UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture Calendar
Friday, December 27, 2013
Winter Break
Day Event
Monday, December 30, 2013
Winter Break
Day Event
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Animal Agriculture & Climate Change
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Online self-paced course at: www.extension.org/pages/66987/online-animal-agriculture-climate-change-certification-course#.Umab1BDFpw-
COST: Free
Global population is expected to top nine billion by 2050. Supplying this population with safe, secure, and healthy food will challenge the world’s agricultural resources and production systems. Recent weather trends indicate that precipitation and temperature patterns are changing, and are already impacting agricultural
production in a variety of ways.
The Animal Agriculture and Climate Change online certification course has been developed to equip Extension Educators and other Agricultural Service Providers with the background necessary to instruct and advise farmers and ranchers in all aspects of animal agriculture and climate change. It will provide an in-depth understanding of the relationship between animal agriculture and climate change, both nationally and regionally, right from your office or home. This 12-hour, self-paced course will prepare you to discuss the topic with clientele and provide the resources to incorporate it into existing programming. It also qualifies for continuing education credits from Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists.
CONTACT: Register at www.extension.org/pages/68219/aacc-online-course-registration#.Umab6hDFpw8. For more information about the course, see the brochure at www.extension.org/pages/66987/online-animal-agriculture-climate-change-certification-course#.UmacPBDFpw8, and for questions about registration contact David Schmidt at schmi071@umn.edu
Monday, January 6, 2014
Farm Food Safety Training with GAPs
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Description: Ontario County, CCE: Ontario in Canandaigua
COST: $60 per farm
Offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension, this is for those farmers who are interested in produce safety or who are being required by buyers to develop food safety plans and provide third party verification of their food safety practices. The Food Safety Modernization Act proposed produce safety rules have been released with a tentative final rule anticipated sometime in the summer of 2015. These workshops will help growers understand produce safety issues and Good Agricultural Practices as well as the FSMA proposed produce rule and third party audits. The second day will be devoted to writing farm food safety plans so that each participant can work on their own farm plan. These workshops are sponsored by the National GAPs Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, Produce Safety Alliance, and the New York State Department of Ag & Markets with funding from the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority.
CONTACT: For more information, contact Craig Kahlke at cjk37@cornell.edu or (585) 735–5448. Register at cvp.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=144
Early Registration Deadline: Intro to Ag. Financial Mgmt.
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Burlington, St. Johnsbury, & White River Junction
COST: $80 (if paid by 1/5 early registration deadline, $120 if paid by 1/20)
This course provides farmers with the knowledge they need to understand and complete a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. Participants will learn the basics of budgeting and skills to anticipate the financial needs of their farm operations. Participants can choose to participate in a clinic with one-to-one assistance at no additional charge.
CONTACT: To register or for more information about the course, visit www.uvm.edu/newfarmer or contact Jessie Schmidt at jessica.a.schmidt@uvm.edu. To request a disability-related accommodation to participate, please contact Jessie Schmidt at (802) 223-2389, ext. 203, or (866) 860-1382 (toll-free in Vermont) by January 5, 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Farm Food Safety Training with GAPs
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Description: Ontario County, CCE: Ontario in Canandaigua (contact information for specific locations is below)
COST: $60 per farm
Offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension, this is for those farmers who are interested in produce safety or who are being required by buyers to develop food safety plans and provide third party verification of their food safety practices. The Food Safety Modernization Act proposed produce safety rules have been released with a tentative final rule anticipated sometime in the summer of 2015. These workshops will help growers understand produce safety issues and Good Agricultural Practices as well as the FSMA proposed produce rule and third party audits. The second day will be devoted to writing farm food safety plans so that each participant can work on their own farm plan. These workshops are sponsored by the National GAPs Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, Produce Safety Alliance, and the New York State Department of Ag & Markets with funding from the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority.
