LISTSERV 16.0 - MICH-ORGANIC Archives

Michigan Organic Listserv

Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University

Presented by Vicki Morrone ([log in to unmask])

Organic Farming Specialist

October 19, 2015

This info is for your information, not promotion of any business or product

News in Organics

Educational Programs

Jobs in the Environment

News in Organics!

Organic Research Foundation Recommends Establishing An Organic Check-off…

A recent Des Moines Register article Lost in transition: Why are farmers resistant to organic?” explores the inherent challenges of supporting American farmers to meet the growing demand for organic food and animal feed.

An organic check-off program could provide millions of dollars each year for on-the-farm technical assistance and support to manage the risks of transitioning more acres to organic production.

Did you know… organic research, information, and promotion programs would each receive at least 25% of the estimated $30M pool—an expected $7.5M every year— and be eligible for an additional $7.5M from discretionary funds to be allocated based on the needs of the sector? The USDA is currently reviewing the sector’s formal application for the GRO Organic check-off program and a proposal for public comment is expected next year.

Imagine that… you can make this vision for organic a reality! Join the thousands of organic stakeholders who support the idea, and the many hundreds who have publicly endorsed GRO Organic, by signing up online.

Educational Programs

On Line Hoop house Course-Space Available

Our six session, self-paced, online high tunnel and hoophouse course will run again this fall starting on October 19^th, but its self-paced

The course is focused on year-round production and covers topics such as site selection, construction recommendations, crop planning, crop scheduling, soil management, pricing, marketing, economics, and more. This is an online course that you take at your own pace, with 6 weeks to complete it. The cost is $150 a real bargain given there are 6 complete sessions.

Not sure this class is right for you? For additional information, to view a trailer describing the course, and to register please visit http://events.anr.msobsu.edu/HoophousesOnline/

Feel free to email me if you have any additional questions. Thanks.

Adam Montri [log in to unmask]

http://listserv.ksu.edu/web?SUBED1=HIGHTUNNELS&A=1

North Farm Beginner Farmer Educational Program Series

Managing Hoophouses and High Tunnels for Year-Round Farming Success - October 19, 2015 - October 26, 2015 | Online Course

Interseeding Cover Crops Field Day - October 21, 2015 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | The Larry Walton Farm, Nottawa, MI

Commodity Marketing Update for Grains and Dairy - October 27, 2015 | 10 a.m. - noon | Online

The Great Lakes Expo-From Organic Production

to Markets to High Tunnels… Something for Everyone!

Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable Expo- Dec 8-10 in Grand Rapids, MI

If you have never been to the Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable and Farmers Market Expo you should really try and attend! Whether you are a beginner farmer, farming sustainably or organic there are sessions for you. On December 8-10th at the DeVos Center in Grand Rapids you can choose which sessions to attend- and the decision will not be easy. It offers so much information on fruit and vegetable production, business management, marketing strategies, pest management, food safety and the list goes on. The program is designed for farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs seeking new and better ways to manage their farm, farm markets, hoophouses, and even sessions on food safety! The registration price is very reasonable too.

While the price does not include food or parking it offers 3 days of incredible sessions that you do not have to choose in advance! When you are not attending an educational session you can tour the HUMONGOUS trade show. It offers displays of small and large farm equipment, testing facilities, farm market goods (as well as MANY tastings), and of course non-profit organizations –Including MOFFA!

Guaranteed something for everyone! If you want to attend the full program its only $80 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). If you wish to attend only on Thursday, which offers information tracks on organic production, biological control of insects, and farm marketing then the cost is only $45.

You can check out the specific sessions and register online at GLEXPO.org

Preregister by Nov 18 to get this discount and have your registration mailed to you.

The organic track this year offers experienced farmers sharing their successes and challenges and researchers will offer descriptions of research and how it can help improve farming systems. In the table below are the organic sessions for Thursday. But remember, there are other sessions throughout the week that have relevance to organic farming too. Check it the full agenda out at GLEXPO.org

Here are the organic focused sessions for Thursday. We hope to see you during this great program!

Thursday morning 9:00 am-11:30

Thursday morning 9:00 am-11:30

Getting Started in Organic Vegetable Production

This session will share “visits” of several organic vegetable farms and discuss their production and marketing practices. We will hear from farmers, a chef and a graduate student who conducted a grower survey.

9:00

Tillage Practices and Perceptions on MI Organic Farms: Results from A Grower Survey

· Carolyn Lowry, Horticulture Dept., MSU -- The results of farmers from Michigan will be shared and summarized to demonstrate approaches certified and non-certified farmers are using to manage their weeds.

