Events
Saturday & Sunday, January 29 & 30:
Midwest Garden Symposium and Organic Vegetable Conference, McDonald/Marlite Conference Center, Sugarcreek, OH.
All around the world, growing urban populations are seeking community spacesparks, victory gardens, greenways and gardensas essential components of daily life, places of reflection, recreation, and celebration.
This symposium will examine timeless principles of designwhether applied to the creation of a residential garden or a public spacethat connect us to the natural world and in so doing, fulfill our desire’s for association with our surrounding environment. The symposium, hosted by April Showers Greenhouse, honoring the educators of the USDA, Ohio State University and the Ohio Farm Bureau, leaders in the field of Horticulture, by engaging the public in a conversation about the importance of growing fruit and vegetable gardens with the value and ideals to the beautiful things that grow in abundance around us.
Internationally recognized researcher and grower Peter Konjoian PhD. will discuss encouraging trends that are appearing, trends that are revitalizing locally grown, fresh produce, meat, and ornamentals. Urban gardening, organic gardening, roof top gardening, and restaurant menus built around in season products all signal success in this refocusing of effort.
Ralph Keefe, a regionally known plant and propagation specialist, will introduce unusual plants that work together effectively for containers and small spaces.
Tim Sigrist, the state’s best known compost producer will discuss composting as nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into rich soil.
Mid West’s’ certified organic produce grower Ruth Ham will speak on designing vegetable gardens for effective canning and preserving needs, and Huron’s finest herb grower,
Karen Langen will be teaching the traditions of culinary and medicinal herbs.
All while being accompanied by two of the finest dining restaurants in the region area. McDonald Marlight Center’s Chef Cameron and Lighthouse Bistro’s Chef Stephan who will be giving demonstrations on the details of gourmet cooking from the fruits and labor of you own backyards.$155 per person ($180 after 1/1); Prices include the conference and trade show, a one night stay, dinner, breakfast, lunch, and an evening of panel discussions with regionally known growers, designers, and educators. For the gardener who cannot devote the time to attend a two-day course away from home, a short courses has been developed by April Showers Greenhouse to provide instruction in basic gardening practices. $75 per person, $50.00 seniors and students.
The Midwest Garden Symposium and Organic Vegetable Conference is designed to give basic information to novice as well as experienced gardeners. It is hoped the course will attract both garden club members and community residents. Contact: Ruth Ham (330) 473-8603 for additional information.
Tuesday & Wednesday, January 25 & 26:
2011 Ohio Farm Management Conference sponsored by Ohio State University Extension and OSU's Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics at the University Plaza Hotel, Columbus, OH. Six general sesssions are offered covering topics such as employee management, farm transition planning, the perception of agriculture, and agricultural and environmental policy. Registration is $75 per person and $60 per additional employee or family member paid before January 7 (after Jan. 7 the fee is $125/person and $100 per additional employee or family member. Registration includes meals, conference proceedings, and conference parking. For additional information and to register, visit: http://ohioagmanager.osu.edu/2011-ohio-farm-management-conference/ or contact John Yost at 740-335-1150 or via e-mail: yost.77@osu.edu
Saturday & Sunday, February 19 & 20:
The 32nd Annual Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA) Conference - Inspiring Farms, Sustaining Communities featuring keynote speakers, Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens, organic farmers since 1993 and owners and operator's of New York's only dedicated organic feed mill and organic seed operation and Joan Dye Gussow author of several books, including This Organic Life and most recently, Growing Older. For more information, including the schedule and a listing of workshops and to register, visit: http://www.oeffa.org/conference2011.php
Monday & Tuesday, February 21 - 22:
2011 Ohio Grape and Wine Conference at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, OH 43210
