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April 1, 2011 Michigan Organic Listserv News www.michiganorganic.msu.edu<http://www.michiganorganic.msu.edu> Dear, Mich-Organic Listserv readers: The information offered in the Michigan Organic Listserv is for your information and not necessarily endorsed by Michigan State University. Just in.... A USDA Certified Organic farmer in Michigan contacted me to share some information that she found confusing. She received a letter last week from MDARD and maybe you did too? Perhaps you also found it confusing. Last week she received a letter from Michigan Department of Agriculture indicating that the registration for organic farms is no longer mandatory or available. This requirement was "on the books" for several years after USDA created NOP but there was very little offered with this registration. The registration required the farmer to register with the state and pay a fee based on percentage of sales. Now Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has indicated that this program is officially closed. If you registered this year and paid, then you should receive a refund in the next couple of weeks from them. Note: This is the only program that MDARD has indicated in this letter that they will no longer sponsor. They still have the Certified Organic Farm Registry which tells pesticide applicators where you are located so they avoid your land. Unfortunately that deadline has past for this year (March 1) but you can send it in to be active for next year. You must also post your property so your boundaries of the fields are clear. Here is the link on the web for explanation and application for this program. This is a free program and helps to protect your land from accidental pesticide contamination. http://www.michigan.gov/mda/0,1607,7-125-1569_25516-12376--,00.html Shared with you by Vicki Morrone ([log in to unmask]) Michigan Organic Listserv Upcoming Events of Interest Food Policy from Neighborhood to Nations Conference When: May 19-21, 2011 Where: Doubletree Hotel, Portland Oregon Why: If you are involved in or wanting to get involved in, city, county and state food policy, this conference is for you. There will be some sessions at the begging level, but much of the event requires basic knowledge of local policy. You will learn about food policy through workshops, field trips and plenaries. It will provide a great opportunity to network will colleagues from your regions, field, or area of interest. Workshop topics: · Advocacy · Assessment & Planning · Collaboration · Equity · Farm to Cafeteria · Food Policy Councils · Healthy Food Access · Public Health · Rural Issues · Visit www.foodpolicyconference.org for a detailed description off all 34 workshops. How: Register March 26-May 5, $265 for Community Food Security Coalition Members (CFSC) or $310 Non Members). Full conference registration includes two breakfasts, one lunch, one reception and all events Thursday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. Register online at www.foodpolicyconference.org/registration. You may request a paper registration form by calling 503-954-2970 ext 203. If there is space available, registration increases to $350 after May 5. Westwind Milling Company Local Foods Dinner When: April 2, 2011, from 6-8:30 pm. Where: Westwind Milling Company, 8572 Silver Lake Rd, Linden, MI 48451 Why: The dinner will feature the first foods of spring. This will be Westwind's first seed exchange. All those who have saved your open pollinated seeds, bring some to share with others in exchange for something that may look interesting. We hope any of you who have saved your open pollinated seeds bring some to share with others in exchange for something that may look interesting. How: The dinner is limited to 30 people. Call or email to reserve your spot. 810-735-9192 or [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Cost: $15. All to see if there is still space available. Economic Growth through Local Agriculture, Discussion Forums Identical discussion forums are available at two different locations. When/Where: · April 26, 2011, from 3:00 - 5:00pm 1401 W Herbison Rd DeWitt Township Hall, DeWitt, MI · April 28, 2011, from 7:00 - 9:00pm Eaton County 551 Bldg 551 Courthouse Dr, Charlotte, MI Why: Attention! Agri-business owners, farmers and growers, farmer's market vendors, community and economic developers, food co-ops, food service professionals, join Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties as well as the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission and Michigan State University to share your ideas and help shape an agriculture economic development plan for our region. The discussion forums are an opportunity to share your prospective on the current trends, successes, and shortcomings of agriculture in our region. How: Register online for the April 26th discussion at http://april26discussionforum.eventbrite.com. Register online for the April 28th discussion at http://april28discussionforum.eventbrite.com. Questions Contact: Chris Hnatiw (517) 393-0344 ext. 19, [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Michigan State University 2011 Hands-on Tree Fruit IPM update series Where/When: Leelanau County Location: Jim and Jan Bardenhagen, 7881 Pertner Rd, Suttons Bay. Dates: May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29 Time: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Grand Traverse County Location: Josh Wunsch Farm, Phelps Road Packing Shed, Old Mission