- 9:30-11:30am
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- Growing Brambles Successfully
- (Gary Gao)
Brambles, such as blackberries or raspberries, are a high value crop with strong market demand. Join Dr. Gary Gao, associate professor with OSU Extension in Delaware County, for a comprehensive session on small-scale bramble production. He will talk about site selection, cultivar selection, planting techniques, soil management, pruning, and pest identification and management in successful production of blackberries and raspberries.
- Season Extension Tools and Techniques for Growers
- (Matt Kleinhenz & Natalie Bumgarner)
This workshop will highlight proven tactics and principles for year-round high tunnel management. With a focus on the impact of fall to spring management on farm success, spring to fall cropping issues will also be addressed. Speakers Matt Kleinhenz and Natalie Bumgarner are researchers in the OSU Department of Horticulture and Crop Science.
- All in a Cup of Tea: The Art of Herbal Teas, Salves and Liniments
- (Leah Rond)
Throughout history, herbs have been used to treat ailments and sustain our bodies. Herbalist Leah Rond of Bad Dog Acre will introduce the audience to medicinal herbs that can be used in teas, salves and liniments. In addition to discussing the uses of various herbs, she will also talk about how to properly prepare, store and administer various treatments.
- Networking Food System Businesses to Build Local Economies
- (Megan Shoenfelt & Steve Bosserman)
Want to expand or launch your agricultural business? Megan Shoenfelt and Steve Bosserman of the OSU USDA SCRI Regional Partnerships for Innovation grant team are here to help. They will discuss sustainable local economic development in the context of aiding and guiding collaboration on new business opportunities involving innovation and production of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables and tree nuts.
- 15 Measures of Dairy Farm Competitiveness
- (Dianne Shoemaker)
While many dairy farmers enjoy the “cow side” of milk production, for long-term, sustainable dairy production, the business side is important too. How do you stack up against others in the dairy industry? What are your strengths and what areas need attention? OSU Assistant Professor and owner of Shoemaker Dairy Farm Dianne Shoemaker will introduce the 15 Measures of Dairy Farm Competitiveness, which can help evaluate any size or type of dairy.
- Pasture for Profit 1: Getting Started
- (Bob Hendershot & Jeff McCutcheon)
Join Bob Hendershot, 2010 Stinner Award Winner and Grazing Management Specialist for USDA NRCS, and Jeff McCutcheon, Morrow County Extension Educator, in their Pasture for Profit series to make your farm environmentally and economically sound. This session will cover the basics of what management intensive grazing is, as well as how to plan and get started. It will finish up with information on evaluating your resources and the environmental considerations in livestock grazing.
- Self-Sufficiency : A Three Year Plan to Greater Independence on $12,000 a Year
- (Ame Vanorio)
Self-sufficiency is the act and art of providing for your families needs. Doing so takes ingenuity and creativity, but thankfully not a lot of money. Ame Vanorio of Fox Run Farm will offer a comprehensive plan for creating an eco-friendly, independent lifestyle. Learn how to grow 80% of your own food, provide for your energy needs, and support your family.
- 9:30-10:25am
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- Understanding Soil Biology and Its Role in Organic Crop Systems
- (Larry Phelan)
The early founders of organic farming emphasized the complexity of living systems, especially in the soil. Larry Phelan, OSU/OARDC Entomology professor, will describe “feeding the soil” and how healthy soil is important to crop yield, competition with weeds, susceptibility to insect pests, nutritional quality, and the resilience of our agricultural fields.
- Backyard Maple Syruping for Everyone
- (Christine Tailer)
Get started doing backyard maple syrup production when you get home from the conference. Homesteader Christine Tailer will describe in detail what it takes, including identifying and selecting trees, tapping, and doing the final boil down into delicious, homemade, 100% natural maple syrup. In addition, she will bring the equipment she uses and demonstrate how to use it.