The Ohio Grape & Wine Conference (OG&WC) will take place on February 21-22, 2011 at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on the Ohio State University campus in Columbus. The conference is jointly organized by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee (OGIC) and the Viticulture & Enology Program at OSU. The 2010 conference consists of both general and concurrent sessions covering a wide range of interesting topics for grape growers and winemakers. A focus on OSU/OARDC research trials in viticulture, plant pathology, entomology, weed science and enology will be presented at this year’s conference from our instate specialists sharing their knowledge and expertise through presentations in their respective disciplines. In addition, we are excited that Dr. Richard Carey will join us as a featured speaker in the enology section covering essential topics of interest for both new and established wineries. Several other excellent presenters in enology will help round out an excellent enology program. Along with the technical sessions, an expanded two-day Trade Show with both vineyard and winery equipment and services will be featured. A New Grower and Winery Workshop has been specially developed in addressing critical needs for our increasing number of new growers and wineries in the state today. Special events include a Monday Ohio Wine Reception and banquet featuring exquisite entrees paired with OQW wines, an after banquet social time and a plated lunch with Ohio Wine Competition Best of Show award-winners. For more information, visit: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/grapeweb/images/2011_OG&WC_Registration_Material_.pdf
Saturday, February 26:
Innovative Farmers of Ohio’s Annual Conference at Hiram College
Innovative Farmers of Ohio is dedicated to promoting through research, education, and community building activites an agriculture tht preserves and strengthens the economic, social and environmental well-being of Ohio’s farms, farm families, and rural communities and protects and improves the health and productivity of Ohio’s lands and waterways.
This year’s keynote address will be given by Susan Beal, DVM, who is a staff member at PASA (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture) and Bob Perry from the University of Kentucky will be presenting his "Retail and Restaurant Ready" program. In addition, three successful Ohio farmers will share their stories.
For more information or to register, visit IFO’s http://www.ifoh.org/?page_id=13
On-Going Events/Multiple Offerings
OSU Extension/OSIA to Hold Sheep and Goat Programs This Winter
Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association is offering district sheep and goat programs throughout Ohio this winter, as well as a Sheep and Goat Production School in Athens.
Meeting fees may apply; contact the OSU Extension educator listed for information.
Upcoming Sessions:
Jan. 31, Woodsfield. "Minerals and Vitamins for Sheep and Goats," 7 p.m., Monroe County Court House, 101 North Main St., Woodsfield. Contact Steve Schumacher, Belmont Co. Extension educator, 740-695-1455, or Mark Landefeld, Monroe County Extension educator, 740-472-0810.
Feb. 16, Piketon. "Internal Parasite Management in Sheep and Goat Flocks" and "Developing a Flock and Herd Vaccination Program," 7 p.m., OSU South Centers, Endeavor Center, 1862 Shyville Road, Piketon. Contact Jeff Fisher, Pike County Extension educator, 740-947-2121.
Feb. 17, Hamilton. "Maximizing Forage Utilization with Grazed and Stored Forages" and "Predator Control," meal at 6:30 p.m., reservations required by Feb. 10, (bring covered dish, lamb provided); Butler County OSU Extension Office, 1802 Princeton Road, Hamilton. Contact Cindy Meyer, Butler County Extension educator, 513-887-3722.
Feb. 22, Burton. "Ecology and Management of Coyotes and Other Predators," 7 p.m., Geauga County Extension Office, Patterson Center, 14269 Claridon-Troy Rd, Burton. Contact Les Ober, Geauga County Extension program assistant, 440-834-4656.
Feb. 24, Mt. Hope. "Maximizing Forage Utilization with Grazed and Stored Forages," meal at 5:30 p.m., $15 (reservations required by Feb. 19); program at 6 p.m., Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen, 8101 State Route 241, Mt. Hope. Contact Dianne Shoemaker, Wayne County Extension educator, 330-264-8722.
March 8, Findlay. "Maximizing Forage Utilization with Grazed and Stored Forages," 7 p.m., Hancock County Extension Office, 7868 CR 140, Findlay. Contact Gary Wilson, Hancock County Extension educator, 419-422-3851.
