Calendar of Events

December 1, 2009
Online Conference

The 2009 Bio eConference—“Growing the Bioeconomy: Solutions for Sustainability”—is a 12-state alliance of simultaneous state conferences. These co-host sites will be sharing content through high-speed communication systems to promote agriculturally-based sustainable solutions to global climate change and energy supply.

December 1-3, 2009
Cleveland, Ohio

This conference will explore and foster a new paradigm in city design and transformation in which services provided by natural ecosystems are preserved, rural and urban ecosystems are integrated, and food, energy and other resources are produced, consumed, and recycled within the city and contiguous metropolitan region. Such a paradigm shift will enhance city and regional resilience, minimize ecological footprint of growing human population, and improve local and global stability and economic sustainability. The conference will focus on the science, education, and technology innovations and needs for an ecological transformation that will constructively address the intertwined challenges presented by climate change, rising energy costs, food insecurity, water shortages, emerging health threats, environmental degradation, and urban sprawl.

December 1-2, 2009
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

This expo will feature sessions on local foods, fruit and vegetable production, pest control, marketing, and more.

December 1-3, 2009
Amarillo, Texas

This year the Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show will feature over 500 companies showcasing the latest in agriculture products and services. The show attracts over 30,000 attendees from the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, as well as New Mexico, Colorado and Kansas and encompasses every aspect of farming and ranching.

December 1-2, 2009
Evansville, Indiana

The seminar is divided into four workshops, each targeting a different part of crop production and offering continuing education units and continuing credit hours. Workshops will focus on corn and soybeans; ear development in corn and soil management; fertilization; and environmental concerns with agriculture.

December 2-4, 2009
Reno, Nevada

Now in its 39th year this comprehensive conference covers many aspects of alfalfa and forage management from economics to pest management, irrigation and utilization. It is suitable for anyone interested in improving their knowledge about these key commodities in western agriculture.

December 2-3, 2009
Ames, Iowa

Conference attendees can choose from 34 workshops that offer the latest information on crop production and protection technology in Iowa and surrounding states. Workshops are offered by ISU faculty and staff and invited speakers from around the Midwest. The conference is hosted by ISU Extension, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the departments of Agronomy, Entomology, Plant Pathology and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.

December 2 & 9, 2009
Webinar

The December 2 presentation will pull together the messages the Webinar series has presented, how has the economic environment changed in the past six months, focusing on the help that is out there to help farm and ranch families deal with farming in uncertain times. The December 9 and 10 webinars will focus on the internet and other tools, that are available to assist agricultural professionals working with farm and ranch families, as they manage the many issues created by these very challenging agricultural economic environment.

December 2-3, 2009
Williston, North Dakota

An informative two day seminar for cattlemen featuring various facets of interest to producers in our area. Fifteen presenters including industry experts, leading producers and university specialists will be sharing information on key beef production and industry issues.

December 3-5, 2009
St. Paul, Minnesota

The annual Acres U.S.A. conference sets the standards for innovation and learning. It is where you find farmers and consultants from every side of eco-farming who come together to share their experience and expertise. Attend the non-stop event, learn the latest in cutting-edge technology and methods, and return home ready to make your farming operation the best it can be.

December 3-4, 2009
Pocantico Hills, New York

This December, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture presents its second annual Young Farmers Conference: Reviving the Culture of Agriculture, a program especially for young and new farmers. This conference is designed to help remove obstacles faced by young farmers, such as access to land and capital, working with various distribution channels (markets, cooperatives, institutions), lack of general agricultural skill-sets, and more. The Young Farmers Conference is a space to network with peers and learn from leaders in the field, helping to ensure that the next generation of farmers is equipped for the work ahead.

December 3, 2009
Webinar

How can food retailers – such as grocery managers, farmers, restaurants, or food specialty entrepreneurs – utilize the vast amount of online marketing options? If you or a client want to gain skills in online business decision-making, tune in to “Marketing Food Specialty Products Online” on December 3, 2009 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Central Time).