Dates: May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29 Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Benzie County Location: Loy Putney Farms, 4286 Raymond Rd, Frankfort Dates: May 10, May 24, June 7, June 21 Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Antrim County Location: Jack White Farm, M-31, south of Elk Rapids on the southeast side of M-31 Dates: May 10, May 24, June 7, June 21 Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Why: Come discuss pest problems and management strategies. Growers are encouraged to bring examples of pests and damage found on the farm to the meetings for identification and discussion. Each week will focus on a different time in the season and distinct weather patterns, which in turn will present a unique set of pest problems and management strategies that will be discussed. How: Meetings are Free of Charge and no registration necessary. Pesticide recertification credits and certified crop advisor continued education credits will be available. Feel free to attend the meetings at any location or time that is convenient for you! For more information, contact Erin Lizotte at [log in to unmask] or 231-946-1510. Call to find out if the program meets your expectations. Source: MSU Extension News for Agriculture, http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/2011_hands_on_tree_fruit_ipm_update_series MSU Extension offers spotted wing drosophila (SWD) classroom/field workshops SWD Classroom Workshop When/where: Trevor Nichols Research Complex (6237 124th Avenue, Fennville, MI 49408) · April 11, 9:00 AM - Noon in English, 1:00 - 5:00 PM in Spanish · June 1, 9:00 AM - Noon Why: Learn about the biology, monitoring, scouting, fruit sampling and information sources for this new insect. The workshop will use presentations, microscopes and hands-on samples to show participants how to implement an IPM program for spotted wing drosophila in fruit crops. How: To register or for more information contact Carlos Garcia, [log in to unmask] SWD Field Workshop When: June 1, 2011, from 1:00 - 4:00pm Where: Trevor Nichols Research Complex (6237 124th Avenue, Fennville, MI 49408) Why: All participants in the above workshops are invited back to TNRC for a hands-on session on trap placement, checking, recharging, and how to handle samples in the field. How: To register or for more information contact Carlos Garcia, [log in to unmask] Source: MSU Integrated Pest Management Resources, http://www.ipm.msu.edu/SWD/SWD-meetings.htm. Farmers Market Forum in the Thumb When: April 18, 2011, from 6:00 - 8:00pm Where: Sullivan's Black Forest Brew Haus (4070 North Elms Road, Flushing, MI) Why: This forum is intended for farmers, producers, vendors, market managers, city government, and local food and market enthusiasts. This event is coordinated by the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) in celebration of its fourth anniversary. This forum is a great chance to meet fellow farmers and market enthusiasts in the area, network and learn from each other. You will have the opportunity to discuss challenges everyone in the area is facing, and identify opportunities where we can all work together while preparing for the 2011 season. Shared concerns will be taken back to the MIFMA Board of Directors. Attendees may order dinner and hand-crafted brews while also learning about what MIFMA is doing for you. At the Forum, expect to experience: · Meet and Greet · Sharing 2011 Market Plans · Report on Market Trends and News · Exploring cooperative efforts · "MIFMA Mini-Market" where you can show and sell your product How: RSVP to Dietrich Bronner, [log in to unmask] or (989) 245-0806 by April 15. If you are unable to attend for the entire period, we still would like to meet and greet you for a portion of the event. Save the Date April 26 Small Business Capital Access Conference Moving Michigan Forward: Improving Rural Small Business Capital Access to Create New Jobs When: April 26, 2011, from 8:30 - 4:30pm Where: Kellogg Conference Center, East Lansing, MI Why: Participants will hear presentations from national and state experts on issues associated with small businesses' access to capital, especially in rural markets. By understanding how lenders and regulators approach and apply lending standards, small businesses can use this knowledge to their advantage in seeking loans. Those attending will also have the opportunity to participate in small group discussions and use their new insights to make new recommendations to improve small businesses' access to capital. How: Register online, https://noncredit.msu.edu/listSections.action?catalogid=8&offeringid=574. Cost: $40. For alternative registration for students or for using cash, please contact Kassandra Ray-Smith, [log in to unmask] or John Melcher, [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Source: https://noncredit.msu.edu/listSections.action?catalogid=8&offeringid=574 Production Information Soil Improvement Read on to learn how mustards can not only provide good organic matter for your soil when grown as a cover crop but also how they can help reduce weeds and soil borne pests. Here at Michigan State University, Dr. Mathieu Ngouajio, MSU Dept of Horticulture (with Dr. Jianjun Hao Dept of Plant Pathology and Vicki Morrone, Dept of CARRS), has been funded by Ceres Trust grant to investigate the most effective systems to use mustards as a biofumigant cover crop in vegetable systems. This work will start this growing season (2011) so stay