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Michigan Organic Listserv August 1, 2026 So Many Opportunities… For Learning, Sharing, Experiencing and Strengthening your Farm Business USDA Organic Cost Share is available through your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. It is that time of year again! This program is managed through the FSA. It will cover up to 75% of costs associated with organic certification, up to $750 for each certification: * wild crops * livestock * processing/handling. Expenses that were incurred between Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023. Visit you nearest FSA office visit to complete the simple form: https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator . Bring with you: * a copy of your organic certificates * all receipts of payment for inspection * educational conference registration receipts receipts for any soil testing for micronutrients on your farm * a cancelled check for direct payment These expenses are all eligible for cost share funds!!! For more info visit: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/occsp/index USDA offers financial assistance to organic dairy farmers (deadline extended) https://www.michiganfarmnews.com/deadline-extended-for-organic-dairy-marketing-assistance-program-signup July 24, 2023 USDA is extending the signup deadline for its new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) to Aug. 11, 2023. ODMAP helps producers mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that USDA said have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. Through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), $104 million is available to organic dairy operations to assist with projected marketing costs in 2023. Eligible producers include certified organic dairy operations that produce milk from cows, goats and sheep. ODMAP assistance is calculated using a producers’ marketing costs in 2022. For new, transitioning or expanded organic dairy operations, assistance is based on projected marketed production in 2023. “This assistance will help keep organic dairy operations sustainable until markets return to more normal conditions,” USDA wrote in a statement. READ NEXT: ‘THE ALTERNATIVE IS WE LOSE FAMILY FARMERS’ — USDA OFFERS HELP FOR ORGANIC DAIRY PRODUCERS<https://www.michiganfarmnews.com/usda-offers-help-for-organic-dairy-producers> FSA will make an initial ODMAP payment to eligible applicants factored by 75%. If funds remain at the end of the application period, an additional payment — not to exceed the remaining 25% — may be issued to eligible producers. How to apply To apply, producers should contact FSA at their local USDA Service Center<https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator>. To complete the ODMAP application, producers must certify to pounds of 2022 milk production or to a projection of marketed pounds in 2023, if applicable, and submit a completed application form. At the time of application, organic dairy operations are required to provide their USDA certification of organic status confirming the operation as an organic dairy in 2023 and 2022 along with the certification of 2022 milk production in hundredweight. ODMAP complements other assistance available to dairy producers, including Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Supplemental DMC, with more than $611 million in benefits paid for the 2023 program year to date. For details, visit the FSA Dairy Programs webpage<https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-bill/farm-safety-net/dairy-programs/index>. ************ Summer Art Celebration @ The Allen Neighborhood Center and Prospect PLACE Neighborhood Thursday, August 10 4:30-7pm You are invited to our Summer Art Celebration at Hunter Park in Lansing, Michigan! During this event, we will unveil the Mother Tree Sculpture, created by local artist Ivan Iler. This gorgeous piece of art will continue our work to transform Kalamazoo Street and Hunter Park into even more beautiful places that reflect our community’s diversity and creativity. We have already added colorful bike rack designs and three decorated bus stops, and we have plans to paint artistic crosswalks on the street. This work would not be possible without the amazing Lansing community, and we want to make this a celebration for all to attend! Come taste delicious food from four Eastside restaurants for free – Smokehouse BBQ, Teffrific, Hong Kong, and G3Food4All. We will have music, lawn games, tours of the Garden house, face painting, bubbles, activities for kids, and most importantly, we’ll have our community around to celebrate each other. What is Hunter Park?<https://www.michigan.org/property/hunter-park-community-gardenhouse> No registration needed ****************** Washtenaw County Conservation Field Day Thursday, August 10th 10am to 4pm @Noble Organics Farm, 6760 Noble Rd. Saline, MI (if you received the postcard, please note the change in address) MAEAP and The Washtenaw County Conservation District are hosting an engaging Field Day at Noble Organics Farm. We will be hosting 4 expert speakers educating about Agricultural topics throughout the day, vendor tables for you to peruse, and an innovative pest management demonstration and to top it off. Brisket & Biscuits will be in attendance for a delicious on-site lunch. MAEAP Phase 1 Educational event and 3 RUP credits available. Space is limited, click the sign-up box below to register. Click here to register as space is limited and we want an accurate count for lunch.<https://fs12.formsite.com/ojmrgh/hbzoe0t9ld/index> ************ 4th Annual Cultivating Resilience Farm Field Day August 17, 2023 8:30AM - 2:00PM Registration Deadline: August 11, 2023 - 05:00PM 10819 Quincy St, Zeeland, MI 49464 Registration required:<https://forms.gle/teVjqEeSjMgfoXks5> The Cultivating Resilience Farm Field Day will showcase practices that promote soil health, improve water quality, and give producers practical conservation knowledge to evaluate and enhance their operations. This year’s event will include rotating breakout sessions: * Incorporate forest and riparian management into farming operations * Discuss how to overcome challenges with agricultural conservation practices. * Ways to assess in-field soil health. We are also excited this year to be able to include a live demonstration of how drone technology can be used on the farm. As Michigan agriculture faces challenges – from extreme weather events, groundwater shortages, development pressures, and rising costs of inputs – cultivating resilience in our agricultural community is essential. This event is FREE and includes a free lunch and the chance to win some awesome door prizes! Everyone will automatically be entered to win for attending the event, but additional tickets can be earned by visiting our on-site vendor tables! This is a MAEAP Phase 1 Educational Event and participants are eligible to earn 3 RUP credits. ************* Come explore Stocchiero Farms-a fruit and vegetable farm in Bangor, MI Friday, August 18, 2023; 9:00 - 11:00 AM, Van Buren Conference Center Van