Getting Started in Organic Farming Workshop

The Missouri Beginning Farmers Program is happy to host a workshop on the basics of organic farming. The workshop will take place on Nov 29-30 at the Hillsboro Community Building (at the Fairgrounds), 10345 Business 21, Hillsboro, MO 63050.

Have you considered farming organically but want to know how to manage fertility, control weeds and insects, comply with regulations? Attend this workshop to learn:

 How to manager insects, weeds and diseases in organic production
 Basics of managing soil fertility organically
 The latest on organic regulations, including how to keep good records
 Where to find certifiers
 What federal and state resources are available for organic growers

Plus you’ll get to tour a successful organic farm!

Agenda
Tuesday, November 29
10:00 a.m. Registration

11:00 a.m. Welcome – Debi Kelly, Missouri Beginning Farmers Program, University of Missouri

11:20 a.m. History and Principles of Organic Agriculture – George Kuepper, Horticulture Manager, Kerr Center

12:00 p.m. How MDA supports Missouri’s Organic Farmers – Charlie Hopper, Marketing Specialist, Missouri Department of Agriculture

12:30 p.m. Lunch

1:30 p.m. Designing Organic Systems -- George Kuepper, Horticulture Manager, Kerr Center

2:00 p.m. Knowing Cover Crops for Your Organic Systems – Rich Hoormann, Regional Agronomy Specialist, University of Missouri Extension

2:45 p.m. Practicing Organic Agriculture – George Kuepper, Horticulture Manager, Kerr Center

3:30 p.m. Break

3:45 p.m. Practicing Organic Agriculture Continued – George Kuepper, Horticulture Manager, Kerr Center

4:45 p.m. Organic Production in Missouri – Farmer Panel - Paul Krautman, Bellews Creek Farm; Molly Rockamann, EarthDance (invited) and Charlie Harper, MO Dept of Ag and former certified organic producer

5:30 p.m. Dinner and Evening on Your Own

Wednesday, November 30
8:30 a.m. Organic Regulations, Certification, and Compliance for Certified and Exempt Farms – George Kuepper, Horticulture Manager, Kerr Center

9:45 a.m. Federal Programs that Support Organic Production – Lauren Cartwright, USDA-NRCS

9:55 a.m. Evaluation and Reflection – Dean Wilson, Regional Ag and Rural Development Specialist, University of Missouri Extension

10:00 a.m. Leave for tour of Organic Farm

10:30 a.m. Arrive Bellews Creek Farm, Paul Krautman, Hillsboro, MO

12:00 p.m. Depart Bellews Creek Farm and Adjourn

Workshop Registration
Contact the Jefferson County Extension Office at 636-797-5391. Cost of the workshop is $25 for those who preregister by Nov 18th and includes educational materials and food. Registration limited to 30 participants. Walk-ins accepted but cost $30 with no food guaranteed. Click here for the registration.