tuned. We hope to be able to identify what is being impacted by the incorporation of a mustard cover crop, both beneficial and plant pest as well as what time frame is needed after incorporation before planting a cash crop. To read full article visit insert Mustard article visit, http://www.thegrower.com/issues/the-grower/Environmentally-friendly-biofumigants-fight-soil-pests-but-pose-rotation-challenges-118501009.html Vegetable Crop Advisory Team Alerts CAT Alerts are joining a new effort to bring you more timely information from MSU Extension by Joy Landis, Crop Advisory Team Alert editor Dear Crop Advisory Team (CAT) Alert readers: Michigan State University Extension is launching a new website to bring all of its ag-based information into one location. This includes the articles written by the CAT Alert teams. The new site is: news.msue.msu.edu<http://news.msue.msu.edu> The concept behind the new web is to make it easier for readers to access a range of relevant information from MSUE. For example, a grower with a farm market can easily read the fruit, vegetable and business topics. A dairy farmer can read about milking equipment as well as field crop articles about pest management in forages. A landscaper can get additional ideas from our garden team. Crop farmers can find out what MSU research is reporting about the bioeconomy. The CAT Alert websites will no longer post new articles as all new information will be at the new site (news.msue.msu.edu<http://news.msue.msu.edu>). In the near future, past articles from the CAT Alerts will be searchable at the new site. In the meantime, you can continue to search past articles here at the CAT Alert website. If you currently receive email notification from us when new articles are posted, we will continue to provide that service for the new site. Source: MSU Vegetable Crop Advisory Team Alert http://ipmnews.msu.edu/vegetable New frost alarm available now on Enviro-weather by Beth Bishop, Michigan State University Extension, Enviro-weather Get notified of freezing conditions, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you'd like to receive advanced warning of potential frost-freezes, Enviro-weather's<http://www.enviroweather.msu.edu/homeMap.php> new Frost Alarm may be just what you are looking for. This new, premium service is available by subscription. For $100 per year, you can monitor weather at one or more Enviro-weather<http://www.enviroweather.msu.edu/homeMap.php> stations and choose the exact weather conditions you wish to be notified for. If the selected station(s) records weather data meeting specified conditions, an alarm is generated and you are notified by phone call, text message, or email. Users can combine as many weather conditions, such as temperature, temperature drop, wind speed and dew point, as they wish for one alarm. For example, users can choose to be notified if the temperature is less than 35°F and the dew point is less than 32°F. In that case, an alarm would be generated if the temperature was 34°F and the dew point was 29°F. But it would not be generated if the temperature was 34°F and the dew point was 33°F. Users can also create multiple situations, or unique combination of conditions, for a station. Each situation will generate a separate alarm when conditions are met. They can choose to monitor conditions at as many stations as they want. To sign up, visit Enviro-weather and view the Frost Alarm Service information. Click on the bold link in green text that says "can sign up beginning March 1", then click on "Data and Service Subscriptions. Please contact , Beth Bishop, at [log in to unmask] or 517-432-6520 with your questions, comments and suggestions. Source: MSU Vegetable Crop Advisory Team Alert http://ipmnews.msu.edu/vegetable Avoiding automatic failure of a GAP audit by Phil Tocco, Michigan State University Extension New factsheet shares information how growers can automatically fail a GAP audit and suggestions how to avoid these mistakes. There are some situations that stop an audit in its tracks. These situations force the auditor to assess a farm as automatically unsatisfactory and can spell disaster for a grower. It's important for growers to understand these situations so as not to be caught off guard. Situations that can cause an automatic unsatisfactory are: * The presence of an immediate food safety risk * The presence or evidence of rodents or excessive insects during packing or storing * Observations of employee practices that may jeopardize food safety * Falsification of records * Not having a designated food safety person on staff * Not having a GAP Manual. By making sure these major components to food safety are in place, you can avoid a very short, unsuccessful audit. Avoiding these major hurdles will not guarantee that you will pass an audit, but they do get you one step closer. If a grower has specific questions or has difficulty tailoring GAPs to their farm, they are welcome to contact the Agrifood Safety Work Group at [log in to unmask] or 517-788-4292. For more information on an automatic unsatisfactory, ask for bulletin AFSM032-01 in your email or phone conversation. For more pesticide and fertilizer application policy information, check out the Agrifood Safety Minute. Source: MSU Vegetable Crop Advisory Team Alert http://ipmnews.msu.edu/vegetable. Extension News for Agriculture Preparation for asparagus planting begins the year before by Norm Myers, Michigan State University Extension Planting a new asparagus field is a tremendous