfarminstitute.org or call 740-545-6349.

February 13-14, 2009
Albuquerque, New Mexico

As the opening event in the Aldo Leopold Centennial Celebration 2009, this “cultural conversation” is intended to foster creative discussion about the Southwestern roots of Leopold’s land ethic, the roots of an environmental ethic in Hispanic and Native American traditions, and the historic and potential connections among them. The event is open to the public and welcomes participants from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and perspectives.

February 14-15, 2009
Randolph, Vermont

Join NOFA Vermont for "Grow it Here! Innovations Toward Local Food Sovereignty," a conference offering more than 60 workshops for organic farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, and consumers. The conference also features a farmers' market, NOFA Vermont's extensive book table, live music, silent auction, and potluck lunches. The Saturday keynote will be given by Andrew Meyer, founder of The Center for Agricultural Economy and Vermont Soy. The Sunday keynote will be given by Eliot Coleman.

February 16-18, 2009
Springfield, Missouri

This 29th annual conference is titled "Sustainable Family, Food and Farm," and features a basics session with farmer panel and farm tour, as well as sessions on marketing, vegetables, berries, and alternative crops.

February 18, 2009
Kalkaska, Michigan

As northern Michigan farmers work to build a sustainable, local-food economy, they need funding and other support to expand current operations, build year-round growing capacity, and establish new business models. USDA Rural Development and the Michigan Land Use Institute have teamed up to provide free workshops that will point local growers toward government agencies, non-profits, and private lenders who can help.

February 18-21, 2009
Greeley, Colorado

As a prelude to the conference, Colorado Organic Producers Association offers an opportunity to visit organic operations in the area on a farm tour. The main conference addresses crop and livestock production. The final day of the conference is devoted to small acreage, with sessions on soil, grass management, weeds, and farm equipment.

February 19-21, 2009
Stevens Point, Wisconsin

“Valuing the Past, Growing Our Future” includes a track for beginning graziers, a rumen track and a general track, as well as keynote speakers Joel McNair and Shannon Hayes. A trade show and general sessions on energy independence, Wisconsin's working lands initiative, and growing on grass are also planned.

February 21, 2009
Northfield, Minnesota

"Sustaining Our Farms: Produce, Pasture & Perseverance" is the theme for this conference that features Joel Salatin as keynote speaker, a farmers' market, and a variety of breakout sessions.

February 21, 2009
Chestnut Ridge, New York

The Pfeiffer Center presents an opportunity to learn about planning a new hive for spring. Learn about the basic requirements and responsibilities for first-time beekeepers. Understand the mechanics of a hive, the tools involved, elements of site selection, and gain an appreciation for a naturalist's approach to the bees' needs. This is a hands-on workshop, which includes a demonstration of the assembly of a wooden hive and is intended to get beginners started. Includes information and sources for bees and equipment.

February 21-22, 2009
Granville, Ohio

"The Changing Climate of Agriculture," OEFFA's 30th annual conference, features nearly 50 workshops, local food, a kids conference, keynote speakers Fred Kirschenmann and Melinda Hemmelgarn, and a trade show.

February 21, 2009
Corvallis, Oregon

The 9th annual Extension Small Farms Conference features keynote speaker Michael Rozyne, founder of Red Tomato, who will speak on The Dignity Deal: Red Tomato's Fresh Approach to Marketing Produce. The conference also includes 12 concurrent sessions, covering a range of topics of interest to growers who market their production directly to the public, for farmers’ markets managers, and for community food advocates.

February 21, 2009
Jefferson City, Missouri

This event offers workshops for prospective farmers, beginning farmers, and experienced farmers. Many organizations will present information about their programs to help prospective and beginning farmers. Marketing opportunities for many products and in many locations will be shared.

February 21, 2009
Mountain View, Arkansas

Conserving Arkansas’s Agricultural Heritage (CAAH!) Project will host the second annual Ozark Seed Swap. Bring some seeds and stories to swap with other Ozark seed savers and yarn spinners. If you have no seeds to swap but want to get started, come along to mingle with gardeners and farmers who can help. Refreshments and music will be provided.

February 25-26, 2009
Sturbridge, Massachusetts

This event offers pre-conference workshops on farmers' markets and agritourism, general and breakout sessions on promoting, advancing, expanding and sustaining your business, and a trade show. Scholarships are available to qualified farmers.