9:45

Identifying New Markets and Meeting Their Demands - Farmer Panel: What markets (market types) do they sell their produce? Each panel member will share their unique approach to marketing and the story behind this:
-- How you secured that market?
-- What do you grow for that market
-- How did you choose the crop, variety?
-- What are the expectations for the market (product, delivery, paperwork, logistics)

· *Chef Ryan Reynolds, Buyer of Organic Produce for Hospitals, Grand Rapids, MI

· *Pooh Stevenson, Direct Sales (including flowers), Owosso Organics, Owosso, MI

· *Anthony Cinzori, Wholesale Market Sales, Cinzori Farms, Ceresco, MI

11:30

Session Ends

Organic Opportunities and Markets

9:00	The Story of Building Monroe Family Organics · Fred Monroe, Monroe Family Organics, Alma, MI -- The experiences, challenges, and successes of taking a wet grass field and turning it into a successful self-sustaining certified organic farm in Alma, MI. This presentation will discuss the values, business structure, and farming techniques that we have used to make our farm and our hopes for the future.
10:15	Four Season Farming at River Root Farm Far · Mike Bollinger, River Root Farm, Decorah, IA -- River Root Farm is a family-owned certified organic vegetable farm nestled in a hillside within city limits of Decorah, Iowa with a focus on small scale intensive vegetable production, seedling sales, fall/winter CSA, seed production, and our specialty - MICROGREENS! We believe that healthy soil makes healthy food, which in turn creates healthy communities.
11:30	Session Ends

Thursday afternoon 1:00 pm

Thursday afternoon 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

Current Issues in Organic Fruit Production

1:00	Building Fruitful Soils in the Steppes of the Rockies · Steve Ela, Ela Family Farms, Hotchkill, CO
2:00	Unraveling Decay Cycles in Orchard Soils · Jason Matlock, Entomology Dept., MSU · Matt Grieshop, Entomology Dept., MSU
2:20	An Overview of Organic Pesticide Options for SWD · Alan Schreiber, Executive Director, Washington Asparagus Commission
3:00		Session Ends

Organic Vegetable Production and Management

1:00

Insect Pest Management and Organic Pest Product Evaluation for Organic Vegetables

Alan Schreiber, Executive Director, Washington Asparagus Commission -- Researcher will share results of field studies to identify best management practices to reduce pest problems in vegetables, including an evaluation of organic insecticides. As an organic farmer and ag consultant he will share how he successfully manages most pests in his organic wholesale and retail operation, selling to organic markets across the state (Washington).

1:40

2.20

3:00

Evaluation of Biodegradable Mulches

Carol Miles, Horticulture Dept., Washington State Univ. -- Learn how different biodegradable mulch films are effective to prevent weeds, their ease of use and ability to degrade after they have been tilled into the soil, as their name implies. Data will be shared from field research studies, and discussion will include the current status of NOP regarding bio- degradable mulches.

Weed Management Approaches in Organic Systems

Dave Mortensen, Weed and Applied Plant Ecology, Pennsylvania State Univ. -- Balancing the pros and cons - based on levels of management intensity and effectiveness. Practices will be discussed based on recounts of different systems from organic farmers in Pennsylvania.

Session Ends

Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance (MOFFA)

Meet and Greet

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Vandenburg Room (concourse level), Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

All farmers are invited to join this fun event. "

The Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance (MOFFA) is hosting a social reception and invites attendees to sample some of Michigan's Organic foodstuffs: Organic chips, cheeses, dips. fruit, veggies and cider will be on offer. This is a great opportunity to meet Organic growers from around the state and talk about their operations, methods and marketing and make a few friends along the way. This casual gathering with a "Cash Bar" is a perfect way to unwind prior to the evening banquet."

FALL TURNS INTO WINTER & WESTWIND FARM FINDS A NEW SEASON

Days are shorter, cool nights are here, time to settle in for the winter?? Not here—late Autumn, the Holiday Season and then true Winter gives us so many opportunities to discover at the Farm!! Here are our latest offerings. Join us!

Sunday, Oct. 18 8:30—11:30 am: Mindfulness in Nature for Children It’s time to play outside on the Farm, with group led discovery activities along the stream and in the woods, &then reflection on their day, sharing discoveries. This class helps children find joy and purpose in the life they see around them, realizing they are a part of it all. Treats at the Farm House at the end. Ages 6-12. Cost: $20.

Saturday,Nov. 7, 7—11 pm Dinner and A Movie DOUBLE FEATURE Night! First, start the evening out with a local and organic foods dinner. , & get a chance to chat with old and new friends. Then, we’ll watch "Fresh,: the Movie" and "Dirt: The Movie". Both of these films have a positive outlook on creating positive change in our food system! Yes, doom and gloom can have it’s place, but enough already! Go home from this evening feeling inspired! Cost: $20 ea.