March 14, Zanesville. "Lamb and Goat Carcass Evaluation," 7 p.m., Muskingum County Extension Office, 225 Underwood St., Zanesville. Contact Mark Mechling, Muskingum County Extension educator, 740-454-0144, or Howard Siegrist, Licking County Extension educator, 740-349-6900.
In addition to the District Sheep and Goat Program series, OSU Extension and the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association will also offer a Buckeye Hills Region Sheep and Goat Production School in Athens. The series will take place on Tuesday evenings, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Athens County Extension office, 280 West Union St. Registration is $35 per person or couple if they share materials. For more information, contact Rory Lewandowski at 740-593-8555.
More information, as well as changes and updates to the programs, can be found at http://www.ohiosheep.org, or by contacting Roger A. High, OSU Extension sheep program specialist and OSIA executive director, at 614-246-8299 or rhigh@ofbf.org.
On-Going 8 Week Program in Several Locations Starting in January 2011
The Southern Ohio New and Small Farm College is an 8-week program that introduces new and seasoned farmers to a wide variety of agricultural production topics to help them diversify and explore new enterprises and new markets. The program teaches participants how to set goals, plan, budget, and where to find resources available to help start a small farm operation. The course will layout how to manage financial and farm records. Extension educators will illustrate many different enterprises that can be profitable on land as small as one acre. A bus tour is included to visit are farms and to see first hand how small farm life works and to assist in making contacts with practicing farmers in the area. Previous Southern Ohio New and Small Farm Colleges have helped 420 individuals representing 338 farms from 43 Ohio counties improve economic development of their small family owned farms.
Registration is $150 per person and $50 for each additional family member. Registration is limited to the first 50 participants per location. Registration fee includes resource materials, a soil test, refreshments and a bus tour. For more information, contact Tony Nye at 937-382-0901 or e-mai: nye.1@osu.edu or visit: http://clinton.osu.edu/events/2011-small-farm or http://clinton.osu.edu/events/2011-new-and-small-farm-college-classes .
Annie’s Project Workshops set for 2011
Women in agriculture who are interested in taking a more active role in farm operations may sign up for Annie's Project, a multi-part risk-management course offered by Ohio State University Extension.
Since OSU Extension began offering Annie's Project in 2007, 282 women have completed the program in 14 Ohio workshops. It has gotten wide support not only from participants, but agricultural lenders, agribusinesses, ag service providers and agricultural organizations, which have provided information, class instructors and sponsorship for the workshops. Annie's Project is designed to strengthen women's role in modern farm enterprises, Woodruff said. The project's namesake was a woman who grew up in a small rural community and spent her adult life learning how to be an involved, successful business partner with her husband. Annie's daughter, Ruth Hambleton, became an Extension educator in Illinois and developed the program in 2000 in honor of her mother's life experience, and it's currently offered in 22 states. Annie's Project focuses on five broad aspects of risk management typical in the agricultural setting: human, financial, marketing, production and legal.
To register or for more information, contact the local organizers listed below or one of Ohio's Annie's Project coordinators: Julia Woodruff at woodruff.94@osu.edu or 419-627-7631, or Doris Herringshaw at herringshaw.1@osu.edu or 419-354-9050. Cost for the workshop is $65 per person. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Upcoming workshops are planned for:
Wood County (Erie Basin Extension Education and Research Area). Mondays, 6-9 p.m., from Jan. 31 to Feb. 28. Contact Doris Herringshaw at herringshaw.1@osu.edu or 419-354-9050.
Wyandot County (Erie Basin EERA). Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m., from Jan. 5 to Feb. 9. Contact Chris Bruynis at bruynis.1@osu.edu or 419-294-4931.
Morgan/Washington counties (Buckeye Hills EERA). Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., from March 31 to May 5. Contact Chris Penrose at penrose.1@osu.edu or 740-962-4854 or Eric Barrett at barrett.90@osu.edu or 740-376-7431.
