tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44661023455928519502024-03-18T02:47:48.666-07:00Missouri Beginning FarmingThis blog began through a NIFA grant for Missouri Beginning Farmers. It continues today as a way for beginning farmers to learn about new ideas and to hear about upcoming events of interest. It is maintained by Debi Kelly (kellyd@missouri.edu).
Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.comBlogger1296125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-25169444953310533732016-04-12T11:58:00.000-07:002016-04-12T11:58:03.639-07:00Grow Your Farm Begins April 18<center style="background-color: #ffffe8; text-align: left;">
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"Grow Your Farm" is an educational program offered by University of Missouri Extension that is designed to help landowners interested in farming for the first time and current farmers wanting to start new enterprises.</div>
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"Grow Your Farm" includes eight class sessions and two farm tours and will connect people investing in a farm career with successful farm operators and business experts according to Patrick Byers and Tim Schnakenberg, horticulture and agronomy specialists with MU Extension.</div>
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The course is being offered at the Hollister City Hall in Hollister. Classes meet monthly from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. starting April 18 and continuing through Oct. 24. Two classes will meet in April.</div>
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Sessions will focus on business planning and selecting enterprises that can be profitable, based on an individual's skills and resources. Planning the farm, keeping track of finances, marketing farm products and understanding legal issues are some of the topics addressed.</div>
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"This is a unique opportunity for growers and producers to connect with University of Missouri Extension specialists in horticulture, agriculture business, natural resources and community development. These specialists can offer their expertise in small farm production, marketing, and increasing outcomes for small farm profitability," said Byers.</div>
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Scholarships — through a grant with Missouri Enterprise, the City of Hollister and the USDA — to cover the training fee of $200 are available to the first ten registrants.</div>
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The training fee covers two people from a farm or household and includes the cost of a course notebook, additional textbook, and group sessions with guest speakers, farm tours, and refreshments. Each additional person per household/operation may attend for $50 per person.</div>
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For more information contact Patrick Byers at the Greene County Extension office by telephone at (417) 881-8909 or online at <a href="http://extension.missouri.edu/greene">http://extension.missouri.edu/greene</a>. Registration for the Grow Your Farm program will be through the Taney County Extension Office, at 417-546-4431.</div>
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Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-59526246294086488882016-04-12T10:34:00.001-07:002016-04-12T10:34:56.804-07:00Local Food Marketing Practices Survey<h1 style="background-color: white; color: #974316; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px;">
Local Food Marketing Practices Survey</h1>
<img alt="long-divider" src="http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/images/main/content-long-divider.gif" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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Frequently Asked Questions:</h2>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;"><strong>1. What is the Local Food Marketing Practices Survey?</strong><div style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;">
The 2015 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey is the first-ever survey conducted by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service to produce benchmark data about local food. Information will include the number of agricultural operations in the United States that produce local foods, the value of local foods sales, and marketing practices and expenses. This census study will provide data on the production and marketing of locally and regionally produced agricultural food products, as directed under the 2014 Farm Bill.</div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;"><strong>2. Why should I respond to the Local Food Marketing Practices Survey?</strong><div style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;">
Federal funding for the local foods sector substantially increased in recent Farm Bills, however official data and increased public understanding about the sector are still needed. No federal farm-level benchmark data exist on local foods sales, production practices, risk management, marketing channels and other factors that are key to informing and implementing policies and programs. Your responses will provide this important, detailed, objective information to meet the growing need for national, regional and state-level estimates on the local foods sector.</div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;"><strong>3. Who will use the data published from the Local Food Marketing Practices Survey?</strong><div style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;">
The agriculture industry, all levels of government, and related businesses and organizations will use the information to increase understanding of the local foods sector. In turn, this knowledge will help evaluate, inform and implement many of the USDA programs that support the local foods sector.</div>
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These USDA programs may include:</div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;">Agricultural Marketing Service: Farmers Market Promotion Program, Local Food Promotion Program, Specialty Crop Block Grants Program</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;">Farm Service Agency: Microloan Program</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;">Food and Nutrition Service: Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentives Program, Farm to School Program</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;">Rural Development: Value-Added Producer Grant Program</li>
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Additional examples of how others can use the data include:</div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;">State and local agencies to better understand, support and promote local food markets</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;">Farmers and others in the agriculture industry to plan business and marketing strategies</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;">Researchers, extension and university members to assist with local foods research</li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;"><strong>4. How will NASS conduct the survey?</strong></li>
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NASS will mail survey forms in the beginning of April to approximately 44,300 producers nationwide. Responses are due by May 2, 2016. If a response is not received, a representative with USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service may follow up with you to gather this information.</div>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;"><strong>5. How was I selected for this survey?</strong><div style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;">
The 2015 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey provides the first opportunity for NASS to contact many individuals and entities specifically involved in the local foods sector. NASS will contact a sample of approximately 44,300 people for this effort. If you were selected, NASS may have gathered your information from a number of sources. These sources include NASS’s current list of U.S. agricultural operators; public lists of producers involved in local and regional food activity; research via social media on local agriculture, etc.</div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;"><strong>6. Can I respond online?</strong><div style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;">
Yes. Survey participants are encouraged to use the secure, convenient online response system at <a href="http://www.agcounts.usda.gov/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">www.agcounts.usda.gov</a> . This not only saves you time, but it saves the government money on return postage and data entry. You will need the ID number printed on the mailing label of your survey form.</div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;"><strong>7. What types of questions will you ask?</strong><div style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;">
The Local Food Marketing Practices Survey will gather data related to the production and marketing of foods directly from farm producers to consumers or to retailers who then sell directly to consumers. Information will be gathered on local food marketing practices during 2015, including items such as:</div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;">Value of local food sales by marketing channel (i.e. farmers markets, CSAs, restaurants, roadside stands, food hubs, and more)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;">Crop and livestock sales by marketing channel</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;">Federal farm program participation</li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;"><strong>8. Must I respond to the survey?</strong><div style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;">
Participation in the survey is voluntary and your response is strongly encouraged. Factual data straight from producers are needed in order to increase public understanding about the local foods sector.</div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;"><strong>9. Will my information be kept confidential?</strong><div style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;">
Absolutely. Respondents are guaranteed by law <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/2204g" style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">(Title 7, U.S. Code)</a> that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals. The report cannot be used for purposes of taxation, investigation, or regulation. The privacy of individual records is also protected from Freedom of Information Act disclosure.</div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;"><strong>10. What if I want more information or need help completing my form?</strong><div style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;">
Call the toll-free number listed on your survey form, 888.424.7828, or email <a href="mailto:nass@nass.usda.gov" style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">nass@nass.usda.gov</a>.</div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;"><strong>11. When will results of the survey be released?</strong><div style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;">
NASS will publish survey results in December 2016.</div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px;"><strong>12. What if I want more information?</strong><div style="padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;">
For more information, call (800) 727-9540 or visit <a href="http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">www.agcensus.usda.gov</a>.</div>
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Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-59845101780517884732016-03-20T17:16:00.000-07:002016-03-20T17:16:12.384-07:00Retail Farm Market School<div class="default">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>What</u>:
Missouri Retail Farm Market School Course</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Missouri
Retail Farm Market School is a comprehensive program that educates participants
about utilizing produce science knowledge to prolong the marketability of fresh
produce. The program utilizes hands-on exercises, videos and lecture to
address the use of produce science, sanitation, crisping, customer service and
merchandising to prolong the life of fresh produce. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>When</u>:
Thursday, March 24<sup>th</sup>, 10AM-2PM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>Where</u>:
University of Missouri Extension Office, <span style="background: white; color: #2b2b2b;">105 East 5th Street. Suite 200, Kansas
City, MO 64106</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #2b2b2b;">Park
<u>within</u> the City Market or in public parking lots located next to the
Steamboat Arabia Museum. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><u>Registration Cost</u>: $20 </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">ncludes
all Retail Farm Market course materials and lunch. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><u>To register</u>:</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> email <a href="mailto:webercd@missouri.edu" target="_blank">webercd@missouri.edu</a> or call 816-407-3490</span><span style="background: white; color: #1f497d;">. </span>If you need special accommodations because of a disability, or if you need
materials in an alternative format, please inform me immediately. I may
be contacted at (816) 407-3490</span>.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-45545127820326384782016-03-13T16:53:00.000-07:002016-03-13T16:53:08.689-07:00Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program Grant Writing Workshop<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">University of Missouri-Extension is partnering with the USDA
AMSTA this year to offer a one day training about the LFPP (Local Food
Promotion) and FMPP (Farmers Market Promotion) grant opportunities. This
training is designed to provide technical assistance to interested groups that
are looking to apply for the newly released USDA Local Food Promotion Grants
and the USDA Farmers Market Promotion Grants. During the training, we
will discuss how to increase the quality of applications, increase awareness of
the program and to support those who successfully apply. You can find more
information about the program here: <a href="http://www.amsta.net/">http://www.amsta.net/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We’re asking that prior to attending the training that you
have applied for your SAM and DUNS number which you can do so by clicking here:
<a href="https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/#1">https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/#1</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html">http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Missouri will be hosting one training in the St. Louis area
at: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tuesday, March 29<sup>th</sup> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">MU Extension Center in Warren County<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">107 W. Walton</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
Warrenton, MO 63383</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10 am to 2 pm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">RSVP’s must be made in advance. To RSVP or if you have any
questions regarding the trainings themselves please email <a href="mailto:fahrmeierl@missouri.edu">fahrmeierl@missouri.edu</a> or call (660)
259-2230.</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-80081445881081788672016-02-28T08:32:00.002-08:002016-02-28T08:32:49.374-08:00MU Extension hosts acidified foods workshop, March 28-29 in Kansas City<div style="background: white; margin-top: 0in;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQcFAhA983Y/VqmMVk7O2AI/AAAAAAAAEjI/AZGIzrm4bj4/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQcFAhA983Y/VqmMVk7O2AI/AAAAAAAAEjI/AZGIzrm4bj4/s200/Capture.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">University of Missouri Extension will host a
workshop for processors of acidified foods such as salsa and pickles, March
28-29 in Kansas City.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The two-day workshop meets FDA training
requirements for those wanting to sell acidified, shelf-stable canned foods,
said Londa Nwadike, MU Extension consumer food safety state specialist.
