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OEFFA Conference 2017 Registration

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(Option / Member Cost / Non Member Cost)

Conference Registration

Meals are not included. Students age 18+ must present a valid student ID at registration. Online registration ends January 27. On-site walk-in registration will be available for an additional $5 fee.

Pre-Conference Registration

Conference registration is not required for pre-conference registration.

Evening Events

Conference registration is not required for evening event registration.

Conference Dining

Conference registration is required for lunch purchases. Lunch is not included in registration.

Welcome to OEFFA’s 38th Annual Conference!

Thanks so much to the many sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, volunteers, and others who helped to make this year's conference possible! We couldn't do it without YOU!

Please check out the list of this year's sponsors below, and support the farms and businesses that support OEFFA.

Take the conference home with you! Dove Conference Services is now selling individual workshop, keynote, and pre-conference MP3 recordings, and the complete set for one low price.

Keynote Speakers

Jim Riddle

Jim Riddle

Friday Keynote Speaker

Transform Organic Today, Grow with Integrity Tomorrow

For more than 30 years, Jim Riddle has been an organic farmer, inspector, educator, policy analyst, and activist.

From 2001 to 2006, Riddle served on the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Standards Board, chairing the board from 2004 to 2005. In the years since, he has remained engaged on organic issues, calling for attention to process, transparency, and integrity.

He is founding chair of the thriving Winona Farmers’ Market and the International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA), and has served on the leadership team for eOrganic and on the boards of the International Organic Accreditation Service, Beyond Pesticides, and the Organic Processing Institute.

He served on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Organic Advisory Task Force from 1991 to 2009, and was instrumental in passing Minnesota’s landmark organic certification cost-share program in 1998 and a national organic certification cost-share program in 2002. From 2006 to 2013, he worked for the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center as Organic Outreach Coordinator.

From 2013 to 2016, he coordinated the organic research grant program for graduate students at the Ceres Trust. He has recently been appointed to chair the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force, which provides advice to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota.

Riddle and his wife also own and operate Blue Fruit Farm, a five acre fruit farm in southeastern Minnesota growing certified organic blueberries, elderberries, aronia berries, black currants, blue plums, honey berries, and juneberries.

Robyn O'Brien

Robyn O’Brien

Saturday Keynote Speaker

Building the 21st Century Food System: Capitalizing on the New Food Economy

A former financial and food industry analyst, Robyn O’Brien has been called “food’s Erin Brockovich.”

O’Brien analyzed the impact that our food system has on the health of our families, companies, and our economy in her bestselling book, The Unhealthy Truth, and became recognized around the world after her TEDx talk in 2011, which has been viewed by millions.

Her work focuses on additives and the manipulation of our food, and the burden that food allergies, cancer, and other health problems place on our families, our companies, and our country.

She has been featured on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, the Today Show, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, CBS, and countless media outlets, and she wrote a popular column for Prevention while serving as the Executive Director of the AllergyKids Foundation, which she founded, and doing strategic advisory work for companies making changes in the food industry. O’Brien also produces a weekly podcast, Take Out with Ashley and Robyn.

She has been named by SHAPE Magazine as a “Women to Shape the World,” by Forbes Woman as one of “20 Inspiring Women to Follow on Twitter,” and by The Discovery Channel as one of its 15 Top Visionaries.

Presented by Horizon Organic Horizon


Conference Schedule

Thursday, February 9

  • 9:00 a.m.: Pre-conference intensive workshop check-in begins
  • 10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.: Pre-conference intensive workshops [Crowne Plaza Dayton]
  • 4:00-7:00 p.m.: Exhibit Hall and raffle open to the general public*
  • 5:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.: Networking opportunities
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m.: The Contrary Farmers’ Social reception [2nd Street Market]