Montgomery County (Miami Valley EERA). Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, from Feb. 5 to Feb. 19. Contact Suzanne Mills-Wasniak at mills-wasniak.1@osu.edu or 937-224-9654.
Fulton County (Maumee Valley EERA). Dates to be announced. Contact Cheryl Spires at spires.53@osu.edu or 419-337-9210.
Fayette County (Miami Valley EERA). Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., from Jan. 20 to Feb. 24. Contact John Yost at yost.77@osu.edu or 740-335-1150.
Tuscarawas County (Crossroads EERA). Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., from Feb. 8 to March 15. Contact Chris Kendle at kendle.4@osu.edu or 330-339-2337.
In addition, OSU Extension will be offering financial risk management workshops for women in agriculture. The Farm Finance for Women workshops are designed as a "next step" for women who have participated in Annie's Project, but will be open to anyone. More information will be available on OSU Extension's Ohio Ag Manager website http://ohioagmanager.osu.edu/ as it becomes available.
Webinar Series Offered for Specialty Crop Producers, January - March 2011
Registration is now open for a three part webinar series designed for specialty crop farmers. Individual sessions will address advanced production techniques, season extension, and market connections. The webinars are being offered by the Countryside Conservancy and the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA).
These free, web-based seminars deliver training through the internet directly to a participant’s computer. They will be able to view the presentation through their internet browser and listen to the audio portion through a call in phone number. The sessions will be interactive and allow participants to ask questions and communicate with the presenter. Each webinar will be recorded and available on the Countryside Conservancy and OEFFA websites afterwards.
- The first webinar titled, “Improving Efficiency on your Organic Farm,” will be held Monday, January 31, 2011 at from 7-8 p.m (EST). Two successful organic vegetable producers will lead this webinar: Jon Cherniss of Blue Moon Farm in Illinois and Jim Crawford of New Morning Farm in Pennsylvania. Each of these farmers has over three decades of experience growing and marketing certified organic produce. They will describe how they have improved the efficiency of their farm operations by hiring and managing labor and by carefully evaluating and investing in capital improvements like buildings and machinery. To register, go to: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/178199998.
- The second webinar titled, “Building Mutually Profitable Relationships with Independent Chefs and Restauranteurs,” will be led by Chef Douglas Katz from Fire Food and Drink located in Shaker Heights, Ohio. It will be held at 10 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, February 24, 2011. As a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and a passionate “locavore,” Chef Katz will give participants a first-hand look into how farmers can connect with restaurants in their area. He’ll take participants through the entire process, from approaching a restaurant, to providing samples, the ordering process, customer service expectations, and average volumes of produce ordered in a typical week. Chef Katz was most recently noted in Crains Cleveland Business as a “Who’s Who, 150 names to know in Northeast Ohio.” To register, go to: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/247897358.
- Our third and final webinar in the series titled, “Effective Weed Management Strategies for Organic Farming Systems” will be led by Dr. Matt Liebman, Henry A. Wallace Chair for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University. This webinar will be held in March; details, including the date, time, and registration link to be announced.
Registration for each webinar is limited to 50 participants. There is no charge to participate, but pre-registration is required. Partial funding for this webinar series is provided through the Ohio Department of Agriculture Specialty Crops Block Grant. For more information, contact Rebecca Cole at (330) 657-2542 or rcole@cvcountryside.org or Mike Anderson at (614) 421-2022 or mike@oeffa.org.
Ohio Farm Bureau Grow and Know Series Announced
The 2011 Grow and Know series features events being coordinated or sponsored by county Farm Bureaus. The Grow & Know series will offer something for everyone, including a guided tour of the West Side Market with the Cuyahoga County Farm Bureau and Marilou Suszko. To learn more, visit: http://ourohio.org/resources/grow-and-know/
Announcements/Opportunities
Mantis and National Gardening Association Offer Mantis Awards for Community and Youth Gardening Projects
Each year, Mantis, a maker of garden tools, and the National Gardening Association present the Mantis Awards to charitable and educational garden projects working to enhance the quality of life in their host communities. Any nonprofit garden program may apply. In the past, winners have included schools, churches, correctional facilities, parks departments, youth camps, community gardens, and many others.