Out-of-state participants are welcome, she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Teaching the workshop will be Andrew Clarke,
associate professor of food science at MU; William McGlynn, horticulture
products processing specialist at Oklahoma State; and Steve Seideman, extension
food processing specialist at the University of Arkansas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Topics will include FDA regulations, principles
of thermal processing, food plant sanitation and microbiology. Upon successful
completion of the workshop, participants will receive a certificate that can be
used to verify training for FDA or Missouri Department of Health and Senior
Services records.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The workshop will be held at Kansas City office
of MU Extension in Jackson County, 105 E. Fifth St., across the street from the
City Market.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Registration is $450 for the first person from a
company and $350 for each additional participant from the same company. The fee
covers educational materials, exams, a food safety textbook, refreshments and a
laboratory analysis of pH and water activity for one product per participant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To register, send contact information (name,
company, address, phone number and email address) to <a href="mailto:NwadikeL@missouri.edu" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453419707091_629326">NwadikeL@missouri.edu</a>.
Checks should be payable to the University of Missouri and mailed to Celeste
Tilley, MU Extension in Jackson County, 105 E. 5th St., Suite 200, Kansas City,
MO 64106.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For more information, contact Nwadike at
816-482-5854. Registration deadline is March 14.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Missouri Department of Agriculture is
offering a limited number of $225 scholarships to AgriMissouri members.
Additional information and a scholarship application are available at <a href="http://foodscience.missouri.edu/afw/" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453419707091_629332">http://foodscience.missouri.edu/afw/</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The workshop was designed as a Better Process
Control School to meet FDA regulations on acidified foods (21 CFR Part 114).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-89401769152366258132016-02-16T08:06:00.000-08:002016-02-16T08:06:49.901-08:00High Tunnel Workshop for Intermediate and Advanced Growers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BTFRqnqF6Hg/VsNIvTAXSsI/AAAAAAAAEjo/o12mXHw1Jr8/s1600/High%2BTunnel%2BWorkshop%2BMarch%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BTFRqnqF6Hg/VsNIvTAXSsI/AAAAAAAAEjo/o12mXHw1Jr8/s640/High%2BTunnel%2BWorkshop%2BMarch%2B12.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-2367031729415341772016-01-27T12:03:00.001-08:002016-01-27T12:03:07.464-08:0020th Annual Greenhouse Growers' School<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57RiB1nn_d4/VqkiF4_7znI/AAAAAAAAEi4/JVgN6Fs0xCo/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57RiB1nn_d4/VqkiF4_7znI/AAAAAAAAEi4/JVgN6Fs0xCo/s200/Capture.JPG" width="200" /></a>The Missouri State Florists
Association and University of Missouri Extension announce the 20<sup>th</sup> Annual Greenhouse Growers’ School (Presented
jointly with MLNA ‘Nuts and Bolts’ Event) on Thursday, February 18<sup>th</sup>. The event will be held at the Bradford
Research and Extension Center, 4968 Rangeline Road, <span lang="IT">Columbia, MO.
</span>(From U.S. 63 travel east on Rt. WW to Rangeline and turn right)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<u>Agenda<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
8:30 - Registration/Coffee and
donuts<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-pagination: none;">
9:00 - What’s new in the world of ornamental
plants?, Kerry Meyer, Proven Winners<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
10:15 - Break<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-pagination: none;">
10:30 - ‘Grow Native!’ – Panel discussion on diverse
topics & programs of ‘Grow Native!’<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
12:00 - Lunch (furnished) - Various
program updates will be presented during lunch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Concurrent sessions in the
afternoon—your choice of topics.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<u>Room A (Greenhouse programming)</u> <u><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
1:00 - Specialty Cut Flower
Production, Karen Davis, LU Extension, Urban Buds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-pagination: none;">
2:00 - Growing
My Way, John Graham, Callaway Fields <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
3:00 - Break<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-pagination: none;">
3:15 - Hydroponics
101, David Trinklein, MU Plant Sciences<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-pagination: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<u>Room B (Nursery/Landscape programming)</u><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
1:00 - What’s wrong with my container trees? Tim McDonnell, Kansas Forest
Service<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
2:00 - After the storm, drought,
etc.—ideas to restore trees. Tim
McDonnell, Mike Rood, Dr. Sven Svenson<br />
3:00 - Break</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
4: 00 - Pests to beware and prepare
(for) Sarah Phipps, Forest Pest Program Dir., MO-AG<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
4:15 Closing discussion—door prizes <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Registration is $30 per person (<u>includes
lunch and break items)</u> payable on the 18<sup>th</sup>. Advanced registration is <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
not necessary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
For additional information contact:
David Trinklein, State Floriculture Extension Specialist, 573/882-9631 or
trinkleind@missouri.edu<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-62967712218383243502016-01-26T18:22:00.001-08:002016-01-26T18:22:44.382-08:00Safety for You and Your Livestock<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; mso-outline-level: 4;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g39dEUmaU98/VmukEx5ar5I/AAAAAAAAEf4/q-UFjgHCLfE/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g39dEUmaU98/VmukEx5ar5I/AAAAAAAAEf4/q-UFjgHCLfE/s200/Capture.JPG" width="167" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">With
winter approaching, we have more opportunities to work with our livestock in a
more confined setting. Handling livestock can sometimes be stressful for
both people and the animals. A lot depends on our attitude, methods, and
our understanding of how an animal behaves. Trying to load a balky horse
into a trailer, gathering or herding animals in a pasture, or trying to pen or
catch animals for treatment can all be stressful situations and even unsafe at
times for all involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Safety
becomes an important issue when handling livestock. Livestock safety
applies to both the animal and the animal handler. It involves much more
than simply “being careful” around livestock. In fact, many livestock
accidents are not directly related to the animals themselves but are caused by
improper use of equipment and poorly-maintained or poorly-built facilities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">People
tend to give animals human qualities and forget that animals quickly revert to
primal reflex reactions when they are threatened or under stress. Animals
will fiercely defend their food, shelter, territory, and young. This is
especially important to remember during late winter and early spring when
livestock may be giving birth. When frightened or in pain, animals may
react in ways that threaten their and our health and safety. While
livestock fatalities are not nearly as frequent as deaths involving tractors or
machinery, animals are involved in more total accidents and with more work
related accidents. Typical animal-caused injuries to the handler range
from cuts and sprains from falls, to broken bones and whole body injuries from
being kicked, pushed, shoved, or run over by an animal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Livestock
handlers must be fully aware of the different ways livestock and humans react
to certain situations. Handlers must remain in control of potentially
dangerous situations and avoid actions which make them vulnerable to
injury. The more predictable our actions, the less likely we are to injure
livestock or be injured. The better we understand livestock, the less
risk of the animals harming us or themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Observing
animals to determine their temperament can alert the handler to possible
danger. These signs include raised or pinned ears, raised tail or hair on
the back, bared teeth, pawing the ground, and snorting. Male animals are
always dangerous. Males of some breeds are more aggressive than others,
but protective females, especially new mothers, can be just as dangerous.
Often injuries occur from animals that do not openly exhibit aggression or
fear. This reaction may be triggered by excitement caused, for example,
by a person walking nearby. Typical injuries from this type of situation
are usually a result of being kicked, bitten, stepped on, or squeezed between
the animal and a solid structure as the animal tries to flee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Treat
livestock with respect. Always know where you are and where the animal is
in relation to you when you are working with livestock. Never overlook
warning signs exhibited by animals being handled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">An
ounce of patience when handling livestock will be worth a pound of good working
relationship when farm animals are concerned. Take time to understand how
animals respond to various situations. This understanding should reduce
the potential for accidents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(By <a href="mailto:stonn2@unl.edu"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Steve Tonn,</span></a> Nebraska Extension
Educator - Livestock; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Source:
Introduction to Livestock Safety, Auburn University)</span></i></div>
Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-73731839048874568182016-01-22T10:05:00.001-08:002016-01-22T10:05:29.118-08:00Beekeeping Workshop across Missouri<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0uYbS9e9IE/VqJvKXUt6iI/AAAAAAAAEiY/xfY6OJcv1LI/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0uYbS9e9IE/VqJvKXUt6iI/AAAAAAAAEiY/xfY6OJcv1LI/s200/Capture.JPG" width="149" /></a>This is the time to look for beginning beekeeping classes across the state. Here are a few that are upcoming. If you don't see a location near you, go to the bottom of this post to find one in your area.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Willow
Springs<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Beginning Beekeeping<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This
beekeeping class provides resources to local beekeepers and design networking
opportunities for you to learn and grow from experienced beekeepers. Learn about equipment, sources of bees and
how and when to start your own hives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Class will be
held at <u>Jan, 25, 27 & 28</u> from 6-8 pm each night at the Ferguson
Builing, 127 E Main, St, Willow Springs, MO.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Registration is
$65 per person and includes reference materials. To register call 417-256-2391.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Versailles<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Keeping Honeybees beyond the First
Year<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This all day
workshop will be taught by Jim and Valerie Duever. Learn how to manage and maintain productive
honeybee colonies beyond the first year.
Also learn about marketing products of the hive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The class
will be held <u>Feb 27<sup>th</sup></u> at the Hunter Civic Center, 201 W
Jasper St, Versailles, MO. From 9 am to 5 pm.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Class is
limited to the first 50 paid registrants.
