Events

July 19, 2019
Blakesburg, Iowa
This Practical Farmers of Iowa field day will serve as an introduction to hair sheep for beginning farmers or those who are looking to scale up. Learn how Bart VerEllen manages spring lambing and rotational grazing with electric netting and the help of five guard dogs. Bart will discuss how he supplements grain and bale-grazes on old crop ground, how parasites are managed and how he's developed a specific mineral program.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 21, 2019
Madison, Wisconsin
This day-long course is part of the School for Urban Agriculture's summer workshop series. The School for Urban Agriculture is a collaborative effort of the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems and Farm and Industry Short Course at UW-Madison, the Center for Resilient Cities, Community GroundWorks and the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 21, 2019
North Salem, Indiana
Purdue Extension and Indiana AgrAbility are teaming up for a series of free workshops and farm tours focused on food safety and targeted toward military veteran farmers. At the Lowe Farm tour, participants will meet Zach and Brianne Lowe who operate a self-sufficient homestead. This tour will touch on a variety of topics, including home food preservation, top bar beehives, raising small livestock and many others. The Lowes will show participants how to operate a productive homestead without having to quit their day jobs or jumping off the grid.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 22, 2019
Lansing, Michigan
MSU Student Organic Farm's Farmer Field School presents an opportunity to tour several farms in the Lansing area. Stops will include a beekeeper, school garden, vegetable and cut-flower farm, and pasture-based dairy.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 22, 2019
Bonner Springs, Kansas
Kansas Farmers Union and the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Kansas are offering new and aspiring farmers an opportunity to visit nine Kansas and Missouri farms and learn from educators, producers and other experts about topics ranging from on farm food safety to business planning through three free tours. This first tour highlights opportunities with livestock production, including a small sheep dairy and cheese making company, a veteran-owned and staffed ranch producing USDA certified hormone-free American Wagyu beef, and a diversified family farming operation raising registered Angus cattle, crossbred hogs, and row crops. The day's educational session focuses on enhancing producers' relationships with their meat processors and also covers a program for military service members transitioning to civilian life with interest in a career in agriculture.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 22, 2019
Wilmar, Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering a free, three-hour workshop that provides an overview of the stressors unique to growing up on a farm. The MDA encourages teachers, school counselors, school administrators, 4-H leaders, FFA advisors, youth pastors, social workers, mental health professionals, health care professionals, and others who work with farm youth to attend. The workshop is free but space is limited.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 23, 2019
Menoken, North Dakota
This Menoken Farm Cover Crop & Grazing Tour will feature speakers Steve Groff, Justin Zahradka, and Aaron Steckler.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 24-25, 2019
Crawfordsville, Indiana
The Organic Agronomy Training Series (OATS) is a collaboratively managed, science-based, train-the-trainer program for agricultural professionals working with organic or transitioning producers in the United States. The group seeks to grow domestic organic production by strengthening the educational support network of agronomists, certified crop advisors, extension agents, and technical services providers serving certified organic grain producers. The program will build participants' knowledge base in all key areas of certified organic production.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 25, 2019
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering a free, three-hour workshop that provides an overview of the stressors unique to growing up on a farm. The MDA encourages teachers, school counselors, school administrators, 4-H leaders, FFA advisors, youth pastors, social workers, mental health professionals, health care professionals, and others who work with farm youth to attend. The workshop is free but space is limited.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 25, 2019
Kankaska, Michigan
Join the Antrim and Kalkaska Conservation Districts for their annual Soil Health Field Day, hosted this year by the Iott Seed Potato Farm in Kalkaska County. The event will highlight second year results of the ongoing three-year cover crop field trail. Additional speakers will address beneficial insects, composting, and more.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 28-31, 2019
Iowa City, Iowa
This joint annual meeting of the Northern Nut Growers Association and North American Fruit Explorers is open to all people with an interest in nut and fruit trees. The agenda includes two full days of technical presentations and an all-day field trip including Blueberry Bottom You-Pick near Brighton, Iowa; Chinkapin Bluff Wildlife area near Columbus City, Iowa; Prairie Grove Chestnut Growers Coop in Columbus Junction, Iowa; and Red Fern Farm north of Wapello, Iowa.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 28, 2019
Spring Grove, Minnesota
This Land Stewardship Project Farm Beginnings Field Day will focus on permaculture practices and regenerative agriculture at Nettle Valley Farm.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 30, 2019
Saybrook, Illinois
This field day from The Land Connection will showcase conservation practices that support wildlife species and will explore why wildlife is so important on the farm. Field day host Dallas Glazik is an organic farmer and Farm Bill Biologist with Pheasants Forever. He will display practices he uses on his own farm and explain programs offered by USDA to help farmers and landowners support wildlife on their land.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 30, 2019
Garden City, Kansas
This is one of five meetings hosted by Kansas Rural Center to facilitate discussion on the food system and farming and how these are related to climate and energy issues, as well as rural/urban revitalization. Discussion will include issues critical to Kansas ranging from the impacts of weather extremes and a changing climate on our food system and farming to population loss (especially of young people), health care, and present and future economic opportunities. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required to ensure a meal as a limited number of meals are available at each meeting.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 31, 2019
Wawaka, Indiana
This free, half-day event at Noble Organic Grains is co-hosted by Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association and Purdue University Extension. It is part of the 2019 Sustainable Farm Tour and Workshop Series.
