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Michigan Organic Listserv December 2023 From the Desk of Vicki Morrone, Community Sustainability at Michigan State University [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Happy holidays to all of you. May your days be bright even in Michigan and your fields green with beautiful cover crops. Peace to all of you, your families, communities, customers, and hopefully someday the World. Share your beautiful farm photos with us! We would love to feature your photos on the cover of our 2024 Organic Farming Conference program! Submit photos of your farm<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/default.salsalabs.org/T3de8d013-91b8-4511-9056-9dc836ac0b53/b82bff91-4c0b-46ab-89d0-bdecaf04d701__;!!HXCxUKc!wSsJ9MEGoY-qEfjFZGV7NePvcS1KDZs5g6RAiLumrKikykfeYcdQT3bN4Cr3hnmpjSbTlwFTUujd6Q$>,<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/default.salsalabs.org/Tb4bbf06d-6614-4476-b83e-3e4981e2e5fe/b82bff91-4c0b-46ab-89d0-bdecaf04d701__;!!HXCxUKc!wSsJ9MEGoY-qEfjFZGV7NePvcS1KDZs5g6RAiLumrKikykfeYcdQT3bN4Cr3hnmpjSbTlwGxtPkt5Q$> you farming, you and your farmer friends, your livestock or harvest... the possibilities are endless! We want to collect photos from our community to rep the Midwest organic farming movement. Winner will also receive one free conference admission to our 2024 Organic Farming Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin (February 22-24), recognition in the program and a conference t-shirt. Our conference theme this year is Roots and Rhizomes: Growing Together and Early Bird Registration opens December 5.<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/default.salsalabs.org/Ta31465c8-3e85-41da-816d-3d858b159950/b82bff91-4c0b-46ab-89d0-bdecaf04d701__;!!HXCxUKc!wSsJ9MEGoY-qEfjFZGV7NePvcS1KDZs5g6RAiLumrKikykfeYcdQT3bN4Cr3hnmpjSbTlwFGRudMkQ$> Submit your best photos by December 31<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/default.salsalabs.org/T4e67f275-e970-4f86-9fc3-6b054ad47b1a/b82bff91-4c0b-46ab-89d0-bdecaf04d701__;!!HXCxUKc!wSsJ9MEGoY-qEfjFZGV7NePvcS1KDZs5g6RAiLumrKikykfeYcdQT3bN4Cr3hnmpjSbTlwFZM79WAg$>.<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/default.salsalabs.org/T55a7c4f4-74b0-4937-949f-acea354ee13c/b82bff91-4c0b-46ab-89d0-bdecaf04d701__;!!HXCxUKc!wSsJ9MEGoY-qEfjFZGV7NePvcS1KDZs5g6RAiLumrKikykfeYcdQT3bN4Cr3hnmpjSbTlwFtAKWT1g$> You can submit up to three high resolution photos total. We will notify contest winners by early January. *Disclaimer* By submitting your photos for this contest, you agree to allow Marbleseed to use your photos on our website, on social media, in print, and for any other future promotion or marketing of Marbleseed's programs. We will credit the farm, city, and state. To submit your photos click here:<https://mosesorganic.wufoo.com/forms/zgjoll61ez8nnp/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=975588d1-75c7-4ae7-be90-36ce00cc6dc5> December 20th MI CSA Virtual Network Meeting: End of Year Check-in and Resource Round-up Dec 20, 2023 10:00 AM The Michigan CSA Network welcomes you to join us to celebrate (or commiserate) the end of the year, CSA season and start of the “off-season”. We will provide lots of space for farmers to share about their accomplishments and their challenges from the 2023 year as well as connect farmers to several resource providers and opportunities that are available during the winter months for farmers. We will also share continued opportunities for farmers to engage more deeply with the CSA Network and help shape the work for 2024. Michigan Ag Ideas Conference February 19- March 1 To register (free) and receive the zoom connection go to https://msu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEufuCrrT4tGdLwRVCv27nvBr1BYDZ4Qn1C Here's the registration link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/miagideas MI CSA Network Virtual Network Meeting: End of Year Check-in and Resource Round-up December 20th @ 10 am. The Michigan CSA Network welcomes you to join us to celebrate (or commiserate) the end of the year, CSA season and start of the “off-season”. We will provide lots of space for farmers to share about their accomplishments and their challenges from the 2023 year as well as connect farmers to several resource providers and opportunities that are available during the winter months for farmers. We will also share continued opportunities for farmers to engage more deeply with the CSA Network and help shape the work for 2024. Zoom Registration: https://msu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEufuCrrT4tGdLwRVCv27nvBr1BYDZ4Qn1C To visit the WEBsite of this organization (recently revitalized). https://www.michigancsanetwork.org/ All Farmers are encouraged to participate! Farmers and Gardeners to participate in a survey on Water Conservation Practices Help us update and consolidate data on best water conservation practices in the city. Document experiences securing water for your farm or garden. Document experiences with DWSD. $20 Cash stipend for up to 50 survey takers. Opportunities to participate in the research available to those interested in receiving a water meter and tracking their water usage. Details provided in the survey! For those who lack stable internet connectivity or need assistance with the survey, please leave a message for Tony Johnson at (313) 288-8907 or [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> to schedule a meeting to take the