Friday, February 10

  • 7:00 a.m.: Conference check-in begins
  • 7:00-8:00 a.m.: Chi kung
  • 8:00 a.m.: Welcome, Exhibit Hall and raffle open
  • 8:30-10:00 a.m.: Workshop Session I
  • 10:00-10:30 a.m.: Exhibit Hall break
  • 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.: Workshop Session II
  • 12:00-1:00 p.m.: Lunch
  • 1:00-2:00 p.m.: Exhibit Hall break
  • 2:00-3:30 p.m.: Workshop Session III
  • 3:45-5:00 p.m.: Keynote address, awards, and announcements
  • 5:00-6:30 p.m.: Networking reception
  • 5:15-6:15 p.m.: Members' meeting*
  • 6:30 p.m.: Exhibit Hall and raffle close*
  • 6:30-8:30 p.m.: The Cream of the Crop Banquet

Saturday, February 11

  • 7:00 a.m.: Conference check-in begins
  • 7:00-8:00 a.m.: Yoga
  • 8:00 a.m.: Exhibit Hall and raffle open
  • 8:30-10:00 a.m.: Workshop Session IV
  • 10:15-11:30 a.m.: Keynote address, awards, and announcements
  • 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Exhibit Hall break
  • 12:30-1:30 p.m.: Lunch
  • 1:30-3:00 p.m.: Workshop Session V
  • 2:30 p.m.: Raffle drawing
  • 3:00-3:30 p.m.: Exhibit Hall break
  • 3:30 p.m.: Exhibit Hall closes
  • 3:30-5:00 p.m.: Workshop Session VI

*OEFFA members are invited to attend the member meeting at no cost. The Exhibit Hall is also open to the public on Thursday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Friday from 5:00-6:30 p.m. All other conference events require paid registration.

Schedule is subject to change. Events will be held at the Dayton Convention Center unless otherwise noted.


Pre-Conference Intensive Workshops

Thursday, February 9 ~ 10:00a.m.-4:30p.m.

Farming Smarter, Not Harder:

Tune Up Your Farm Business and Increase Your Net Profit

This full-day session, led by Richard Wiswall of Cate Farm in Vermont and author of The Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook, will help you plan to increase your farm’s net profit, market your products strategically, and meet your long-term business goals.

Find out which parts of your farm make the most money and which may actually be losing you money. Learn about efficient farm planning and analysis, farm office administration, key financial statements, employee management, and financial tips for success.

The workshop will offer a mixture of lecture, group work, and demonstrations and is geared toward both beginning and experienced farmers looking to focus a little more on the business side of farming.

Growing Bionutrient Rich Food:

Applying the Principles of Biological Systems

Join Dan Kittredge for an in-depth look at soil, crop, and human nutrition and learn how to improve crop quality by applying the principles of biological systems to your land. With a strong focus on management practices and techniques, this intensive session will cover pest and disease control, soil testing, mineral balancing, cover crops and minimal tillage, plant visual analysis, seed quality, Brix, and other topics.

Kittredge is founder and executive director of the Bionutrient Food Association (BFA). BFA’s mission is to increase the quality of the food supply by working with farmers, consumers, retailers, policymakers, and others to advocate for vital soils, nourishing food, and healthy people.

Respect Your Elderberries:

Growing and Selling Niche Fruit Crops from Aronia to Service Berries

Join Jim Riddle for an experienced-based look at niche berries as a high value specialty crop for the small market farm or homestead. Hardy perennial berries like black currants, elderberries, aronia berries, josta berries, service berries, and honeyberries are more forgiving than blueberries and will produce for many years with thoughtful planning and sound management.

Riddle will profile the berries he and his wife, Joyce Ford, grow at Blue Fruit Farm in Minnesota, which they built around these unique crops. He will describe nursery sources, site selection and preparation, fertility, irrigation, pollination, and pest management. Just as importantly, he will discuss marketing challenges and strategies for effectively selling these lesser known berries. Leave with the knowledge you need to successfully add blue fruits to your farm business.

Building a Profitable Pastured Broiler Business

Join Mike and Christie Badger of Badger’s Millside Farm for a daylong session on developing a profitable pastured broiler business. Mike is director of the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association and Christie is an independent organic inspector and consultant. Topics will include breed selection, designing shelters, feed, nutrition, management, marketing, and pricing.

