Spring has sprung! Are you ready for the upcoming growing season? Check out these workshops and classes to launch your farm into the growing season:
Cover Crop Workshop
April 5, 2013
North Iowa Events Center, 3700 4th St, SW
Mason City, Iowa
Join Iowa State University, the USDA-National Laboratory for Agriculture and Environment and The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, to learn about the use of cover crops in sustainable fruit and vegetable production systems. This workshop is geared toward commercial horticulture extension specialists, county horticulturists, local food organizations, IFVGA and PFI board members, and IDALS and NRCS personnel. Fruit and vegetable growers are also welcome!
Registration is free, but required as space is limited! Click here to register.
For more information contact Dr. Ajay Nair: nairajay@iastate.edu or 515-294-7080
Introduction to Vegetable Production Workshop Series
April 6, 2013
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Join Penn State Extension to learn about production skills, strategies, and resources for vegetable production. The workshop series is geared toward beginning farmers and will help to refine techniques and optimize production and profit. The workshop will include demonstrations on both organic and conventional vegetable production, as well as hands-on experience in the latest techniques and tools for small and large farms.
Workshops start on April 6th and go through June. The series costs $300 and includes handouts and other materials.
Click here to learn more and sign up.
Questions? Contact Lee Stivers ljs32@psu.edu / 724-228-6881 or Heather Mikulas hem12@psu.edu / 412-473-2540
Managing a Greenhouse from Seed to Field
April 20, 2013
Rancho Cordova, California
Soil Born Farms has ongoing classes as part of their Urban Farmer Series. On April 20th learn how to start your crops from seed. Learn how seeds germinate, and make sure that your seedlings succeed!
The course is $40 and runs from 3:00-6:00pm. Click here to register and for more information.
Beekeeping 101
April 20, 2013
Rancho Cordova, California
Learn beekeeping in the classroom and in the field! Brian Fishback, an experienced beekeeper from BD Ranch and Apiary, will demonstrate best practices for keeping bees and producing honey.
The cost of the workshop is $49, $40 Co-op owners, register here through the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op.
Click here for more information.
Spring Grazing Workshop
April 23, 2013
Boswell, Oklahoma
Learn how to manage a low-input, bermudagrass/ryegrass grazing system while also achieving land stewardship and financial goals. Producer Jan Lee demonstrates forage production management and stocking rates for optimization and efficiency. The workshop runs from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm and includes lunch.
Registration is $20. Click here to register and for more information.
Cover Crop Mixes
April 24, 2013
Online
Learn about different sustainable options for cover crop mixes online. This webinar is being sponsored by NRCS East National Technology Support Center, as part of their Understanding Organic and Sustainable Agriculture series. The webinar will be held from 2:00 – 3:00 pm EST.
Click here for more information.
Farming Transplants: The Basics of Greenhouse Production for Sales and Farm Use
April 25, 2013
Blue Heron Farm 1641 Shaw Rd.
Lodi, New York
Become confident in your transplanting abilities! This workshop will teach you how to estimate your market and then plant accordingly. Learn how to time plantings, market transplants and learn about different plant varieties. Greenhouse plant care may also be covered. The workshop will run from 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm.
Fee: $5/person; $10/two or more people
Register here by 12:00pm on April 22nd. Space is limited to 30 people.
Call Stephanie with questions at 585-271-1979 ext. 509.–
Composting, Vermiculture & Compost Tea Workshop
April 27, 2013
Warwick, Rhode Island
Join NOFA Rhode Island for a hands-on demonstration of hot composting, worm composting and compost tea. Reinhard Sidor will lead the class, teaching you how to make compost from yard and kitchen waste and then how to use your compost—from container gardening, to use as mulch and fertilizer, to improving soil quality. The workshop runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Workshop fee is $40. Register via email.
For questions, call Sanne Kure-Jensen at (401) 369-3303.
Click here to learn more.
Basic AG Raise and Wean Healthy Calves
May 30, 2013
Ardmore, Oklahoma
Learn best management practices to ensure the health and productivity of your calves from birth through weaning. This FREE workshop is designed for beginning cow-calf producers. The workshop runs from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Click here for more information.