Thursday, February 28, 2013

Considerations when starting a poultry flock


When starting a poultry enterprise, whether a small backyard flock or a large commercial operation, there are several factors to consider, says a University of Missouri Extension poultry specialist.

“First of all, you need a location that is legal and acceptable for you to have poultry,” Jess Lyons said. “Whether it is in the city or in a rural area, do you have the facilities, the land and source of water to start the enterprise?”

Lyons says that determining the type of operation you plan to start is important.

“Are you doing meat birds only a certain part of the year? Are you doing year-round production? Or are you producing eggs?” Lyons said. “That will affect the area that is required and also the housing facilities.”

Backyard flocks that have free range without retaining fences need a place to go up during the night to be safe from predators. Fences that keep flocks in may not keep predators out.

“It seems like all poultry is susceptible to any type of four-legged predator, as well as winged predators,” Lyons said.

Birds also need a balanced diet to meet the nutrient requirements of production. Lyons says supplemental light during the winter’s shorter days is necessary to keep hens laying eggs.

“The other thing is, what do you do with the product being produced? What’s your goal?” Lyons said. “Is it to supplement the farm income, or is it for the enjoyment of the family, or to give children responsibility? It works very well with youth programing with small, fairly inexpensive operations.”

Lyons and extension poultry specialists from across the country have worked together to develop online information on small and backyard flocks through eXtension.org, a national collaboration of land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System. Information about upcoming webinars, recordings of past webinars, and many other resources for poultry production can be found at www.eXtension.org/poultry.
(by Jason Vance, MU Senior Information Specialist)

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Managing Crop Rotations in High Tunnels


A webinar titled "Managing Crop Rotations in High Tunnels Webinar" will be offered on February 28 at at 1:00 p.m. The webinar is being presented by the University of Illinois' Small Farm Webinar Series.

“Although the first crop in a high tunnel is often easy, subsequent crops may become increasingly difficult. This webinar will cover options for rotation and also strategies for managing situations that often arise where crop rotation is not feasible”, said Jeff Kindhart, University of Illinois Extension Educator. It will also include a discussion ranging from potential rotational crop options for those with movable high tunnels to addressing specific actions that can be taken by growers to avoid pitfalls they face with limited rotation practices.

To register go online and register at
https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=7543

The Small Farm Webinar Series is a 12 week educational series for the small farm community and provides practical knowledge on emerging topics which advance local food production in Illinois. This series of events is aimed at providing small farm producers with a look at how leading practices in production, management, and marketing enable operations to improve profitability and sustainability.

Archives of webinars are (and will be) available at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lms/localfoods.html Go to Local Resources and Information and click on Small Farm Webinar Series.



Monday, February 25, 2013

2013 Food Trends

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) has released its What's Hot culinary forecast of menu trends for 2013.  The survey of more than 1,800 professional chefs - members of the American Culinary Federation - found that children's nutrition and local sourcing will continue to be the hottest trends on restaurants menus this year.  The top 10 menu trends for 2013 are:

* Locally sourced meats and seafood
* Locally grown produce
* Healthful kids meals
* Environmental sustainability as a culinary theme
* Children's nutrition as a culinary theme
* New cuts of meat (e.g. Denver steak, pork flat iron, teres major)
* Hyper-local sourcing (e.g. restaurant gardens)
* Gluten-free cuisine
* Sustainable seafood
* Whole grain items in kids' meals

This year, the NRA also surveyed nearly 200 professional bartenders who belong to the US Bartenders' Guild.  This group identified and predicted the hottest trends on restaurant drink menus for 2013 will be onsite barrel-aged drinks, food-liquor pairings and culinary cocktails.
(Source: NRA)


Thursday, February 21, 2013

Livestock Fencing Laws


There have been disputes over livestock fences between landowners for as long as we have been trying to keep livestock fences between landowners.  The first fencing law in Missouri came in 1808, more than a decade before statehood. Since then, the Missouri legislature has created three separate acts regarding a livestock owner’s responsibilities to contain animals. These successive revisions to the law may not necessarily provide incremental clarification for affected livestock owners.

Today, some laws obligating neighboring landowners to pay for and maintain border fences to contain livestock may be satisfied by simple mutual oral agreement between the neighboring landowners while other situations may require statutorily defined intervening “fence viewers” chosen by a circuit judge to resolve disputes.

