Upcoming Events

Tuesday, Jan 13th 2009

North Willamette Horticulture Society meetings, Canby

Organic Day Jan 13, Vegetable Day Jan 14, Berry Day Jan 15. Program and registration information available at http://oregonstate.edu/dept/NWREC/ Questions about organic day call Nick Andrews: (503) 678-1264 x149

Wednesday, Jan 21st 2009

Growing Farms: Successful Whole Farm Management

OSU Small Farms Program has designed this 8-week course to provide beginning farmers with the tools and knowledge to manage both the biological and financial risks of farming. A mix of faculty, experienced farmers, and professionals will present curriculum and resources vital to a sustainable small specialty crop farm. In addition, participants will become acquainted with their regional farm community over dinner. For information see http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/growing-farms-workshop-series

Growing Farms: Successful Whole Farm Management

OSU Small Farms Program has designed this workshop series to provide beginning farmers with the tools and knowledge to manage the crop production and financial risks of farming. A mix of faculty, experienced farmers, and other professionals will present curriculum and resources vital to a sustainable small specialty crop farm. In addition, participants will become acquainted with their regional farm community over dinner. For information see http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/growing-farms-workshop-series

Thursday, Jan 22nd 2009

Free Agricultural Chemical Collection Program--Corvallis

January 22 is the due date to let OSU Extension and partners know that you want to bring chemicals to the collection event in February. The up-coming collection event on February 18 and 19 will allow farmers in Linn and Benton Counties to participate in this program to help properly dispose of unwanted agricultural chemicals. These unused chemicals can pose a threat to surface water and groundwater, used for drinking by people throughout the Southern Willamette Valley. Farmers who want to participate need to complete a farm chemical survey and submit it to OSU Lane County Extension by January 22, 2009. The chemical surveys will allow us to properly plan for adequate transport and disposal of the chemicals delivered by growers. The information contained in the survey is confidential and will not be used outside of this project. Under no circumstances will growers be regulated, investigated, or subjected to any enforcement by participating in this survey and chemical collection event. If you are interested in learning more about the program, or want to find out more about the assistance available for prepackaging the chemicals, please contact: Ross Penhallegon, OSU Extension Service at (541) 682-4243, ross.penhallegon@oregonstate.edu Denise Kalakay, Lane Council of Governments at (541) 682-7415 dkalakay@lcog.org Audrey Eldridge if you live in the Groundwater Management Area at (541) -776-6010, ext. 223, ELDRIDGE.Audrey@deq.state.or.us OSU Extension Service website at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/lane/farms

Monday, Jan 26th 2009

Oregon Better Process Control School

Audience Supervisors of thermal food processing operations, acidified food processing operations, and food container closure operations. Purpose Each processor of low-acid or acidified foods is required to operate with a certified supervisor on hand at all times during processing. This school provides the necessary training to certify supervisors of such processors. Certification The Oregon State University Better Process Control School is approved by the FDA and follows the prescribed course of instruction for certification. The four-day course addresses operations of retorts, processing systems, aseptic processing and packaging systems and container closure inspection. To register online: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/foodsci/extservices/ext_index.htm

Tuesday, Jan 27th 2009

Lambing School 2009- McMinnville

2009 LAMBING SCHOOL PRESENTED BY: Gene Pirelli and Jim Thompson, Oregon State University Extension and Charles Estill, Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to increase your odds of getting live lambs on the ground and off to a good start! This school will be held in a commercial sheep lambing barn, so there will be ample hands-on opportunities. “EMPHASIS TO BE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE” Ewes: Lambing problems, obstetrics, grafting, foot trimming and health. Lambs: Castration, docking, vaccinations, and emergency situations as they arise. The school will also include discussions on sheep nutrition and facilities. $55 per person. The school will be limited to 12 participants. Selection for the school will be based on the first 12 registered. Registration form available at: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/yamhill/sites/default/files/lamb_school_reg09.pdf DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION Is Tuesday, January 13th.

Wednesday, Feb 11th 2009

High Desert Green Industry Conference

Welcome to the 2009 High Desert Green Industry Conference! Join our partners and sponsors on February 11 & 12, 2009 at the Deschutes Fair & Expo Center in Redmond Oregon for the 17th annual High Desert Green Industry Conference. Presented in partnership by Oregon State University Extension Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, and Oregon Landscape Contractors Association, conference's mission is to promote and foster education and professional development to strengthen the Green Industry. Gain an edge in your career and your business! The High Desert Green Industry Conference is a must-be-there educational event for all Green Industry professionals who supply, design, maintain or manage landscapes. Learn about the latest innovations in Green Industry products, equipment and services at the tradeshow. Hear about the issues that are challenging the industry today and how to effectively meet those challenges. Come to connect with your peers and suppliers, build new working relationships, and attend classes taught by the experts. For complete information check the website: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/deschutes/hdgi/home

Saturday, Feb 21st 2009

OSE Extension Small Farms Conference

The 9th annual Extension Small Farms Conference will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2009, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The one-day conference will be held on the Corvallis campus of Oregon State University at the Alumni Center. The keynote speaker, Michael Rozyne, founder of Red Tomato, will speak on The Dignity Deal: Red Tomato's Fresh Approach to Marketing Produce. The Red Tomato is a nonprofit organization marketing fresh fruit and vegetables from family farms in the northeast and southeast US to supermarkets and other customers throughout New England. ODA Director Katy Coba is the invited capnote speaker. Find registration materials on-line after January 9 at: or call the Benton County Extension Office at 541-766-3556 or toll free at 1-800-365-0201. New this year: On-line registration and credit card payment. The conference 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. • Farmscaping for Beneficials: Insect Biodiversity and On-Farm Habitat • Tillage and Cultivation Strategies: Innovative Weed Management Equipment • Building a Sustainable Business: A Minnesota Case Study • Simple Ways to Promote your Farm • Simple Ways to Promote your Farmers' Market • Alternative Poultry Feeds • Alternative Energy and Renewable Energy • Management Structures for Farmers’ Markets • Conversation with Michael Rozyne • Conversation with Community Food Security Coalition’s Andy Fisher Pre-registration is $30 or $50 for two registering together, and includes lunch; $40 at the door. This event is sponsored by Oregon State University Extension Service; Oregon Department of Agriculture; Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.