In: North Central SARE Region

July 31, 2019
St. Francis, Kansas
This is one of five meetings hosted by Kansas Rural Center to facilitate discussion on the food system and farming and how these are related to climate and energy issues, as well as rural/urban revitalization. Discussion will include issues critical to Kansas ranging from the impacts of weather extremes and a changing climate on our food system and farming to population loss (especially of young people), health care, and present and future economic opportunities. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required to ensure a meal as a limited number of meals are available at each meeting.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 1, 2019
New Franklin, Missouri
University of Missouri's Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center will host a free Tomato Day featuring 10 new tomato trial varieties and other varieties for tasting. There will also be melon tasting.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 1, 2019
Madison, South Dakota
This free MOSES Organic Field Day is organized by Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society. Join the 2013 MOSES Farmer of the Year, Charlie Johnson, on a bus tour of his almost 3,000-acre organic farm.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 1, 2019
West Lafayette, Indiana
The second annual Purdue Small Farm Educational Field Day will emphasize sustainability in small-scale fruit and vegetable production, in terms of plant health and business management. It offers 10 educational sessions presented by Purdue agriculture faculty, designed for small-scale vegetable farmers. Morning educational sessions are followed by hands-on activities and demonstrations at Purdue University Student Farm. Topics will include high tunnels, tools, food safety, and post-harvest processing.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 2-4, 2019
Monroe and Brodhead, Wisconsin
For three days and with five unique components and involving numerous women-owned farms, the jam-packed, award-winning Soil Sisters culinary event celebrates Wisconsin's family farms and rural life in and around the farming communities of Monroe, New Glarus, Blanchardville, and Brodhead, Wisconsin. The agenda includes a local food and drink celebration; on-farm, hands-on workshops; a farm to table dinner; a farm pizza fundraiser meal; and a bus tour of small family farms led by Wisconsin women committed to a healthy, fresh future.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 2-4, 2019
New Paris, Ohio
Restoration Agriculture Development presents this workshop with Mark Shepard, author of Restoration Agriculture, and Greg Burns, of Nature's Image Farm. It offers hands-on learning about designs to make your land more resilient in times of flood and drought, using your livestock as your "land managers," how to cash flow until your system starts to produce, and how to begin a design plan of your own.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 2, 2019
Wheatfield, Indiana
Purdue Extension is hosting an organic agriculture program series focused on transitional strategy, crop rotation, nutrient management, weed management, and markets targeted for organic, transitional, and conventional farmers, agriculture professionals, and landowners. At this morning field day at Klemp Family Farm, participants will learn how the Klemps started into organic grain production, their transition strategy, and the evolution of their organic crop rotations. The field day will also include information about organic corn starter fertility, no-till organic soybean production, and use of different manures in organic nutrient management.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 3, 2019
Maxwell, Iowa
Savanna Institute and Practical Farmers of Iowa present an agroforestry field day at Carney Family Farms. Tour Bruce Carney's silvopasture and see how he as used cattle, sheep, and goats to clear invasive species in order to promote forage growth. Keefe Keeley from the Savanna Institute will speak on the costs and benefits of agroforesty on Midwestern farms. Luke Gran from Prudenterra will discuss Bruce's forestry plan, and Clint Miller from Polk County Natural Resources Conservation Service will speak on cost-share opportunities for agroforestry practices.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 4, 2019
Van Meter, Iowa
Through workshops and networking, this free afternoon event from Practical Farmers of Iowa brings beginning and retired farmers together in a meaningful way to address the challenge of farmland access. The summit includes two workshops aimed at helping farmland owners and beginning and aspiring farmers develop a plan to fulfill their farm visions.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 5, 2019
Bonner Springs, Kansas
Kansas Farmers Union and the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Kansas are offering new and aspiring farmers an opportunity to visit nine Kansas and Missouri farms and learn from educators, producers, and other experts about topics ranging from on farm food safety to business planning in three free tours. This second tour, "Growing Undercover," highlights opportunities with high tunnel, greenhouse, and hydroponic production of produce, microgreens, and living herbs. The afternoon's lunch and learn includes information on USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service's High Tunnel System Initiative.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 5, 2019
Ames, Iowa