survey in-person. Use QR code below to access the survey. [A qr code on a white background Description automatically generated] Educational Events Michigan Organic Food and Farming Alliance Organic Intensives Saturday, January 6, 2024 Registration begins at 8 a.m. Sessions from 9 a.m. EST - 5 p.m. EST. Plant and Soil Sciences Building<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.moffa.net/oi-detail-map.html__;!!HXCxUKc!yLn9-FC1eFUAkRWw9JuGCwCt_fjmRmvd_CaAGEKuZLPRdos27r_vGHTu1lIu3XLrpZNrI5hQcWfDyLL6Pg$>, Michigan State University, 1066 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI Become a member for 2024 to save $30 on the registration Click here to register for this event<https://www.moffa.net/oi-registration.html>. MOFFA's Organic Intensives<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.moffa.net/OI-2024.html__;!!HXCxUKc!yLn9-FC1eFUAkRWw9JuGCwCt_fjmRmvd_CaAGEKuZLPRdos27r_vGHTu1lIu3XLrpZNrI5hQcWcOPJZ9ZQ$>, and our other educational activities, are made possible by our members. Half of us are farmers growing with ecologically principled practices; some certified and some not. The others are people who are involved with the food system through their employment (30%), and people who just plain care about what they eat (20%). If you are not already a member, we invite you to join us<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.moffa.net/membership.html__;!!HXCxUKc!yLn9-FC1eFUAkRWw9JuGCwCt_fjmRmvd_CaAGEKuZLPRdos27r_vGHTu1lIu3XLrpZNrI5hQcWf3xzeb0Q$> in working to achieve our vision of a vibrant and diverse community working together for healthy food that is available to everyone and for agricultural practices that support the long-term viability of our ecosystem. If your acreage is small or large, rural or urban, animals or vegetables, you will find something of interest at the next Organic Intensive! You choose 1 session that you are interested to engage for the day. You will receive guides and materials to follow along and reference for your future work. Session # 1 Innovative Ecological Farming and Growing Do not miss this great opportunity – using the power and fundamentals of ecology to enliven soils, support healthy crops, and boost life systems on your farm or garden. Helen Atthowe, author of The Ecological Farm: A Minimalist No-Till, No-Spray, Selective-Weeding, Grow-Your-Own-Fertilizer System for Organic Agriculture, will share her profound insights from 35 years of farming and land stewardship. Local presenters Brittney Rooney of Beaverland Farm in Detroit and Nate Lada of Green Things Collective Farm in Ann Arbor, will build on Helen's concepts and practical techniques with their own real-life examples. You'll walk out of the session with a new understanding of growing spaces as living systems and a list of DIY techniques to implement in your own unique environment. One of MOFFA’s most highly anticipated sessions ever! Photo Credit: Book Cover, Chelsea Green Publishing Session # 2. Building a Just and Equitable Seed Community This intensive will offer some basic hands on skills to the beginner and enhance the tool kit for more advanced seed savers and growers. Shiloh Maples, an Anishinaabe community organizer, seed keeper and story teller, will present on Seed Matriation and Seed Ethics. Amy Newday, with support from others, will focus on beginning and advanced seed saving techniques. Erica Kempter and Mike Levine of Nature and Nurture Seeds, will share about their breeding projects and the need for high quality organic seed. They will navigate us through the process of growing seed for them or other small seed companies. Michael Lordon, Midwest organizer and educator, for the Organic Seed Alliance, will speak to the OSA’s ongoing efforts to breed open pollinated varieties suited for low input organic growing systems. The day will also include a session on best practice seed cleaning techniques and a panel roundtable discussion on enhancing the seed community. Photo Credit: Leah Smith Session # 3 Locally Sourced and Manufactured Fibers: An Important Part of Sustainable Living We all look for locally produced food to make dinner, but what about locally produced animal or plant fiber to make clothes? In this session we will look at some of the possibilities in the world of local fiber production. On Happy Goat Lucky Ewe Fiber Farm and Michigan Merinos (in Mason), Bridget Kavanaugh has gained considerable experience raising Angora goats and Merino sheep (currently 50) for fiber on a large scale. Her talk will range from field rotations and breeding to working with a local sweater company (Fair Enough) and managing retail sales. Natural Cycles Farm of Allegan is where Lori Evesque practices true integration, managing a homestead with components for vegetable, “protein,” and fiber production. With a diversity of sheep flocks and a dye garden, her passions can truly combine in her love of fiber. Knowledgeable on harvesting and processing wool (as well as retailing the finished items), she can take you from sheep to clothing. Come learn about this often neglected aspect of “local” living, fiber! Midwest Cover Crops Council Meetings February 13-14, 2024 – MCCC at the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis . Click what you want more info or to register any of the following: Agenda <https://www.midwestcovercrops.org/meetings/#Agenda657ad1fba66fd-panel> Registration <https://www.midwestcovercrops.org/meetings/#Registration657ad1fba6a29-panel> Fees