Registration is Open for Organic Intensives 2018!

 

Organic Intensives on January 6^th is our flagship educational event for 2018. We are offering three excellent programs with something for all MOFFA members, farmers and gardeners.

Diverse Grain Options for Farms and Homesteads will feature Indiana seed producer John Sherck as well as Tom and Vicki Zilke and Megan Goldenberg, who farm in Southeast Michigan, and Ashley McFarland, Coordinator of the MSU Upper Peninsula Research Center.  They will discuss growing, harvesting, and processing heritage grains including oats, barley, wheat, spelt, sorghum and even rice, for both small plot homestead and farm-scale production.

In Organic Transplant Production, MSU Professor of Horticulture John Biernbaum and Collin Thompson, Manager of the MSU North Farm in the Upper Peninsula, will share their many years of experience with all aspects of growing strong organic starts to support a successful growing season.  They will also discuss marketing transplants throughout the year as an additional income stream.  Participants will have access to online course materials and presentations after the session.

Small to Medium Scale Livestock for the Integrated Farm:  Topics to be covered include animal nutrition/diets, humane care, and thoughtful integration into your existing farm operation.  Nationally recognized poultry and livestock nutritionist Jeff Mattocks will be joined by Michigan farmers Aaron Brower of Bluestem Farm in East Jordan, and Leah and Jessie Smith of Nodding Thistle Farm in Nashville.  All are eager to share their substantial experience with poultry and livestock on their very diversified farms. 

This is a great opportunity to invest in your future.  Please connect to the detailed descriptions linked above and select the one best for you.  The registration fee includes the day long program, printed support materials, lunch, and a great chance to network with fellow farmers and gardeners from across Michigan.  The fee of $80 for MOFFA members and $95 for non-members prior to December 15 is calculated to provide a quick return on your investment.  After December 15, the cost will increase to $90 for members and $105 for non-members, and class size is limited, so we encourage you to register now. 

A limited number of targeted scholarships are available for Agriculture Professionals and Educators—including K12 educators, Master Gardeners, anyone who is involved in teaching people how to grow food.  Partial scholarship support is also available for anyone else for whom cost is a barrier.  To inquire about a scholarship, email us at [log in to unmask].