This Month is the start of our Farming conference and education season. To kick it off we have the Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable Expo. Be sure to visit if you can in Grand Rapids. Thursday Dec 6 is Organic Day and I have included the schedule in this listserv.
Hope your season of markets and harvests was as productive as possible, given weather conditions that were strong on the drought and crazy temps in some parts of the state.
Michigan Organic Listserv
December 2012
News and Information for Organic farms and businesses.
This info is not intended to promote but to inform you.
USDA Institutes 5%Rule for Residue Testing in Organic
http://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/news/breaking-news/usda-institutes-5-rule-residue-testing-organic/WF823456
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a new requirement for certifying agencies under the National Organic Program (NOP). Agencies must now annually test for non-organic residue in samples from at least 5% of the organic farms and processors they certify. The requirement went into effect on January 1, 2013.
This final rule from USDA comes after a public comment period on the proposed rule, and it creates a baseline level of oversight in organic where before there was none. The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 laid down authority for USDA to require periodic residue testing in organic production, but an audit by the USDA Office of Inspector General in 2010 that visited four certifying agents revealed that none conducted this testing.
The goal of this rule is to provide a concrete requirement for minimum testing levels. After considering requiring agencies to test all oftheir certified organic operations annually, and a 25% option, USDA settled on 5%. “This level was chosen to ensure that all certifying agents, regardless of the number of operations they certify, are responsible for some level of regular residue testing at reasonable cost,” USDA wrote in its Federal Register notice announcing the rule.
The nature of the samples that will be tested is left up to the certifying agencies. Pre-harvest, post-harvest or finished product testing may be carried out to determine if pesticide residue, arsenic or other compounds, genetic engineering, synthetic hormones, antibiotics and other substances banned in organic production are present. All sample testing performed by certifying agencies, including any performed on suspicion of specific food being contaminated with non-organic substances, will count toward the 5% requirement.
Sign up for Cost Share Programs-Contact your Soil Conservation Office (find at
Get Ready for Hightunnel Cost Share Program in 2013
Have you heard about this EQIP cost share program and wonder how to take advantage of this opportunity and if it’s right for your farm? Well here are the steps to take. The links are at the bottom if you want more info. This is a great program to improveyour ecological footprint and your bottom-line.
Here are the Steps farms need to take to apply for EQIP.
You can get a PDF of this info at www.michiganorganic.msu.edu<http://www.michiganorganic.msu.edu>
Note that Practice and Cost share payments are last year’s figures. The 2013 payment will likely be announced around Dec 12 but may be different from last year’s figures.
The Deadline for completing EQIP Applications is January 15. The signup and application process takes some time so contact your USDA service center ASAP to get the ball rolling. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a federal Cost Share program from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). EQIP cost share provides farms with funding to implement practices on the farm to protect, conserve and improve natural resources.
Step 1
· Verify program eligibility with FSA (Farm Services Agency) (FSA staff will walk you through this process step by step)
o Bring in a legal description of your property
o FSA staff will verifythat you are: entered in SCIMS (USDA farm database)
o That you have a farm number and tract number established for farmstead and fields you farm
o Complete a Gross Income Determination (AGI) (paper work to determine what you payment eligibility is)
o Make sure you have had a Highly Erodible (HEL) and a wetland determination done for you farm (form AD-1026)
§ If your farm is not alreadyestablished in the USDA system and an HEL and Wetlands determination needs to be completed it may take longer to verify your eligibility. Sometimes there is a backlog for this process. If that is the case it may kick you out of eligibility for the upcoming sign up(lack of time to verify eligibility before signup deadline). Don’t let this discourage you from proceeding with getting verified. You can get your ducks in a row and be ready for the next signup!
Step 2
· Contact your NRCS Office to set up a site visit & apply for EQIP. Contact your county/closest USDA Service Center. (FSA and NRCS are both housed in service centers)
o NRCS will come out toyour farm and review practices you want to sign up for. They will potentially suggest additional practices to address other issues they see on the farm or that would help you get ranked higher on your application. Your MAEAP tech can also do a site visit and help ID and recommend practices to sign up for.