February 25-26, 2009
LaCrosse, Wisconsin

The National Organic Action Plan, a collaborative project led by Rural Advancement Foundation International – USA, will convene about 200 participants at a summit to review the results of regional dialogue meetings. The summit will develop a plan to advance policy objectives and innovative marketplace tools that ensure organic agriculture’s integrity. It will help members of the organic community take action on federal, state, and local levels.

February 26-27, 2009
Arlington, Virginia

"Global Agriculture & Rural America in Transition" is the topic for this 85th annual Outlook Forum. The Secretary of Agriculture and government, farm, and industry leaders will discuss the future of American agriculture. A Distinguished Plenary Panel is planned on Food & Energy: Expectations & Realities.

February 26-28, 2009
LaCrosse, Wisconsin

Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) presents the foremost educational and networking event in the organic farming community. The conference is highly regarded due to its practical workshops designed to help beginning, transitional, and experienced organic farmers. The agenda includes The Organic University, offering an in-depth look at a variety of issues relevant to successful organic production, marketing and organic farm management. Workshops, keynotes, entertainment and more are scheduled.

February 26-28, 2009
Portland, Oregon

Organicology is a three-day conference that will study a sustainable food future through in-depth workshops, networking, a trade show, and keynote presentations by the world’s foremost organic food and farming experts. This first-time event is designed for everyone working in the organics industry and is focused on perspective enhancement, skill development, inspiration and celebration. The event is presented by Oregon Tilth, Organic Seed Alliance, the Food Trade Sustainability Leadership Association and Organically Grown Company.

February 26-27, 2009
Tuskegee, Alabama

Envisioned by Booker T. Washington as the people’s conference, the Annual Farmers Conference evolved over 100 years ago out of a need to improve the conditions of rural Black farmers in the South. This conference represented not only the pioneering spirit of Tuskegee University, but the real beginning of agricultural extension. Today, the Farmers Conference is an educational forum designed to address the emerging concerns of farmers, landowners and the rural residents of Alabama and its neighboring states. Contact whodge@tuskegee.edu .

February 27 - March 1, 2009
Willits, California

Ecology Action presents a 3-Day Workshop in GROW BIOINTENSIVE® Sustainable Mini-Farming, appropriate to a more self-reliant lifestyle and for work in developing countries. The program will consist of lecture, discussion and demonstration, and will include a full range of information on Sustainability and Efficient Resource Use, Crops and Diet, Fertilization, Compost and Compost Crops, Soil Preparation and Preservation, Seed Propagation, and Income, as well as the perspective to tie all these together.

February 27-28, 2009
Las Cruces, New Mexico

Keynote Speaker Paul Johnson, former Chief of USDA's Soil Conservation Service, presents a survey of Aldo Leopold's ground-breaking work on farmstead conservation. NM Secretary of Agriculture I. Miley Gonzalez will deliver the welcome. 39 workshops will cover topics ranging from converting to organic beef production to soil fertility for orchard production to strategies for weed management and bee-keeping without chemicals. Over 40 exhibitors, a great organic/local lunch and demonstrations on everything from pruning to chicken tractors.

February 27-28, 2009
Richmond, Virginia

The theme of the Tenth Annual Virginia Biological Farming Conference is Community Based Foods Systems. Will Allen will serve as keynote speaker. Other conference speakers will discuss the use of parasitic nematodes for natural pest control, ecological livestock raising, greenhouse production of naturally-grown vegetables, small-scale production of small fruit, managing family and farming, sheep and goats, permaculture, ecological weed management, selling at farmers’ markets, agriculture economics, vermi-composting, marketing organic produce to restaurants, farmscaping for biological insect control, grass-fed beef, gourmet and medicinal mushrooms, certification programs and building healthy communities.

February 28, 2009
Swannanoa, North Carolina

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Program will hold the sixth annual Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference at Warren Wilson College. The goal of the conference is to provide farmers with networking and training opportunities and give them the knowledge they need to sustain their farms in a time of changing markets and landscapes.

February 28 and March 28, 2009
San Luis Obispo, California

California FarmLink is co-hosting regional farm succession conferences. The two-session trainings support participants in taking action on succession planning. The conferences use speakers and resource materials to facilitate discussion, communication and teamwork among attendees. The conference will be helpful as a refresher for those who have attended previous trainings, as well as for traditional family farms and operations that do not yet have an identified successor.