CONTACT: For more information, contact Craig Kahlke at cjk37@cornell.edu or (585) 735–5448. Register at cvp.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=144
Sunday, January 12, 2014
NOFA-VT Direct Marketing Conference
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: (please note: times are an estimate as final event details were not announced as of the date of this posting)
Vermont Law School, S. Royalton, VT
COST: TBD
The annual NOFA-VT Direct Marketing Conference provides networking and educational opportunities for farmers’ market managers and vendors, and farmers marketing through Community Supported Agriculture and farm stands.
CONTACT: For more information: nofavt.org/annual-events/direct-marketing-conference or 802-434-4122
*New Farmer Coaching with UVM Extension's New Farmer Project will be available at this event.
Are you a new or aspiring farmer looking for land, capital, skill development, or business planning advice? Or, have you been farming for a few years and are now considering diversifying, expanding or reaching new markets? Attend a one-on-one coaching session with a Vermont New Farmer Project consultant to identify steps you can take to meet your farm priorities. New farmers may also request a feedback session on their draft written business plans. For more information and to sign up, contact Jessie Schmidt at 802-223-2389 x203, newfarmer@uvm.edu.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Taking Stock: A New Farmer Project Class
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Rutland, VT
Description: COST: $150 if registered by 10/27. Registrations received after 10/27 will be subject to a $25 late fee.
At some point every farmer has to acknowledge that the business has undergone some unexpected changes. Those changes may be the result of new learning, family obligations, changes in land tenure, emerging market opportunities or increased competition. Whatever the catalyst, your business will likely need some reframing and re-strategizing to get back in sync with your life. Taking Stock leads participants through a process of re-envisioning the business—looking back and planning forward. This class will prepare you for the challenges of the next phase of business development.
Topics covered will include:
Does your farm business vision still fit your life;
The role of policies & procedures in the maturing business;
Approaches to cash management and what the numbers can tell you;
Incorporating employees into the farm business.
Participants will be encouraged to select a project that will help them achieve a goal within their business to work on during the course.
Scholarship and Financial Aid information: Financial aid is available for eligible individuals. At the end of the registration form, you can make a request for financial aid.
What Taking Stock Graduates Say:
"It forced me to really slow down and look into the different parts of my business as they had developed over the years and begin to evaluate how they contributed to the overall picture."
"It helped me break things down . . . into goals, tasks to meet those goals, and ways to measure success -- that I would never take the time to do on my own. I have found that every time I have done that . . . we have met those goals."
CONTACT: Register at www.uvm.edu/newfarmer/?Page=classes/registration.html&SM=classes/sub-menu.html or contact Jessie Schmidt at 802-223-2389 or jessica.a.schmidt@uvm.edu.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Water Quality & Agriculture Workshop
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Description: Marshfield Town Hall, Marshfield, VT
COST: Free and lunch is provided.
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District as part of the Winooski Headwaters Community Partnership invites you to attend a workshop on water quality and agriculture. Come hear local Vermont experts talk about important issues affecting the state of Vermont, including meeting the state's water quality goals, preventing nutrient pollution, maintaining soil health and the programs available to farmers to meet these goals and actions.
CONTACT: Laura at 802-288-8155 ext.104 or email: laura@winooskinrcd.org
Thursday, January 16, 2014
NRCS EQIP Organic Initiative & Organic Dairy Farms Webinar
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Description: Online webinar
COST: Free
This webinar will provide information on the Organic Initiative and how organic dairy farmers can use this program on their operations. It will be presented by Sarah Brown, an Organic Conservation Specialist with Oregon Tilth, and Wisconsin NRCS district conservationist Sam Skemp. The webinar is free and open to the public and advance registration is required. Attendees will be able to type in questions for the speaker.