- Weed Management in Organic Grain Crops
- (Klaas & Mary-Howell Martens)
Soil health, variety selection, nutrient management, crop rotations, and mechanical cultivation all contribute to improved weed management in organic grains. Keynote speakers Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens will describe how they incorporate these management strategies and how their approach to weed management has changed over time. They organically raise corn, soybeans, small grains, and other crops on 1400 acres.
- The New Organic Pasture Rule
- (Paul Dutter)
OEFFA Certification Specialist Paul Dutter will explain the requirements of the new National Organic Program (NOP) Access to Pasture rule. He will provide examples of how to do Dry Matter Calculations and keep records needed to support the Organic System Plan and will answer your questions about this new standard.
- Hiring and Keeping Happy and Productive Farm Workers
- (Monica Bongue)
Monica Bongue of Muddy Fork Farm will offer strategies for hiring farm workers as well as keeping them productive and motivated. She will explain how she has navigated the bureaucracy involved, such as labor laws, IRS issues and worker’s compensation, and how she strives to create a positive and safe work environment for her employees. This workshop is targeted at new employers and farms with only a few laborers.
- Demystifying Carbon Offsets and Renewable Energy Credits
- (Nick Leone)
Looking for ways to offset fossil fuel use that you can’t completely eliminate? Willing to pay extra for renewable energy but your utility company doesn’t offer any? Wonder what “carbon-neutral” means? Not sure if the carbon offset market is a real way to reduce your carbon footprint? This talk by engineer Nick Leone will describe how carbon offsets and renewable energy credits work, how they are sometimes abused and what to look for to make sure you are getting your money’s worth.
- 10:35-11:30am
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- Solar and Wind Made Simple
- (Tom Rapini & Valerie Garrett)
Solar and wind systems represent true "sustainability" to free us from the social and environmental impacts of our fossil fuel dependency. Falling solar prices, advances in system components, grants, and supportive legislation have combined to make this a great time to consider making the leap. Tom Rapini and Valerie Garrett will describe how solar energy can power your home or farm and offer tips for conserving energy and being less oil dependent. Don’t miss this opportunity to experiment hands-on with real solar panels, batteries, and inverters.
- High Quality Organic Small Grain Production
- (Deborah Stinner & Larry Phelan)
Deb Stinner, leader of OSU’s Organic Food and Farming Education and Research (OFFER) Program, and Larry Phelan, OSU/OARDC Entomology professor, will share information on organic production of high quality spelt and wheat. Hear the ideas OSU researchers and farmers are exploring for building a strong production and processing network for specialty small grains in Ohio and the Midwest.
- Pastured-Raised Turkeys: From Poults to Processing
- (Guy & Sandy Ashmore)
Guy and Sandy Ashmore have been raising over 100 pastured turkeys for ten years at That Guys Family Farm. They will share their methods, from the brooder through processing. Learn the details of feed, water, shelter requirements, pasture logistics, and more for raising high-quality, high-demand Thanksgiving birds.
- Making Community Supported Agriculture Work for You
- (Tim Shouvlin & Matt Ewer)
Selling through the subscription structure of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operation offers many benefits and challenges. Hear from Tim Shouvlin of Bluebird Hills Farm and Matt Ewer of Green B.E.A.N. Delivery about the organizational and crop production practices they use to be successful. They'll discuss a number of issues including potential cash flow benefits, management and communications challenges, how CSA impacts the range and diversity of crops produced, and the organizational work that is required to keep shareholders satisfied.
- Organic Recordkeeping 101
- (Paul Dutter)
In addition to its importance for organic certification, good recordkeeping is essential for good farm management. OEFFA Certification Specialist Paul Dutter will explain what records are required for certification, offer tips on easy recordkeeping, provide examples of records and forms, and answer your questions.
- Creating a Fair Farm Bill
- (Alex Beauchamp)
Want a 2012 Farm Bill written to benefit family farmers instead of big agribusiness? Come learn from Alex Beauchamp of Food and Water Watch how we can work together to create a better farm bill that is fair for both farmers and consumers. Now is the time to start planning for the next farm bill to invest in small and medium farms and ensure that federal farm programs go to work rebuilding local food systems. Join us to strategize how we can work to create a fair farm bill.