Saturday, Nov. 28, 1-4 pm: Bread Baking Class—Spelt Day! Use wonderful spelt flour in differing ways.. One is with our light sandwich bread, great for improving leftover Turkey sandwiches, and the other is Cinnamon Rolls, a wonderful soft roll, loaded with gooiness, for your Sunday morning company. A non-stressful, delicious way to spend quality time with good friends during an otherwise hectic weekend. Take home one of each. Cost: $25

Saturday, Dec. 5, 1-4 pm: Bread Baking Class—Holiday Celebration Bread & Cinnamon Rolls This is our WOW Class of the season—the Holiday Celebration Bread is Linda’s version of a Greek Celebration Bread, combined with a Serbian Kolach and German Stollen bread. So laden with fruit, nuts, & flavorings, it is something to experience. We’ll also do cinnamon rolls, made from much softer spelt, which are excel-lent gooey treats for family and friends. As always, take a loaf of bread and a pan of rolls home. Cost: $ 28

Saturday, Dec. 12, from 1—4 pm Holiday Pastries Class Taken from our years at Farmer’s Markets, we make some of the very best and most popular pastries in our repertoire. Starting with our braided fruit-filled coffee cakes, to our sooo buttery and versatile shortbread, to our sooo lemony lemon curd, these treats are not commonly found and are uncommonly wonderful on the tongue! Take one of each home, and of course, recipes. Cost: $30

So many cool projects to fit in after the Holidays…

while the garden’s asleep…

Winter Yes, we said we’d do it. All adventurous yogis, meet us once a month to meet the challenge of focus in crisp cold air and definitely have Hot Chocolate & Treats in the Farmhouse afterwards. If we can do this, we can overcome bigger things, too! January 23, February 20 and March 19 from 2-4 pm Cost: $20 /class. Do all three for $50 total.

Local Herbs: Making Your Own Oils, Salves & Tinctures with Pat Whetham. Learn to make fresh, potent salves & tinctures with safe ingredients you can forage or grow yourself. Jan. 30, from 1-4 pm Materials included Cost: $40

Winter Bird Housing & Feeding Make bird houses for spring arrivals, make popcorn/fruit/pinecone gar-lands for winter bird feeding, and do a special feather project! Human treats for all at the end of class. Great for nature lovers & kids of all ages! Feb. 6, 11 am—2 :30 pm. Cost: $20

Employment in Environment Areas

Community Garden Coordinator

24 hours per pay/ seasonal contract

IHM Sisters is a congregation of religious sisters located in Monroe, Michigan. We are looking for a Community Garden Coordinator for our garden, St. Mary’s Organic Farm. The Community Garden Coordinator is responsible for all farm operations by coordinating all field preparation work. The Community Garden Coordinator collaborates with the Leadership Liaison to support the organic farm with volunteers, gardeners and other groups.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversee and implement the recommendations for St. Mary Organic Farm that is reflective of the IHM Sister’s mission and commitment to create a right relationship with the earth.
Develop St. Mary Organic Farm into a model of ecological awareness and a space of eco-spirituality.
Work with the members of different sustainability committees as well as volunteers and gardeners in maintaining the St. Mary Organic Farm in a sustainable fashion.
Plan, schedule and implement the drip irrigation system for the garden. Schedule the garden preparation for tilling annually.
Create and maintain the budget and manage the administrative costs for St. Mary’s Organic Farm.
Maintain and care for tools and farm equipment as well as the barn and shed.
Maintain electronic records for farming plots, and marketing for rented plots Drive as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor/Associate degree or Certification in areas such as ecology, agriculture, organic farming or master gardening or comparable experience.

2. Knowledge of and experience in organic farming and sustainability.

3. Ability to learn, understand and support the IHM mission and values.

4. Experience working on an organic farm and a desire to work the land using sustainable practices.

5. Experience operating and maintaining organic farm machinery.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please contact Monica McGowan, Director of Human Resources by email. [log in to unmask]

Food Hub and Food Safety Coordinator for the Food Innovation Center / Food Safety Training Center of Excellence at the new Kalamazoo Valley Bronson Healthy Living Campus. This full time position will work with farmers, institutions, industry, and community partners to support the operations of a food hub and the implementation of food safety training programs, including a group GAP certification of growers in Southwest Michigan.

Visit jobs.kvcc.edu for full position details and required qualifications, and to apply. Applications accepted through 11/01/15. This position is through Kalamazoo Valley Community College. KVCC reserves the right to close this job posting early should a significant applicant pool be established prior to published closing date.

Please forward this announcement widely, and contact me with any questions. Thank you!

Rachel Chadderdon Bair

Director for Sustainable and Innovative Food Systems

Bronson Healthy Living Campus

Kalamazoo Valley Community College

[log in to unmask]

p: 269.548.3305

c: 734.717.0050

www.kvcc.edu

Looking for a job with a focus in the environment?

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