CONTACT: Deb Heleba, debra.heleba@uvm.edu or joineorganic@gmail.com Register at: www1.gotomeeting.com/register/843797761
Friday, January 17, 2014
18th Annual Vermont Grazing & Livestock Conference
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee VT
COST: $40, depending on membership and attendance
Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Ben Bartlett, retired Michigan State livestock specialist and farmer. Dr. Bartlett manages 360 sheep and 200 stocker cattle on his MI ranch, participates in on-farm research, and consults on grazing and animal handling. He is a board member of Holistic Management International and uses to planned grazing and biological monitoring approaches to improve soil health and help his operation be successful.
The conference will feature day-long intensive sessions on Friday January 17 with a keynote and 24 workshops on Saturday January 18. Topics covered will include grazing impacts on soil health, animal handling, parasite management, adding value, and more. Conference agenda in development. Sponsorship and tabling opportunities available.
CONTACT: Jenn Colby at (802) 656-0858 or jcolby@uvm.edu.to learn more. Or visit www.uvm.edu/pasture for downloadable sponsorship package.
*New Farmer Coaching with UVM Extension's New Farmer Project will be available at this event.
Are you a new or aspiring farmer looking for land, capital, skill development, or business planning advice? Or, have you been farming for a few years and are now considering diversifying, expanding or reaching new markets? Attend a one-on-one coaching session with a Vermont New Farmer Project consultant to identify steps you can take to meet your farm priorities. New farmers may also request a feedback session on their draft written business plans. For more information and to sign up, contact Jessie Schmidt at 802-223-2389 x203, newfarmer@uvm.edu.
Deadline to Register for 2014 Master Gardener Course
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: www.uvm.edu/mastergardener/?Page=EMGCourseRegistrationOpen.html
COST: $395
Today's the deadline to register for this non-credit course that covers the basics of home horticulture and what it means to be a Extension Master Gardener. The instructors are comprised of UVM faculty and Vermont horticulture professionals. Course topics include: Botany Basics, Entomology, Plant Diseases, Food Production, Soil Fertility, Perennials and Annuals, Sustainable Landscaping, Rain Gardens, Turf and Weeds, Invasive Plant & Pest Control, UVM Extension Volunteering. This course is offered statewide via Vermont Interactive Technology studios in Bennington, Brattleboro, Johnson, Lyndon, Middlebury, Montpelier, Newport, Randolph Ctr., Rutland, Springfield, St. Albans, White River Jct., and Williston.
CONTACT: Register at www.uvm.edu/mastergardener/?Page=EMGCourseRegistrationOpen.html or contact Lisa Chouinard at master.gardener@uvm.edu or 802-656-9562.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
18th Annual Vermont Grazing & Livestock Conference
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee VT
COST: $40, depending on membership and attendance
Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Ben Bartlett, retired Michigan State livestock specialist and farmer. Dr. Bartlett manages 360 sheep and 200 stocker cattle on his MI ranch, participates in on-farm research, and consults on grazing and animal handling. He is a board member of Holistic Management International and uses planned grazing and biological monitoring approaches to improve soil health and help his operation be successful.
The conference will feature day-long intensive sessions on Friday January 17 with a keynote and 24 workshops on Saturday January 18. Topics covered will include grazing impacts on soil health, animal handling, parasite management, adding value, and more. Conference agenda in development. Sponsorship and tabling opportunities available.
CONTACT: Jenn Colby at (802) 656-0858 or jcolby@uvm.edu.to learn more. Or visit www.uvm.edu/pasture for downloadable sponsorship package.
*New Farmer Coaching with UVM Extension's New Farmer Project will be available at this event.
Are you a new or aspiring farmer looking for land, capital, skill development, or business planning advice? Or, have you been farming for a few years and are now considering diversifying, expanding or reaching new markets? Attend a one-on-one coaching session with a Vermont New Farmer Project consultant to identify steps you can take to meet your farm priorities. New farmers may also request a feedback session on their draft written business plans. For more information and to sign up, contact Jessie Schmidt at 802-223-2389 x203, newfarmer@uvm.edu.
Registration Deadline: Intro to Ag. Financial Mgmt.