investment. Make sure you maximize your chances of success. With the increased price of asparagus seed and inputs such as fertilizer and labor, growers are now paying an average cost of over $4,000 to plant an acre of asparagus. Growers need to be sure that they have done everything possible to maximize their chances of successes. Getting a field off to a good start can mean thousands of extra pounds of production and years longer of productive life. Successful planting of a new asparagus field begins the year before the crowns go in the ground. The year before planting is often called the "build-up year," and it is critically important to the long-term success of the asparagus field. Soils need to be tested and the fertility needs to be brought up to a high level with the required amounts of potassium and phosphate. Because lime takes anywhere from 6 to 24 months to fully react, if any is needed, it needs to be applied and incorporated no later than the spring of the year before planting to give it time to work. Tough perennial weeds, like brambles, hemp dogbane and milkweed, can be more easily controlled with the stronger herbicide mixes available on idle land. If the land is not virgin asparagus ground, growers should consider fumigation the fall prior to planting to kill soil borne diseases like Phytophthora and Fusarium that may have built up during the previous asparagus crop. If the soil organic matter is low, a final step to consider is applying an amendment like compost or manure to help improve that important aspect of soil chemistry. Production of the crowns that will go into your field also begins the year before planting. Growers should try to select a vigorous, productive, all-male variety, preferably one that has a recent history of having less than five percent female plants or that has a lab test to prove that it has not been contaminated. Unless the grower plans to raise the crowns him or herself, which is a pretty specialized operation, the grower will need to arrange to have a reputable crown nursery grow out the purchased seed. Look for more than just the lowest price when you shop for a crown nursery. Look for a crown grower who has a good reputation with other asparagus growers. It is highly recommended that crowns be grown only on beds that have been fumigated the fall prior to planting so they come to your field in a healthier condition than those grown on un-fumigated beds. Getting an asparagus field off to a good start is critically important in determining whether the field will be a profitable part of the operation. Mistakes made at any point during the build-up year, planting year and first growing year will be magnified throughout the rest of the life of the field. Source: MSU Extension News for Agriculture, http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/preparation_for_asparagus_planting_begins_the_year_before Farm transition planning is a key element for multi-generation farms by Marilyn L. Thelen, Michigan State University Extension Farm women can learn about farm transitioning through Annie's Project II meeting on April 7. Farms that successfully move from one generation to the next have well thought out transition plans and good communication. Many things are passed from generation to generation. Some of my most valued possessions are pieces that were passed to me by a great grandparent; the antique buffet, the old rocking chair or the set of nested mixing bowls. The pieces have little value on the open market, but to me they hold a special meaning. Annie's Project was also a generational endeavor. Annie's Project is based on the life of a woman in northern Illinois. Her goal was to marry a farmer and she did. And through the 50 years of farming with her husband, she learned about farm management, kept records to make and support business decision and raised four children. One of her children, Ruth, was a Farm Business Management and Marketing Educator with the University of Illinois Extension and upon her retirement in 2009, she started Annie's Project. This program was based upon her mother's experiences as well as Ruth's observation during her 30 years of extension - farm women want to learn about the business of farming. Annie's Project was held in Mid-Michigan in 2010 and 2011 reaching 47 farm women. Participants ranged from less than 1 to over 60 years of farming experience. A common request during both years' programs was to offer a more in-depth program on farm transition planning. This is not surprising. Passing something - the farm, from one generation to the next can be a little trickier than passing great grandma's buffet. Passing the family farm business to the next generation is an important process which may be approached a little differently by each farm family. However, there are a few common factors that can contribute to a successful transfer. * Careful planning - start early. * Know your goals and the goals of the next generation - do they match? * Communicate - good, open and sometimes formalized communication is key. * Transition leadership and responsibility * Respect each other's wisdom and abilities * Start before the older generation is 65 years old To learn more about how to begin a farm transition plan, we invite graduates of Annie's Project and other farm women to attend Annie's Project II, April 7, 5:30 dinner, program 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at The Emerald Golf Course, St. Johns, Michigan. Program cost is $25 for the first registrant and $20 for each additional family or extended family member. For more information, contact 989-224-5240 or [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Understanding the farm transition planning process is the first step to developing a successful plan. Passing what we cherish from one generation to the next is important. Having a well thought out plan is the beginning. Source: MSU Extension News for Agriculture, http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/farm_transition_planning_is_a_key_element_for_multi_generation_farms Strawberry mulch removal time by Bob Tritten, Michigan State University Extension When to remove straw mulch from commercial strawberries is a frequently asked question. I am frequently asked by strawberry growers when is the right time or exact date to remove straw mulch from matted row strawberry beds. Straw is frequently used to prevent winter injury in strawberry beds. With our late spring this year it is particularly hard to zero in on this important cultural practice. The best method I can recommend for the proper timing for mulch removal is to look for the beginning of leaf growth. Strawberry growers will need to inspect their fields. Randomly pick several spots in a field and pull the straw off of two feet of row. If you see newly emerging leaves (they may be a yellow color) that are beginning to grow from the crown of the plant, generally that is telling you that the strawberries are ready to begin growth for the season and that straw needs to be removed. I would check this in about 10 to 15 spots in the field. Concentrating on the earlier fruiting strawberries is usually a technique that will help to pinpoint straw removal. If you are on heavy soil and your soil has not dried yet, wait for a cold morning when there is a crust on the soil surface to reduce soil compaction The typical time for removing straw in Michigan is mid to late March for the lower half of the lower peninsula, mid to late March for the northern half of the lower peninsula, and in the upper peninsula most likely early April. Strawberries growing close to Lake Michigan may also be uncovered a bit later than inland sites. Before you remove straw, check the forecast, if cold weather is predicted, you can delay a few days. The earlier you remove the straw mulch, the earlier fruit will mature. Early growth may also necessitate more frost protection. In a really late spring like we are having in 2011, there is also a danger of leaving straw on too long. A study was conducted a number of years ago in New England where straw was removed periodically over a six week period. The highest yields came from plants that were uncovered earliest in spring as was practical, following either snow melt or ability to move straw removal equipment through the field without creating ruts. The later the straw was removed the more yield was reduced. I also suggest that a light layer of straw be left on the plants. This layer would be about an inch thick. Leaves and flowers can grow up through this thin layer. Many times this will help to reduce disease problems later in the season, and will also help prevent some weed seeds from germinating if bare soil is exposed to sunlight. Lastly, mulch removal just prior to a rain event helps the plants respond well and keeps the mulch in place. Source: MSU Extension News for Agriculture, http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/strawberry_mulch_removal_time Organic Farming News Can Organic Farming Really Save the World? By Gina-Marie Cheeseman This newsletter does not confirm these findings, only sharing one of many sources/opinions Can organic farming produce enough food to feed the world by 2050, when the world's population is expected to hit nine million? A special report by the Economist a few weeks ago tackled that question. The report noted that while "organic farming could feed Americans and Europeans well...it cannot feed the world." However, a Grist response to the Economist article disagreed. "Organic agriculture can increase agricultural productivity and can raise incomes with low-cost, locally available and appropriate technologies, without causing environmental damage," author Tom Philpott claimed. Which view is correct? A number of studies indicate that the author of the Grist article is correct, including the studies cited by Christos Vasilikiotis of the ESPM-Division of Insect Biology at University of California, Berkeley in his report on organic farming. The first study Vasilikiotis looked at was a project at the University of California (UC), Davis. The UC Davis study compared conventional farming systems with organic farming systems. The tomato yields from one of the organic farming systems studied were lower for the first three years but reached the levels of conventional systems after the first three years, and during the last year of the experiment had higher yields. The second study Vasilikiotis looked at was a farming systems trial at the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. The soybean project, started in 1981, compared intensive soybean and maize production under a conventional system and two organic systems. The organic systems had a higher yield, and during 1999, one of the worst droughts on record, the yield from the organic systems was 30 bushels per acre while the conventional system had 16 bushels per acre. The corn yields were comparable in the conventional and organic systems, but the soil was more fertile in the organic systems. The conventional