- Increasing Crop Available Nutrients with Proper Timing of Incorporation of Green Vegetation
- (Tim Kimpel)
Tim Kimpel has increased corn yields by 30% and soybean yields by 100% by shallow incorporation of existing green vegetation at least ten days ahead of planting. He was the recipient of a SARE grant to study and develop tillage practices that will enhance nutrient availability and yield for the next crop. Hear about his methods, results and the importance of timing to incorporate the cover crop.
- 1:45-3:45pm
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- What’s New in Organic Weed Management
- (Dr. Doug Doohan, Dr. JasonParker, Stan Ernst, Andy Glaser, & Sarah Zwickle)
Ohio State researchers Dr. Doug Doohan, Dr. Jason Parker, Stan Ernst, Andy Glaser and Sarah Zwickle will present an update on new organic weed control techniques and the latest in research on weeds. They will discuss the importance of weed biology and identification in enhancing weed prevention and control, including the “Top 10 Most Wanted” weeds in Ohio. They will also provide current recommendations and explain correct use of organic herbicides.
- Pasture for Profit 2: Plants and Soil
- (Jeff McCutcheon & Bob Hendershot)
Join Bob Hendershot, 2010 Stinner Award Winner and Grazing Management Specialist for USDA NRCS, and Jeff McCutcheon, Morrow County Extension Educator, in their Pasture for Profit series to make your farm environmentally and economically sound. This second session will cover plant information and how to understand and use growth physiology to better manage pastures. Plant species and variety selection as well as soil fertility for pastures will be discussed.
- 1:45-2:40pm
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- Mushroom Production for the Home Grower
- (Janell Baran)
Mushrooms make a wonderful complement to freshly harvested herbs and vegetables from your garden and are not any more difficult to grow. In this session, Janell Baran will demonstrate a straight-forward log inoculation technique suitable for small-scale production of several different culinary mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, and lion’s mane. Learn techniques for log harvesting, site selection, and care of inoculated logs to start your own mushroom production in your yard, shade garden, or woodlot.
- Producing Organic Potted Herbs and Other Nursery Crops
- (Mark Langan)
Mark Langan of Mulberry Creek Herb Farm is a lifelong nurseryman. His small, specialty greenhouse business produces over 450 herbs and 400 miniature hardy and tropical perennials, all certified organic. Learn tips on how to grow herb plants and other nursery specialties from his years of experience.
- From Amber Waves to Market: Successfully Selling Your Organic Grain
- (Klaas & Mary-Howell Martens)
Successful marketing of organic grains relies on attention to detail throughout the entire crop production process. Growing, harvesting, storing and handling crops to maintain high quality is essential, as is being attentive to both new and existing markets and to your buyers' needs. This workshop with keynote speakers Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens will cover these important considerations for farmers.
- Cooking Heritage Pork
- (Marilou Suszko)
Cuts of pork from heritage breeds cost more than the cuts you’ll find in the meat cases at the supermarket…and for good reason. Flavor! Learn how to take a boneless pork loin and easily create a variety of cuts that will add extra value to your purchase. Marilou Suszko, author of Farms and Foods of Ohio: From Garden Gate to Dinner Plate, will demonstrate a variety of recipes using pork from King Family Farms in Athens. Follow along with handouts that will help you recreate the same cuts at home.
- Granny’s Common Sense Guide to Starting and Sustaining a School Garden Program
- (Roberta Paolo & Jodi Maher)
The interest in creating school gardens has skyrocketed in the last two years. Roberta Paolo and Jodi Maher of Granny’s Garden School hope to strengthen the school garden movement by sharing what they have learned with other school garden developers who are starting down the path they have already traveled. Roberta and Jodi have a unique knowledge base derived from nearly ten years of working with more than 1,500 public elementary school children.