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Burlington, St. Johnsbury, & White River Junction
COST: $120
This course provides farmers with the knowledge they need to understand and complete a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. Participants will learn the basics of budgeting and skills to anticipate the financial needs of their farm operations. Participants can choose to participate in a clinic with one-to-one assistance at no additional charge.
CONTACT: To register or for more information about the course, visit www.uvm.edu/newfarmer or contact Jessie Schmidt at jessica.a.schmidt@uvm.edu. To request a disability-related accommodation to participate, please contact Jessie Schmidt at (802) 223-2389, ext. 203, or (866) 860-1382 (toll-free in Vermont) by January 5, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Empire State Producers Expo
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Description: Oncenter Convention Center, Syracuse, NY
COST: TBA
Presented by the New York State Vegetable Growers Association, this show combines the major fruit, flower, vegetable, and direct marketing associations of New York State in order to provide a comprehensive trade show and educational conference for the fruit and vegetable growers of this state, as well as the surrounding states and Eastern Canada. The Center's Farming & Climate Change Coordinator Joshua Faulkner will be presenting a session for attendees.
CONTACT: (315) 986-9320 or info@nysvga.org or nysvga.org/contact
Monday, January 27, 2014
Vermont Vegetable & Berry Growers Assn. Annual Meeting
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Capitol Plaza Hotel, 100 State St., Montpelier, VT
COST: $40 VVBGA members, $50 all others, add $10 for walk-in registration (so please pre-register by January 24)
A day filled with farmer-to-farmer presentations and discussions on topics ranging from low tunnels, sweded midge, and on-farm trials with zone tillage, plus a trade show, luncheon, business meeting and updates from Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Ross. The offical meeting ends at 3:30, when the trade show will remain open for networking and learning.
CONTACT: Vern Grubinger, UVM Extension,802-257-7967 ext.303, vernon.grubinger@uvm.edu. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please me know 10 days prior to the event. See details at www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/meetings/VVBGAMontpelier13.pdf.
*New Farmer Coaching with UVM Extension's New Farmer Project will be available at this event.
Are you a new or aspiring farmer looking for land, capital, skill development, or business planning advice? Or, have you been farming for a few years and are now considering diversifying, expanding or reaching new markets? Attend a one-on-one coaching session with a Vermont New Farmer Project consultant to identify steps you can take to meet your farm priorities. New farmers may also request a feedback session on their draft written business plans. For more information and to sign up, contact Jessie Schmidt at 802-223-2389 x203, newfarmer@uvm.edu.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Animal Agriculture & Climate Change
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Online self-paced course at: www.extension.org/pages/66987/online-animal-agriculture-climate-change-certification-course#.Umab1BDFpw-
COST: Free
Global population is expected to top nine billion by 2050. Supplying this population with safe, secure, and healthy food will challenge the world’s agricultural resources and production systems. Recent weather trends indicate that precipitation and temperature patterns are changing, and are already impacting agricultural
production in a variety of ways.
The Animal Agriculture and Climate Change online certification course has been developed to equip Extension Educators and other Agricultural Service Providers with the background necessary to instruct and advise farmers and ranchers in all aspects of animal agriculture and climate change. It will provide an in-depth understanding of the relationship between animal agriculture and climate change, both nationally and regionally, right from your office or home. This 12-hour, self-paced course will prepare you to discuss the topic with clientele and provide the resources to incorporate it into existing programming. It also qualifies for continuing education credits from Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists.
CONTACT: Register at www.extension.org/pages/68219/aacc-online-course-registration#.Umab6hDFpw8. For more information about the course, see the brochure at www.extension.org/pages/66987/online-animal-agriculture-climate-change-certification-course#.UmacPBDFpw8, and for questions about registration contact David Schmidt at schmi071@umn.edu
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
2014 UVM Extension Master Gardener Course
Time: 6:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Description: Offered statewide via Vermont Interactive Technology studios in Bennington, Brattleboro, Johnson, Lyndon, Middlebury, Montpelier, Newport, Randolph Ctr., Rutland, Springfield, St. Albans, White River Jct., and Williston.