system had the most impact on the environment, with 60 percent more nitrate ending up in groundwater over a five year period. The third study Vasilikiotis looked at was an over 150 year old experiment at the Rothamsted Experimental Station in the U.K. The experiment compared a manure based fertilizer system (not organic certified) with a synthetic fertilizer. The wheat yields were slightly higher in the manure based system, and soil was more fertile. Fertility increased 120 percent over 150 years in the manure based plots, but only 20 percent in the synthetic based plots. The fourth study looked at by Vasilikiotis actually consisted of six studies by Midwestern universities since 1978. In all of the studies, the organic systems were either equivalent or better than the conventional systems. The last study looked at by Vasilikiotis compared conventional and organic farms in the Central San Joaquin Valley of Calif0rnia, considered to be the agricultural center of the world. The tomato yields from the organic and conventional systems were "quite similar," but soil health was better under the organic systems. A study by John Ikerd of the University of Missouri, pointed out that "industrial agricultural now creates more problems than it solves." One of the main problems industrial agricultural creates, according to Ikerd, is pollution of the environment. As a major agricultural area, the San Joaquin Valley suffers from polluted groundwater and has one of the worst air basins in the country. A UN independent expert on water and sanitation, Catarina de Albuquerque, toured the U.S. from February 22 to March 4, and visited the southern San Joaquin Valley town of Seville as part of the tour. Seville's water is contaminated with nitrates to such a degree that residents, the majority of which are farm workers, must purchase drinking water. Source: Triple Pundit, people, planet, profit, http://www.triplepundit.com/2011/03/organic-farming-really-feed-world. USDA to Conduct First Wide-Scale Survey of Organic Agriculture How It is Changing the Face of U.S. Agriculture WASHINGTON, Apr. 23, 2009 - This spring, USDA will conduct the first-ever, wide-scale survey of organic farming in the United States, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said today, to find out how the growth of organic farming is changing the face of U.S. agriculture. "The Organic Production Survey is a direct response to the growing interest in organics among consumers, farmers, and businesses," said Vilsack. "This is an opportunity for organic producers to share their voices and help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of organic farming in the United States." 2007 Census of Agriculture counted more than 20,000 U.S. farms engaged in organic production. The survey will look at many aspects of organic farming during the 2008 calendar year - from production and marketing practices, to income and expenses. It will focus not only on operations that are currently engaged in organic production, but also on those making the transition to organic agriculture. The results will help shape future decisions regarding farm policy, funding allocations, availability of goods and services, community development and other key issues. In addition, the information can help producers make informed decisions about the future of their own farming operations. USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail the survey in early May to all known organic producers in the United States, who are asked to respond by June 17. NASS will publish results in winter 2009. Participants can mail back their forms or complete the survey online at www.agcensus.usda.gov. Survey participants are guaranteed by law (Title 7, U.S. Code) that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals. For more information about the Organic Production Survey, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540. Source: USDA Newsroom, http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Newsroom/2009/04_23_2009.asp. Job Opportunities Vendors wanted for Williamston (Michiean) Farmers Market The Williamston Farmers Market is looking for new vendors to participate in the 2011 market. The market is held on Thursdays from 2pm to 6pm, starting May 19th to October 13th in the City Hall parking lot right on Grand River Avenue. If interested, an application and rules can be found at http://www.williamston-mi.us/farmmarket.html. Feel free to contact Christine Miller, Williamston Farmers' Market Manager with additional questions at 517-719-6193 or via email at [log in to unmask] Farmer Wanted to Expand Existing Farming Operation, Junction City, OH Ellen Schwab of Aunt Ellen's Farm in Junction City Ohio is seeking a young farmer to expand her farming operation. The farm is 176 acres, rolling hills, half wooded, half pasture. It currently has organic grass-fed Angus cattle and machinery. There is plenty of land available for other projects. She is a fan or Joel Salatin and uses a lot of his methods. No experience necessary, but must pay attention and care about the land and livestock. If interested contact: Ellen Schwab, [log in to unmask] or 740-987-8668. Vicki Morrone C. S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems Outreach Specialist for Organic Vegetable and Field Crops 303 Natural Resources East Lansing, MI 48824 517-353-3542/517-282-3557 (cell) 517-353-3834 (Fax) www.MichiganOrganic.msu.edu<http://www.michiganorganic.msu.edu/> If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html