· You can earn extra points on your application (and increase the likelihood of getting funded) for EQIP by having a MAEAP technician, from your local Conservation District, complete a farm visit, review farm management practices and make recommendations.
· "You can earn extra points on your application (and increase the likelihood of getting funded) for EQIP by having a MAEAP technician complete a farm visit, review farm management practices and make recommendations."
o A MAEAP technician visit does not replace the need for a visit by NRCS staff. NRCS may come out at the same time as your MAEAP technician or independently. If you have already been working with a MAEAP technician, let them know you are applying for EQIP and make sure NRCS staff knows you have worked with them.
Step 3
· You must have your EQIP application completed by JANUARY 15th to be eligible for funding.
· Note 2013 Cost Share Amounts have not been announced yet. Look for those in Mid December.
· Start the process ASAP to meet the Jan 15 deadline
USDA Field Offices http://www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/Field%20Offices.html
Conservation Districts/MAEAP technicians by county http://www.maeap.org/uploads/files/FY13%20MAEAP%20Water%20Stewardship%20Technicians%20Directory.pdf
If you have a need for a hightunnel and would like cost-share (USDA provides some funds to help you build a hightunnel/hoophouse for your farm then its time to make sure the Ts are crossed and the Is are dotted. You must be registered with the USDA through your local Soil Conservation District office. To find the office that serves you visit this link:
They will provide the paper work for you to complete then schedule with you to create a conservation plan. This is when they come visit your farm and speak with you about your practices and farm goals. They seek how your farm can become more environmentally sound, ways to reduce the likelihood of soil and water losses and contamination.
Yes there is paper work but there is financial support to help you purchase a hoophouse to expand your production and market opportunities.
To learn more about what EQIP program is about you can visit the Michigan NRCS web site at: http://www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip.html
This is the same website to watch for any future cost-sharing USDA Equip programs
You don’t want to miss the Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable Expo-Next Week
Great Lakes EXPO, December 4-6, 2012. Grand Rapids, MI. A comprehensive program thatcovers production and marketing of a broad range of fruit and vegetable crops and farm marketing, including tracks for organic and greenhouse growers as well as conventional outdoor production. For more information, see http://www.glexpo.com/.
The Organic Program is on Thursday, Dec 6 in the morning and afternoon.
NOP Organic Certification & Beyond: Value to Your Farm and Markets
Thursday morning 8:30 am
Where: Grand Gallery (main level) Room C
Organic certification is a big commitment but not impossible, especially if you are a farmer seeking a way to verify your farm management that follows a whole system approach. Certification is not only to “explain” practices but speaking economically, it is a valuable marketing tool. Organic certification is needed if you plan to have your product labeled organic. Organic food is still in demand in the U.S. , despite the economic challenging times we are in. But so is local, environmentally sound and safe food.This program will provide the why’s, why not’s and how’s of organic certification. We will also offer an overview of two other certifications that can help your farm and your markets-Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) a free program to farmers wanting to address environmental risks on their farm and Safe Food Risk Assessment, a self-assessment tool for small-farms to recognize safe food practices, bothoffered by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Facts and experiences will be shared by technicians of the respective programs and farmers who have completed the certifications.
Moderator: Vicki Morrone, Outreach Specialist for Organic Fruit and Vegetable Growers, MSU
8:30 am
Organic Certification: Its often just getting your ducks in a row
• Vicki Morrone, Outreach Specialist for Organic Fruit and Vegetable Growers, MSU
9:05 am
Why MAEAP Makes Sense for Organic Farms
• Jennifer Silveri, MAEAP Technician for Eaton and Ingham County, Charlotte, MI
9:40 am
Safe Food Risk Assessment: How can it be helpful to an organic farmer? This is a self-assessment tool designed for smaller farms to check safe food production.