If you are getting started with broilers and want to hit the ground running, or are looking to enhance your profitability by evaluating your current system, this session will equip you with the foundation you need to succeed.


Pre-registration is required. Check-in opens at 9:00 a.m.

All pre-conference intensive workshops will be held at the Crowne Plaza Dayton, which is attached to the Dayton Convention Center. Lunch is included.


Featured Conference Guests

Mike and Christie Badger—Mike and Christie Badger raise pastured poultry at Badger’s Millside Farm. Mike is the executive director of the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association, where he publishes Grit, a bi-monthly trade magazine. Christie is an independent certified organic farm inspector.

Ken Hargeshiemer—Ken Hargesheimer is a gardening educator and advocate for organic, no-till, permanent raised bed gardening. A Texas native, he grew up on a dairy, cotton, and wheat farm and studied animal and dairy husbandry at Texas Tech University. Inspired by the writings of Ruth Stout, he teaches classes on his mini-farming method all over the world.

Dr. Guy Jodarski—Guy Jodarski, DVM is a staff veterinarian for the Organic Valley CROPP Cooperative, where he teaches farmers how to keep animals healthy without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, and chemicals. With 25 years of practical experience, he specializes in dairy cattle herd health and also works with beef cattle, sheep, and goats.

Dan Kittredge—Dan Kittredge is the founder and executive director of the Bionutrient Food Association. His experience managing organic farms and developing sustainable agriculture techniques has connected him with farmers in Central America, Russia, India, and the U.S.

David Kline—David Kline is a writer and semi-retired organic farmer in Holmes County, Ohio. David and his wife, Elsie, founded and have published Farming Magazine since 2001. Kline, described as an “utterly pleasant and interesting companion” by Wendell Berry and an “Amish Thoreau” by Wes Jackson, was born on the family farm where he has lived for more than 60 years.

Patty Lovera—Patty Lovera is the assistant director of Food & Water Watch, where she coordinates their food policy team’s work on labeling, free trade, factory farming, food safety, and other issues. Previously, she was the deputy director of the Energy and Environment Program at Public Citizen and a researcher at the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice.

Richard Wiswall—Richard Wiswall of Cate Farm in Vermont has been farming organically for more than 35 years. He leads farm business workshops frequently and has consulted with nearly 100 farmers in New England and beyond, helping them increase their profitability and financial management. Wiswall is the author of The Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook.

THE CONTRARY FARMERS’ SOCIAL

Thursday, February 9—7:00-9:00 p.m.
2nd Street Market 600 E. 2nd St., Dayton, Ohio

Join us at Dayton’s historic 2nd Street Market for an evening of celebration and reflection as we honor the legacy of Ohio's Contrary Farmer, Gene Logsdon. Attendees will enjoy special small plates provided by market vendors Azra's Mediterranean Cuisine, The Chef Case, and Crepe Boheme; a fine assortment of Ohio and domestic cheeses assembled by Lucky Penny Farm; and Ohio craft beer. Writer, Farming Magazine publisher, and dairy farmer David Kline will share a remembrance of Gene and reflect on where agriculture was in 1995 when his seminal book, The Contrary Farmer, was published and how far we have come since then.

We are grateful for Gene's leadership, by pitchfork and pen, for these many years, and we have much work yet to do—a toast is in order.

This event is now SOLD OUT

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Thursday, February 9—5:00-6:30 p.m.

Join other food and farm enthusiasts to share information and make connections during these three free events. Although there is no cost to attend, please pre-register where indicated.

Farm Land of Opportunity Reception

If you need a farm, or need a farmer, attend this informal networking reception designed to connect farm hands and aspiring farmers with established farmers looking for employees, retiring farmers interested in a transition plan, and landowners with land to lease.

Old MacGyver Had a Farm: A Forum for Sharing On-Farm Innovations

Farmers we are always looking for elegant solutions to inefficiencies on the farm. Sometimes the best solution can be to customize or build the right piece of equipment. Join fellow farmers for a casual reception facilitated by Ben Jackle of Mile Creek Farm, and help each other save time and effort by sharing your best innovations. No homemade technology is too simple or too complex.