Further complicating a livestock owner’s good faith attempt to understand and follow a uniform set of fence laws in Missouri is the fact that there is not a uniform set of fence laws in Missouri. In fact, there are two completely different sets of statutes which dictate the rules regarding which neighbor must pay to build or maintain border fences, consequences for those who fail to pay their share, and regarding a livestock owner’s duty to keep their animals from trespassing on a neighbor’s property.

The statutes which will apply to a particular landowner differ, and depend solely upon which county the land is located. The voters in each county in Missouri have the right to select, in a special or general election, which set of fencing statutes, will apply in their county. If an election yields a successful vote in favor of adoption, the county is referred to as having selected the “local option” set of statutory fence laws. However, if the county has never placed the issue on a ballot, or if a ballot measure fails, that county will follow the default Missouri statutes.

Petitions to place such a measure on a ballot can be completed with as few as 100 signatures from landowners in that county. Generally, the rules regarding cost sharing for building border fences are similar in both statutory options with the primary differences surrounding when and how a neighboring landowner resisting paying for part of a new border fence is handled.

The implications of damages resulting from livestock trespass on neighboring land are also   similar in some respects under both the default and local option statutes. Upon the first offense, the livestock owner shall pay for any actual damages created by the trespassing animal. After any subsequent trespass the animal may be taken up and cared for by the land owner and reasonable costs for doing so must be paid by the neighboring livestock owner.

The primary difference between the two statutory systems is that in the default statutes these consequences for livestock trespass apply only when the livestock break over or through the border fence arriving on and damaging the neighboring landowners property, whereas in the local option, the consequences apply regardless of the path taken by the animal which arrives on the neighbors land. Contact your county clerk to find out if your county has adopted the local option.
(By Vern Pierce, PhD, JD, Associate Extension Professor of Ag Law, Business & Economics)

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Urban Fruit Production Seminar


A seminar on the commercial production of fruit in urban areas will take place on Saturday, March 23rd at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Blue Springs.  Cost is $45/person which includes materials and lunch.  For more information and/or to register please contact Lala or Cindy at 816-252-5051.  Class size is limited to 30 participants. 

Where: University of Missouri Extension Center, 1106 W. Main Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015

Cost: $45.00/person with lunch

Registration: 8:30

9:00 - 10:40 Lala Kumar, Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
Title: Evaluation of urban site for fruit production and growing apples, pears and peaches

10:50 - 12:30 Pat Byers, Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
Title: Growing Blackberries, Blueberries and Strawberries and its economics

12:30 - 1:00 Lunch

1:00 - 2:40 Barbara Fetchenhier, Heartland Harvest Garden Interpreter, Powell Gardens, Title: Growing Uncommon Fruits, Berries and Nuts in KC area

2:50 - 3:30 Marlin Bates, Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Title: Growing Grapes in urban area
 
 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Sheep Shearing School


Lincoln University Coopeartive Extension will host a Sheep Shearing School on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at George Washington Carver Farm, 3804 Bald Hill Road, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Agenda
Presenters:
Dr. Helen A Swartz – State Sheep and Goat Specialist, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension
Guy Frazier – Shearing Instructor, Hallsville, Missouri
Alex McClure – Wool Expert, Harper, Kansas
 
8:00 am – Welcome and Introductions
 
I: Care of equipment:
A) Learn to care for and assemble sheep shearing equipment.
B) Learn comparisons and parts of the equipment.
C) Learn how to properly sharpen parts of equipment.
D) Learn the importance of oiling shears, types of oil and frequency of oiling for quality shearing.

II: Care of animals and how to set up properly for faster shearing:
A) Pair up with a partner and select an animal.
B) Learn how to properly set up a sheep for shearing.
C) Learn the pattern that is most efficient in shearing.
D) Learn where to begin and end when shearing a sheep.
E) Learn to separate the fleece prior to bagging.
F) Learn how to set up the bags to fill with fleeces.
G) Learn how to position the animal during shearing for the most efficient shearing.

NOON – Working Lunch (Lunch is provided)

III: Wool Grading:
A) Learn to grade wool in the three categories.
B) Learn how to separate belly, leg and britch wool.
C) Learn how to bag fleece and tag for increased value.