for others: $100 for meeting and conference or $85 for just the conference Students <https://www.midwestcovercrops.org/meetings/#Students657ad1fba6fc0-panel> Students are FREE. Sponsors and Exhibitors <https://www.midwestcovercrops.org/meetings/#SponsorsandExhibitors657ad1fba7134-panel> Hotel Information <https://www.midwestcovercrops.org/meetings/#HotelInformation657ad1fba720e-panel> The Event will be held at the Crown Plaza Indy-Airport Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Airport, an IHG Hotel 2501 S High School Rd Indianapolis, IN 46241 The group room rate is $149.00 (+tax) and will be available until 5:00 PM EST on January 22, 2024. A block of rooms has also been reserved at the prevailing government per diem for government employees. To book your room: Online<https://web.cvent.com/event/918152dc-815a-4af4-8e1e-fc93d73ac243/websitePage:f5f1940b-980e-4398-96f6-3b681ef5e4a3> Call - (317)244-6861. Block Code: MDC. Government Block Code: MD1 Help Make Info about Cover Crop Incentive Programs Easier to Find Do you use state and/or federal incentive programs to help pay for your cover crops? Do you want to, but aren’t sure where to start? Do you work with farmers? Join our discussion and hands-on workshop in partnership with the MCCC Conference to make this information easier to find! Coffee, snacks, and a $50 gift card provided. Two sessions available (Feb 13 3:15-5:15pm and Feb 14 5-7pm). Max 6 people per session. Please indicate your interest at https://forms.gle/iFurUYd2Bg2Xujka7. Marbleseed's 35th Organic Farming Conference Save the date! Our 35th Organic Farming Conference will take place February 22-24, 2024. We cannot wait to see our community in February! Early Bird Registration is OPEN! <https://web.cvent.com/event/804a8531-a2cd-4c8e-b7ea-ee4954c3479b/summary?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=14b7f471-0157-44e5-b3fe-3d99b1d20875> Register for Marbleseed 2024 here<https://web.cvent.com/event/804a8531-a2cd-4c8e-b7ea-ee4954c3479b/summary?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=14b7f471-0157-44e5-b3fe-3d99b1d20875> Marbleseed's Organic Farming Conference features inspiring speakers, educational workshops, Organic Universities, and farmer panels. The Marbleseed Conference offers knowledge for all experiences from organic and sustainable farmers, homesteaders, food policy advocates and more. Dozens of transformative, skill-building workshops and roundtables covering business management, soil health, and production are crafted to advance resilient organic farms and regenerative food systems. Interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor at the next Organic Farming Conference? Opportunities are announced in September. Learn how to become a sponsor or exhibitor.<https://marbleseed.org/support/sponsorship-and-exhibitors> Content submissions are now closed for the 2024 Marbleseed Conference. You are welcome to submit a proposal for a facilitated discussion, traditional presentation or interactive session for future years! Submit a content proposal here.<https://marbleseed.salsalabs.org/content-proposal-form> Get updates about the Organic Farming Conference and more when you sign up for our newsletter.<https://mosesorganic.salsalabs.org/marbleseed-signup> Scholarships Applications are Open! Scholarships are available to reduce the cost to attend the conference. Priority may be given to beginning farmers, veterans, historically underserved farmers, those who have not attended the conference before, and those for whom the cost is a financial barrier. Tell us why you want to attend the Marbleseed Conference and need a scholarship to make that happen. Scholarship rates are $40 per day for adults and $0 for kids ages 3-17. Apply by December 18! The scholarship application is available in both English and Spanish, and interpretation services will be available to attendees at the conference. Apply here<https://marbleseed.salsalabs.org/2024-marbleseed-scholarship-app/index.html> Volunteer Opportunities In exchange for 8-10 hours of service, you can attend the conference at a discounted rate. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Sign up here<https://mosesorganic.wufoo.com/forms/x5m351e0gz4ut1/> Keynote “Waste is not Waste Until We Waste It” We are thrilled to welcome Anna Hammond (Matriark Foods), Ben Hartman (Farmer and Author), and Jim Kleinschmit (Other Half Processing) as our 2024 keynote speakers. From time, physical labor, to hides, and misshapen veggies, this year’s general session will focus on things we waste. The speakers have used imagination and entrepreneurship to reframe waste as an opportunity that benefits the planet and small-medium scale farms. Their stories show the ingenuity of problem-solving within human scale systems based on values of climate healing, work-life balance, and truly honoring the land, animals, and humans that make up our food and farming systems. Organic Research Forum Submissions for the Organic Research Forum are open! The Organic Research Forum at the 2024 Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference, includes a poster session presenting data and ongoing research projects related to organic agriculture. Posters are expected to present a body of data rather than an outline of planned activities. Field research should be performed on certified organic land. Learn more about the Organic Research Forum and how to apply