December 3, 2009
Webinar

Organic small grains are part of a growing niche market of staple crops that can command higher market prices and bring more to a farmer's bottom line. Find out how to grow organic small grains, including wheat, barley, rye and oats, in a FREE 60-minute webinar from ATTRA – National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. Attend ATTRA's Making Organic Small Grains Work on Your Farm webinar on Thursday, Dec. 3 to learn how farmers in traditional grain-growing regions are using organic production methods and find out if organic small grain production is right for you.

December 4-5, 2009
Kirksville, Missouri

The Symposium will feature educational programs on all species of livestock (horses, beef cattle, sheep, and meat goats), forages, stock dogs, conservation, wildlife, and more. Featuring nationally known speakers, trade show, and entertainment.

December 4, 2009
Kirksville, Missouri

This Bioenergy Conference, funded by a Professional Development Program grant from USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), will highlight the role of farms and farmland in a sustainable energy future, emphasizing information that attendees will need to work with farmers and landowners considering or participating in bioenergy projects. The conference will address production and handling of dedicated biomass feedstocks, algae oil production and utilization, alternative oilseed production, farm-level oilseed processing and biodiesel production, methane digesters, and recent developments in energy policy.

Dec. 4-6, 2009
Black Mountain, North Carolina

With the wealth of amazing farms in the region, the outstanding programs at Warren Wilson College, and other exciting ag projects nearby, this will be an amazing educational opportunity for experienced farmers, new farmers, gardeners and activists alike.

December 5, 2009
Jamestown, North Dakota

What does it take to raise livestock organically? Where are the markets for certified organic livestock? These questions and many more will be addressed at the Organic Livestock Workshop being held in Jamestown on December 5th.

December 5, 2009
Ames, Iowa

This year's Iowa Organic Conference will include sessions on:

* Transitioning to Organic Farming
* Marketing Organic Produce
* Building Carbon in Your Soil
* Government Programs for Organic

December 5, 2009
Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Participants will learn to build an actual 100' hoop house, complete with plastic. The workshop is an educational event targeted for gardeners and commercial farmers wanting to expand on their current practices.

December 8-9, 2009
St. Cloud, Minnesota

Mark your calendars and plan on joining us at the Midwest's premier dairy show featuring the best in educational and networking opportunities for today's dairy producer.

December 8, 2009
Webinar

During this webinar, we'll provide National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition members and allies an opportunity to learn more about the relationship between agriculture and climate change and how sustainable production methods can help farmers adapt to climate change and also mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. We'll explore what cap and trade is, what allowances and offsets are, and also what is happening with federal climate change legislation.

December 9-11, 2009
Des Moines, Iowa

The purpose of the workshop is to explore science-based solutions for reducing sources of nutrient loads exported from the upper portion of the Mississippi River drainage system to the Gulf of Mexico. The focus is on the Missouri, Upper Mississippi River, Ohio, and Tennessee River Basins.

December 9-10, 2009
Santa Barbara, California

In this course, Joel Salatin will challenge participants to design pathways to relocalization based on his own very successful model at Polyface Farms in Swoope, Virginia, and will also include techniques and directions from the emerging relocalization movement.

December 9-11, 2009
Kearney, Nebraska

Cattle producers from throughout the state will gather in Kearney Dec. 9-11 for the Nebraska Cattlemen's Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. They will receive updates, discuss challenges and opportunities and help shape the organization's positions on pressing issues.

December 10, 2009
Livingston, Alabama

At this conference, livestock producers will have an excellent chance to hear the latest research and information on forages and grazing management from some of the nation's top authorities.

December 10, 2009
Webinar

Getting a Web site is just the first step. Learning how to conduct business and sales online, from understanding what motivates consumers decisions and trends to make practical choices for efficiency, can make all the difference.

December 4 & 11, 2009
Hudson & Madison, Wisconsin

Learn how to extend your marketing season by growing and selling winter storage crops like carrots, beets, winter squash, cabbage, potatoes, onions, garlic and more.

December 13-16, 2009
Sparks, Nevada

This conference will heighten public awareness of the economic and environmental aspects of grazing lands and technical assistance will be emphasized. Highlights include presentations on the four major conference tracks, reinforced by real world examples from panels of ranchers and farmers.