• Kyle Mead, MAEAP Technician for Van Buren Co., Paw Paw, MI
10:15 am
Farmer Panel on Organic and Complimentary Certifications: What they have done for our farm and our market
• Frank CorradoI (MAEAP Verified and Safe Food Assist)
• Emily Freeh, Giving Tree Farm, Lansing, MI (NOP and MAEAP certified)
• Anthony Cinzori, Cinzori Farms, Ceresco, MI (NOP Certified and initiated MAEAP process)
11:30 am
Group Discussion: Record keeping, networking, and applications for certifications
12:00 noon
Session Ends
Organic Marketing: Growing and Adapting to a Changing Market
Thursday morning 9:00 am
Where: Gallery Overlook (upper level) Room B
Chris Blanchard owns and operates Rock Spring Farm, with fifteen acres of certified organic vegetable, herb, and greenhouse production north of Decorah, Iowa, selling produce year-round through a 200-member CSA, food stores, and a farmers market since 1999. Prior to 1999, Chris managed student farms, worked as an intern, packing house manager, plant breeding assistant, and farm manager, and provided consulting for a major organic processor, inCalifornia, Wisconsin, Maine, and Washington state. Under the banner of Flying Rutabaga Works, Chris' workshops about farm business concepts, food safety,organic vegetable production, and scaling up to farmers throughout the country have gained a reputation for fresh approaches, down-to-earth information, and honesty.
Moderator: John Biernbaum, Horticulture Dept., MSU
9:00 am
Growing and Adapting to a Changing Market: Reflections from 15 Years of Organic Vegetable Farming in Iowa
• Chris Blanchard, Rock Spring Farm and Flying Rutabaga Works, Decorah, IA
10:30 am
Session Ends
Current Issues in Organic Fruit Production
Thursday afternoon 1:00 pm
Where: Grand Gallery (main level) Room C
Moderator: Matt Grieshop, Entomology Dept., MSU
1:00 pm
On Farm Production of Organic Apple Trees
• Jim Koan, Al-Mar Orchards, Flushing, MI
1:30 pm
Organic Management Options for Spotted Wing Drosophila
• Rufus Isaacs, Entomology Dept., MSU
• Steve Van Timmeren, Entomology Dept., MSU
1:45 pm
Apple Flea Weevil Management Update
• John Pote, Entomology Dept., MSU
• Matt Grieshop, Entomology Dept., MSU
2:00 pm
Lessons in Organic Cherry Production
2:30 pm
Building Resilience in Organic Tree Fruit
3:00 pm
Session Ends
Organic Vegetable Production
Thursday afternoon 1:00 pm
Where: Grand Gallery (main level) Room B
MI Recertification credits: 2 (1B, COMM CORE, PRIV CORE)
CCA Credits: NM(0.5) SW(0.5) PM(1.0)
Moderator: Daniel Brainard, Horticulture Dept., MSU
1:00 pm
Managing Nitrogen with Cover Crops in Organic Vegetable Production
• Zachary Hayden, Horticulture Dept., MSU
1:45 pm
Balancing Weed and Soil Management Objectives with Cover Crops and Tillage
• Daniel Brainard, Horticulture Dept., MSU
• Carolyn Lowry, Horticulture Dept., MSU
2:30 pm
Steel and Systems: Weed management at certified organic vegetable and fruit farm
• David Stern, Rose Valley Farm, Rose, NY and Director, Garlic Seed Foundation
3:30 pm
Session Ends
Organic Grain and Bean Marketing Opportunities and Updates Meeting
Monday, December 3, 2012 at 7:00pm
Located at Cobb Hall-10399 State Road (M-15), Millington, MI 48746
(Located 2.5 miles north of M-57 or 4 miles south of Millington on the east side of M-15)
· Reports will be given by several brokers, buyers, andother producers. (Invited to share organic market outlooks are: SunOpta, Citizens LLC, Herbrucks Poultry, Organic Bean & Grain, Thistledown Farms, Organic Farmers of Michigan, New Organics, Midwest Organic Cooperative & others)
· Be prepared to share opportunities that you know of with others.