COST: $395
This non-credit course covers the basics of home horticulture and what it means to be a Extension Master Gardener. The instructors are comprised of UVM faculty and Vermont horticulture professionals. Course topics include: Botany Basics, Entomology, Plant Diseases, Food Production, Soil Fertility, Perennials and Annuals, Sustainable Landscaping, Rain Gardens, Turf and Weeds, Invasive Plant & Pest Control, UVM Extension Volunteering.
CONTACT: Lisa Chouinard at master.gardener@uvm.edu or 802-656-9562.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Permaculture for Regional Planning
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Description: Yestermorrow Design/Build School, 189 VT Rte 100, Warren, VT
Note: please contact Yestermorrow directly for specific daily class times.
COST: $875
While permaculture design practices are typically applied to creating productive homes and agricultural land, permaculture design ethics and principles, when applied at the broader scales of community, regional, and urban planning, have a great impact on creating a human environment with ecological integrity. Starting with a clear understanding of the mistakes and challenges inherent in our present economy – including petroleum dependence and extreme weather -- this course focuses on how to redirect our society and its infrastructure back into alignment with the earth’s natural cycles, one region at a time. Ideal for architects, regional and city planners, community organizers, land trusts, watershed groups and local food advocates, this course will provide participants with the vision and tools for coordinating and synthesizing efforts for improving regional economies and the quality of life for future generations.
CONTACT: Register at thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/%28S%28e03cs0afxcxy3245rtb2vk45%29%29/Form.aspx?regkey=RpYOYPxE37984zLE6vpj%2bg%3d%3d&qid=21230 or call 888-496-5541.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Permaculture for Regional Planning
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Yestermorrow Design/Build School, 189 VT Rte 100, Warren, VT
Note: please contact Yestermorrow directly for specific daily class times.
COST: $875
Please see 2/9/14 event for details.
CONTACT: Register at thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/%28S%28e03cs0afxcxy3245rtb2vk45%29%29/Form.aspx?regkey=RpYOYPxE37984zLE6vpj%2bg%3d%3d&qid=21230 or call 888-496-5541.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Permaculture for Regional Planning
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Yestermorrow Design/Build School, 189 VT Rte 100, Warren, VT
Note: please contact Yestermorrow directly for specific daily class times.
COST: $875
Please see 2/9/14 event for details.
CONTACT: Register at thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/%28S%28e03cs0afxcxy3245rtb2vk45%29%29/Form.aspx?regkey=RpYOYPxE37984zLE6vpj%2bg%3d%3d&qid=21230 or call 888-496-5541.
2014 UVM Extension Master Gardener Course
Time: 6:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Description: Offered statewide via Vermont Interactive Technology studios in Bennington, Brattleboro, Johnson, Lyndon, Middlebury, Montpelier, Newport, Randolph Ctr., Rutland, Springfield, St. Albans, White River Jct., and Williston.
COST: $395
See details with February 4 event.
CONTACT: Lisa Chouinard at master.gardener@uvm.edu or 802-656-9562.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Permaculture for Regional Planning
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Yestermorrow Design/Build School, 189 VT Rte 100, Warren, VT
Note: please contact Yestermorrow directly for specific daily class times.
COST: $875
Please see 2/9/14 event for details.
CONTACT: Register at thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/%28S%28e03cs0afxcxy3245rtb2vk45%29%29/Form.aspx?regkey=RpYOYPxE37984zLE6vpj%2bg%3d%3d&qid=21230 or call 888-496-5541.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Permaculture for Regional Planning
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Yestermorrow Design/Build School, 189 VT Rte 100, Warren, VT
Note: please contact Yestermorrow directly for specific daily class times.
COST: $875
Please see 2/9/14 event for details.