Buren Conservation District is offering a MAEAP Field Day at Stocchiero Farms in Bangor. At Farmland Preservation in Michigan Enjoy good food while learning about… * Fruit production * Cover crops in fruit and vegetable systems * Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) * Orchard fencing * Farm tour * More! To register, go to VanBurenCD.org/maeap-field-day-2023/<http://vanburencd.org/maeap-field-day-2023/> or call 269-657-4030 x5. Registration is required. For more information, contact Senior MAEAP Specialist Kyle Mead at 269-205-3377 or email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> ***********’ AUG 3 Field Crops Virtual Breakfast: Identifying and Correcting Drainage Underperformance Issues<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PCbPh5m8OOoxyHYPsqfYARW217d81mYOvn0wF9Czn7LzzlwbTOESdG1RnjJFxjz9Y842BjiVCsQ-0g9gKBawr08XVnwCeVBDKTz1FgYfqPtRpLN9RChhBvvOYalHH3-FaShsMS8A-UDQngPPSCcAq-1AVatutPyJvuCUmejOqMkzkjEek3bIw6HwRQ1_wf4H4iGDvujCkK9ubXFwXdn80ZWZykU0tdse1oTtd55tVDw9-4FNy_B2Al1z_DNlapZKLUlIdY_GZikBsasmntQBm34ur4BJ6g5LoPv30jzbKlwtTO6as5ALT1qAkB7NxHKdkFa_N-tNeoVqKOvA4M6HXNWjXctlqqOOzZmkQTNZtS8=&c=nC2ovb4-nPnI9F-48Lah6xCNc5142DgY37Z5qcqk1VsfmHgWfYNrnQ==&ch=lxsWTKMxwNmCT_dRbOC3dIZldL3A0dKeZ2sVY-swR5tk6NYUtsbThQ==__;!!HXCxUKc!3UT3TAeOLHc9c2zxE5sjVopCS2-w9VtL0YDO0V06nYG02uPMmLE_mRgycbgSX6mKxuNO7zv9WEKdtk6pWQ$> Online | 7-8 a.m. A free, weekly series for farmers and agribusinesses on a wide array of relevant field crop topics during the growing season. This week discusses how to identify and correct drainage underperformance issues with Ehsan Ghane. AUG 8 Tillage Field Day<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PCbPh5m8OOoxyHYPsqfYARW217d81mYOvn0wF9Czn7LzzlwbTOESdB2KbCLDu_OU0pRraj5GmJHoT-vgGRCggZ_RKCU_5WCqn3KUCaNWsG9x8zLnvmt1EoVc84jFIxjO0dGCuFWeTVJxj_m9Fs-n6kKZoJRl85DGLwAM564Qq7YaZjLjakLlELhEWam1mVufAxMRhAgbXbP7NDoy-D7Bfi9GfcCENy9Aav8n7rpkg42dx4dWOJnCFJrGaI4vuUjXAAhfxLWwZZau_zC-BxmrcA==&c=nC2ovb4-nPnI9F-48Lah6xCNc5142DgY37Z5qcqk1VsfmHgWfYNrnQ==&ch=lxsWTKMxwNmCT_dRbOC3dIZldL3A0dKeZ2sVY-swR5tk6NYUtsbThQ==__;!!HXCxUKc!3UT3TAeOLHc9c2zxE5sjVopCS2-w9VtL0YDO0V06nYG02uPMmLE_mRgycbgSX6mKxuNO7zv9WELab0jWaw$> Mason, MI | 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. This tillage field day will provide participants with information about soil aggregation, compaction and farming practices. Tillage demonstrations and presentations will inform participants about the impact of tillage on soil and wheat stubble. AUG 8-9 Farm Drainage Field Day<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PCbPh5m8OOoxyHYPsqfYARW217d81mYOvn0wF9Czn7LzzlwbTOESdAOSAbH8AS9xYT-PvXu5DyWOaiXTGDXd5dPDSIBy5SBf_90julq8MLI2IZYpjzzc1gubezC4L5ecGCHE49-t86GaHq9WaDrzZPp4EUCbSQ1GhhXveJDpoZAO3mSHPNSTUwqbcv8hYlRuB-1A_by92C69L5Fcs8TaNLE4dotp30uoQR4rdEcm33ExHaOC0QMdMYRL7JKNZ3LvbdyaI03Dl0NGx5s0fzXMqclsUzl1-Weg5tkQyvFnhEo=&c=nC2ovb4-nPnI9F-48Lah6xCNc5142DgY37Z5qcqk1VsfmHgWfYNrnQ==&ch=lxsWTKMxwNmCT_dRbOC3dIZldL3A0dKeZ2sVY-swR5tk6NYUtsbThQ==__;!!HXCxUKc!3UT3TAeOLHc9c2zxE5sjVopCS2-w9VtL0YDO0V06nYG02uPMmLE_mRgycbgSX6mKxuNO7zv9WEJgLNhgjQ$> Merrill, MI | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. both days Learn about soil health, nutrient management, and water management to protect water quality and improve crop productivity. AUG 13 Bee