· Highlights of organic on farm research will be sharedincluding variety trials.
All are welcome. Do not miss this opportunity to find out the latest organic market information. For car pooling from Gratiot County call Dan Rossman at (989) 875-5233.
Detroit City Council to vote on land sale to Hantz Farm
“This is an extremely important meeting-scheduled on Monday, Dec 10 at 6 pm.
Meeting schedule to vote on Hantz Farm land sale in Detroit. Concerned public are strongly encouraged to attend!!
Malik Yakini (Detroit Black Community Food Security Network) has made the following statement about this meeting.
In my opinion, the outcome of this hearing could make or break the struggle around the Hantz land grab.
It is extremely important that those concerned about land justice, foodjustice and empowering the people of Detroit show up in numbers.
The city council plans to vote on the proposed Hantz deal the following day.”
This message was sent to Malik from Kathryn Underwood-extending the invitation to all interested.
Organic Production News
It's Not Too Late For Cereal Rye, But Don't Wait Too Much Longer!
Cereal rye is a cool-season annual that outperforms most other cover crops when planted in November.
Published on: Nov 20, 2012
http://farmprogress.com/michigan-farmer-story-nl3_10nl-too-late-cereal-rye-dont-wait-too-much-longer-9-65150?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_ca
By Dale Mutch, Michigan State University Extension
There is still time to seed cover crops this fall. However, time is running out. Cereal rye (secale cereale) is a cool-season annual that tolerates cool soils and temperatures. Rye should be seeded at a rate of one to two bushels per acre. It can germinate at temperatures as low as 33 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate 30 F when it is well established.
Rye will outperform most other cover cropswhen planted in November. Rye produces a deep, fibrous root system that cantake up excess soil nitrogen. When planting rye this late into the season, do not expect to see a lot of above ground growth. Rye will overwinter and next spring it will grow very rapidly and should be controlled when it is 8 to 12 inches tall.
It's Not Too Late For Cereal Rye, But Don't Wait Too Much Longer!
Michigan State University Extension<http://msue.anr.msu.edu/> advises if you intend on rolling or crimping cereal rye and using the mulch for weed control, you will need to allow the rye togrow to the pollination stage to milk stage. When at this stage, rye will remain on the ground and won't stand up.
The biggest issue for cereal rye this year(2012) is available seed. Contact your seed dealer to see if they have any available.
For more information, visithttp://www.msue.msu.edu<http://www.msue.msu.edu/>. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu<http://expert.msue.msu.edu/>, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).
Fruit Production and Pest Management
Should you plant trees in the fall or wait until early spring?
A few weeks ago I had a discussion with acouple of colleagues about the risks associated with planting apple trees in the fall or spring. It seems from our discussion that there are two schools of thought. Some folks in Michigan and in Ontario are strongly in favor of planting apple trees in the fall. They reported that trees did better when planted in the fall than in the spring. However, some folks in Virginia/West Virginia and North Carolina seem to think otherwise. Here are a few comments to support both arguments and the risks/rewards that you may consider when making your decision.
Supporting arguments for why you should plant in the fall: You have plenty of time to plant and care for the trees. The soil is still warm in the fall and so there is plenty of time for the roots to grow. You do not need to keep the trees in cold storage where there is a high risk that they may freeze, dry up, or bloom in storage. Fall-planted trees grow better the following spring because their roots have plenty of time to grow and supply nutrients to the top of the tree.
Supporting arguments for why you should plant in the spring: Spring is an appropriate time to plant all types of trees. There is very little risk that the roots will freeze during the cold winter. There is little risk that the trees will dry up because there is plenty of free moisture in the soil. There is no need to build a hill around the trunk of the tree to avoid winter damage to the graft union. Trees will start growing soon after planting and so you will be able to quickly tell which trees are alive.