Growing Right: Reflecting on OEFFA’s History

Folklorist Jess Holler spent 2016 traveling the state and interviewing the founders of Ohio’s organic movement. Learn about the newly-launched Ohio Ecological Food, Farm, and Movement Memory project and hear the stories of Ohio’s agricultural pioneers as Jess shares multimedia shorts and interview clips from her conversations. There will also be a live interview with early leaders and OEFFA Stewardship Award winners, Doug Seibert and Leslie Garcia, and an opportunity for audience questions. Join us as we celebrate the brave Ohioans who helped write the story of ecological farming in the state.

This program is made possible, in part, by Ohio Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

THE CREAM OF THE CROP BANQUET

Friday, February 10—6:30-8:30 p.m.

After a day of learning and networking, it’s time to party! Enjoy an elegant meal and the company of others at OEFFA’s first The Cream of the Crop Banquet. Featuring a menu comprised of local and organic food and an empowering program, this event will please everyone’s palate. Meet OEFFA’s Advocate of the Year and savor time spent with other food and farm enthusiasts and practitioners.

Tickets are $35 and include your choice of non-alcoholic or adult beverage. Banquet registration must be purchased separately. Conference registration is not required in order to attend. Cash bar available.

CONFERENCE LUNCHES

We strive to provide quality meals made from fresh, organic, locally-produced meats, dairy products, vegetables, and grains. A limited number of meals are available for sale; all lunches were sold out prior to last year’s conference. If you plan to eat a conference lunch, we recommend buying it in advance. Vegan and gluten-free meals cannot be guaranteed.

Conference registration is required for lunch purchases. Lunch is not included in registration. Children 5 and under eat free.

Featured Workshop Tracks

BEGINNING FARMER WORKSHOPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

If you are a beginning farmer looking to increase your knowledge and skills, the Begin Farming workshop track at the conference is for you! These workshops will be devoted exclusively to helping farmers start or scale-up their operations, with topics ranging from making the right equipment choices to developing a successful business.

To help budding farmers access these educational opportunities, OEFFA is offering a limited number of full scholarships for early career farmers to attend the conference February 10-11. To see if you’re eligible or to apply, click here. Applications are due by January 7 and scholarship recipients will be notified by January 12.

These workshops and scholarships are made possible by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. For more information, click here.

URBAN AGRICULTURE WORKSHOP TRACK

The urban agriculture scene in Ohio and elsewhere continues to grow, offering exciting opportunities for individuals to make a living farming, provide communities with healthy food, transform blighted areas into vibrant ones, and gain educational and job training.

Specific challenges and issues face urban agriculture, and this track will provide skills, knowledge, and networking that you can use in your own urban operation. Sponsored by Ohio’s recently-designated 1890 land-grant institution, Central State University Cooperative Extension, workshop topics will address production practices for small spaces, business planning, and cost effective technologies for efficient urban production.

Conference Workshops

Workshops are subject to change.
With almost 80 workshops, covering everything from commercial production, livestock, food and farm policy, urban, agriculture, research, sustainable living, and more, OEFFA's conference has something to offer everyone!

Learn more about our 13 workshop tracks and read full descriptions of the workshops (pdf)

Begin Farming Workshop Track | Urban Agriculture Workshop Track

FRIDAY

Workshop Session I: 8:30-10:00 a.m.

  • Principles of Biological Systems, Part 1—Dan Kittredge, Bionutrient Food Association
  • Who’s Who: Beneficial Bug Identification for the Farm and Garden—Bethany Majeski, Cleveland Metroparks
  • Getting Started with Blue Fruits—Jim Riddle, Blue Fruit Farm
  • Farm Mechanization Efficiencies—Richard Wiswall, Cate Farm
  • Panel Discussion: Organic Grain Production Systems for Quality and Profitability—Jeff Harris, Harris Organic Farm, Lou Kozma, Hirzel Canning Co. and Farms, Ken Rider, Rider Landing, Alan Sundermeier, OSU Extension
  • The Positive Impacts of Grazing Cover Crops—Chad Bitler and Jonathan Gabis, Greenacres Foundation
  • On-Farm Poultry Processing—Mike Badger, American Pastured Poultry Producers Association
  • Restorative Foods and Herbs—Barbara Utendorf, Wilmington College
  • Safe Handling and Use of Organic Approved Pesticides—Terry Grace, Ohio Central Community Coop
  • Farming and Business Law: Tips for Making Legal Rules Work for You—Bret Kravitz and Chris Montgomery, Dickinson Wright
  • What do You Want from the Next Farm Bill?—Amalie Lipstreu, OEFFA
  • Start with the Soil: Establishing a First-Year Fertility Program—Raymond Yoder Jr., Green Field Farms
  • Essential Concepts and Practical Applications of Biodynamics—David Chal, Greenacres Foundation