here<https://marbleseed.org/organic-research-forum> The Climate Change Permaculture Project (CCPP) Permaculture Incubator Program (PIP) CCPP’s stated purpose is “to help create a critical mass of farmers who will adopt regenerative farming practices, embodied in the principles of permaculture, to begin to reverse the effects of climate change and, at the same time, help to address food insecurity.” Programming is centered on its Permaculture Incubator Program (PIP). Like a small business incubator, new practices and concepts can be tested to see what will work best. How much carbon different agricultural practices can pull from the air and sequester into the soil will be measured. CCPP’s target is the underserved beginning farmer population, particularly women and people of color, who may lack the resources to make a start in the agricultural sector. The 4-bedroom house, that includes a 2-acre parcel of prime farmland directly across the street, will comfortably accommodate four PIP farmers who will implement regenerative agricultural practices under the tutelage of nationally recognized permaculture experts. These beginning farmers will use participatory action research to learn and share what agricultural practices sequester the most carbon as well as what plants will be more resilient and grow best in extreme weather conditions. Trainee Costs and Benefits Residential housing is located on Stevenson Lake. Rent is $500/month. CCPP will help trainees to look for sponsors as needed. In addition, trainees will pay 10% of their gross sales to CCPP to help to cover administrative costs. The house is currently listed on Airbnb until programming begins in 2024. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/799729898184872920?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=4f261f65-bfa4-487d-ad7f-4c361f589d41 After two years in the program, trainees will receive a diploma in Regenerative Land Management with a specialization in climate change from The Permaculture Institute of North America (PINA). They should have saved enough money to lease farmland, make a down payment on property, or to purchase farming equipment. Eligibility There are three criteria that applicants must meet to be considered for participation in the incubator program. Successful applicants must: 1. demonstrate that they meet the conditions for being considered to be historically underserved, namely: beginning farmers, limited resource farmers, and socially disadvantaged farmers (i.e., women and people of color); 2. hold a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC). This requirement will ensure that applicants understand permaculture ethics, principles, design processes, and implementation techniques; 3. and agree to follow program rules, including participation in research and evaluation protocols. Application Process In order to apply to the program, potential applicants must submit the following material: 1. Letter of motivation (1 pg) 2. Resume 3. Permaculture design for the participant’s plot 4. A short business plan Application materials should be submitted to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> by COB on 15 December 2023. Selection Process Application materials will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of CCPP administrators and PINA field supervisors. Notifications will be sent by 31 December. Success applicants will be invited to a week-long staging event during March in which collective decisions will be made and individual permaculture designs will be reconciled. Please send inquiries to Karen Russon ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>). Employment and Mentorship Opportunities Farmer Mentor Positions offered by The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) Overview: The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) funded by USDA is actively seeking experienced and knowledgeable certified organic producers who are passionate about organic production and interested in sharing their expertise with others. As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to guide and support producers who are transitioning to organic, providing them with valuable insights, practical advice, and industry best practices. By becoming a mentor, you will play a crucial role in helping new, organic producers succeed and contribute to the growth of the organic movement in our region. As a mentor, you will be paired with a producer transitioning their operation to organic production who shares similarities with you and your operation; you will have regular meetings and check-ins; and you will provide your expertise with organic production to help them succeed in their organic venture. This is a paid mentorship opportunity, including paid training, mentorship time, and travel time. All crop and livestock producers are welcome to apply! Responsibilities: All mentor responsibilities can be completed in person or virtually: Mentor at least one producer transitioning to organic production for one year, with an option to renew mentorship annually. Complete 5 hours of mentor training annually Provide 40 hours of mentorship each year (optional additional hours with additional mentees), including: Complete onboarding with mentee and mentorship coordinator Host mentee at least once on your own operation Visit mentee’s operation at least once Lead monthly meetings with mentee Participate in program evaluations. Complete quarterly check-ins with the mentorship