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting the 2019 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station. The annual event will feature various research and demonstration projects on fruit and vegetable production for commercial growers, extension personnel, non-profit organizations, and Master Gardeners. The field day will provide an opportunity to observe results and evaluate research projects focusing on high tunnels, organic vegetable production, peppers, sweet potato, pest management in cucurbit crops, hops, peaches, and beneficial insects.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 6-8, 2019
Tipton, Kansas
Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition presents an opportunity to learn more about rangeland management in a friendly setting with other ranchers, land managers, range management students, and natural resource professionals. Besides learning plant identification, how to figure stocking rates, how to monitor vegetation response, write a drought mitigation plan (and use it) and the rest of basics needed to manage your rangeland, there will be ranchers and natural resource professionals talking with you about how to plan ahead for whatever nature or market forces bring to your ranching enterprise and how to respond to keep your rangeland health high and your livestock productive.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 6, 2019
Buckingham, Iowa
Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Iowa Seed Corn Cover Crops Initiative present a hands-on field day in two phases. From 2-5 p.m., farmers and producers will learn about soil health principles, including strip-tillage, grazing cover crops, and interseeding in 60-inch rows. The community is invited to join in for a meal at 5 p.m. Afterwards, children and parents can visit various stations on the farm to learn about steps local farmers are taking to protect water quality and soil health.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 7, 2019
Columbus Junction, Iowa
At this free Practical Farmers of Iowa field day, Roger Smith of Prairie Grove Chestnut Growers cooperative will discuss chestnut production, including tree and understory care, labor required during harvest, and proper handling and storage. He will also share his views on pricing, marketing, and Iowa's opportunity as an emerging leader in chestnut production.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 8, 2019
Ferryville, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Farmers Union hosts this Women Caring for the Land event, designed to serve women farmland landowners who are interested in learning more about conservation. Amy Fenn is turning a depleted hayfield and unmanaged woods into a savanna/silvopasture. Attend to learn more about conservation practices and network with other farm women in your region.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 10, 2019
Ottawa Lake, Michigan
Join OEFFA's Grain Growers Chapter for a state-line farm tour. John and Pat Bartholomew, along with son Gary Bartholomew and grandson Josh Fitzpatrick, farm 500 acres on the Ohio-Michigan line. Certified organic since 1988, they grow corn, soybeans, wheat, and clover for cover crop and seed production. Of special interest to fellow grain growers, the Bartholomews' mechanical cultivator guidance system and The Weed Zapper will be on display, in addition to a collection of restored antique tractors. A chapter meeting will take place before the tour.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 12-16, 2019
Coralville, Iowa
International Association of Organic Inspectors Basic Crop Inspection Training includes four days of instruction, including a field trip to a certified organic operation, plus a half day for testing. The registration deadline is June 28, 2019.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 12-14, 2019
Kearney, Nebraska
The 19th Annual Conference in the long history of serving Nebraska's graziers includes sessions on grazinglands management, the art and science of winter grazing, and rangeland resilience, as well as a pre-conference tour and welcome session. Regional producers and experts will speak.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 13-15, 2019
Redwood Falls, Minnesota
Soil Health Academy's course on Regenerative Farming and Ranching is hosted by Stoney Creek Farm. Instructors include Allen Williams, Gabe Brown, and Ray Archuleta. This course will examine all aspects of regenerative farming and ranching, soil health, plant health, and animal health. Hands-on experience will be heavily emphasized. Participants will work in teams to solve real-world grazing problems and sharpen their skills.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 13, 2019
Tipton, Kansas
No-till on the Plains is hosting a free morning soil health field day at Palen Family Farms. Through a grant from North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), four producers across Kansas have planted demonstration plots of grain sorghum with companion species (mung beans, guar, flax, mustards, buckwheat). The plots are designed to assess whether the companion plantings can reduce the need for herbicides and pesticides to protect the sorghum crop. Comparisons are being made between the plots and the rest of the sorghum field. Water use is also being monitored. The field tour will also include soil health practices on Palen Family farms.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 13, 2019
Long Lake, Minnesota
At this In Her Boots field day, spend the day with an inspiring trio of women farmers who run two businesses on the same farm: Two Pony Gardens & Ladyfern Flower Farm & Design Studio. Summer Badawi and Sanna Beek (the flower side) provide a detailed tour and overview of their specialty cut-flower farm and full-service design studio. Lisa Ringer showcases Two Pony Farm, which includes seasonal pizza nights and a summer camp. Along with gleaning insights from these successful growers, presenters will share ideas for additional income from farming, including farmstays, on-farm food service, and producing value-added products in home kitchens under cottage food law.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 14-15, 2019