Here is what you may need to know when planting in the fall. As I indicated above, fall planting has its rewards, but there are risks as well. The greatest risk to temperate fruit trees such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, and cherries comes is winter damage to the root system. The root systems of all living plants continue to grow in the fall and winter, but at different rates depending on the species and cultivar. Trees with slow growing roots such as stone fruits (apricots,peaches, cherries, and plums) are likely to be severely damaged by fall planting, especially if the trees are planted in late fall. Additionally, if it rains, free water around the root system is likely to cause severe damage. A typical practice is to mound the dirt into a tapered hill around the root system to divert water away from the tree.
In warm fall areas or in areas where there is early snow cover in the fall, it is likely that the ground remains sufficiently warm for the roots to continue to grow with minimal chances of freezing. However, in areas of early fall soil freezing or in areas with little snow cover in early winter, root damage is likely to occur. Because apple and possibly pear wood goes through deeper winter dormancy than stone fruit wood, it is likely that apple tree roots will benefit from early fall planting, especially if there is good snow cover or the soil remains warm for a good part of the fall and early winter.
My guess as to why fall planting of apples is being used by some Michigan and Ontario growers centers on two possible reasons. One, the snow cover from lake-effect snows may be keeping the soilwarm long enough for the roots to grow. Second, fall soil freezing in theseareas is typically not so long or intense to cause frost penetration deep into the soil. However, as temperature drops and solar radiation declines in late fall, root zone soil loses its heat quickly, posing a great risk to the survival of roots.
What should you do if you live in Illinois or areas of similar climate? Illinois stretches into three USDA climate zones, 4b, 5 a & b, and 6 a & b. Air temperature differences between northern and southern Illinois in the fall are estimated to be 10oF for thehigh and 8oF for the low. I could not find similar data for soil temperature differences. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to assume that planting apple trees in southern Illinois in the fall is doable. However, as you move further into central and northern Illinois, the risk of freezing temperatures is too high to plant apple trees in the fall or early winter. Stone fruits should not be planted in the fall regardless of the snow cover or fall temperature risk. For this reason, most reputable nurseries will not ship trees in the fall because of liability.
Mosbah Kushad (217-244-5691; [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>)
Detroit City Council to Vote on Land Sale to Hantz Farms
From:: Kathryn Lynch Underwood <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
City of Detroit-City Planning Commission
202 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center-Detroit, Michigan 48226
Phone: 313.224.6378<file://localhost/tel/313.224.6378>[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Meeting schedule to vote on Hantz Farm land sale in Detroit. Concerned public are strongly encouraged to attend!!
Malik Yakini (Detroit Black Community Food Security Network) has made the following statement about this meeting.
“This is an extremely important meeting-scheduled on Monday, Dec 10 at 6 pm. In my opinion, the outcome of this hearing could make or break the struggle around the Hantz land grab.
It is extremely important that those concerned about land justice, foodjustice and empowering the people of Detroit show up in numbers.
The city council plans to vote on the proposed Hantz deal the following day.”
This message was sent to Malik from Kathryn Underwood-extending the invitation to all interested.
CPC staff has confirmed East Lake Baptist Church (12400 E. Jefferson at Conner, Detroit) for Monday, December 10, 2012 at 6:00 PM to host an evening session of the City Council for the purpose of holding a public hearing on the proposed land sale to Hantz Woodlands. All are invited and encouraged to attend.
Upcoming Educational Opportunities
Annual Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference
January 26, 2013
Grayling High School, 1135 N. Old 27, Grayling, MI.
The Annual Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference serves as a vehicle to promote and build a local vibrant agriculture community, to equip the smallfarm community with the tools to be successful, and to be a forum for the open exchange of ideas within the small farm community. There’s an early bird discount for those who register online before December 31, 2012.
For more information:
· (231) 838-8093
· www.smallfarmconference.com<http://www.smallfarmconference.com> for more detailed information
· Register here: http://registration.smallfarmconference.com/
__________________________________________________________
MOSES ORGANIC FARMING CONFERENCE
24th Annual Conference - February 21-23, 2013 –
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Grow inspired!