Cost is $30 for individual or $50 for a couple. Contact the Morgan County Extension Center at
573-378-5358. Registration deadline is
Feb 19<sup>th</sup>. You can also
register online <a href="http://www.moveggrowers.org/">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Hillsboro<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i>Beginning Beekeeping Workshop<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
The Jefferson County Beekeeper
Association is offering a Beginning Beekeeping Workshop on Saturday, <u>February
13</u> from 8 am to 4:30 pm. The workshop will be held at the Jefferson County
Extension Office at 301 Third St, Hillsboro, MO.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
The workshop will include information
on characteristics of a good colony, apiary location, equipment, honey plants,
disease prevention, mite control and protection from insecticides. The workshop
will be taught wit<span class="textexposedshow">h local beekeepers with over 100
years of experience.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Price of the workshop is $50 per
person, $25 for each additional person from the same family. Lunch is on your
own.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
To register, call 636-797-5391. Space
is limited to 25 people, so register soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Oscelola<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Beginning Beekeeping Workshop<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
The St. Clair County MU
Extension Center is offering an all-day beginning beekeeping workshop on
Saturday, <u>February 20th</u>. The workshop will be taught by Pomme De Terre
Beekeepers. The topics of the class may include:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">hive components, construction and accessories<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">Setting up the hive<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">Putting bees in the colony and management of the colony<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">Races of bees, their attributes and were to get them<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">Starting with nucleus hive or package of bees<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">Disease and pest of bees, identifying the queen,
workers and drones, their function in the hive<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">Honey harvesting, equipment needed, when to harvest,
how to package honey, what needs to be on the label, comb or extracted
honey, how to market the honey<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">Fall and winter management to bring the hive to the
second year<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
There will be a starter
hive and bees raffled off during the workshop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
The workshop will be held
at the First Baptist Church at 505 Walnut Street, Osceola, Mo. and will begin
with registration at 8:30 a. m. and end around 4:00 p. m.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Food and refreshments will
be provided. Cost of the event is $20.00 and payment along with registration
needs to be done by February 17th to the St. Clair County MU Extension Center.
For questions, more information or to register, contact the St. Clair County MU
Extension Center (St. Clair County Courthouse, P. O. Box 523, Osceola, Mo.
64776) at 417 – 646 – 2419 or by email at stclairco@missouri.edu. If the workshop
has to be canceled due to inclement weather it will be made up on February 27th
same time and place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Kansas City<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Beginning Beekeeping Workshop<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday, <u>March 12,</u> at Lakewood Oaks Golf Club,
Lee's Summit, MO 64064<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
21<sup>st</sup> Annual all-day class presented by the
Midwestern Beekeeper’s Association. The complete course offers professional
classes, a handbook, association membership, refreshments/lunch, a monthly
newsletter, prizes, and beekeeping supply vendors on site. $65
Pre-registration. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Visit: <a href="http://www.midwesternbeekeepers.org/" target="_blank">www.midwesternbeekeepers.org</a> or call: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cathy <a href="mailto:(660)%20656-3485">(660) 656-3485</a> <a href="mailto:cathymisko@earthlink.net" target="_blank">cathymisko@earthlink.net</a> / Ezekiel <a href="tel:%28816%29%20616-7619" target="_blank">(816) 616-7619</a> <a href="mailto:zekeamador@aol.com" target="_blank">zekeamador@aol.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
To find out
if there is a beekeeping class in your area of the state go to the Missouri
State Beekeepers Association <a href="http://mostatebeekeepers.org/calendar-events/">calendar of events</a> or the
local <a href="http://mostatebeekeepers.org/local-associations/">associations</a>
page for a club in your area.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-23130123999675368362016-01-21T18:33:00.001-08:002016-01-21T18:33:59.303-08:00Growing Elderberries for Fun and Profit<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fIAzHfAJNVc/Vow2YP7X-fI/AAAAAAAAEhw/cpp7kSZo8UY/s1600/Terry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fIAzHfAJNVc/Vow2YP7X-fI/AAAAAAAAEhw/cpp7kSZo8UY/s200/Terry.JPG" width="200" /></a>Meet Terry Durham, one of America’s leading growers and
processors with River Hills Harvest Elderberry Juice Products. Terry will be at the Slow Food St. James
Workshop to share his knowledge of elderberry culture, from propagation to
fighting pests, to harvesting and selling berries. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The workshop will take place on Monday, February 15 at the Public
House Brewing Compnay, 551 State Route B, St. James, MO. A tour will begin at 3 pm followed by the
workship from 4-6 pm.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Attendance is limited to the first 40 registrants. Registration is $40 per person and includes
light snacks created by chef Alex and River Hills Elderberry Products.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To register, click <a href="http://bpt.me/2465259">here</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more information contact Penelope at <a href="mailto:slowfoodst.james@gmail.com">slowfoodst.james@gmail.com</a> or call
573-693-8054.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(photo courtesy of Columbia Tribune)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-2185995811044681212016-01-19T17:23:00.000-08:002016-01-19T17:23:02.076-08:00Grow Your Farm Course in Jefferson County<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6604424823677002965" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 3pt 0in 2pt; text-indent: 12pt; vertical-align: middle;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">An extension educational program will help landowners who want to get into farming for the first time as well as current farmers who are interested in starting new enterprises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRQavDV_hUk/VfzSok2LhiI/AAAAAAAAEW8/F9LlqTbQ8do/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #956839; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRQavDV_hUk/VfzSok2LhiI/AAAAAAAAEW8/F9LlqTbQ8do/s1600/Capture.JPG" style="border: 0px;" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Grow Your Farm</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">, a program offered by University of Missouri Extension, will connect people considering a farm career with successful farm operators and business experts, says Debi Kelly, MU Extension horticulture/local foods specialist in east central Missouri and one of the authors of the curriculum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The curriculum includes eight group sessions that will begin January 25th in Hillsboro and continue on through March 14th. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Most sessions will focus on business planning and the process of selecting enterprises that can be profitable, based on an individual’s skills and resources. Planning is a big part of the program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“With the continued growth of people moving into rural fringe areas around major cities, extension receives more questions from people who want to make a living, or at least create a profitable business, on their acreage,” says Kelly. “<i>Grow Your Farm</i> is designed to answer those questions and help them start successful enterprises. It should also be valuable for producers looking for new ideas to make their existing farms more successful.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Class sizes will be limited to 20 participants, with two decision makers from each farm encouraged to participate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Farming takes a lot of work and family commitment,” says Kelly. “Participants are likely to be more successful if both spouses, a partner or a parent and an adult child who will be involved in the operation, are both part of the learning process.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">A fee of $300 per operation (for two participants) includes courses and one set of materials. Fees include the cost of a course notebook and additional textbook, copies of the set of <i>Grow Your Farm</i> PowerPoint presentations, group sessions with guest speakers, farm tours and refreshments. To register, contact the Jefferson County Extension office at 636-797-5391 or email <a href="mailto:kellyd@missouri.edu">Debi Kelly</a>.</span></div>
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Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-2315348523925029972016-01-11T19:45:00.001-08:002016-01-11T19:45:24.291-08:00Mid-America Organic Association Conference 2016<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWpOy4yTsdk/VpR2g4AmAII/AAAAAAAAEiE/cGcyHadL8ZY/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWpOy4yTsdk/VpR2g4AmAII/AAAAAAAAEiE/cGcyHadL8ZY/s200/Capture.JPG" width="200" /></a>As a result of growing interest,
the Missouri Organic Association Conference has evolved into Mid-America
Organic Association Conference. This year we will be welcoming participants
from eight states: Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky,
Tennessee and Kansas and maybe even more!</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
MOA’s remains unchanged: they
aspire to provide organic farms with the necessary tools to be successful
businesses, while educating the general public about the connection local farms
and healthy communities, in a physical, environmental and economic sense.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Mid American
Organic Conference 2016 will be held between February 4<sup>th</sup> and 6<sup>th,</sup>
at the University Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, Springfield MO.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the 7<sup>th</sup> edition, they will be providing a
broad spectrum of lectures, hands-on workshops, consumer education classes and
networking opportunities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The topics will include: Grain production, Livestock
production, Commercial Vegetable production, High-tunnel small fruits and
vegetable production, Sustainable living skills, Culinary and medicinal plants,
and a whole lot more!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Keynote speakers this year are Dr. Arden Anderson, DO who
will be presenting on “Healthy Soils, Healthy Bodies,” and Dr. John Ikerd who
will be presenting on “Healthy Soils, Healthy Economies, Healthy
Communities.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Another highlight for this year is the workshop conducted by
Botanical Explorer, Joseph Simcox on “Raising Sexy, Exotic Crops for Fun and
Profit”. He will be emphasizing plant selections suitable for farmers in
Missouri and surrounding states and advising on propagation material and
sources.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The “Top Chef competition”, featuring 6 of the premier chefs from St.
Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia, scheduled for Friday, February
the 6<sup>th</sup>, is by now a tradition of the MOA Conference.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Saturday, February 6, the MOA will organize a special
networking event, connecting organic farmers/producers with buyers and
marketing managers from regional and national food stores, chefs, food
distributors, etc. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the surprises they prepared for this year is the
“Consumer Health Education Seminary”, scheduled for Saturday, February 6<sup>th</sup>
and open to the general public. The discussion will focus on organic foods and
their connection to a healthy diet and balanced nutrition. The session will be
presented by dietitians and medical physicians and will include definitions and
discussion regarding “health food terminology”. Participants will learn about the
difference between organic, non-GMO, natural foods, free range, cage free, etc.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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The full 3-day MOA 2016 Annual Conference agendas are
available for viewing at: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.moaconference.org/">http://www.moaconference.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The conference price is $175 for all three days and a single
day pass is $75. An Early Bird Special discount is available until January 15<sup>th,</sup>
which includes a Buy 1 registration at full price, Get the 2<sup>nd</sup>
registration at ½ price. <o:p></o:p></div>
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To register, please follow the instructions on their <a href="http://www.moaconference.org./">website</a>. </div>
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Hotel reservations are available at a special MOA Conference
block price of $84 (+ tax) per night at The University Plaza <span style="color: #5f497a;">Hotel & Convention Center, </span>Springfield, MO.