FRIDAY

Workshop Session II: 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

  • Principles of Biological Systems, Part 2—Dan Kittredge, Bionutrient Food Association
  • Chemical-Free Home Orchards—Mary Lou Shaw, Milk and Honey Farm
  • Specialty Cut Flowers: Varieties that Work Best for Our Climate—Steve Adams, Sunny Meadows Flower Farm
  • Garlic, Onions, and Leeks—Mick Luber, Bluebird Farm
  • **It Happens, so Keep it on the Farm, and Save Money—Doug Billman, Twinbill Agricultural Services
  • Practical Homeopathy for Organic Livestock—Guy Jodarski, Organic Valley
  • Profitable Turkey Production for Thanksgiving and Beyond—Mike Badger, American Pastured Poultry Producers Association
  • Fabulous Fermentation—Jordan Aversman and Jennifer DeMarco, Fab Ferments
  • Urban Farm Planting and Management—Milan Karcic, Peace, Love, and Freedom Farm
  • Working with Chefs Farm-to-Table—Richard Stewart, Carriage House Farm, Alice Chalmers, Ohio Valley Food Connection, Stephan Williams, Bouquet Restaurant and Wine Bar, Justin Dean, Woodland Pork
  • FSMA Produce Safety Rule in Ohio: What it Means for Exempt and Non-Exempt Farms— Terri Gerhardt and Jodi Taylor, ODA Food Safety Division
  • Starting Your Own Farm Business from Scratch—Richard Wiswall, Cate Farm
  • Thoughts on Small-Scale Farming—David Kline, Larksong Farm

FRIDAY

Workshop Session III: 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

  • Growing a Livable Climate—Glenn Gall, Soil Carbon Solutions
  • Using Green Manure and Cover Crops in Community and Small-Scale Gardens—Peter Huttinger, Turner Farm
  • The World of Herbs: Growing, Harvesting, Preserving, Promoting—Debra Knapke, The Garden Sage
  • Panel Discussion: High Quality Organic High Tunnel Tomatoes—Jake Trethewey, Maplestar Farm, Andy Miller, Miller’s Organic Produce, Doug Siebert, Peach Mountain Organics, Mike Anderson, Whitebarn Organics
  • Panel Discussion: Rejected! The Costs of Genetic Contamination and What Can Be Done—Patty Lovera, Food & Water Watch, Ken and Nan Rider, Rider Landing
  • Panel Discussion: Dairy Milking Facility Options— Ernest Martin, Lark Ridge Farm, Doyle Stoller, Stoller’s Organic Dairy, Dean Stoller, W.G. Dairy Supply
  • Marketing Farm-to-Table Beef—Dennis Wood, Wood Farms
  • Herbal Medicine Making—Caty Crabb, Wildfire School of Herbal Medicine
  • Business Planning for Ag Entrepreneurs—Stephen Washington, Central State University
  • Value-Added Producer Grants: Finding Funds to Add Value to Your Farm Products—Debbie Rausch, USDA Rural Development
  • What is Wrong with the Organic Label and How YOU CAN Fix it— Julia Barton and Amalie Lipstreu OEFFA, Christie Badger, Independent Organic Inspector
  • Farming the Farm Bill: FSA Programs and How They Can Support Your Farm—Matt Kleski and David Drake, USDA FSA
  • Mindful Growing—Rachel Tayse, Harmonious Homestead

SATURDAY

Workshop Session IV: 8:30-10:00 a.m.