- Learn from organic farming experts
- Network with other farmers and organic supporters
- Find great tools and resources in the Exhibit Hall
- Eat delicious organic food<http://www.mosesorganic.org/conference.html>
- Enjoy lively entertainment
- Be inspired for the 2013 growing season!
For updates on the conference and registration information visit their website at:
http://www.mosesorganic.org/conference.html.
2013 Michigan Family Farms Conference
Family Farming - It's In Our Roots"
When: Saturday, January 19, 2013
9 a.m. - 4:40 p.m.
Registration and trade show open at 8 a.m.
Where: Lakeview High School<http://maps.google.com/maps?q=15060+Helmer+Road+South,+Battle+Creek,+MI+49015-2890&hl=en&ll=42.291025,-85.238221&spn=0.008619,0.021136&sll=42.293437,-85.238028&sspn=0.008619,0.021136&vpsrc=0&gl=us&hnear=15060+Helmer+Rd+S,+Battle+Creek,+Michigan+49015&t=m&z=16>
15060 Helmer Road South
Battle Creek, MI, 49015
To register go to … http://www.miffs.org/mffc/index.asp
Please contact the MIFFS office at 517-432-0712 or [log in to unmask] for more information about the conference.
* Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organics Conference, January 9-11, 2013. Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, Springfield, IL. More details to come, but mark your calendars. Workshops on January 9 will cover high-tunnel production systems, cover crops, basics of orchard establishment and management, and sweet corn production and pest management. Concurrent tracks on January 10-11 include fruits, vegetables, herbs, agritourism, organic production systems, and emerging issues and challenges in specialty crop production and marketing. The 2013 program flyer with the complete meeting agenda is available online by following links at the Illinois Specialty Growers Association page at >http://www.specialtygrowers.org/<http://www.specialtygrowers.org/> (directly by clicking http://jhawkins54.typepad.com/files/pre-conference-flyer-2013.pdf (Adobe PDF).
* Training and testing for a Private Pesticide Applicator license is offered at multiple locations in the next few months. A Private Applicator's License is required for the purchase and use of Restricted-Use pesticides. These training programs are very strongly oriented to field crop agriculture (corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa) because most of the state's private applicators (farmers) grow these crops, but there is only one test for private applicators, regardless of the crops you grow. Use http://web.extension.illinois.edu/psep/ to learn the dates and locations for programs for Private Applicators (not Commercial Applicators).
* Building the Base of Your CSA: Best Practices, Including Member, Volunteer, and Intern Agreements Webinar, December 10, 2013. 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Covers potential legal risks of running a CSA and strategies for crafting a CSA member agreement to improve customer satisfaction and retention. For more information and to register, see http://web.extension.illinois.edu/units/event.cfm?UnitID=483&EventID=59583 .
* Transplant Success Webinar, December 12, 2013. 1:30-3:00 p.m. Covers transplant production, including media, crop planning, dealing with environmental factors, and planting out successful transplants. 1:30-3:00 p.m. For information and to register, see https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=7337 .
Employment Opportunities
FOOD SYSTEM ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
TILIAN FARM DEVELOPMENT CENTER PROGRAM MANAGER
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Tilian Farm Development Center Program Manager (grantfunded)
Reports To: Executive Director
FLSA Status: Part Time (2/3 to 3/4) / Exempt
Summary
The goal of the Tilian Farm Development Center Manager is to oversee all aspects of the Tilian Farm Development Center’s programming and operations under FSEP’s USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Grant (BFRG) deliverables. Under supervision from the Executive Director, the Tilian Farm Development Center’s Program Manager assumes responsibility for day-to-day operational management of activities and functions associated FSEP’s BFRG and coordination of efforts with other FSEP staff and programs. General duties include oversee equipment and infrastructure use to ensure compliance with all operating norms; coordinate equipment and infrastructure sharing between program participants; collect use fees from program participants for use of equipment and farm infrastructure, as needed; maintain a regular physical presence at the farm.
