Hello, readers:
There are three upcoming things I'd like to share with you, and didn't want
to wait until the next newsletter to do so.
********
1) Strip Tillage Expo, Wisconsin
August 12, 9 - 3
Arlington Agricultural Research Station
An event such as this was held in Iowa in 2007 and was attended by more than
500 folks, mostly
farmers. Please see
www.MichiganOrganic.msu.edu/portals/organic/WisconsinStripTillage.pdf for
more details.
********
2) Leelanau Edible Garden Tour Emphasizes Backyard Food Production and
Emerging School Gardens
August 13th, 12 - 4
Leelanau
A flyer about the event is posted at the following link:
http://www.msue.msu.edu/objects/content_revision/download.cfm/revision_id.48
9142/workspace_id.-30/Leelanau%20Edible%20Garden%20Tour.pdf/
With a growing appreciation for locally raised produce, lately more and more
residents are taking an interest in growing some of their own food. On
Wednesday, August 13th, from 12-4 PM, the public is invited to participate
in the First Annual Edible Garden Tour, which will feature six gardens,
including two school gardens, the Leelanau Community Garden, two Community
Supported Agriculture farms (Meadowlark and Sweeter Song), and two
residential gardens. All sites on the tour utilize
environmentally-sustainable, primarily organic practices, growing a wide
range of crops including vegetables, berries, and tree fruit. Tickets for
the event may be purchased in advance for $6 each from Leelanau Books (In
Leland), the Leelanau Children's Center, Leland School, or MSU Extension -
Leelanau Office. The tour will begin at the Leland School Garden, where
tickets will be available at the door for $7 each. Directions for the tour
will be provided at the beginning of the tour, and participants will need to
provide their own transportation for the approximately 20 mile tour.
Carpooling and bicycling are encouraged. Children are encouraged to attend,
and are free under age 17.
All proceeds from the event will be used to support area school gardens,
being established as part of the Leelanau County "Cultivating Healthy Kids &
Communities Initiative," which strives to use vegetable gardening as a
vehicle for teaching about nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and environmental
stewardship. The initiative is being facilitated by MSU Extension-Leelanau,
in partnership with area schools, and the support of many area community
organizations, including the Leelanau-Benzie Health Dept, Leelanau Family
Coordinating Council, Michigan Land Use Institute, Little Garden Club,
Master Gardener Association of Northwest Michigan, and Northern Lumber.
Questions about the August 13th Edible Garden Tour, or about the school
garden initiative, may contact MSU Extension, at 256-9888.
********
3) MSU Student Organic Farm Job Posting
Applications due by August 15
Submit applications to Tomm Becker at [log in to unmask]
JOIN THE CREW AT THE STUDENT ORGANIC FARM!
Position: Farm Crew Member
Location: MSU Student Organic Farm, located on College Road, ½ mile south
of Jolly Road, about 3 ½ miles south of the main MSU campus
Hours: Part time, 8-20 hours/week
Farm Description: The MSU Student Organic Farm is a 10-acre educational
organic farm. We run a 60-share year-round CSA, a seasonal on-campus farm
stand, and are researching four season organic growing. We grow over 70
types of vegetables, 30 types of cut flowers and raise chickens and
honeybees. We run a yearlong intensive farmer training program as well as
many community outreach and volunteer activities.
Position Description: Crew members work part time during MSU semesters.
Job tasks include all necessary farm labor including seeding, transplanting,
irrigation, weeding, harvest and more. We are looking for hard working,
dependable MSU students to work beginning fall semester of 2008 at least
through spring semester of '09. Farm work can be hot, cold, wet, dirty,
tiring and extremely rewarding. We offer vegetables to bring home and many
amazing learning opportunities. We work in all weather conditions so
applicants must be aware of the weather and must be able to supply proper
clothing (boots, rain gear, hat, etc.).
Qualifications: Applicant should be a hard working, dependable team player.
Previous physical labor experience is preferred. Flexibility and a
willingness to learn is necessary. Availability from the middle to end of
August through April or through next summer. We prefer to hire workers who
are interested in staying on to work on the SOF crew as they continue their
studies at MSU.
Pay: Starting at $7.40/hr with opportunity for raises based on performance
and previous experience.
To Apply: Please answer the following questions and email them to Tomm
Becker at [log in to unmask] Upon reviewing applications we will set up
interviews individually. Application deadline is August 15.
1. What do you know about the Student Organic Farm?
2. Why are you interested in farm work? Why at the SOF?
3. What do you study at MSU? What year are you?
4. What are your previous work experiences and/or relevant
non-work experiences?
5. What interests you about organic and sustainable food
systems?
6. Is there anything else you would like us to know about
you?
7. What is your work availability for the fall semester?
8. What is the maximum number of hours you can work per
week during fall semester? The minimum? What is the ideal number of
hours you can work per week?
9. Please list the names and phone numbers for two work
references.
*******
A full newsletter to come later in the week!
Hope you all are doing well.
Kate
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
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