1:00 pm – Continue to shear sheep, take care of equipment and market the wool.

5:00 pm – Adjourn

Overview of the shearing school:
                    If you have your own shearing equipment, please bring it from home.
                    Wear comfortable clothes for shearing, and good shoes.
                    Some equipment will be furnished.

The registration fee is $50.00/person.  When registering please note if you will be bringing your own equipment.  Make check payable to: Lincoln University Cooperative Extension and mail to Vonna Kesel, P.O. Box 29, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0029. For more information call 573-681-5312.
 

Monday, February 18, 2013

Small Farm Goat Production and Marketing Workshop – March 2


The Small Farm Goat Production and Marketing Workshop will be held Saturday, March 2nd from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at the St. Clair Community Center, 510 Park Drive, St. Clair MO.

Learn about adding goats to your farming operation through presentations on the following topics:

·       Small farm goat production

·       Marketing meat goats directly through local processors

·       Rotational grazing systems and cost shares

·       Goat health management

Registration is $20/person which includes handouts, lunch and drinks.  Pre-registration is required.

Sponsored by Lincoln University Cooperative Extension and NRCS.  For more information or to register email or call 660-216-1749.
 
 

Friday, February 15, 2013

‘Hands On’ Fruit Care Workshop Series


A series of workshops on fruit production and care is scheduled to begin March 1st in Columbia, MO and offered by Jim Quinn, University of Missouri Horticulture Specialist for the Central Missouri Region.

Fruit tree pruning - Friday, March 1st at 4 pm

Details: The following fully developed fruit trees will be featured ½ side fully pruned, the other side not pruned - apple (1), plum (2), and pear (2). Pruning of a 2 year old peach, 5 year old peach and a 7 year old apple tree will also be reviewed. Application of dormant oil will be discussed and other pest control tactics in the dormant season. Site selection, propagation material and planting preparation will be reviewed. At least one new tree will be planted (cherry and peach). Bring a hand pruners to try pruning yourself & dress accordingly.

Berries and organic fruit gardening - Friday, March 15th at 4 to 6:30 pm

Details: Pruning of raspberries, blueberries, blackberries & grapes. Winter mulch removal of a strawberry planting. Uncovering of fig from winter protection.  Site selection of paw paw trees and a zone 7 persimmon tree; including minor pruning of the latter.  Site selection and planting of more gooseberries, received by mail order, which will be removed from its shipping container and planted. Pest control will be reviewed with a discussion of how to cultivate these organically. Bring a hand pruners to try pruning yourself & dress accordingly. A leprechaun will reveal a mystery fruit crop and plant it.

Disease and insect pest control of fruit plantings - Friday, April 5th at 4 pm

Details: Several sprayer models will be discussed and demonstrated. Fungicide and bactericide products will be reviewed, with emphasis on their varying effectiveness on the different diseases. The insecticides available to homeowners and the critical time for applying will be covered. Emphasis will be on fruit trees and grapes. Organic pesticides will not be addressed, as they will be reviewed in the berry session. Fruit thinning of peaches and apples will be demonstrated (if possible) or discussed. Dress accordingly.

A Mid Summer Fruit Review - Wednesday, June 26th at 4 pm

Details: A walk around the garden will feature fruit development or success with crop (e.g. strawberries), disease symptoms and insect damage, control (or lack of) of diseases and insect pests, grape skirt pruning, strawberry renovation, etc. There will be NO snacks or refreshments provided for this class…..but we hope to eat some fruit (e.g. raspberries).

Registration – the workshops will take place at 719 West Broadway, Columbia.  Class size is limited to 25 and preregistration with payment is required.  Handouts that include some MU Publications will be provided. If you register for the 3 class series a complimentary copy of the booklet ’Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide’ (a $20 value) will be included.  Complimentary snack & beverage is included.
 
Cost: $25 per class.  All classes are 2 hours (unless otherwise noted).  Check payable to: University of MO Extension Council and mail to 1012 North Hwy UU, Columbia, MO 65203.  
 

 

 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

2013 Missouri Blueberry School Winter Management Workshop


University of Missouri Extension will hold a Winter Blueberry Management workshop on Friday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lost Branch Blueberry Farm east of Kirksville.