CONTACT: Register at thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/%28S%28e03cs0afxcxy3245rtb2vk45%29%29/Form.aspx?regkey=RpYOYPxE37984zLE6vpj%2bg%3d%3d&qid=21230 or call 888-496-5541.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
NOFA-VT Winter Conference
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Description: Dudley C. Davis Center, UVM, Burlington, VT
COST: TBA
Join 1500 farmers, homesteaders, gardeners, service providers and consumers at the 2014 NOFA Winter Conference for a weekend of workshops, dynamic speakers, fun activities for kids, a great trade show (come visit the Center's table!), and delicious food.
CONTACT: nofavt.org/annual-events/winter-conference or 802-434-4122.
*New Farmer Coaching with UVM Extension's New Farmer Project will be available at this event.
Are you a new or aspiring farmer looking for land, capital, skill development, or business planning advice? Or, have you been farming for a few years and are now considering diversifying, expanding or reaching new markets? Attend a one-on-one coaching session with a Vermont New Farmer Project consultant to identify steps you can take to meet your farm priorities. New farmers may also request a feedback session on their draft written business plans. For more information and to sign up, contact Jessie Schmidt at 802-223-2389 x203, newfarmer@uvm.edu.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
NOFA-VT Winter Conference
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Description: Dudley C. Davis Center, UVM, Burlington, VT
COST: TBA
Join 1500 farmers, homesteaders, gardeners, service providers and consumers at the 2014 NOFA Winter Conference for a weekend of workshops, dynamic speakers, fun activities for kids, a great trade show (come visit the Center's table!), and delicious food.
CONTACT: nofavt.org/annual-events/winter-conference or 802-434-4122.
*New Farmer Coaching with UVM Extension's New Farmer Project will be available at this event.
Are you a new or aspiring farmer looking for land, capital, skill development, or business planning advice? Or, have you been farming for a few years and are now considering diversifying, expanding or reaching new markets? Attend a one-on-one coaching session with a Vermont New Farmer Project consultant to identify steps you can take to meet your farm priorities. New farmers may also request a feedback session on their draft written business plans. For more information and to sign up, contact Jessie Schmidt at 802-223-2389 x203, newfarmer@uvm.edu.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
2014 UVM Extension Master Gardener Course
Time: 6:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Description: Offered statewide via Vermont Interactive Technology studios in Bennington, Brattleboro, Johnson, Lyndon, Middlebury, Montpelier, Newport, Randolph Ctr., Rutland, Springfield, St. Albans, White River Jct., and Williston.
COST: $395
See details with February 4 event.
CONTACT: Lisa Chouinard at master.gardener@uvm.edu or 802-656-9562.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
2014 UVM Extension Master Gardener Course
Time: 6:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Description: Offered statewide via Vermont Interactive Technology studios in Bennington, Brattleboro, Johnson, Lyndon, Middlebury, Montpelier, Newport, Randolph Ctr., Rutland, Springfield, St. Albans, White River Jct., and Williston.
COST: $395
See details with February 4 event.
CONTACT: Lisa Chouinard at master.gardener@uvm.edu or 802-656-9562.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Farm Food Safety Training with GAPs
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Description: Steuben County, TBA Bath
COST: $60 per farm
Offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension, this is for those farmers who are interested in produce safety or who are being required by buyers to develop food safety plans and provide third party verification of their food safety practices. The Food Safety Modernization Act proposed produce safety rules have been released with a tentative final rule anticipated sometime in the summer of 2015. These workshops will help growers understand produce safety issues and Good Agricultural Practices as well as the FSMA proposed produce rule and third party audits. The second day will be devoted to writing farm food safety plans so that each participant can work on their own farm plan. These workshops are sponsored by the National GAPs Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, Produce Safety Alliance, and the New York State Department of Ag & Markets with funding from the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority.