  • Soil Health Management Systems: How to Identify Resource Concerns by Making Observations in the Field—Clark Harshbarger, USDA NRCS
  • Mini-Farms Master Class, Part 1: The Fundamentals—Ken Hargisheimer, Mini Farms
  • Sourcing Sustainable Hive Products to Support Bee Health—Dawn Combs, Mockingbird Meadows
  • Four Season Farming: Tips, Techniques, and Strategies for Year-Round Production—Michael Kilpatrick
  • Interseeded Cover Cropping Experiments in Ohio—Ryan Haden, OSU ATI
  • Nutritional Needs of Small Ruminants—Casey Trinkaus, Fertrell
  • Local Meats and the Co-op Model—Hannah Scott, OSU South Centers
  • Foraged Foods on the Plate—Kate Hodges, Foraged & Sown
  • Water Quality's Role in Sustainability on Small and Urban Farms—Krishnakumar Nedunuri, Central State University
  • Effective Farm Finance: Growing the Future of Your Farm—Jeff McCabe, Nifty Hoops
  • An Agenda for Organic America—Jim Riddle, Blue Fruit Farm
  • Farmland Access 101: Options for Landowners and Growers—Krista McGaw, Tecumseh Land Trust
  • Panel Discussion: Farmer-Friendly Approaches to Combating Food Waste—Abbe Turner, Lucky Penny Farm, Sabrina Schirtzinger, OSU Extension, Max Slater, St. Stephen’s Community House

SATURDAY

Workshop Session V: 1:30-3:00 p.m.

  • Active Organic Matter in Your Soil—Steve Culman, OSU
  • Mini-Farms Master Class, Part 2: Growing Techniques—Ken Hargisheimer, Mini Farms
  • So You Want to be a Chestnut Grower?—Greg Miller, Empire Chestnut Co.
  • Addressing Soil’s Needs with Cover Crops—Vicki Morrone, MSU
  • Weed Management Through Proper Soil Nutrition—Keats Walker, Fertrell
  • Converting Cropland to Productive Pasture—Bob Hendershot, Green Pasture Services
  • Co-existing with a Killer: Small Ruminant Parasite Management—Rory Lewandowski, OSU Extension
  • Stories from the Front Yard: A Suburban Homestead Builds Community—Amy Stross, Tenth Acre Farm
  • Low-Tech Farm Hacks and DIY Infrastructure—Lisa Helm, Dayton Urban Green
  • Food Storytelling that Sells—Jackie and Ben Bebenroth, Spice Acres
  • Ohio Food Policy Network: Mapping the Vision for Ohio's Food System—Amy Baskes, Amy Baskes Consulting, Andy Wapner and Jill Clark, OSU
  • The Path to Organic Certification: Lessons from Farmers—Julia Barton and Patrick Turner, Octagon Acres
  • Understanding Food Insecurity in the U.S.—Mike Hogan, OSU Extension

SATURDAY

Workshop Session VI: 3:30-5:00 p.m.

  • Carbon Management for Resilient Agriculture, Climate, and Communities—Mark Cohen, Independent Organic Inspector
  • Mini-Farms Master Class, Part 3: Planning for Personal Food Security and Market—Ken Hargisheimer, Mini Farms
  • Growing Organic Apples—John Paul Rietz, Fedco Organic Growers Supply
  • Growing Broccoli and Other Fall Cole Crops the Easy Way—Mike Anderson, Whitebarn Organics
  • Getting the Most Value from Cover Crops—Jay Brandt, Walnut Creek Seeds
  • Key Things to Pay Attention to in a Grazing System— Jeff McCutcheon, OSU Extension
  • Panel Discussion: A Place for Pigs in Your Multi-Species Farm Business—Jesse Rickard, Fox Hollow Farm, Brad Berry, Berry Family Farm, Paul Dorrance, Pastured Providence Farmstead
  • Solar Goes Mainstream—Tom Rapini and Valerie Garrett, A’s and O’s Farm
  • Growing Efficiently Through Technology—Cadance Lowell, Central State University Extension
  • Starting a Small-Scale Creamery: What You Need to Know About On-Farm Processing and Consumer Direct Sales of Fluid Milk—Saundra Guenther, Star Dancer Creamery
  • Fracking and Our Food System—Patty Lovera, Food & Water Watch, Mick Luber, Bluebird Farm, Christine Hughes, Village Bakery
  • Walk-Behind Tractors for Small Farms—Michael O’Donnell, Purdue University Extension
  • Managing Natives with Exotics—Braden Trauth, Cincinnati Permaculture Institute