Please make sure to mention the MOA conference block to get this special hotel
lodging price.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-59178626939815558292016-01-05T13:33:00.004-08:002016-01-05T13:33:51.881-08:00Beekeeping Workshop in West Plains<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCAfOrXrOgA/VoMYE6rkAEI/AAAAAAAAEhg/QYE7TJFQu2w/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCAfOrXrOgA/VoMYE6rkAEI/AAAAAAAAEhg/QYE7TJFQu2w/s200/Capture.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">University
of Missouri Extension beekeeping workshop continues to be a popular request and
one of the most widely attended programs. Improving the craft of beekeeping
takes many years of experience, a strong network of beekeepers you can depend
on and a source of research based information to feed your knowledge as your
apiary grows. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Winter and spring are a critical time for beekeepers and hive
management, this workshop will provide beekeepers with the information they
need to develop strong hives for spring brood rearing and honey production”
says Dr. Amy Patillo, Certified Beekeeper and University of Missouri Extension
Community Development Specialist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Join
us January 25<sup>th</sup>, 27<sup>th</sup>, and 28<sup>th</sup> at the Ferguson
building in Willow Springs from 6-8 p.m. nightly, $65 per person or $100 per
farm. The Ferguson building is located at 127 E. Main Street, Willow Springs,
MO, 65793. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Beginning
beekeeping will introduce beekeepers to everyone living in the hive, including
each bee and the work they do, pests and their management and the equipment and
components of beehives. Beekeepers will have the opportunity to examine
beekeeping equipment, hives and hive products. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Patrick
Byers, University of Missouri Horticulture Specialist will share information
about the importance of pollination and contribution of bees to horticulture
crops, as well as, provide detailed information about bees and horticulture.
Patrick’s presentations are always a special treat at the beekeepers meetings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
workshop will provide you with the information and resources you need if you
are thinking about ordering bees this spring. If you are a new beekeeper, you
will find the resources and information you need to keep your bees alive
through the winter and be prepared to care for them in the spring during their
crucial brood rearing time. This is also an opportunity for you to learn how to
become active with the West Plains Beekeepers group and learn more about the
Willow Springs Beekeepers group that is hoping to get started in the spring. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Call
the University of Missouri Howell County Extension office to register,
417-256-2391. More information is available online at <a href="http://extension.missouri.edu/howell">http://extension.missouri.edu/howell</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-21175316701396859282016-01-04T20:37:00.001-08:002016-01-04T20:37:25.031-08:00Bringing Back the American Small Farm Conference<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-faVjg-S3tAM/VloN88xb1EI/AAAAAAAAEd8/kJg8D58-lK4/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-faVjg-S3tAM/VloN88xb1EI/AAAAAAAAEd8/kJg8D58-lK4/s1600/Capture.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Ozark Farmers Ag Co-op (OFAC) is presenting a conference to share instruction
on how to contribute to your regional food supply using whatever land resources
are available to you. Whether that's a
backyard garden area or 100 acres, get the information you need to start
producing local foods the right way for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bringing
Back the American Small Farm Conference will be held January 28-29, 2016 at the
West Plains Civic Center, 110 Saint Louis Street, West Plains, MO 65775. Registration for one day is $25 and two days
is $50 per person before Jan 14. After this
date registration is $35 for one day and $75 for two days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
more information contact OFAC at (417) 274-4235 or vist
http://www.ozarkfarmers.com.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Day
1<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">8:00
am Registration<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">9:00
am Welcoming Remarks Patrice Jennings, Ozark Farmers Agriculture Cooperative<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">9:15
am General Session - Keynote "Small Farm, Real Income" Hank Will,
Editorial Director,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mother
Earth News & Grit Magazine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">10:15
am Vendor Exhibits / Break / Network<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">10:45
am Breakout Sessions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Conventional
Farming Part I: Considerations for
Beginning Commercial-Scale Vegetable Production; Land, Machinery, Labor,
Irrigation, Rusty Lee, Lee Farms, LLC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Soil
Health: Does It Matter, Doug Peterson, Rancher and NRCS State Soil Health
Conservationist<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Livestock
Grazing 101, Mark L. Kennedy, USDA Livestock Specialist<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Aquaponics
Part I: Aquaponics system design is typically coupled with mystery, magic and
backyard how to, Jeremy Shechter, Aquaponics Manager, FarmTek<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">11:45
am Vendor Exhibits / Break / Network<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">12:00
pm Luncheon General Session: Farm Resource Panel / Vendor Exhibits<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1:30
pm Breakout Sessions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Conventional
Farm Part II: Production and Harvest Care of your crop from seed to the
marketed box of produce, Rusty Lee, Lee Farms, LLC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Beekeeping
Part I Grant Gillard, Author and former Missouri State Beekeeper President<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Pastured
Poultry Jim Protiva, Peace Valley Poultry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Aquaponics
Part II – Maintenance and Fish-care Jeremy Shechter, Aquaponics Manager,
FarmTek<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2:45
pm Vendor Exhibits / Break / Network<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3:15
pm Breakout Sessions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* No
Till Organic Vegetable Farming, Patrice Gros, Foundation Farm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Small
Fruit Production, Marilyn Odneal, Missouri State University at Mountain Grove<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Opportunities
in Small Ruminants Mark L. Kennedy, USDA Livestock Specialist<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Hydroponics
Speaker TBD<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Social
Media Marketing, Kelli Jennings, Ag Marketing and Social Media Specialist<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">4:30
pm Networking Mixer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5:30
pm Adjourn for dinner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Day
2<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">8:00
am Registration<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">9:00
am Greeting and Announcements Patrice Jennings, Ozark Farmers Agriculture
Cooperative<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">9:05
am General Session - Keynote "Why do Small Farms Matter?" Janie
Dunning, USDA Rural </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Development
State Director and Matt Moore, USDA Rural Development Business Program Director</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">9:55
am General Session "How to Learn Small Farm Skills" Dr. Linda
Wulff-Risner, MSU-WP<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Assistant
Professor of Agriculture<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">10:15
am Vendor Exhibits / Break / Network<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">10:45
am Breakout Sessions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Urban
Farming, Hank Will, Editorial Director, Mother Earth News<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Agri-Marketing,
Patrice Gros, Foundation Farm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Irrigation
Speaker TBD<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Greenhouse
101, Pete Hummert, Hummert International<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">11:45
am Vendor Exhibits / Break / Network<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">12:00
pm Luncheon General Session - Marketing Panel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1:30
pm Breakout Sessions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Conventional
Farming Part III: Marketing—We grew it, now what do we do with it?, Rusty Lee,
Lee Farms, LLC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Agriculture
Tourism, Scott McWilliams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* Beekeeping
Part 2, Grant Gillard, Author and former Missouri State Beekeeper President<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3:30
pm Evaluations / Door Prizes / Adjourn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-44694336920833738102015-12-29T15:33:00.001-08:002015-12-29T15:33:33.849-08:00Missouri Aquaculture Meeting<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_PETbwwS4KE/Vm8nqW9pZrI/AAAAAAAAEgY/kn8Qv13yc_I/s1600/ponds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_PETbwwS4KE/Vm8nqW9pZrI/AAAAAAAAEgY/kn8Qv13yc_I/s200/ponds.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Missouri Aquaculture Association Winter Meeting will be Friday and Saturday,
January 8-9, 2016 in Jefferson City.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Friday, January 8<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Friday’s
activities will be at Hy-Vee which is at 3721 W Truman Boulevard. We have never
met here but the store is easy to find since it is large and is just off the
highway next to the mall. The meeting room we will be using is upstairs, above the
dining area. To find it, just go to the deli in the front corner of the store
and take the stairs that are next to the dining area. If stairs are a problem,
there is an elevator on the other side of the deli towards the back of the
store, next to the bathrooms. On the second floor, the meeting room is at the
opposite end of the hall from the elevator. There will be three events Friday
afternoon:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">2:30-3:00
- MAC meeting<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
four members of the Missouri Aquaculture Council will meet to conduct the
business of the aquaculture feed checkoff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">3:00-4:30
- MoAA Board meeting<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Missouri Aquaculture Association officers and board will meet to discuss
industry issues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9Hu5RNaOJg/Vm8nvBOotEI/AAAAAAAAEgg/hjqRK6sDOsY/s1600/net.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9Hu5RNaOJg/Vm8nvBOotEI/AAAAAAAAEgg/hjqRK6sDOsY/s200/net.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">5:00 –
Dinner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Russ
Heindselman, a long-time fish producer from LaGrange will share some of the
innovations he has developed on his farm. Come prepared to share the ideas you
have implemented on your farm during a friendly competition for some great
prizes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Saturday, January 9<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
meeting on Saturday will be at Lincoln University’s George Washington Carver
Farm which is a couple miles south of the Lincoln University campus at 3804
Bald Hill Road. If you have trouble finding it the day of the meeting, the
phone number at the Carver Farm office is (573) 681-5540. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
agenda for the Saturday meeting is packed and we are pleased with the great
line up of presentations this year. We appreciate the speakers’ willingness to
cover a number of important topics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">9:00-9:15
– Welcome, David Emerson, MoAA
President, Crystal Lake Fisheries<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">9:15-9:45
– On-Farm Evaluation of Traditional and
Non-Traditonal Trout Feeds, Dennis VanLanduyt, Troutdale Farm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">9:45-10:30
– Algae and Control Methods, Brian
Lind, Western Regional Sales Manager, Applied Biochemists<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">10:30-11:15
– Aeration and Water Quality, Roy
Watkins, President, Air-O-Lator Corporation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">11:15-11:45
– Missouri Department of Conservation
Update, Brian Canaday, Fisheries Division Chief, Missouri Department of
Conservation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">11:45-12:15
– The Realities of RAS: Future of
Aquaculture or Pipe Dream? Dr. Chris Weeks, Aquaculture Extension
Specialist, NCRAC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wyAxy9MyvPo/Vm8n2lERZQI/AAAAAAAAEgo/8IU1v9oRgrA/s1600/rac.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wyAxy9MyvPo/Vm8n2lERZQI/AAAAAAAAEgo/8IU1v9oRgrA/s1600/rac.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">12:15-1:30
– Lunch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Following
lunch, there will be two options:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> * </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">MoAA
business meeting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> * </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tour
of the Lincoln University aquaculture research ponds and indoor fish holding
facilities. Some photos are online at </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.lincolnu.edu/web/aquaculture-research/facilities</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">1:30-2:00