CONTACT: For more information, contact Craig Kahlke at cjk37@cornell.edu or (585) 735–5448. Register at cvp.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=144
Friday, February 28, 2014
Farm Food Safety Training with GAPs
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Description: Steuben County, TBA Bath
COST: $60 per farm
Offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension, this is for those farmers who are interested in produce safety or who are being required by buyers to develop food safety plans and provide third party verification of their food safety practices. The Food Safety Modernization Act proposed produce safety rules have been released with a tentative final rule anticipated sometime in the summer of 2015. These workshops will help growers understand produce safety issues and Good Agricultural Practices as well as the FSMA proposed produce rule and third party audits. The second day will be devoted to writing farm food safety plans so that each participant can work on their own farm plan. These workshops are sponsored by the National GAPs Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, Produce Safety Alliance, and the New York State Department of Ag & Markets with funding from the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority.
CONTACT: For more information, contact Craig Kahlke at cjk37@cornell.edu or (585) 735–5448. Register at cvp.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=144
Monday, March 3, 2014
Animal Agriculture & Climate Change
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Online self-paced course at: www.extension.org/pages/66987/online-animal-agriculture-climate-change-certification-course#.Umab1BDFpw-
COST: Free
Global population is expected to top nine billion by 2050. Supplying this population with safe, secure, and healthy food will challenge the world’s agricultural resources and production systems. Recent weather trends indicate that precipitation and temperature patterns are changing, and are already impacting agricultural
production in a variety of ways.
The Animal Agriculture and Climate Change online certification course has been developed to equip Extension Educators and other Agricultural Service Providers with the background necessary to instruct and advise farmers and ranchers in all aspects of animal agriculture and climate change. It will provide an in-depth understanding of the relationship between animal agriculture and climate change, both nationally and regionally, right from your office or home. This 12-hour, self-paced course will prepare you to discuss the topic with clientele and provide the resources to incorporate it into existing programming. It also qualifies for continuing education credits from Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists.
CONTACT: Register at www.extension.org/pages/68219/aacc-online-course-registration#.Umab6hDFpw8. For more information about the course, see the brochure at www.extension.org/pages/66987/online-animal-agriculture-climate-change-certification-course#.UmacPBDFpw8, and for questions about registration contact David Schmidt at schmi071@umn.edu
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Bionutrient Rich Crop Production Workshop
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Description: One World Conservation Center, 413 US Route 7 South, Bennington, VT
COST: $150 for both sessions (11/13/13 & 3/5/14)
Dan Kittredge, life-long farmer and founder of the Bionutrient Food Association, is offering a two-session workshop on production of quality food.
Workshop Major Categories are: Identifying Deficiencies, Vital Health in the Field, Principles of Biological Farming, and Managing Crops Thru the Season. Some programs will offer educational credit for this. There are discounts for farmers.
CONTACT: bionutrient.org/ or Gary Neves at gary@bionutrient.org or 774-573-6804
2014 UVM Extension Master Gardener Course
Time: 6:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Description: Offered statewide via Vermont Interactive Technology studios in Bennington, Brattleboro, Johnson, Lyndon, Middlebury, Montpelier, Newport, Randolph Ctr., Rutland, Springfield, St. Albans, White River Jct., and Williston.
COST: $395
See details with February 4 event.
CONTACT: Lisa Chouinard at master.gardener@uvm.edu or 802-656-9562.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
CT NOFA's 32nd Annual Winter Conference
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Wilton High School, 395 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT
COST: TBA
Keynote will be Fred Kirschenmann, a Distinguished Fellow for the Leopold Center and President of Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, New York.
CONTACT: www.ctnofa.org/winterconference/index.html
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
2014 UVM Extension Master Gardener Course
Time: 6:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Description: Offered statewide via Vermont Interactive Technology studios in Bennington, Brattleboro, Johnson, Lyndon, Middlebury, Montpelier, Newport, Randolph Ctr., Rutland, Springfield, St. Albans, White River Jct., and Williston.
COST: $395
See details with February 4 event.
CONTACT: Lisa Chouinard at master.gardener@uvm.edu or 802-656-9562.