Palooza<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PCbPh5m8OOoxyHYPsqfYARW217d81mYOvn0wF9Czn7LzzlwbTOESdFQ2Af6qd_WHq_GL03XsSEdomc9VQMqX8-VF7JqZwV2Z73DoSfmqn1_YtxT6bnPe3ePsLwSXZEOTOKgtrsVgVfCCAaGGGqTrkhjyvntbj37xRuBCna1Dbb56SiaifUG7LEzpG4A-hg39gsaaZbJTHDkstkPiyH8cDppsQg-zRSOK0AVHoJTI_dPWxT_J5_XilG_AwHszsJ7mXgS69LeaAqgkUNjAx6IELw==&c=nC2ovb4-nPnI9F-48Lah6xCNc5142DgY37Z5qcqk1VsfmHgWfYNrnQ==&ch=lxsWTKMxwNmCT_dRbOC3dIZldL3A0dKeZ2sVY-swR5tk6NYUtsbThQ==__;!!HXCxUKc!3UT3TAeOLHc9c2zxE5sjVopCS2-w9VtL0YDO0V06nYG02uPMmLE_mRgycbgSX6mKxuNO7zv9WEI1n13n7Q$> Lansing, MI | 1-4 p.m. This free event is intended to connect the community through activities with our little friends. Join us for prizes, vendors, a bee petting zoo, face painting, and more! AUG 23 Pollinator Habitat Technical Training Workshop<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PCbPh5m8OOoxyHYPsqfYARW217d81mYOvn0wF9Czn7LzzlwbTOESdBYIpyXnbTq_e2SJvLl7HEHqxfKC4Ug8PS7qjYiIfaMifvg2ROaqqhQ0D_FzLwkRNw6CcSIb37JFEPU64inG_fMml5QcH20jmv9N0VV9SKeDuq4d4VkjsslQrQFFjl6RRN-f0SjnPeWqqSyrn8ir-9WUIYuiG6Rhw4juNY6TapMCDQ-UzvfKpo5cvc5oif48yh727ZDKnEM7Kc5Z0-pF88rM6WeWcJ_F1A0lSKT1VYvNIDbTfcLauBzjD27ccnr1aJBpqu7R3G2e&c=nC2ovb4-nPnI9F-48Lah6xCNc5142DgY37Z5qcqk1VsfmHgWfYNrnQ==&ch=lxsWTKMxwNmCT_dRbOC3dIZldL3A0dKeZ2sVY-swR5tk6NYUtsbThQ==__;!!HXCxUKc!3UT3TAeOLHc9c2zxE5sjVopCS2-w9VtL0YDO0V06nYG02uPMmLE_mRgycbgSX6mKxuNO7zv9WELJHSqCAg$> Fennville, MI | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE in-person workshop for farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers as well as crop and pesticide advisors to learn about integrating pollinator habitat on farmland. AUG 24 Field Crops Virtual Breakfast: Timing the Last Irrigation Application<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PCbPh5m8OOoxyHYPsqfYARW217d81mYOvn0wF9Czn7LzzlwbTOESdAOSAbH8AS9xefyJv25fIf2DY6YTGUqvo5mJw-xX27vh8usKkFtO06UMWyo8lk47ByZwq7I4f_kXZys4beN_jkrdh4dnSP_6EdybHmu9d1M7MedaifDM5cVrT_HGt0YKaqjwzsmWY4mq1Zrl7KhmFHW0Oi-ykODbtgSRnkvYsP9bHWx5G7rjp8M1VoaJAguegx95f5Q2pzFkDwzyGu9xMQ2z-PtuJbFGroNxPLCGD57YmXjEG3_UOdkjEtXxY2z4rWlr1oxJN9-xDpJAEhZTK67DL9knOCIVi2ugifeh9hrL&c=nC2ovb4-nPnI9F-48Lah6xCNc5142DgY37Z5qcqk1VsfmHgWfYNrnQ==&ch=lxsWTKMxwNmCT_dRbOC3dIZldL3A0dKeZ2sVY-swR5tk6NYUtsbThQ==__;!!HXCxUKc!3UT3TAeOLHc9c2zxE5sjVopCS2-w9VtL0YDO0V06nYG02uPMmLE_mRgycbgSX6mKxuNO7zv9WEJhtplhyw$> Online | 7-8 a.m. A free, weekly online series for farmers and agribusinesses on a wide array of relevant field crop topics during the growing season. This week discusses timing the last irrigation application with Younsuk Dong. More MSU Extension Organic Agriculture Events<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PCbPh5m8OOoxyHYPsqfYARW217d81mYOvn0wF9Czn7LzzlwbTOESdAPY7tpzwq_PEP4lzYo2E_mkUbBropL-Y_L7F89ceqeS4sMdR8B3UdmRRu_fRPe6_r4R7bXj-ennBR4Z3Q-UztqmADP90HabYwwMtEFo-9c2Re6AXDSsh3zRCE6WybmBkbS3r7NkisDVxSAbnA2PDsqwiEpj5SOyQvF830rRjvNqMhbjGOHKxNRfP4Q-XlleVAHIEhb0we1CVMqIhDxwzbEyd8Thcael0yQ1ZZOnbzzqvgkqg1iGeyagogeRllHNyA==&c=nC2ovb4-nPnI9F-48Lah6xCNc5142DgY37Z5qcqk1VsfmHgWfYNrnQ==&ch=lxsWTKMxwNmCT_dRbOC3dIZldL3A0dKeZ2sVY-swR5tk6NYUtsbThQ==__;!!HXCxUKc!3UT3TAeOLHc9c2zxE5sjVopCS2-w9VtL0YDO0V06nYG02uPMmLE_mRgycbgSX6mKxuNO7zv9WEJP6yz2hQ$> Read More<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PCbPh5m8OOoxyHYPsqfYARW217d81mYOvn0wF9Czn7LzzlwbTOESdBYIpyXnbTq_kB4DB3uWb6oadQeK66WCHeuSTT7_eOkzBq-FLOa5WpMVMVZEMttY3mPDjionPJBGRRLHuS_LzcauCEdLEAF7sCxEIv5D8ly5dWDPQZJivPXyh0sLMyJvFBil1xZaf5voeVzZcOmda86zFhriTFxBr7HpJLDiTtEOjayCKFrh9yDC8LXcX7bNO4VDQwg8KZsUyoBXlQ8PtvYBMu1ZgOoRTIPWWT4ibZ5HODwuCEZOB8_PARSmTJnqUTY_UxqW5-3Osa2jKYVmNGgxOSZekE0KTCvuCYf2kozfGIMnvSKZgEEw3YgwJtdDSABl9H_aE51F&c=nC2ovb4-nPnI9F-48Lah6xCNc5142DgY37Z5qcqk1VsfmHgWfYNrnQ==&ch=lxsWTKMxwNmCT_dRbOC3dIZldL3A0dKeZ2sVY-swR5tk6NYUtsbThQ==__;!!HXCxUKc!3UT3TAeOLHc9c2zxE5sjVopCS2-w9VtL0YDO0V06nYG02uPMmLE_mRgycbgSX6mKxuNO7zv9WELIIIJuOA$> New SARE Bulletin: What is Sustainable Agriculture? At its heart, sustainable agriculture is simple. In practice, it’s much more complicated. Farmers and ranchers who value sustainability embrace three common goals for a successful production system: * Profit over the long term * Stewardship of our nation’s land, air and water * Quality of life for farmers, ranchers, farm employees and communities Order in print or download for free now!