coordinator. Answer mentee’s emails and phone calls in a timely manner Track mentorship hours and activities Recommended to attend at least one educational event with mentee Suggested to present at or host an educational event. Qualifications: Owners, managers, employees, or retired producers of certified organic operations with at least 3 years of direct experience with organic certification Ability to fulfill the time commitment of mentorship including communication, site visits (virtual or in person), and researching solutions Willingness to engage in problem solving, and a desire to give-back to the organic production community Strong understanding of the rules, challenges, and benefits of organic production and becoming certified organic Open to inviting mentee and other program participants to your operation either in person or virtually Preferred experience in a teaching, supervising or mentor role. Benefits $3,000 stipend for each mentorship year you participate (additional stipend for mentors with more than one mentee) Applicants with language skills beyond English may be eligible for additional compensation. Paid professional development on professional and interpersonal skills, organic regulations, and organic production practices Develop teaching and facilitation skills. Take part in supporting the growing network of organic producers! To Apply : Please complete the application at MW TOPP Mentor Application<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AqrQ9VUXT4oZtnYn6ZkoNVbQIt62hpFJ7SaTK4tI9is/viewform?edit_requested=true>. Contact: [contact information] with questions or to sign up. Mentor applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Seeking a Regenerative Livestock Farm Worker Crane Dance Farm Middleville, MI QUALIFICATIONS: A heart for animals. Strong work ethic. Problem solving and communication skills. Practical knowledge and application of farm-related skills - ie: mechanical, building and grounds maintenance, equipment operation and care, livestock management (food, water, shelter, bedding, fences). An observational eye: taking time to look, listen, and notice changes in animals, environment, broken equipment, etc. Fortitude and strength of body, mind, and character; dedication to the work of tending lives humanely and responsibly throughout the changing seasons A desire to learn the varied aspects involved in regenerative farming. Pay Scale: TBD - based on experience and skill level. JOB DESCRIPTION: Working the farm as a team in a safe manner. Reporting to the Farm Manager(s). Carrying out daily farming operations/chores including, but not limited to: * Livestock Management: food, water, shelter, bedding, fences; herd health: breeding, vaccinating, birthing, castrating, etc.; livestock movement: to new pastures, abattoirs, etc. * Land Management: weed whipping, brush hogging, snow plowing; soil testing; planting, tilling, harvesting, spreading compost and soil amendments. * Helping to stock freezers and keep inventory of products Inventory management and transportation of grains, hay, straw, minerals, fuel, supplies. * Building and Equipment management (helping with and/or learning): maintenance/repairs; construction /design Marketing and public relations on farm, at events, and at farmers markets as needed. * May include, but not limited to: farm tours, cash and inventory control, sales goals, product and freezer familiarity and access. COMPENSATION: This is a contract position, renewable annually from start date. The pay is commensurate with experience and skill level: to be determined during interview. Key elements of the contract include: A 6-day work week (45-55 hours per week or TBD), which includes Saturdays and rotating holidays and Sundays as needed. *Hours will be determined during interview. Weekly food bank of farm products (in addition to salary). Compensation and/or time for extra work performed during peak farm needs Paid vacation: one week (6 days paid) during the first calendar year. Requests must be pre-approved. EXPECTATION OF WORKERS: Honest and communicative, punctual. Drug, alcohol, and tobacco free at work. Work outside in all kinds of weather, per schedule and as needed. Wear appropriate clothing: gloves, boots, rain gear, masks, eye and ear protection, etc. A cell phone the works around the farm - limited personal and earbuds use during work hours. Reliable transportation. Able to life decent amount of weight repeatedly Work efficiently alone and as part of a team. Easy to work with, fast learner, sense of humour, heart for animals. WORKER DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES: Attending to food, water, shelter, bedding and fencing for all livestock Visually checking of all stock at start of shift and closely monitoring special needs stock throughout shift (pregnant, young, sick) and at final chore round Miscellaneous tasks assigned Property and equipment maintenance, repairs, storage Return tools, et al, daily to where they belong Maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work environment and farm appearance Complete daily time log and journal entries Efficient use of time Above all else, keep a close focus on safety, always Have fun! Enjoy the animals, the nature, the beauty of this special place! CONTACT: DANI MACKENZIE @ 604-309-8409 OR email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Opportunities **END** 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