- Market Ready
- (Julie Fox)
Are you ready to market your fresh and processed food products? Julie Fox, Direct Marketing Specialist for The Ohio State University, College of Food, Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, will explain how the Market Ready program can help you prepare effective promotions, packaging, labeling, pricing, invoicing, marketing relationships and more. Get ideas to improve your business, whether you sell directly to consumers or sell to restaurants, grocery stores and institutions.
- Smart Insurance Choices for Niche Farmers
- (Jim McGuire)
Some of the anxiety farmers may have about the perils they face can be allayed by carrying the right insurance. Jim McGuire, a 40-year veteran of the insurance industry who specializes in agribusiness and farm insurance, will provide an overview. Learn how to mitigate and manage risk, how to select a plan, and how to maximize coverage while minimizing cost.
- Mastitis Treatment and Prevention
- (Dr. AJ Luft)
In this session, Dr. AJ Luft from Chickasaw Veterinary Center will discuss the common pathogens that cause the various types of mastitis. Treatment modes will be explored as well as ways to prevent mastitis in your dairy herd. With a focus on holistic medicine, a variety of options will be presented including herbal, homeopathy, trace minerals, vitamins and more.
- Ohio Produce Marketing Overview
- (Dr. Karl Kolb Ph.D.)
The Ohio Fresh Produce Marketing Agreement (OPMA) is a grass roots effort aimed at promoting and protecting Ohio produce. The goal is to provide economic benefit for Ohio growers and handlers by opening national markets through a robust food safety certification program. Dr Karl Kolb of OPMA will discuss the need for such an agreement, the status of its implementation, and the food safety practices that are addressed in the agreement.
- Growing Great Garlic
- (Rich Tomsu)
Garlic is an extremely easy vegetable for the backyard gardener to grow and a profitable crop for the market grower. 2009 OEFFA Stewardship Award winner Rich Tomsu will discuss types of garlic, soil preparation, planting, maintenance, pests, harvesting, curing, cleaning, and the use or marketing of garlic products that can be produced.
- Solving the Vacant Lot Issue: Using Compost to Remediate Soil, Grow Food, and
- Remove Blight
- (Brad Charles Melzer)
Learn from Brad Charles Melzer how to implement bold initiatives to improve communities blighted by vacant real estate using a variety of compost-based technologies that remediate soil, increase biodiversity with native perennials, reduce stormwater runoff, and grow high quality food. Create food, native, and rain gardens in any space, including brownfields, concrete, asphalt, roofs, and odd spaces. Brad will also touch on city-scale remediation programs, gardens in schools, and how to use gardens to help families in need.
- Replacing Winter Honey Bee Losses
- (Joe Latshaw, Ph. D.)
One of the greatest challenges for today’s beekeepers is providing replacement bees for colonies lost over the winter. Alternative management practices combined with new equipment design allow beekeepers to produce their own locally raised replacement colonies. Join Joe Latshaw of Latshaw Apiaries to hear about his SARE funded project to create a sustainable approach for replacing winter honey bee colony losses using locally produced nucleus bee hives overwintered in polystyrene boxes.
- 2:50-3:45pm
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- Nematodes as Monitoring Tools for Soil Foodweb Health in Organic Farming Systems
- (Parwinder Grewal)
Nematodes, or roundworms, are easy to extract, identify and count, and are therefore excellent bioindicators of the soil foodweb health. Using examples from his recent research, Parwinder Grewal, Professor of Entomology and Nematology at OSU/OARDC, will describe the use of soil nematode communities as tools to monitor and improve soil ecosystems.
- Homesteading with Dutch Belted Cows
- (Mary Lou & Tom Shaw)
The rare and beautiful Dutch Belted cows are “dual-purpose” and provide healthful grass-fed milk, milk-products and meat. Additionally, they offer the potential for a profitable herdshare program. Mary Lou and Tom Shaw of Milk and Honey Farm will describe how, over the last six years, keeping two cows has expanded into a running seasonal dairy where the calves stay with their mothers.