Lakin, Kansas
The Bottom Line Conference focuses on farm and ranch profitability through soil and water conservation in a dry climate. The two-day event will have dozens of presentations, on topics ranging from money management to soil health, grazing strategies, farm programs, and more. Breakout sessions will cover topics including rotational grazing, water infiltration, government programs, grazing sheep, profitability, cover crops, and much more.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 14-15, 2019
LaCrosse, Wisconsin
The Organic Agronomy Training Series (OATS) is a collaboratively managed, science-based, train-the-trainer program for agricultural professionals working with organic or transitioning producers in the United States. This two-day training provides education and guidance on organic production methods and certification necessary for agronomists, certified crop advisors, extension agents, and technical service providers to serve the needs of certified organic grain producers.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 14, 2019
Cannon Falls, Minnesota
Dana and Karin Jokela of Sogn Valley Farm integrate on-farm experiments and unique conservation efforts into their commercial organic vegetable production. Join hosts Organic Seed Alliance, Sogn Valley Farm, and The Good Acre for a free morning field day to learn about these efforts and get inspired.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 14, 2019
Remsen, Iowa
Practical Farmers of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa offer an opportunity to visit Robert Alexander at 360 Heritage Farms. Tour two on-farm research trials: planting corn in 60-inch row-widths for cover crops, and grazing sheep and spring-seeded cereal rye ahead of soybeans for weed control. View equipment used for field preparation and organic crop. This field day will also discuss rotationally grazing sheep and cattle and how to make compost tea, and participants will have a chance to see a first-year elderberry planting.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 15-16, 2019
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Practical Farmers of Iowa presents "Rotationally Raised: Making Small Grains Work." Learn about growing small grains and the benefits of an extended rotation at this conference. Twelve breakout sessions throughout the day will include sessions on integrating animals with a small-grains operation, marketing small grains, the agronomy behind successfully raising small grains, and more.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 16, 2019
Harlan, Iowa
The Rosmanns use nature-based climate resilience practices on their diversified, organic livestock and crop farm. At this free afternoon field day from Practical Farmers of Iowa, they will highlight how they work small grains into their field crop rotations and use cover crops for rotational grazing. They will also discuss their farrow-to-finish swine operation. Invited speakers for this field day will touch on resilient farm planning, water quality, and cultivating community resilience.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 17, 2019
Scottsburg, Indiana
Purdue Extension and Indiana AgrAbility are teaming up for a series of free workshops and farm tours focused on food safety and targeted toward military veteran farmers. On this final event in the series, participants will tour Goat Milk Stuff, a farm and business operated by the Jonas family. This dairy goat operation produces goat milk soaps, cheeses, yogurts, and more. There will be a question-and-answer session with the family CEO detailing how the farm got started and has grown into the operation it is today.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 18, 2019
Donahue, Iowa
At this free field day from Practical Farmers of Iowa, Cathy Lafrenz of Miss Effie's Country Flowers and Garden Stuff will give a tour of the 2-acre farm, discuss her methods for no-till flower farming, and share how she manages a destination U-pick farm with excellent customer satisfaction.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 19-23, 2019
Coralville, Iowa
International Association of Organic Inspectors Basic Livestock Inspection Training includes four days of instruction, including a field trip to a certified organic operation, plus a half day for testing. The registration deadline is June 28, 2019.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 19, 2019
Bonner Springs, Kansas
Kansas Farmers Union and the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Kansas are offering new and aspiring farmers an opportunity to visit nine Kansas and Missouri farms and learn from educators, producers, and other experts about topics ranging from on farm food safety to business planning in three free tours. The third tour "Vines, Barns, Berries, and Bees Day," zeroes in on options with value-added production and agritourism, such as wineries, on-farm event hosting, and U-Pick operations. The day's educational session focuses on financial management, one of the biggest challenges farmers face, regardless of age or experience.
In: North Central SARE Region

August 19, 2019
Grand Rapids, Michigan
This event is part of Michigan State University Organic Farm's Farmer Field School. The day-long tour visits Third Leaf Farm/Thomas Rasch & Sons Orchard, New City Urban Farm, Green Wagon Farm, and Crane Dance Farm to learn about apple, vegetable, and livestock production and marketing.
In: North Central SARE Region