Workshop topics will include: Introduction to Lost Branch Blueberry Farm; the blueberry industry and food safety; blueberry weed control; small fruit options: Brambles, strawberries, grapes, minor berries; blueberry disease management; blueberry pruning; and a pruning and disease management field visit. There will be a hands-on field demonstration and participants will get to practice their pruning skills.

A hot lunch will be provided at noon. Participants need to dress appropriately for the field visit in the afternoon.

The cost of the workshop is $20 and includes refreshments, lunch, and workshop handouts/materials.

The workshop will be taught by University of Missouri Extension Horticulture Specialist and former Missouri State Fruit Advisor Patrick Byers, University Extension Specialists Jennifer Schutter and Max Glover, and Robert Price, owner/ manager of Lost Branch Blueberry Farm.

Pre-registration is required by calling the Adair County Extension Center at 660-665-9866 or schutterjl@missouri.edu.
 
 

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

High Tunnel Installation Workshop


A high tunnel installation workshop will be held Friday, March 8th & Saturday, March 9th from 9:00 am —5:00 pm at the University of Missouri Southwest Research Center in Mt. Vernon, MO.

Interested in Season Extension?  High Tunnels are a cost effective way for small/beginning farmers to extend their growing season and increase revenue.  The purpose of this handson workshop is to supply interested individuals with the practical knowledge needed to install their own high tunnels and enjoy the benefits of season extension.

This workshop will be led by:
Patrick Byers, University of Missouri Extension
Shon Bishop, Lincoln University 2501 Program Educator

A $25 registration fee will be charged to help cover the cost of beverages, snacks, lunches, and educational materials.  Please direct questions to Shon Bishop at (417) 8463948.

Preregistration is required by Friday March 1st with registration fee of $25. Class size will be restricted to 20 participants.  Make checks payable to University of Missouri Extension and mail to Lorri Winters, 2400 S. Scenic, Springfield, MO 65807.

Directions:
The Southwest Center is located at 14548 Hwy H, Mt. Vernon, MO. 65712
East bound I44 Take exit 38
West bound I44 Take exit 44


Monday, February 11, 2013

Moveable Drip Irrigation


I have recently had the privilege of learning about a portable irrigation system that can be used for home gardens or lasagna beds. This system was created by Jeffrey E. Banks who works with Utah State University. More pictures and information can be found by reading Designing a basic PVC home garden dripirrigation system.

One of the best irrigation systems for plant health, reduction in water and reduced disease pressure is a drip system. These polyurethane systems can be daunting to put into place and are usually not easily reusable if moved to a different location.
A moveable drip system is easy to install on a small or larger scale, can be rearranged each year based on the size of the garden or landscape bed and once begun can provide the homeowner with additional confidence to move forward in other areas of the yard.
The first line or main line (A) is glued to maintain pressure for the secondary lines (B) after the manual valves (C). Begin with larger PVC pipe such as 1” pipe and move to smaller sizes based on need. Secondary lines can be added as needed or end caps can be placed to close off a secondary line when a row is not in production.
A fertilizer injector can be placed in the primary line before the first manual valve so that fertilizer can be applied throughout the system.
Holes are drilled in secondary lines using a 1/16 drill bit. These are spaced based on the type of vegetables; tomato every 6 to 12” with one hole on each side of the plant while lettuce would be every 3 to 6 inches. This depends on how far apart you space plants.
Make sure that the ground is level where pipes will be placed. The sun will reduce impact strength of PVC pipe over time so straw or mulch may be used to protect the system or pipe can be covered with tape if it is a concern. The pipe will be taken apart and removed each fall to reduce sun exposure.
Before use each season clean out the pipe by placing holes face up and filling with water. Use a wire to clean out any plugged holes. Once clean the holes may be placed down or up. If they are left up then add a drainage hole every few feet to prevent algae from building up in the pipe.
By using this system you may see higher production, higher quality vegetables, healthier plants, up to 75% water savings, up to 90% time saved in weeding and up to 90% time saved watering.
(by Sarah Denkler, MU Extension Horticulture Specialist)
 
 

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Cattle Theft is Alive, Well in Missouri; Producers Should Take Steps to Prevent Being a Victim


Cattle theft is alive and well in southwest Missouri. This, in spite of law enforcement efforts, cattle producer night patrols, trail cameras, neighborhood watches and vigilant observations by livestock markets, says Eldon Cole, a livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

 A meeting held Jan. 4 in Lawrence County was intended to enhance communications between farmers, law enforcement and livestock markets. The meeting was filled with questions about the extent of thefts, lack of arrests and convictions and the failure of media to recognize the huge economic loss that comes with stealing 10 to 20 or more cattle.