Essential Functions:
Program Development and Implementation: Coordinate with FSEP’s Farm to Table Program Manager for institutional market access for farmers. Coordinate with FSEP’s Business Development Specialist on creation of business planning counseling for farmers and development and implementation of mentorship program. Lead and facilitate a selection committee to recruit, review, and select new Incubator Farms and a new 1st year Residency Farmer for 2014. Oversee equipment and farm infrastructure sharing between all Tilian participants, ensuring compliance with the Township (land) Lease, the incubator farm leases and use agreements, and other operating agreements, as necessary.
Farm Management: Provide technical support to resident and incubatorfarmers on production related topics such as soils and fertility management, pest and disease management, harvest and post harvest and equipment use. Weekly farm walks with all program participants to look at different farm operations in order to facilitate peer to peer learning while providing technical assistance. Create a budget and crop plan in coordination with the residency farmers, for the 8- acre residency farm, a certified organic year round produce farm and ensure its successful execution. Supervise resident farmers. Ensure the economic and programmatic success of the Residency Farm by further developing and expanding its business model.
Qualifications
Minimum of 5 years of farm management experience
Extensive knowledge of organic or ecological vegetable production
Extensive knowledge and experience in use of farm equipment
Demonstrated success at program development and implementation
Demonstrated ability to work well with people from a variety of backgrounds
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent computer skills
Additional Desired Skills
Hoophouse and season extension production experience
Livestock production experience
Too Apply Please Send Resume and Cover Letter to:
[log in to unmask]
Desired Start Date Late Dec 2012 or early January 2013.
www.fsepmichigan.org
& www.tiliancenter.org<http://www.tiliancenter.org>
Seeking Farm Manager in Cincinnati Ohio
Enright Ridge CSA is seeking to hire a Farm Manger for an urban farm CSA in the Price Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. We make use of multiple small growing spaces in the neighborhood and a greenhouse that is owned by Enright Ridge Urban Ecovillage, a 501c3 non-profit. The CSA will begin its fifth season in 2013, with a projected 100 shares. Though not certified organic, we are a sustainable operation and use organic practices.
Full job posting available at http://www.enrightecovillage.org/
Michigan Department of Ag Positions
From: Villarreal, Sarah Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 12:38 PM To: MDA-Staff Subject: job posting - Promotional Agent 9-P11 - AgD - External, open to all applicants
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is currently recruiting for a permanent, full-time Promotional Agent 9-P11 position within the Office of Agriculture Development. This position is open to all applicants. Interested applicants must apply through NEOGOV.
If you are interested in obtaining more information or applying for these positions,
&&END&&
click on the link below.
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/michigan/default.cfm
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you.
Sarah V.
Quality of Life Human Resources
Serving MDARD, DNR and DEQ
Open Positions for Local Food Systems / Small Farms Extension Educators
University of Illinois Extension is seeking applicants for five Local Food Systems and Small Farms educator positions. These are full-time, 12 month academic professional positions. Extension Educators are expected to deliver research-based educational programs and to work within team settings that may consist of other Extension Educators, community college professionals, and faculty within and outside of the College of ACES.
These positions focus on the development of educational resources for small farm producers, outreach to communities on issues related to local food systems, and team-based outreach efforts. Development and delivery of high impact and relevant educational programs and materials in several of the following areas will be important: 1) small farm production and planning, 2) marketing of local food initiatives, 3) food safety and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), 4) small farm fruit, vegetable, andlivestock production (may include organic), 5) integrated pest management, 6) harvest/post-harvest handling and storage of produce, and 7) general agronomic/livestock production principles.
Each of the following units has a full-time opening for an Extension Educator, Local Food Systems and Small Farms:
of programs that mesh with identified national and state priorities.
Visit (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu<http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu/>). For details.
Vicki Morrone
Organic Farming Specialist
Center For Regional Food Systems at MSU
480 Wilson Rd. Room 303
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542/517-282-3557 (cell)
[log in to unmask]
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