To be eligible, applicants must operate a charitable or educational program that is not-for-profit in the United States.
Twenty-five programs will be selected to receive a Mantis tiller/cultivator with border/edger and kickstand, as well as their choice of gas-powered two-cycle engine or electric motor. Deadline: March 1, 2011
Visit the NGA Kids Gardening Web site for complete program guidelines - http://assoc.garden.org/grants/
Market Master for the Olde Worthington Farmers Market
Salary: 11,000 – 13,000 per year
Hours: Part-time position (minimum of 10 hours/week)
Expected to be at all markets: Summer 7:30 am – 12:30 pm, Winter 8:30 am – 2 pm
Supervisor: Olde Worthington Business Association Executive Director
The Olde Worthington Farmers Market is a project of the Olde Worthington Business Association ( www.owba.net). The summer market was established in 1987 and is one of the largest and most respected markets in Ohio. Over 70 vendors participate in the market which is held in downtown Worthington on Saturday mornings from 9-noon from May through October. The winter market was established in 2007 and hosts over 20 vendors on Saturdays from 10-1 on one Saturday in November, one Saturday in December and every Saturday January through April. The Old Worthington Farmers Market Friends is a group of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the Farmers Market experience by promoting healthy, locally produced food and products, providing education on healthy living, eating locally and sustainably, and strengthening our bonds as a community.
For job description, qualifications and application instructions, visit: http://www.owba.net/Job-Description-farmers-market-master.pdf
Application due: February 11, 2011
Farmers Market Manager sought in Cincinnati
The Corporation for Findlay Market (CFFM) is hiring a Farmers and Outdoor Markets Manager. CFFM is the non-profit management company for Cincinnati's 158 year old historic public market. The public market operates year round and is home to about three dozen full-time businesses. The public market also hosts seasonal farmers markets on Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays and a vibrant street market. Seventy-five farmers, crafters, and local food producers participated in Findlay Market's farmers markets and sixty-nine vendors participated in its street market during 2010.
The Farmers and Outdoor Markets Manager is a full-time, year round position with benefits. It has direct responsibility for managing all part-time and seasonal vending at Findlay Market, including day lease, outdoor market, and farmers market merchants and operations. The position assists the Operations Director with increasing the size, quality, and profitability of Findlay Market's outdoor and farmers markets by recruiting new vendors, expanding the mix and quality of products available, and improving market operations to assure a positive shopping experience for customers and a financially rewarding experience for part-time and seasonal merchants.
Position Requirements include supervisory or management experience, strong verbal communications skills, PC skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office, knowledge of food and farm products, the ability to work weekends and occasional evenings, and a valid drivers license. The candidate hired must pass a pre-employment drug test.
Please send a cover letter and resume to:
The Corporation for Findlay Market
P.O. Box 14727
Cincinnati, OH 45250-0727
Mark Your Calendars
Wednesday, March 30:
Farm to School Conference at The Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. The conference will include:
- Market Connection Trade Show: Producers, distributors, food service staff and buyers from around the state will have the opportunity to network and develop new relationships.
- Interactive workshops and sessions covering a wide range of topics including: ways to build and expand your farm to school program; ways to connect schools and local farms; youth food production, school gardens, food safety; curriculum, health and nutrition, farm to JVS and farm to college.
- All day exhibitor fair featuring practical resources for beginning and expanding farm to school programs
To view the on-line registration form or the conference brochure, visit the Cuyahoga County Board of Health's website: http://www.ccbh.net/ccbh/opencms/CCBH/index.html