- Maximizing Crop Quality
- (Natalie Bumgarner & Matt Kleinhenz)
This session will present an overview of the components of crop quality and how aspects of growing systems like light, temperature or water effect quality. It will also include a discussion with participants about how the quality of their crops changes (or does not change) based on their production system and if it is possible for farmers to realize a reward for producing better quality produce. Speakers Matt Kleinhenz and Natalie Bumgarner are researchers in the OSU Department of Horticulture and Crop Science.
- OEFFA Grain Growers Chapter Meeting
- (David Bell)
Anyone interested in learning more about the OEFFA Grain Growers Chapter and its activities are welcome to attend this meeting, led by Chapter president David Bell. Come network with other grain growers and discuss how working together can strengthen our efforts to produce, process and market organically grown grains.
- Our Journey into Meat Goat Production: Been There, Done That, and What We
- Learned Along the Way
- (Christina Wieg & Rick Perkins)
Join Christina Wieg and Rick Perkins of Sandy Rock Acres to discuss their journey into meat goat production on their 50 acre farm. Enjoy some light hearted discussion on what worked and didn’t work for their operation. The presentation will focus on care, selection, fencing, watering, feeding, and breeding of meat goats.
- Natural Homemade Dyes
- (Vanessa Prentice)
There is so much color in nature! Harvest that color from vegetables, fruits and herbs to produce natural dyes you can use to create beautiful art on eggshells, paper, cloth and wood. Join Vanessa Prentice of Earth Flutter Art and Design for a demonstration and discussion of successful recipes for dyes.
- Farm to School: Where We Are, Where We’re Going
- (Chuck Dilbone & Greg Enslen)
Granville School District is currently in the second year of a new lunch program that emphasizes nutritious meals, prepared with fresh, local products. School administrator Chuck Dilbone and executive chef Greg Enslen will review the “purchasing local” goal of the program, including what is working and needs to be improved. They will offer ideas on how to generate interest in similar programs in other communities. In addition, the audience will be invited to share their own ideas about how farmers and the school can resolve problems and improve on the current program.
- Dairy Calf Care
- (Dr. AJ Luft)
Giving your dairy cows a good start improves their health and productivity for their entire life. Dr. AJ Luft of Chickasaw Veterinary Center will present a preventative schedule for calf health as well as discuss issues like colostrum management. A good holistic program can help you avoid maladies like scours and pneumonia in your own herd's calves.
- Update on the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board
- (Mike Bailey)
In November 2009, Ohioans approved the creation of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board (OLCSB), whose charge is to set state standards for the care and well-being of livestock in Ohio. Over the past year, the OLCSB established a process, and are drafting standards for veal, dairy, beef, swine, layers, turkeys, broilers, sheep, goats, horses, alpaca and llama. Mike Bailey, OLCSB executive director, will discuss the decision-making structure, present where the process is at, and help livestock farmers understand what is expected of them.
- Garlic: See It , Taste It, Sell It
- (Marilou Suszko)
Marilou Suszko is here to remind sellers and home cooks alike of the nuances between different varieties of garlic and the special ways they need to handled for the best culinary impact. Using garlic from Rich Gardens Organic Farm in Shade Ohio, experience the differences through techniques and recipes that bring out subtleties or the full impact of the stinkin’ rose. Those who grow and sell garlic will find this session full of useful information to pass along to their customers who appreciate and value a little education with every purchase.
- Are You Ready for Retail?
- (Andrew Ladd)
Wondering if making the jump from farmer’s markets and corner shops to the grocery store shelves is right for you? Whether you grow produce or make value added products, learn about the process from the retailer’s point of view from Andrew Ladd of Whole Foods Market. From margins and vendor support to label laws and UPCs, come gain an understanding of what’s involved to be successful in the retail setting.
- Establishing an On-farm Licensed Commercial Kitchen
- (Jeff & Sandra Ashba)
Jeff and Sandra Ashba of the Organic Farm at Bear Creek will offer an overview of what it took to plan, build, license and operate their on-the-farm commercial kitchen and cannery where value added products are produced for retail sale. In addition to certified organic vegetables, their farm offers a line of certified organic soups, salsas, sauces, salad dressings and jams which are sold at retail establishments.
