There are all sorts of interesting programs coming up in the next month or so. From experienced to aspiring farmer, there is something for everyone! - Melissa, Amy, and Chrissy
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2017 Theme: "Protecting Farmland for Local Food’s Sake"
February 6th, 2017
Registration is in full swing for vendors, sponsors, and participants in the Local Food Connection convening in Eugene, OR. The 11th Annual Local Food Connection connects farmers, ranchers, fishermen, food processors and area food buyers to create business opportunities that support and sustain the local food system. This year's theme is "Protecting Farmland for Local Food's Sake" and features a keynote from the Jefferson LandWorks Collaborative. Registration and event info here.
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OSU Small Farms Conference
February 18th, 2017
The Oregon Small Farms Conference is a daylong event geared toward farmers, agricultural professionals, food policy advocates, students and managers of farmers markets. 27 educational sessions are offered on a variety of topics relevant to the Oregon small farmers and include a track in Spanish.
Pricing Info:
- Register between Dec 16-Jan 25: $50
- Register between Jan 26-Feb 10: $75
- Register on-site (day of event): $150 (subject to availability
More info & registration available here: http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/sfc
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This year NRCS Oregon is expanding their Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative to help both urban and rural communities increase local crop production, especially in communities where farm-fresh produce isn’t readily accessible.
NRCS is doubling their investment this year in the Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative by making $400,000 available to eligible producers and groups. The Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative is open to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, Indian Tribes, legal entities, or joint operations who are either currently engaged in crop production OR who have a demonstrated interest in crop production. Examples of eligible groups include individual farmers, farm entities, or grower groups which may consist of community garden organizations, non-profits, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations, and more.
NRCS accepts applications continuously for seasonal high tunnels, with application deadlines throughout the year. The next application deadline is Feb. 17.
For more information, please view the attached High Tunnel FAQs, or visit our High Tunnel webpage. See the full news release announcement on our website here.
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Farm Internship Programs
Rogue Farm Corps is looking to fill positions for our on-farm internship and apprenticeship programs. Internships are available in the South Willamette Valley and other location in Oregon and offer experiences with vegetable production, animal husbandry, dairy, and more. Please help us spread the word.
FarmsNext is a full season entry-level residential internship program that combines hands-on training and skills-based education in sustainable agriculture.
The FarmsNOW apprenticeship program is for those with farming experience, who are seeking mastery in the art and business of sustainable agriculture. Hands-on training, classes, seminars, and guidance on farm business development will help you gain the skills to plan, design, and run integrated farming systems on your own.
Rogue Farm Corps offers structured, entry-level and advanced farmer education and training programs rooted in real-world farm businesses. For complete program descriptions, information on our host farms, and applications:http://roguefarmcorps.org
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The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) is launching a national survey of beginning and aspiring farmers to assess their current needs and challenges. To participate in the survey go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TQ3HFR3
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers will hold its spring grower meeting in Portland February 20-21. Speaker sessions will be on Monday the 20th, and a half-day tour will be Tuesday morning the 21st. The complete schedule and registration information can be found here: http://www.ascfg.org/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=541
Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) released a report that details variety trial results for storage cabbages, storage onions, overwintering chicories, and overwintering purple sprouting broccoli. The trial evaluations focused on agronomic, storage, and culinary qualities. Vegetable Crops for Season Extension in the Pacific Northwest: 2014 – 2016 Trial Results is available for free download at http://seedalliance.org/publications.
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Dry Farming Collaborative
Learn more about results from the 2016 dry farm trials, future directions for this project, and how the OSU Extension dry farm project has evolved into regional movement!
Sessions at upcoming conferences:
For more information visit:
http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/dry-farming-demonstration |
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Growing Farms Hybrid Course
Offered every other year in the South Willamette Valley
Location:
Benton County Extension
Sunset Building
4077 SW Research Way, Corvallis
About: Growing Farms: Successful Whole Farm Management provides farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to develop and manage a successful farm business. This course is intended for people who are considering starting a farm business, those within their first five years of farming and others who may be considering major changes to their farm business.
Dates:
Thursday February 9th, 6-8:30 pm
Thursday February 23rd, 6-8:30 pm
Saturday March 4th – All day farm tour
Thursday March 9th, 6-8:30 pm
Pricing:
$295 per person. Discount for farm partner. Oregon Small Farms conference registration included (a $50 value). Scholarships may be available
Register here https://pace.oregonstate.edu/catalog/growing-farms-successful-whole-farm-management
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 On-Farm Food Safety Training for Oregon Produce Farms
The OSU Center for Small Farms has teamed up with FamilyFarmed to bring their On-Farm Food Safety Project to Oregon in February in three day-long workshops: February 16, 17, and 19.
These workshops, taught by Atina Diffley, nationally known farmer & on-farm food safety expert, will cover practical food safety strategies for your farm, along with up-to-date guidance on FSMA requirements and compliance strategies.
Workshop #1 is designed for mid-scale produce farmers that are covered by the FSMA Produce Rule selling primarily to wholesale markets
When: February 16
Where: OSU North Willamette Research & Extension Center, Aurora
Workshops # 2 and 3 are designed for small-scale, diversified produce farmers that sell primarily into direct specialty markets
Portland
When: February 17
Where: Food Innovation Center, Portland
Corvallis
When: February 19
Where: OSU Alumni Center, Corvallis
Registration for all workshops is $15 and includes lunch manuals and food safety binder
**Register Here**
For questions please visit the Growing Success: Best Practices in On-farm Food Safety webpage
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SEED: The Untold Story
Ninth Street 4 Cinemas, Corvallis
February 16, 2017 - 7:30 pm
SEED is an eye-opening award winning documentary about the dramatic loss of seed diversity and the movement to restore the future of our food, from the creators of The Real Dirt on Farmer John & Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us? SEED features Vandana Shiva, Dr. Jane Goodall, Andrew Kimbrell, and Winona LaDuke.
SEED: The Untold Story is Executive Produced by Marisa Tomei, Marc Turtletaub (Little Miss Sunshine), and Phil Fairclough (Grizzly Man, Cave of Forgotten Dreams).
You can view the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/169932441
Please reserve tickets as soon as possible at http://gathr.us/screening/19288 to ensure a screening. |
South Valley Small Farms Classifieds
Adelante Mujeres is seeking a qualified individual to fill the Distributor Sales & Marketing Coordinator position to lead and support sales and marketing efforts for the Distributor and CSA program of Adelante Mujeres. Part-time, year round position with up to 35 hours per week during the season and 12-15 hours per week during the off-season. $17/hr with Benefits provided, including health insurance. For full job announcement, please visit:
http://www.adelantemujeres.org/careers/
Something you would like to post here in future newsletters? Please contact Amy, Melissa, or Chrissy
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OSU Extension Faculty and Staff
Melissa Fery, Associate Professor of Practice
melissa.fery@oregonstate.edu
541-730-3538
Amy Garrett, Assistant Professor of Practice
amy.garrett@oregonstate.edu
541-766-3551
Chrissy Lucas, Program Assistant II
chrissy.lucas@oregonstate.edu
541-766-3556
Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer. These events will be made accessible upon request. If you have a physical disability that requires special considerations in order for you to attend these OSU events, please notify Chrissy Lucas.
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