Exhibit Hall

Enjoy a bigger and better Exhibit Hall, packed with a diversity of vendors, offering you a one-stop shopping experience. You’ll find businesses that can help you find your market, products that you can use on your farm or in your backyard, services that will help your farm or homestead succeed, quality locally-produced merchandise for your pantry and home, and useful information from knowledgeable nonprofit and educational institutions. Be sure to check out all that the Exhibit Hall has to offer.

BOOK TABLE

Here’s your chance to get great deals on scads of food and farming book titles! We also encourage you to donate your gently used farm and food books at conference, or before the event. Book sales support OEFFA’s work.

BOOK SIGNING TABLE

A bittersweet part of conference, we will remember Ohio author, farmer, and long-time friend of the conference Gene Logsdon who passed away in May. Other authors will be available to sign their books, including keynote speaker Robyn O’Brien, author of The Unhealthy Truth: How Our Food is Making Us Sick—And What We Can Do About It, Richard Wiswall, author of The Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook, and David Kline, author of Letters from Larksong and editor of Farming Magazine.

FARMING, FOOD, AND ART: FRAMING THE ISSUES

Enjoy beautiful works by Ohio artists inspired by Ohio’s local and organic food movement. Read the artist statements and reflect on the state of Ohio’s agriculture and rural communities, or simply take a break to enjoy the artists’ talents. The pieces are available for purchase from the OEFFA Book Table with 20 percent of proceeds supporting OEFFA.

OEFFA MERCHANDISE

Don’t forget your OEFFA swag! Aluminum “No Spray” and other signs and organic logo stickers will be for sale, along with other items.

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION ASSISTANCE

Are you certified organic or considering certification? Bring your questions and paperwork! OEFFA Certification staff will be on hand to provide one-on-one assistance and to answer questions about the organic certification process, organic standards, and certification guidelines.

 

Raffle

Try your luck for a chance to win a variety of wonderful products and services, courtesy of many of our exhibitors, sponsors, and other conference supporters. Funds raised support OEFFA’s educational work.

 

Community

MORNING EXERCISE

Gather yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually for the day. No prior experience is needed and all are welcome.

CHI KUNG

Friday
February 10—7:00-8:00 a.m.

Tai chi instructor and Snowville Creamery owner Warren Taylor will lead a morning chi kung session. Chi kung is similar to tai chi, but focuses on upper body movements.

YOGA

Saturday
February 11—7:00-8:00 a.m.

Center yourself for a robust day of learning with a beginner level yoga session. Please bring your own mat to participate.

YOUTH OPTIONS

KIDS’ CONFERENCE
AND CHILD CARE

We encourage parents to bring the family! Christa Hein of Bring the Farm to You is organizing this year’s Kids’ Conference, which offers 6-12 year olds educational and fun hands-on activities. Child care is available for younger children, which includes age-appropriate activities and time to take a nap. Private space for nursing can be arranged. Children must be with parents during meal times.

TEEN CONFERENCE

Teenagers have the option of attending the teen conference, where they can create their own personal schedule for the weekend. Choices include attending general and teen-specific workshops, volunteering, and hands-on projects.

The Teen Conference is open to ages 12-15. Twelve-year-olds can choose between the Kid’s Conference and the Teen Conference. Older teens may also choose to attend the conference as an adult attendee. Space is extremely limited, so please register early.