<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/sare.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76cd8ae318dcb51ec0647e11d&id=b042a98bb6&e=a683ac897d__;!!HXCxUKc!1usIjsO55Ynv7qdd5fI3JNNrxkBribmT0Ktpnb-KJlsrXzbMKWb4bjxUO96JmVgbdCCjZZLj8QUIfQ$> SARE’s newly revised What is Sustainable Agriculture?<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/sare.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76cd8ae318dcb51ec0647e11d&id=9bd44ed03e&e=a683ac897d__;!!HXCxUKc!1usIjsO55Ynv7qdd5fI3JNNrxkBribmT0Ktpnb-KJlsrXzbMKWb4bjxUO96JmVgbdCCjZZJzL_XO7A$> publication provides a primer to practices that can help farmers and ranchers improve the sustainability of any complex, integrated production and marketing system. * Soil Health<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/sare.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76cd8ae318dcb51ec0647e11d&id=06cbf02eb7&e=a683ac897d__;!!HXCxUKc!1usIjsO55Ynv7qdd5fI3JNNrxkBribmT0Ktpnb-KJlsrXzbMKWb4bjxUO96JmVgbdCCjZZKynx5WEg$>: Healthy soil provides a strong foundation for the vitality of any crop or forage. Cover crops, conservation tillage and effective compost and pasture management can help producers improve soil quality. * Biological Diversity<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/sare.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76cd8ae318dcb51ec0647e11d&id=8dfab901c0&e=a683ac897d__;!!HXCxUKc!1usIjsO55Ynv7qdd5fI3JNNrxkBribmT0Ktpnb-KJlsrXzbMKWb4bjxUO96JmVgbdCCjZZL2eG96ZA$>: Crop rotation and integrated crop and livestock systems are proven approaches for managing water quality, cycling nutrients and interrupting the life cycles of pests. * Health and Wellbeing of People<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/sare.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76cd8ae318dcb51ec0647e11d&id=dac6aea303&e=a683ac897d__;!!HXCxUKc!1usIjsO55Ynv7qdd5fI3JNNrxkBribmT0Ktpnb-KJlsrXzbMKWb4bjxUO96JmVgbdCCjZZLPI45P2w$>: Safe and humane working conditions and fair compensation for producers and farmworkers are essential components of a sustainable production system. * Ecological Pest Management<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/sare.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76cd8ae318dcb51ec0647e11d&id=2e28d95d08&e=a683ac897d__;!!HXCxUKc!1usIjsO55Ynv7qdd5fI3JNNrxkBribmT0Ktpnb-KJlsrXzbMKWb4bjxUO96JmVgbdCCjZZK_ZWl5jA$>: Understanding insect, weed and disease pests can help producers improve control through scouting, reduced applications, biodiversity and other tools. * … and more!<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/sare.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=76cd8ae318dcb51ec0647e11d&id=ec813f4b6f&e=a683ac897d__;!!HXCxUKc!1usIjsO55Ynv7qdd5fI3JNNrxkBribmT0Ktpnb-KJlsrXzbMKWb4bjxUO96JmVgbdCCjZZJviXj33A$> ------END---- Peace and good harvests to all of you! Vicki Morrone Organic Farming Specialist and Beginning Farmer Educator Dept of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> + 1-517-282-3557 (cell and What’s app) Sorrone11 (skype) 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