 “Depending on the size, sex and quality of the stolen cattle, the loss could easily run 15 to 20 thousand dollars due to the current excellent market,” said Cole.

 The general tone of the meeting was that there are suspects but catching them in the act or in possession of stolen cattle is difficult. Some may be stealing to support their drug (meth) habit, but in general, producers felt the thieves were excellent cattlemen and do a thorough job of evaluating the intended victim’s farms and cattle.

 “They obviously know how to handle cattle, especially on a full-moon night,” said Cole.

 Most of the thefts show the cattle have been sorted with the culls left behind, calves split from the cows, steers separated from heifers and that branded cattle were not taken.

 The fact that branded cattle are left behind should encourage branding of cattle as a deterrent to theft. It’s estimated that fewer than 10 percent of the cattle in Missouri are branded.

 “Of those branded, it’s difficult to easily read brands on long-haired cattle, especially in the winter. If the brands are haired over, clipping should improve the brands clarity,” said Cole. “Positive identification to prove ownership is next to impossible unless the cattle are branded, either with a hot iron or freeze brand. Ear tags are easily removed, chips are expensive and tattoos are difficult to read.”

 The feeling of those at the meeting was the stolen cattle probably are not being sold through markets by the thieves. Instead, they may be commingled at some location, grown for a period of time then marketed directly to a feedlot.

 Farmers were urged to use caution when confronting would-be thieves. Taking down vehicle or trailer license numbers and descriptions is encouraged then promptly report the theft to the local sheriff’s office.

 There are $5000 rewards for the arrest and conviction of cattle thieves by both the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and the Missouri Farm Bureau. Some individuals have developed their own personal rewards. Unfortunately, according to Cole, the rewards have not received much use.

 Cattlemen were encouraged to check their cattle regularly and report thefts as soon as possible. Notification channels are set up by the Livestock Marketing Association hotline 1-800-821-2048 and the Missouri Rural Crimes Taskforce 1-888-484-8477.
Additional information about livestock branding and registration click here.
(by David Burton, MU Civic Communication Specialist)

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

“Scaling Up” Webinar Series: How to Expand Your Local Foods Business


A webinar series addressing the business, marketing, production and risk management issues involved in expanding and growing your specialty crops farm or local foods business will be held on February 12, February 19, February 26 and March 5. Co-sponsored by the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation and the University of Illinois Extension, this series of four webinars will provide a comprehensive look at four major areas to consider when deciding how, when and why to expand your local foods operation.
Through these webinars small farmers and local foods entrepreneurs will learn techniques, risks, opportunities and methods for expanding their business.

The webinars will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through the University of Illinois Extension webinar program. There is no fee for the programs. Registration is available at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=7752. Please contact Andrew Ference, Land of Lincoln Small Farms and Local Foods Fellow, at 217-356-1351 or aference@lolllaf.org for additional information.

You can attend all or one of the sessions listed below:

February 12 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. - "Scaling Up" Risk Management Issues with Expansion
Managing risk is an important part of any business, this presentation will give a farmer/entrepreneur a comprehensive idea of the types of risks that need to be planned for and managed when “scaling up” including: insurance, labor issues and food safety.

February 19 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. - "Scaling Up" Expanding your Production of Local Foods
By learning more advanced farming techniques, knowing how to evaluate your farms expansion needs and planning those accordingly a farmer can successfully expand their farm to increase their production without over extending themselves.

February 26 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. - "Scaling Up" Models for Business Expansion in Local Foods
Learn about the different business models that are used to expand from the farm to farmer’s market model, including such things as food hubs, CSA, selling wholesale and more.

March 5 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. - "Scaling Up" Business Marketing in a Local Foods Operation
Learn about the different marketing opportunities available to a local foods business when expanding their business. Through effective marketing of your product you can ensure a steady source of quality demand for your local foods products.


Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Grow Your Farm to be held at Jackson, MO


A Grow Your Farm course comprised of 8 sessions with 2 farm tours will begin February 21st, 2013 through April 11, 2013 to be held at the Cape Girardeau County Extension Center, 684 W. Jackson Trail Rd. Jackson, Missouri.

Grow Your Farm is an educational training and support program designed to help people who want to evaluate and plan their farm enterprise. Participants will attend a set of practical seminars and field days to learn and network. Instructors and farmers teach the sessions.

 Build networks
 Create a mission
 Set goals
 Plan for profit
 Explore new agricultural alternatives
 Study practical legal issues
 Tour farms
 Obtain new resources
 Gain technical advice
 Learn sustainable practices

Schedule:
Session 1: Identifying Values & Creating Goals, Thursday, February 21, 6:00 pm
Session 2: Walking the Farm, Thursday, February 28, 6:00 pm
Session 3: Assessing Opportunities, Thursday, March 7, 6:00 pm
Session 4: Planning Your Farm, Thursday, March 14, 6:00 pm
Tour: Walking the Farm Tour, Saturday, March 16, 10:00 am
Session 5: Keeping Track of Finances, Thursday, March 21, 6:00 pm
Session 6: Marketing Your Farm Products Thursday, March 28, 6:00 pm
Tour: Farm Tours, Saturday, March 30, 10:00 am
Session 7: Understanding Legal Issues Thursday, April 4, 6:00 pm
Session 8: Presenting Your Farm Plan, Thursday, April 11, 6:00 pm

Grow Your Farm Participants will have an opportunity to:

 Tap into the knowledge of skilled, innovative farmers.
 Network with other farmers and make friends.
 Learn critical farm management skills such as creative financing and innovative marketing strategies.
 See local farming practices being used on real farms under a variety of conditions.
 Learn to view a farm as an interconnected system and learn how goals determine farming practices.
 Craft a tailor-made farming and business plan.
 Meet farmers who have diversified their products.

Program Specifics

Who: Prospective farmers, beginners with limited experience and experienced farmers who want to make a "new beginning" with alternative methods.

Fee: $225 per farm business. Scholarships of $175 available so cost is $50. Fee includes seminar materials, speakers, refreshments, and a subscription to "Ag Opportunities" — a monthly e-newsletter from the Missouri Alternatives Center. Registration Deadline: February15th, 2013

Make check payable to: Ste. Genevieve County Extension and return with registration form to: University of Missouri Extension, 255 Market St., Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670.
 
 

Monday, February 4, 2013

Growing Growers - Workshops


Are you a grower or an aspiring grower who is looking for learning opportunities in sustainable farming?
 
Offers:
-- Apprenticeships on local farms for aspiring growers
-- Workshops covering market farming and related topics
-- Farm tours of successful local farming operations
-- Networking through our Email listserv and apprenticeship
 -- Specialized trainings for growers

Growing Growers is a collaborative effort of K-State Research and Extension, University of Missouri Extension, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, the Kansas Rural Center, the KC Food Circle and Cultivate KC. We work to increase the production of local food by helping new and existing producers grow their businesses. For more information on the programs, go to: www.growinggrowers.org

Feb 25 – Tomato Grafting: Benefits and Technique (Hands-on) (Kansas City, KS)

March 18 – Production Planning and Plant Propagation (Belton, MO)

March 23 – Advanced Irrigation Methods for Market Growers (Kansas City, MO)

April 13 – Building and Managing Healthy Soils (Kearney, MO)
May 13 – Post--harvest Handling and Food Safety (Lawrence, KS)

June 10 – Drip Irrigation and Small Farm Equipment (Olathe, KS)

July 13 – Weed, Pest and Disease Management (Kansas City, KS)

Aug 5 – Successful Microclimate Modification in Difficult Climates (Olathe, KS)

Aug 24 – Introduction to Fruit Production (Lone Jack, MO)

Sept 14 – Farm Business Planning and Management (Kansas City, MO)

Our workshops are open to the public and are appropriate for anyone interested in growing.  We try to offer a range of workshops covering "Market Farming 101" topics, plus a few more advanced topics.  We focus on practices and a scale of production suitable for a market farmer.  Participants typically include apprentices, new or experienced growers and others who are interested in the particular topic or who are considering trying to farm.

If you would like to attend a workshop or have any questions, please let us know. Email  for information or to pre-register.