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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