– USDA APHIS Update, Parker
Hall, State Director, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">2:00-2:30
– The Realities of RAS: Future of
Aquaculture or Pipe Dream? Dr. Chris Weeks, Aquaculture Extension
Specialist, NCRAC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">2:30-2:45
– North Central Region Aquaculture
Center Update, Allen Pattillo, Extension Program Specialist, Iowa State
University<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">2:45-3:00
– Industry Update, Dr. Chris
Weeks, Aquaculture Extension Specialist, NCRAC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">3:00-3:15
– What’s New in Aquaponics, Allen
Pattillo, Extension Program Specialist, Iowa State University<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">3:15-3:45
– Fish Farm Composting for Managing
Organic Waste and Recycling Nutrients, Dr. Hwei-Ying Johnson, State
Extension Specialist, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">3:45-4:15
– Missouri Department of Agriculture
Update, Dr. Linda Hickam, State Veterinarian, Missouri Department of
Agriculture<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">4:15-4:30
– Wrap Up, David Emerson, MoAA
President, Crystal Lake Fisheries<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Registration<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
make an effort to keep the cost of the meeting low but could not do it for what
we do without the help of our great sponsor, Skretting USA. They are well known
for the quality feed they consistently provide the aquaculture industry. We appreciate
the way they support Missouri fish producers with a wide selection of quality
feeds and thank them for sponsoring our event this year. Learn more about their
products at </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.skrettingusa.com/">www.skrettingusa.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Registrations
will be accepted the morning of the conference; however, knowing how many
people to expect helps tremendously with planning. Receiving registrations in
advance and having a great sponsor are the key reasons we can keep the
registration cost so low. As a result, a discount is offered for registrations
received prior to Monday, January 4. If you have questions, please call Vanessa at
(417) 683-2301.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-29984445997377749402015-12-27T10:42:00.002-08:002015-12-27T10:42:42.539-08:00Midwest Winter Production Conference Returns to Webb City Area<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YluEiVBOsvE/VoAwhq1zOmI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/oiFDHcvuhNU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YluEiVBOsvE/VoAwhq1zOmI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/oiFDHcvuhNU/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Midwest Winter Production Conference will be Thursday
and Friday, January 21 and 22, 2016, at the Continental Banquet Center, 2728
North Rangeline, Joplin. Aimed at
professional and aspiring professional growers interested in three- or four-season
production, this is the third reginal conference since 2013 hosted by the Webb
City Farmers Market. Winter production,
and extended season production in the spring and fall, have become increasingly
important sources of revenue for Missouri farmers. Off-season production is also essential for
year-round markets and their customers who want fresh local produce throughout
the year. There are currently about 30
winter markets in Missouri including Webb City, Farmers Market of the Ozarks,
Greater Springfield, City Market in Kansas City, and Columbia.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The conference will include multiple tracks covering: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> * </span>High tunnel siting, choices of equipment, costs
and returns <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> * </span><!--[endif]-->Economics and marketing for winter grow leafy
greens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> * </span><!--[endif]-->Marketing strategies for winter sales <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> * </span><!--[endif]-->Winter storage crop production and economics<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> * </span><!--[endif]-->Integrated pest control in tunnels<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> * </span><!--[endif]-->Starting your own plants for winter production -
seed selection, crop varieties, seeding time table, cost, quality control<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> * </span><!--[endif]-->Adding value and expanding profit through storage
crops and dried products<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> * </span><!--[endif]-->Lacto fermentation of sauerkraut and dill
pickles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> * </span><!--[endif]-->Garlic – production, storage and marketing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> * </span><!--[endif]-->Raspberry production in high tunnels<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The conference also includes a Farmer Symposium with top winter
producers from winter markets discussing their favorite winter production
tools, crops and techniques. The conference will finish with a tour of a local
farm operating both heated and unheated high tunnels, as well as a hydroponic
lettuce greenhouse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This conference features national and regional presenters
including: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dru and Adam Montri operate 17,900 square feet of high
tunnels for winter production, as well as farming in the field year-round on
their farm in Bath, Michigan, Ten Hens Farm.
They sell their products through a variety of outlets, including farmers
markets, restaurants, grocery stores and a medium-sized distributor. Adam is also an outreach specialist in the
Michigan State University Department where he works with farmers throughout the
state on high tunnel funding, construction, year-round production, marketing,
and economics. Dru is director of the
Michigan Farmers Market Association as well as on the board of the Farmers
Market Coalition, the national farmers market association, giving her contacts
with year-round markets throughout the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patrice Gros operates Foundation Farm, Foundation Farm, a
5-acre USDA certified organic farm which includes three high tunnels in full
winter production in Northwest Arkansas.
Go to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bCfPh1drUE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bCfPh1drUE</a>
for a tour of his high tunnel operation taped this month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan Kuebler operates The Salad Garden and sells year-round at
local farmers markets and restaurants in Columbia. He has a special interest in
lacto fermentation of sauerkraut and dill pickles, including it in his product
mix and holding workshops on the processes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tammy and Greg Sellmeyer operate two greenhouses & four high
tunnels. They sell at the Columbia and
the Fulton Farmers Markets, and have a CSA. Their winter sales include a wide
variety of storage crops and dried products from produce raised on their farm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Midwest Winter Production Conference is sponsored by the
Webb City Farmers Market, Lincoln University Co-operative Extension and
University of Missouri Extension. It is
underwritten by a specialty crops grant from the Missouri Department of
Agriculture. Complete conference
information is available at webbcityfarmersmarket.com or by calling 417
483-8139. Pre-registration is required
and is $50. Additional registrations
from the same farm or family are $40 each.
Registration at the $50 level includes the publications New Seed
Starters Handbook by Nancy Bubel and the 2016 Midwest Vegetable Production
Guide for Commercial Growers.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-11704866743964860492015-12-22T18:48:00.003-08:002015-12-22T18:48:41.922-08:00The Great Plains Growers Conference and Trade Show<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 20th annual Great
Plains Growers Conference will attract home gardeners and commercial growers
from the Midwest and beyond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjWyaO-4cI4/VnoLbKKXc9I/AAAAAAAAEg8/oOzJK-s58Nc/s1600/GPGC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjWyaO-4cI4/VnoLbKKXc9I/AAAAAAAAEg8/oOzJK-s58Nc/s200/GPGC.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The three-day
conference, Jan. 7-9, 2016, in St. Joseph, will feature knowledgeable speakers
from across the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“There are five states
that participate in this conference. The extension services of Missouri,
Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota share horticulture expertise with
conference attendees,” said Tim Baker, horticulture specialist for University of
Missouri Extension and one of the conference organizers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For the first time,
the conference will feature several workshops on mushrooms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark Gleason of Iowa
State University will provide morel mushroom certification training. Anyone
wishing to sell wild-harvested morels in Missouri must be certified as an
inspector by an approved trainer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He regularly provides
this training in Iowa, and a number of Missourians have traveled up to Iowa to
get this training,” Baker said. “We’re bringing him down here so people can get
that certification training and be able to legally sell morels in Missouri.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you want the
state-required certification letter at the completion of the workshop, it will
cost an additional $50.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There will also be a
class for those interested in harvesting wild mushrooms for personal use.
Correct identification is vital because some mushrooms are deadly and making
the wrong choice can be life-threatening. Stan Hudson, with the Missouri
Mycological Society, will discuss Missouri and Midwest mushroom identification
and how to spot dangerous look-alikes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are also
presentations for those who would like to grow shiitake and other specialty
culinary mushrooms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other topics at the
conference include organic growing, honeybees and scaling up small farm
production.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MU Extension’s James
Quinn and others will provide workshops on MarketReady, an educational program
designed to help small farmers and ranchers build supplier relationships with
restaurant, grocery, wholesale and food service buyers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The keynote speaker
will be Anthony Flaccavento, an organic farmer from Abingdon, Va. Flaccavento
is a recognized leader in sustainable economic development and the founder of
SCALE (Sequestering Carbon, Accelerating Local Economies).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The conference also includes
a comprehensive trade show that will provide resources helpful to both home
gardeners and commercial growers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The cost to attend
the all-day Thursday workshop is $55 per person. The cost for Friday and
Saturday is $45 per person per day,” Baker said. “The price includes lunch on
all three days.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To register, see a
complete conference schedule and for more information, visit <a href="http://www.greatplainsgrowersconference.org/"><span style="color: #7190ad; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.greatplainsgrowersconference.org</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-37044591908578518542015-12-14T07:56:00.002-08:002015-12-14T07:56:49.745-08:00Winter Farm Law Education Series Starts Dec 15th<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-outline-level: 1;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j72ClCS1bzY/Vm7lkzG_FDI/AAAAAAAAEgI/ZyO_dEEHioQ/s1600/FC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j72ClCS1bzY/Vm7lkzG_FDI/AAAAAAAAEgI/ZyO_dEEHioQ/s1600/FC.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ahh
the winter… a time for farmers to kick back, relax, and catch up on all that
reading that they missed over the season. Right? Ha! For many farmers, this is the time that they
relocate from the fields to their desks to plan, learn, and strategize.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This winter, Farm Commons
has eight new tutorials in our Farm Law Education Series as well as eight
roundtable sessions all designed to help you build a strong and resilient farm
business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also
new this year – you can <a href="http://farmcommons.org/webinars/upcoming"><span style="color: windowtext;">sign up</span></a> for all the online events you
want at the same time on our new and improved website! All you need is to
create a free account – watch our <a href="http://farmcommons.org/farm-commons-website-users-guide"><span style="color: windowtext;">short video</span></a> or <a href="http://farmcommons.org/blog/users-guide-farm-commons-website"><span style="color: windowtext;">blog post</span></a> if you have any trouble.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First,
let’s talk terminology:</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tutorial </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">– our updated version of the webinars that you already know
and love (and if you aren’t already familiar, check out<a href="http://farmcommons.org/resources-search?field_resource_type_tid=40"><span style="color: windowtext;"> last year’s recorded webinars</span></a>, which
are still available for free on our website. Tutorials focus on the
basics you need to understand and apply the law to your farm business. They
include farmer stories, practical tips, and an overview of the topic at hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Roundtable </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">– We are introducing a new component to our tutorial