CONFERENCE RECORDINGS

With almost 80 workshops offered, how do you choose? You don’t have to! Dove Conference Services will give you the choice of purchasing individual workshop and keynote presentation MP3 recordings, or the complete set for one low price. Order on-site or after the event at www.dovecds.com/oeffa.

MEMBERS’ MEETING

Friday
February 10—5:15-6:15 p.m.

Join us for OEFFA’s annual membership meeting, where we review the past year, elect new members of the Board of Trustees, and discuss other issues on our members’ minds. This is YOUR organization. Please come to listen, learn, and share.

VOLUNTEERS

In exchange for four hours of on-site work, pre-approved volunteers may pre-register for both days of the conference for only $60. No further discount applies and meals are not included. Limited opportunities are available, so don’t wait to sign up. For more information or to sign up, contact Renee at (614) 421-2022 Ext. 205 or renee@oeffa.org before January 6.

If you’d like to volunteer just to volunteer, we also need help in the office during the weeks leading up to conference and help with set up on Thursday, February 9. Let us know if you can pitch in.

Experience Dayton

The conference will be held at the Dayton Convention Center located at 22 E. 5th St., Dayton, OH 45402.

There’s lots to see and do in Dayton when you join us for the conference! Dayton offers the best of both worlds: the dining, nightlife, and buzz of the city, at a size and scale that makes it easy to get around and enjoy. Check out some of these nearby attractions:

A Place to Stay

Crowne Plaza Dayton

Crown Plaza33 E. 5th St., Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 229-9835
www.cpdayton.com

$102.00 per night (A limited number of rooms are available at this OEFFA group rate. Call (937) 229-9835 to confirm availability and make reservations.)

The Crowne Plaza is attached to the Dayton Convention Center by a convenient enclosed walking bridge. Complimentary parking in the Transportation Center garage attached to the hotel is included (for vehicles under 6’8”).

The Hotel Dayton

Hotel Dayton2301 Wagner Ford Rd., Dayton, OH 45414
(937) 278-4871
www.thehoteldayton.com

$79.99 per night (ask for the OEFFA group rate)

Shuttle service is offered to the Dayton Convention Center.

 

Parking

Parking is available in the Transportation Center parking garage for $6 per day, or at no cost for Crowne Plaza Dayton guests.

The garage is located one block east of the Dayton Convention Center on 5th St. at Jefferson St. The garage offers a covered skywalk on Level 1 that connects to the third floor of the convention center.

For more information and directions, visit the Dayton Convention Center website.

Please note: If you are arriving on Friday, allow for ample time to find parking, as there is another event taking place at the Dayton Convention Center that day as well. In the event that the Transportation Center parking garage is full, overflow parking is available at the Montgomery County Reibold Building parking garage () on E. 5th St. between Main St. and Ludlow St.

Our Sponsors

Conference Presenters:

Conference Sustainers:

Conference Barnraisers:

Conference Cultivators:

  • Ag Credit
    Agricultural Cooperative Association
  • Albert Lea Seed Company
  • Eban Bakehouse
  • Edible Cleveland
  • Edible Columbus
  • Great River Organics
  • Green BEAN Delivery
  • Green Field Farms
  • Hiland Supply Co.
  • Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
  • Lucky Cat Bakery
  • Organic Valley
  • Stauf's Coffee Roasters
  • WQTT Ag Today Central Ohio

Conference Seeders:

  • Andelain Fields
  • Curly Tail Organic Farm
  • DNO Produce
  • Eden Foods
  • Kevin Morgan Studio
  • Palamedes Photography
  • Plant Talk Radio

Conference Friends:

  • Bexley Natural Market
  • Carriage House Farm
  • Casa Nueva
  • D & S Farm & Garden Supply
  • Dale Filbrun and family, Morning Sun Farm
  • Great Lakes Organic Feed Mill
  • Hartzler Dairy Farm
  • IBA
  • Jorgensen Farms
  • Lucky Penny Farm
  • Lucky's Market
  • Northridge Organic Farm
  • Nourse Farms
  • Rhinegeist
  • Stutzman Farms
  • Swainway Urban Farm
  • Tea Hills Farms

Conference Photography provided by Palamedes Photography.