*2010 Michigan Organic Conference "Michigan Organic: Seed, Soil and Health"*
<http://www.michiganorganic.msu.edu/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=PcyEbErHTW8%3d&tabid=54>
*Presented by MOFFA*
*When:* March 5-6, 2010
*Where:* Kellogg Conference Center, East Lansing, MI
*Why:* The conference will consist of several keynote speakers, educational
sessions, an organic luncheon, and a “Taste of Michigan” event. Keynote
speakers this year are: Jeffrey Smith from the Institute of Responsible
Technology and C.R. Lawn of Fedco Seeds and the Maine Organic Farmers and
Gardeners Association (MOFGA).
*How: *Register online or print out hard copy registration at
www.moffa.org/2010MOC.html. Questions: Email *[log in to unmask]* or Phone
(248) 262-6826
*Registration is now open for the
Michigan Organic Food & Farming Reporting Session*
*
When:* Friday, March 5, 2010, from 1 - 5 PM
*Where:* The Kellogg Conference Center, East Lansing, MI
*Why:* This event features organic research and outreach conducted around
Michigan
Topics will include:
- Season Extension
- Vegetable and Fruit Production Systems
- Innovative Pest Management
- Building Community Food Systems
- And more
Following the research presentations, participants will enjoy a reception
and an opportunity to see research posters presented by graduate students.
The top three poster presentations will receive cash awards.
*How:* Register online at *http://web2.canr.msu.edu/mottgroup/*. *
Cost:* $15 to attend (Register as a Participant), but those who present
their research may participate free of charge (Register as a Vendor).
Graduate student may obtain a poster application at *
www.michiganorganic.msu.edu*.
Event flier at *www.michiganorganic.msu.edu*
Questions: Contact Vicki Morrone, MSU Organic Farming Outreach
Coordinator
(517)353-3542 or [log in to unmask]
*Forage Technology Conference*
*Where: *Kellogg Conference Center, East Lansing, MI
*When:* Thursday, March 11, 2010, from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
*Why:* The program will include updates on the latest technology
developments in forages. Topics of discussion include new varieties of
alfalfa, grasses and emergency forage crops; new developments in breeding
quality traits in alfalfa such as low lignin, bloat-free alfalfa and
flexibility in harvest maturity; updates on Roundup Ready alfalfa; and the
economics of forage fertilization. Livestock producers may be interested in
sessions on forages for feeding high-producing cows, pasture management
practices for increased profits and using robotic milking systems in
Michigan. The conference will also host forage industry exhibitors.
*How: *Download Registration Form at *www.michiganorganic.msu.edu* under
event tab. Cost: $35.00 per person (non-Forage Council Members); $30.00
(Forage Council Members) which covers program registration, proceedings
(CD-ROM), lunch, and snacks. For more information, contact Jodie Schonfelder
at *[log in to unmask]* or Richard Leep at *[log in to unmask]*.
*Registration available for “Vegetable 201: Ready to take the next step?”
Workshop*
* *
*When:* Friday, March 19, 2010, from 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
*Where:* Jackson County Extension Office, Jackson, MI
*Why:* This one-day workshop provides insights from MSU Extension educators
and specialists with expertise in commercial vegetable production and
management. The workshop is intended for those who have experience with
vegetable gardening and have explored turning it into a commercial venture
or for those who would like to add a vegetable enterprise to an existing
farm business.
*How:* Cost $30 per person. Pre-registration required. Visit *
www.michiganorganic.msu.edu *event tab for registration form. Deadline is
March 10, 2010.
*Mid-Michigan Farm Show*
*When:* March 23, 2010
*Where:* Gladwin Community Arena, 402 James Robertson Dr, Gladwin, MI 48624
*Why: *Sessions include Going Green with Grazing, Farm Insurance,
Farmer-Lender Relationship, and Pork Quality Assurance.
*How:* Going Green with Grazing (Cost: $25 includes lunch and handouts,
limited 60 attendees), Farm Insurance (Cost: Free but limited to 10
attendees), Farmer-Lender Relationship (Cost: Free, but limited to 10
attendees), and Pork Quality Assurance (Cost: Youth age 8-18 free, adults
$20) to register visit: *
http://www.michiganfarmshow.com/sessions/registration*. Deadline March 12,
2010.
*2010 Student Organic Farm Workshops and Tour Dates*
* *
*Location: *The MSU Student Organic Farm, 3291 College Rd, Holt, MI 48842
* *
*Tour Dates and Times*
*Tours are informal farm walks open to farmers and the general public.
- Monday, March 15, 3-4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 18, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Monday, July 19, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Monday, August 9, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 14, 3-4:30 p.m.
*Workshop Dates and Times*
* Workshops will focus on year-round production and marketing opportunities.
Spaces are limited and reserved for commercial farmers.
- Thursday, June 24, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Monday, September 27, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
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