series. For this first time ever, tutorial participants have the opportunity to
follow up one week after our live tutorials with solutions-based, interactive
roundtable sessions. These sessions will be deep dives into the topics, and you
must attend the corresponding tutorial in order to participate. You can find
more information about roundtables at the bottom of this post. Webinars are Free and Roundtables are $25 each.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2015/16
Education Series:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">* <a href="http://farmcommons.org/introduction-sustainable-farm-law">Introduction to Sustainable
Farm Law</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">* <a href="http://farmcommons.org/insurance-farm-policies-and-principles-efficiently-manage-risk">Insurance for the Farm:
Policies and Principles to Efficiently Manage Risk</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">* <a href="http://farmcommons.org/roundtable-insurance">Insurance and Risk Management Roundtable: Evaluateand Share Money-Wise Solutions and Strategies</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">* <a href="http://farmcommons.org/what-why-and-how-choosing-and-organizing-business-entity-farm">The What, Why and How of
Choosing and Organizing a Business Entity for the Farm</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">* <a href="http://farmcommons.org/roundtable-business-entities">LLC and General Partnership Roundtable: Explore Ways to Make Your Organizing Documents Uphold Your Farm’s Aspirations</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">* <a href="http://farmcommons.org/building-legally-sound-intern-and-volunteer-program-farm-work">Building a Legally Sound
Intern and Volunteer Program for Farm Work</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">* <a href="http://farmcommons.org/roundtable-interns-and-volunteers">Interns and Volunteers Roundtable: Explore andShare Opportunities for Creating a Vibrant and Legal Internship Program</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">* <a href="http://farmcommons.org/food-safety-liability-and-regulations-fsma-and-beyond">Food Safety Liability and
Regulations: FSMA and Beyond</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">* <a href="http://farmcommons.org/roundtable-food-safety">Food Safety Roundtable: Join Forces to StrategizeBest Ways to Comply with FSMA and Reduce Food Safety Liability Risks</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">* <a href="http://farmcommons.org/sales-1-availability-invoicing-and-dispute-resolution-food-buyers">Sales 1: Availability,
Invoicing and Dispute Resolution with Food Buyers</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">* <a href="http://farmcommons.org/roundtable-sales-i">Sales I Roundtable: Examine and Practice the InsideArt of Negotiating Sales Agreements</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">* <a href="http://farmcommons.org/sales-2-contracts-planning-ahead-production">Sales 2: Contracts for
Planning Ahead of Production</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">* <a href="http://farmcommons.org/roundtable-sales-ii">Sales II Roundtable: Cultivate and BrainstormTechniques and Tactics to Cultivate Success in Production Services</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">** Bonus roundtable session: <span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="http://farmcommons.org/financing-farmland-roundtable-discover-and-reveal-creative-options-purchasing-land">Financing Farmland Roundtable: Discover and Reveal
Creative Options for Purchasing Land</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Find
out dates, detailed descriptions, and register for all online events <a href="http://farmcommons.org/webinars/upcoming">here</a>. Registration is FREE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
what exactly is a roundtable session?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Roundtables
will focus on actionable components of the tutorial subjects and help you come
up with creative solutions for your farm business. Our practical approach is
geared towards giving you the tools and guidance you need to take action on the
foundation of knowledge you’ve built from the tutorials and other free
resources that Farm Commons provides. These advanced sessions will use
collaborative learning facilitated by experts to help you work through
paperwork, develop creative solutions to problems you’re facing, and answer any
questions that came up during or following the tutorials. The exact content of
the sessions will tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the
registrants, so you can be assured that these sessions will be useful and relevant
to you and your farm business. After you’ve registered for the corresponding
tutorial, we will send you more information about the roundtable session.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Registration
is $25 and it's simple to sign up at our website. Each roundtable is limited to
10 participants, <a href="http://farmcommons.org/webinars/upcoming"><span style="color: windowtext;">so sign up soon to guarantee your spot</span></a>.
If cost is a barrier, ask us about scholarship opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-44631134869562281032015-12-11T17:40:00.002-08:002015-12-11T17:40:38.620-08:00What’s Up with USDA Food Labels? Changes Made to USDA Process Verified Program<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTwOy6sfoh4/Vmt6GE4yZ9I/AAAAAAAAEfo/1N_RyR8ViBE/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTwOy6sfoh4/Vmt6GE4yZ9I/AAAAAAAAEfo/1N_RyR8ViBE/s200/Capture.JPG" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18.2857px; text-align: start;">The new “USDA Process Verified”<br />shield that will allow consumers<br />access to more specific information <br />about a USDA PVP product online.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The fate
of mandatory GMO labeling may still be unknown, but some companies
are already using voluntary non-GMO labels through a third party certification
or verification service, such as the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) <a href="http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/process-verified-programs"><span style="color: #ac0d0d; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Process Verified
Program</span></a> (PVP). On December 7, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS) <a href="http://www.ams.usda.gov/press-release/usda-announces-strengthened-process-verified-program"><span style="color: #ac0d0d; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">announced</span></a> changes
to PVP that aim to give consumers what they want: more transparency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">What is the Process
Verified Program?</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">AMS receives its
authority from the Agricultural Marketing Act, overseeing quality verification
on labels so that farms, farm-based businesses, and large food manufacturers
can make certain claims for marketing purposes. The claims that AMS certifies
or verifies, including PVP claims, are voluntary and market-driven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The PVP approval process
involves a desk audit (submission of a quality manual), an on-site audit, and
an annual audit. Companies with approved PVP products may use the “USDA Process
Verified” shield on marketing materials.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Examples of PVP claims
include “grass fed,” “no antibiotics ever,” “all vegetarian diet,” and “raised
by independent farmers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">In conjunction with the
changes to PVP that are detailed below, AMS <a href="http://blogs.usda.gov/2015/12/07/usda-process-verified-program-transparency-from-farm-to-market/"><span style="color: #ac0d0d; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">published a blog</span></a> providing
a step-by-step explanation of how companies go through the PVP approval
process. Click on the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usdagov/22962874444/sizes/h/"><span style="color: #ac0d0d; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">infographic</span></a> to
the right for additional information on the PVP approval process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">What are the new changes
to the Process Verified Program?</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">This week, USDA
announced two main changes to PVP.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">First, AMS is
instituting a single management structure for PVP that works across commodity
programs. In 2013, AMS merged two program areas — the poultry program and
the livestock and seed program — into the Livestock, Poultry and Seed Program.
Although the programs merged, AMS had yet to completely marry the
services. Now there are uniform requirements and auditor procedures, ensuring
consumers will get the “same level of transparency regardless of the product,”
said AMS Public Affairs Specialist Sam Jones-Ellard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Second, marketing
claims and verified process points will now be clearly defined using plain
language on the USDA website. The new AMS website has an <a href="http://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Official%20ListingPVP.pdf"><span style="color: #ac0d0d; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">official listing
of approved USDA Process Verified Programs</span></a>. Products that have the
“USDA Process Verified” label will display the USDA website address to help
direct consumers to the information online.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“There’s increasingly a
lot of marketing claims on packages and this is a way for consumers to know
exactly what they’re buying,” Jones-Ellard said. Jones-Ellard
indicated there has been a lot of interest in PVP and these changes
were made to ensure consumers can access the most accurate
information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">We support increased
transparency and welcome these changes, but believe further improvements are
needed to PVP and other USDA labeling programs. In coming months we hope to
report on specific labels or labeling issues and how to make the process work
better for farmers and consumers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>(By National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, December 8, 2015)</i></span></div>
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Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-5546038836703806102015-12-09T09:18:00.001-08:002015-12-09T09:18:51.956-08:00Tips for a Successful Farm Startup<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nj678TskW9g/VloxaMO6HZI/AAAAAAAAEfI/zDZnHR-J-Ag/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nj678TskW9g/VloxaMO6HZI/AAAAAAAAEfI/zDZnHR-J-Ag/s1600/Capture.JPG" /></a>This is from a column from a colleague at the University of Vermont.<br />
<br />
Twenty years of observing new farmers has taught me
that you are an enthusiastic, passionate, ambitious lot. This is a
good thing because farming, especially in the early years, will take a toll --
not just your body but your brain and sometimes your commitment as well. It
takes a lot to get a successful farm business launched and when the results are
not quite what you hoped, it can be a major blow to your dreams.</div>
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 16.8pt;">In sorting the successful start-ups from the
challenging ones there are some lessons to be learned. They are not easy
lessons but for your consideration:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<strong style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Avoid the tendency to over-diversify your production</u></span></strong><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.8pt;"><u>.</u> Especially in the early years when you need to focus on
product quality and efficiency. Taking on too many profit centers can stretch
you thin and leave you with mediocre results. In the early years concentrate on
excellence in one or two areas -- then expand.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<strong style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Invest in post-harvest care.</u></span></strong><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.8pt;">
It is a shame to spend all that time and money on producing high-quality
products that you mishandle. At the end of the day <a href="http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/datastore/234-1450.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">post-harvest washing, packing, and storing</span></a>
will impact the quality and flavor every bit as much as the careful selection
of seed and your production practices.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<strong style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Limit your market channels.</u></span></strong><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.8pt;">
It sounds counter-intuitive but in exactly the same way that over-diversifying
your product line can lead to chaos, over-extending your market reach
can yield bad results. If you are focusing your startup on direct
marketing then choose one or two channels that will compliment one another. For
example, farmers' markets and a CSA can work well together. Once you have some
production experience you can always add markets and/or leave some markets
behind. Concentrate your efforts on learning your costs of production so you.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<strong style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Listen to your customers.</u></span></strong><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.8pt;">
The hardest thing for any business owner is to hear negative feedback. I often
hear farmers talking about customers' "unreasonable" demands and lack
of knowledge. Ok, some customers are clueless jerks. But, here's the
thing...the customers you have close relations with are sort of like
family...they are not going to want to tell you the bad stuff. It's the
difficult customers you might hear the truth from, even if the way they deliver
that truth is mean-spirited. So, even though it is hard, listen to the negative
feedback and mine it for the tidbits that you can use to improve. Maybe those
beans were a little past their prime. Those last steaks were really tough.
And that lettuce...it was gritty and buggy.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<strong style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Have a mechanization plan.</u></span></strong><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.8pt;">
Even though you may not have the resources to buy every piece of <a href="http://blog.uvm.edu/groundwk/resource-hub/resource-hub-books-guides/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">equipment that you need</span></a>,
that should not stop you from having a plan in place. Keep a list of the
equipment you need and prioritize the list. What do you need first and what can
wait a few years? Then start taking classes in how to maintain and repair
equipment. Learning how doesn't mean you have to do the work yourself--it means
you will be better able to explain your needs to others and gauge the quality
of their work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
tricky part of farming is that you can do everything right and still not end up
where you hoped to be. And that is why you need to plan carefully, proceed
with caution and love what you do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(By <a href="https://newfarmerproject.wordpress.com/author/mpeabody1/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Mary Peabody</span></a>,
University of Vermont)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-88784551022549005632015-12-07T09:48:00.001-08:002015-12-07T09:48:47.989-08:00Small Farms Winter Webinar Series<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0uCoMfnPJk/VlovbpfQTTI/AAAAAAAAEe8/aGwTvNXYWkU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="58" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0uCoMfnPJk/VlovbpfQTTI/AAAAAAAAEe8/aGwTvNXYWkU/s200/Capture.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">University of Illinois Extension
will present a weekly educational series for the small farm community to
provide practical information on emerging topics that advance local food
production in Illinois. These online presentations will give small farmers a look
at how leading practices in production, management, and marketing enable
operations to improve profitability and sustainability. This year's series
includes new topics such as farm pond ecology, producing Shiitake mushrooms,
the emerging local grain economy in Illinois, raising meat birds on pasture,
and growing great blackberries. <u>Webinars will be held from noon -1:00 pm on
Thursdays and are free.</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Choose <b>any number</b> of
the following webinars to attend when you register. Topics include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jan. 14</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Lean Farming: Cutting Waste and Maximizing
Efficiency on Small Farms, Zack Grant, <i>University of Illinois Extension
Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jan. 28</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Farm Pond Ecology: Managing for Desirable Plants and
Fish, David Shiley, <i>University of Illinois Extension Local Food Systems
and Small Farms Educator</i><br />
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<!--[endif]--><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Feb. 4</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Producing Shiitake Mushrooms, Grant McCarty, <i>University
of Illinois Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator</i><br />
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<!--[endif]--><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Feb. 11</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Managing Horse Pastures on Small Farms and Acreages,
Jamie Washburn, <i>University of Illinois Extension Local Food Systems and
Small Farms Educator</i><br />
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<!--[endif]--><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Feb. 18</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - The Emerging Local Grain Economy in Illinois, Bill
Davison, <i>University of Illinois Extension Local Food Systems and Small
Farms Educator</i><br />
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<!--[endif]--><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Feb. 25</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Food Safety Modernization Act: Changes for Small
Scale Producers, Laurie George, <i>University of Illinois Extension Local
Food Systems and Small Farms Educator</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar. 3</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Getting Your Beehives Ready for Spring, Doug Gucker, <i>University
of Illinois Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator</i><br />
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<!--[endif]--><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar. 10</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Raising Meat Birds on Pasture, Andy Larson, <i>University
of Illinois Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator</i><br />
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<!--[endif]--><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar. 17</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Using Cover Crops on Small Farms, Nathan Johanning, <i>University
of Illinois Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar. 24</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Growing Great Blackberries, Bronwyn Aly, <i>University
of Illinois Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar. 31</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Setting Up a Grazing System on a Small Farm, Jay
Solomon, <i>University of Illinois Extension Energy and Environmental
Stewardship Educator</i></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The webinars can be accessed on-line
from your personal computer. In case you cannot attend these dates, register
anyway to view an archived, recorded version. Information will be provided via
email (the Monday after airing) for viewing at your convenience. They can also
be accessed on our website at: <a href="http://web.extension.illinois.edu/smallfarm/webinar.html" target="blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">http://web.extension.illinois.edu/smallfarm/webinar.html</span></a>.
For more information, contact: Andy Larson, University of Illinois Extension,
Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator at 815-732-2191 or <a href="mailto:andylars@illinois.edu," target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">andylars@illinois.edu</span></a>.
When you register, <b>PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IS CORRECT.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-29404439456890460682015-11-30T11:41:00.001-08:002015-11-30T11:41:11.796-08:00Log-Grown Shiitake Mushrooms Webinar - Dec 16<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKJJ7kczahc/Vloq7ku53OI/AAAAAAAAEew/zwQQ0RHbWFE/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKJJ7kczahc/Vloq7ku53OI/AAAAAAAAEew/zwQQ0RHbWFE/s200/Capture.JPG" width="200" /></a><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Center for
Agroforestry at the University of Missouri invites you to participate in the
Agroforestry in Action Webinar Series.</span></strong><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Log-Grown
Shiitake Mushrooms: A Case Study in Profitable Agroforestry Adoption."</span></strong><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Please join
us Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 11:00 AM (CST) for a live
presentation by: Steve Gabriel, Extension Agroforestry Specialist,
Cornell Small Farms Program.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For more
information about the event, visit </span></strong><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://agroforestryinaction.us12.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=9b25a7736b637beb63c75e836&id=7b0a9204f4&e=461224affe" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: windowtext; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">https://goo.gl/bPJ2Se</span></strong></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span></strong><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
Trouble with registration? Copy and paste this link in your browser:<strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span></strong><a href="http://agroforestryinaction.us12.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=9b25a7736b637beb63c75e836&id=d293c309e5&e=461224affe" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">https://goo.gl/Qw8l0U</span></a><br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Please register early, as space
in the webinar room is limited.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Log-in
Instructions</span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">1. Log-in:</span></span></strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> On the day of the event, please
log-in to the webinar room at: </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://agroforestryinaction.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9b25a7736b637beb63c75e836&id=037536ea2f&e=461224affe" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">https://goo.gl/JgdEjb</span></a><br />
*Please join the session 15 minutes prior to the start of the webinar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2. Listen:</span></strong>
Once you have successfully logged into the Adobe Connect webinar, you will hear
the webinar audio through your device's speakers or headset. Following the
presentation, there will be a Q and A session.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-67074311106580739762015-11-28T13:36:00.000-08:002015-11-28T13:36:06.978-08:00Cover Cropping for Pollinators and Beneficial Insects<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzqtfoXTdpg/VloeLfkrSAI/AAAAAAAAEeM/fW1Ut1OmQzA/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzqtfoXTdpg/VloeLfkrSAI/AAAAAAAAEeM/fW1Ut1OmQzA/s1600/Capture.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cover crops can do a lot for your farm. To learn how they can
support a thriving community of pollinators and beneficial insects—which in
turn can improve crop quality and yield—check out SARE’s new 16-page
publication, <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Cover Cropping for Pollinators and Beneficial
Insects</span></i>.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.sare.org/content/download/76046/1298593/Cover_Cropping_for_Pollinators_and_Beneficial_Insects.pdf?inlinedownload=1" target="_self" title=""><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #5387be; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Download the bulletin today</span></a>.<br />
<br />
Available for free as either a download or in print, <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Cover Cropping for Pollinators and Beneficial Insects</span></i> helps
farmers make thoughtful changes in cover crop selection and management that
support pollinators along with their other goals, such as suppressing weeds,
managing nitrogen and improving soil health.<br />
<br />
Pollinators provide a critical service in food production. As honey bees
continue to suffer from Colony Collapse Disorder, providing pollinators with a
healthy on-farm environment is essential. In October, the USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced $4 million in assistance for
Midwestern farmers to plant bee-friendly cover crops, wildflowers and native
grasses to help ensure farm productivity.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Cover Cropping for Pollinators and Beneficial Insects</span></i> includes
information on pollinator and beneficial insect ecology, including details on
common cover crop species and their insect attractiveness. It also addresses
the limitations of cover crops, describes relevant crop insurance regulations
and gives guidance on reducing harm to beneficial insects when cover crops are
used in rotation with pesticide-treated crops.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;"><a href="http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Bulletins/Cover-Cropping-for-Pollinators-and-Beneficial-Insects" target="_self" title=""><span style="color: #5387be;">Cover Cropping for
Pollinators and Beneficial Insects</span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> can be ordered for use as a handout at conferences,
workshops or field days. It was written by Xerces Society for Invertebrate
Conservation staff members, with contributions from the NRCS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-14084123860701315992015-11-25T11:12:00.001-08:002015-11-25T11:12:13.133-08:00Bees and more at the Great Plains Growers Conference<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1; page-break-after: avoid;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wsYKjPpa74/VlYHz4Z_24I/AAAAAAAAEds/BrjoTWYdrVU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wsYKjPpa74/VlYHz4Z_24I/AAAAAAAAEds/BrjoTWYdrVU/s200/Capture.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
a little over one month, it will be time for the Great Plains Growers
Conference. This is one of the premier conferences for horticulture producers,
and it is found right here in northwest Missouri. Held in St. Joseph, Missouri, the Great
Plains Grower’s Conference is put together every year by Extension educators
from five states: Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The conference will be held on January 7-9,
2016. This will be our 20<sup>th</sup> annual conference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is an exciting conference for anyone growing horticultural crops, with many new
ideas presented from growers, researchers, and Extension specialists. The
conference is open to everyone, from backyard gardeners to commercial produce
growers. Topics cover not only
vegetables, but also tree fruits, small fruits and flowers. There are also presentations targeted toward
organic growers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
event begins with workshops on Thursday.
Attendees choose a workshop when they register. Each workshop explores a topic in-depth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Workshops
this year will include topics such as greenhouse & hydroponic production,
tree fruits, cover crops & soil health, advanced beekeeping, scaling up
your horticultural enterprise, and mushrooms. I will have more details in my
next column on the mushroom workshop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have been organizing the beekeeping sessions again this year. The Thursday
workshop on beekeeping will bring in Dr. Larry Connor. Dr. Connor has a wide background, including
extension apicultural entomologist at The Ohio State University, establishing
the Beekeeping Education Service, and finally purchasing Wicwas Press, a major
publisher of books on beekeeping. Dr.
Connor is also an accomplished author, with over a dozen titles dealing with
bees, beekeeping, queen rearing and pollination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dr.
Connor will be discussing several topics, including problem recognition with
bees, queen management in hives, queen rearing, and plants attractive to bees
for nectar and pollen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
main conference occurs on Friday and Saturday. Before starting the concurrent tracks,
we will hear from our keynote speaker, Anthony Flaccavento. Anthony is an organic farmer from
Virginia. You can read more about him on
our conference web site, noted below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
the keynote, there will be five concurrent tracks to choose from. Topics for
this year’s tracks include Market Ready, Tree Fruit, Beginning Organic,
Vegetable IPM, and a “mixed bag” track covering technology, equipment, and
irrigation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
Saturday, concurrent sessions include Small Fruit, Advanced Organic, Vegetable
Production, Cut Flowers, and Food Safety/GAPS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
will be many exhibitors available to provide information about seeds,
irrigation, horticulture equipment, chemicals, and other topics. Meals, break
refreshments, and handouts will be included in the registration fee for the
main conference. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
conference will be held on the campus of Missouri Western State
University. For more information about the conference and a
registration form, call the Buchanan County Extension office at (816)
279-1691. You may also register on-line
and find additional information on our web site at: <span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><a href="http://www.greatplainsgrowers.org/">http://www.greatplainsgrowers.org</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>(by Tim Baker, MU Extension Horticulture Specialist)</i></span></div>
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Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466102345592851950.post-35768277467939441642015-11-23T20:18:00.003-08:002015-11-23T20:18:51.229-08:00Midwest Winter Production Conference<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfb13AKtECs/VlPkdNR0MFI/AAAAAAAAEdU/HkLKh4cHF3E/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfb13AKtECs/VlPkdNR0MFI/AAAAAAAAEdU/HkLKh4cHF3E/s200/Capture.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN">The Midwest Winter
Production Conference will be held Thursday and Friday, January 21 and 22,
2016. </span>A link will be
provided on the market web site - webbcityfarmersmarket.com<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2008">Cost - </b>$50 fee for the first registration includes materials, programming
and lunches; $35 for additional registrations from the same farm or family
includes programming and lunches but no materials. The conference will be
limited to no more than 100 attendees.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(Lunches feature the fabulous cooking of Granny
Shaffers and includes local produce from the farmers of the Webb City Winter
Market. We’ll be eating well!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2012">Location - </b>same as the last two conferences - Continental Banquet Center,
2802 North Rangeline, Joplin, MO - just south of Webb City<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2015">Housing - </b>Comfort Inn, Joplin - ask for the Webb City Farmers Market rate of
$75 plus tax or email Eileen to sign up for a home stay at $50 per room (for up
to two people), plus $5 per breakfast if desired. All home stay fees go to Webb
City Cares, the school district's support program for kids in need.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2019">Materials</b> included with $50 registration: New Seed Starters Handbook by
Nancy Bubel and the 2016 Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial
Growers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A sampling of the presentations:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2023">If you grow it, will they buy it and will you make money doing it?
<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2023"><i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2025">Economics and
marketing for winter grow leafy greens. (Adam Montri) </i></b>High tunnels and
hoophouses have allowed for winter production of leafy greens like spinach, kale,
and Swiss chard, but just because we can grow these crops doesn’t mean we can
sell them. If we can sell them that also doesn’t mean we are making money on
them. This session will focus on production and planning for winter leafy
crops, selling and marketing them, and determining prices to make sure you are
making money on these leafy greens.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2030">Winter Storage Crop Production and Economics (Adam Montri) </b>Winter storage
crops such as beets and specialty turnips add to a farm’s product list but are
not always the most economically viable crops to grow in a winter high tunnel.
In this session we will focus on summer and fall production of root crops for
winter storage. Plant spacing, weeding and cultivation options, when to
harvest, winter storage requirements and options, labor needs, packaging and
pricing will all be discussed along with how the storage crops help to sell
other winter high tunnel grown products.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2033">Integrated Pest Control in Tunnels </b>- a panel
discussion including Dr. Jaime Pinero and case studies presented by local high
tunnel farmers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2036">Farmer Symposium </b>- top winter producers from Missouri’s winter
markets discuss their favorite winter production tools, crops and techniques.
Patrice Gross of Arkansas and Adam Montri of Michigan will join in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2039"><u id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2040">Track choices:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2039">Beginning High Tunnel Production </b>- Shon Bishop and
Patrice Gross team up to guide beginners through the basics of choosing and
implementing a high tunnel system. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2045"><u id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2046">Value added and
marketing track</u></b><b>:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2045">Marketing Strategies for Winter Sales (Dru Montri) </b>Marketing your
product during the winter can require a strategy different from your peak
season approach. Learn more about planning, target marketing, building
relationships with your customers and communicating with them regularly. After
a review of lessons learned from other winter markets, you’ll leave this
session thinking about ways to increase your profits and make your winter
market more successful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XcVlUb7VoZg/VlPk8dtsshI/AAAAAAAAEdc/vDCAN23mKbU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XcVlUb7VoZg/VlPk8dtsshI/AAAAAAAAEdc/vDCAN23mKbU/s200/Capture.JPG" width="200" /></a><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2052">Adding profit centers to your winter sales:</b><br />
Tammy Sellmyer -
Adding value and expanding your profit through storage crops and dried
products. Turn your surplus summer produce into extra winter sales through
drying. Make your stand the go-to place for storage crops.<br />
<br />
Dan Kuebler - Dan
spoke at our first conference about his moveable high tunnel. This year he
shares his extensive knowledge about fermenting and pickling and the profit it
can add to your winter market sales.<br />
<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2058"><u id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2059">Crops Track:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2061">Garlic, a favorite through the centuries, only seems to get more
popular every year </b>- Patrick Byers and Tammy Sellmeyer will discuss the history,
background and classification of garlic, as well as production and post-harvest
handling of this crop which can add sales during fall and winter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jennifer Morganthaler and Marilyn Odneal of
Missouri State University - <b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2065">Raspberry
Production in High Tunnels - </b>an on-going research project examining the
cost benefits and challenges of high tunnel raspberry production, including bag
growing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2066"><u id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2067">Farm visit </u></b>- (Friday
afternoon) - The Braker Berry Farm. Greg and Wendy Braker have been winter
producers for 3 years with extended season field plantings, a heated high
tunnel, as well as an unheated tunnel. In fall of 2015 they added a hydroponic
lettuce tunnel. The Brakers sell at three farmers markets and operate a small
CSA.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2072">Presenters include</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<em><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2074">Adam Montri </b></em><em>spoke at our 2013 Winter Production Conference.
He is an outreach specialist in the Michigan State University Department of
Horticulture where he works with farmer throughout the state on high tunnel
funding, construction, year-round production, marketing, and economics. He and
his wife Dru (see below) own and operate Ten Hens Farm in Bath, Michigan, where
they farm outdoors in-season and year-round in 17,900 sqft of high tunnels.
They sell their products through a variety of outlets including restaurants,
food trucks, an on-farm stand, a year-round farmers market, other farms, a
specialty grocery store and a medium-sized distributor.</em><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<em><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2079">Dru Montri</b></em><em>, </em><em><span style="font-style: normal;">who
holds a Ph.D. in horticulture, has been director of the Michigan Farmers Market
Association since its inception in 2006. Now a 400 member organization, the
association gives Dru contacts with farmers markets throughout the state. As a
board member of the Farmers Market Coalition board she also has experience with
some of the best markets in the country. With her husband Adam, Dru has
extensive experience in winter production and winter sales.</span></em><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<em><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2082">Patrice Gros </b></em><em><span style="font-style: normal;">has
been a passionate organic farmer since 1995. In 2006,</span></em><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<em><span style="font-style: normal;">Patrice
started Foundation Farm, a 5-acre USDA certified organic farm in Northwest
Arkansas. Foundation Farm follows a no-till/no-machine, low-input system which
provides high yields in a beautiful natural setting. On an average year, 20,000
poundss of produce are harvested and sold within a 50-mile radius. Foundation
Farm welcomes season-long trainees in its farming school program as well as
day-volunteers from nearby communities. Patrice is the author of 3 books
describing the essential components of his system, with one focused on winter
techniques. Patrice is a founder and board member of the Eureka Springs Farmers
Market.</span></em><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<em><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2088">Tammy Sellmyer</b></em><em>, </em><em><span style="font-style: normal;">with
her husband Greg, operate a 25-acres farm just south of Fulton, Missouri. In
addition to field crops, the Sellmyers, operate several high tunnels. They sell
at the Columbia and the Fulton Farmers Markets, and have a CSA. Their winter
sales include a wide variety of storage crops and dried products from produce
raised on their farm.</span></em><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<em><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2091">Dr. Jaime Pinero </b></em><em><span style="font-style: normal;">is
the Integrated Pest Management Specialist for Lincoln University Cooperative
Extension.</span></em><o:p></o:p></div>
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<em><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2094">Patrick Byers </b></em><em><span style="font-style: normal;">is
Regional Horticulture Specialist with the Greene County office of University of
Missouri Extension. Patrick has provided educational and hands-on training in
all aspect of high tunnel design, construction, and management. His background includes degrees in
horticulture from the Universities of Nebraska, Missouri, and Arkansas. Over
his career of 25+ years he has provided outreach education for producers of
fruits and vegetables commercially grown in the Midwest. In recent years he has
focused on challenges facing high tunnel producers, particularly those related
to long term production in fixed high tunnels.
Patrick has a specific interest in promoting fruit production in high
tunnels. </span></em><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<em><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444875366180_2102">Shon Bishop </b></em><em><span style="font-style: normal;">has
been working for Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in the Southwest
Region of Missouri since 2011. Currently, he is the Small Farm Specialist for
the Innovative Small Farmers Outreach Program (ISFOP) which serves Barry,
Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Jasper, and Greene counties. Over the past 5 years
Shon has helped many farmers construct their high tunnels while holding
workshops open to the public at their farms in Southwest Missouri. Shon
implemented the high tunnel construction took kit program of the Webb City
Farmers Market recently expanded to kits in the Kansas City and St. Louis
areas, as well as southwest Missouri. The kits were underwritten by the
Missouri Department of Agriculture through a Local Foods Matching Grant, the
Missouri Farmers Market Association and the Missouri Vegetables Growers
Association. They are available on loan at no charge. Shon also owns and
operates Bishop Gardens L.L.C. which sells early season tomatoes and strawberries
to the public.</span></em><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Final details will be available on at
webbcityfarmersmarket.com on November 1.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The 2016 Midwest Winter Production Conference is
underwritten by a Specialty Crops grant from the Missouri Department of
Agriculture. Sponsors include Lincoln University Cooperative Extension
and University of Missouri Extension.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Debi Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04688232601268548923noreply@blogger.com0