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Event Calendar

COVID-19 UPDATE:

The events listed here may be cancelled or otherwise affected by coronavirus. We cannot confirm the accuracy of the events listed here. Please contact event hosts to confirm all meetings in advance.

London, Ohio 

Friday, September 22, 2023 through Sunday, September 24, 2023
5 p.m.

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Registration is open for this two-day retreat, happening September 22-24, that will bring people together during the fall season to discuss and learn more about gardens and woodlands. Not only will there be teaching moments about the technical implementation of things like composting and gardening, but also contemplation about our involvement in combating climate change, increasing peoples' connection to nature, and igniting the eco-spirit!

Speakers will be coming from Washington, Kentucky, and all over Ohio to share their experiences and knowledge. Click the link below to learn more and see the full itinerary. Registration ends September 5.

Location:
Procter Camp & Conference Center
11235 St. Rt. 38 SE
London, OH 43146

Contact:
Procter Camp & Conference Center / 740-490-6025 /

http://www.proctercenter.org/farmtoforestweekend

 

Noblesville, Indiana 

Saturday, September 23, 2023
12-11 p.m.

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OEFFA will have a booth at Farm Aid's HOMEGROWN Village! Stop by to learn how you can "Play a Leading Role in the 2023 Farm Bill" by encouraging your members of Congress to support the issues you care about.

Location:
Ruoff Music Center
12880 E 146th Street
Noblesville, Indiana 46060

Contact:
Nicole Wolcott / (614) 725-3165 /

https://www.farmaid.org/festival/the-homegrown-village/

 

Columbus, Ohio and Online 

Sunday, September 24, 2023
2-4 p.m.

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Learn the tools and strategies to pitch your farming dream to landowners!

Those of us in the agriculture community are here because we are called to grow food, connect with our community, and steward the land. We come with different backgrounds and talents, and we all have a unique story to tell. As a land seeker, your personal "pitch" can help prepare a more polished approach when applying for access to land.

In this OEFFA workshop, we'll discuss and practice the necessary skills for engaging landowners in conversation on using or buying their land. Participants can expect a guided experience creating a personal farmer "pitch sheet" with key details about you as a person and as a grower. Learn the tools and strategies for engagement and get face-to-face time practicing your "farm-seeker pitch."

Attendees choose to register to attend in person at the OEFFA office or to participate online (limited capacity for each). Registrants will be prompted to complete a survey prior to the event. Registration closes Wednesday, September 20.

BIPOC registrants are welcome to use the code BIPOC100 at checkout for complimentary registration.

Click the link below to learn more.

Location:
OEFFA
41 Croswell Rd.
Columbus, OH 43214

This is a hybrid event. Registrants can select whether they will attend the workshop in person (at the OEFFA office) or online (on Zoom). A limited amount of spots are available for each.

Contact:
Jerah Pettibone / (614) 725-3166 /

http://outreach.oeffa.org/pitching-your-farm-dream/

 

Wooster, Ohio 

Wednesday, September 27, 2023
8 a.m.-4 p.m.

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The field day connects farmers, machinery manufacturers, and the allied trades for a single day event that draws farmers and machinery companies from all over the U.S. and Canada—because it is THE place to see weeding tools. The morning features a trade show where companies can connect one-on-one with farmers, and educational sessions, and the afternoon features field demonstrations in vegetable and row crops.

Cost and Registration: $50. This includes lunch. Register at: https://www.thelandconnection.org/event/2023-mmwcfd/

Location:
OSU Wooster Campus
1680 Madison Ave.
Wooster, OH 44691

Contact:
FairShare CSA Coalition / (608) 226-0300 /

http://www.thelandconnection.org/event/2023-mmwcfd/

 

Wilberforce, Ohio 

Friday, September 29, 2023 through Saturday, September 30, 2023
5 p.m.

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The 2023 Black Farming Conference, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 29-30, is hosted by the BIPOC Farming Network in partnership with the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center and Central State University Extension. All activities are FREE to attend, however there is limited seating and registration is required.

The event will kick-off with a Keynote Dinner on Friday, September 29 at the National Afro-American Museum, 1350 Brush Row Rd, Wilberforce, Ohio, at 6:00 p.m. featuring Timothy Lewis, Founding Partner, of Rid-All Green Partnership in Cleveland. SEATING IS LIMITED. You must RSVP by Wednesday, September 20.

On Saturday, September 30, a Farm Fair, with vendors, exhibits, food trucks, demonstrations, and other fun activities will be held at the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center located at Central State University and other sites on the campus. The event is open to the public, no-registration required. However, there is limited spots for workshops and skillshares. Complete details are available below.

Prior to the conference, you will receive confirmation of your seating for the dinner and enrollment for skillshares and workshops that require registration.

Any underserved farmer attending the Black Farming Conference is strongly encouraged to sign up for the 2501 Program, which provides professional development stipend through CSU. The stipend is paid after attending the event with the intention of covering costs to participate, such as lodging and travel.

Click the link below to learn more and register.

Location:
National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
1350 Brush Row Rd
Wilberforce, OH 45384

Central State University Extension

Contact:
The Black Indigenous People of Color Farming Network / (000) 00-0000 /

http://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWsEoCphjBpDLCF72Yn1Glwc7PSuvGDNgY_Yb_-X6_RsnKUA/viewform

 

Rutland, Ohio 

Friday, September 29, 2023 through Sunday, October 1, 2023
4 p.m.

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Interested in learning more about forest farming and sustainable income opportunities? In collaboration with the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmers Coalition, Rural Action is hosting the 2023 Southern Ohio Forest Farming Conference at the United Plant Savers Goldenseal Botanical Sanctuary in Rutland, Ohio, September 29 - October 1.

The 2023 Southern Ohio Forest Farming Conference will provide participants with opportunities to learn about multiple forest farming topics and strategies including site selection, plant propagation, grafting, elderberry production, harvesting, post-harvest handling, processing, and business planning, as well as medicinal plant walks. The conference has a line-up of highly experienced instructors that will enable participants to gain a broad understanding of the many aspects and opportunities of forest farming. All levels of experience welcome!

The $90 registration fee includes a keynote presentation, 5 classroom sessions, 4 field sessions, a panel with forest farming experts, and 5 meals. Attendees have the option to camp for free at the United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary or lodging is available in the area.

For more information, visit the conference website below.

Location:
United Plant Savers Goldenseal Botanical Sanctuary
35703 Loop Road
Rutland, OH 45775

Contact:
Rural Action / (000) 00-0000 /

http://www.appalachianforestfarmers.org/soffc

 

Albany, Ohio 

Saturday, September 30, 2023
3 p.m.

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Adam and Tabitha Blaney are first generation farmers settled in the hills of southeastern Ohio. They grow a variety of vegetables and flowers using sustainable and organic practices and run a CSA supplying local restaurants with produce. Starting in 2006 in West Virginia, learning more in Missouri, and finally moving to Albany, Ohio in 2019, they have been a staple at the Athens Farmers' Market since. These farmers are always looking for ways to improve efficiency, expand sustainably, and learn as much as they can while giving back to the community.

This event is a part of OEFFA's 2023 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Visit oeffa.org/farmtours to learn more.

Location:
Blaney Family Farm
29760 State Route 143
Albany, OH 45710

Contact:
OEFFA / (614) 421-2022 /

http://www.oeffa.org/farmtours

 

Lawton, Michigan 

Saturday, September 30, 2023
1 p.m.

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Owned and operated by Ken Asmus since 1982, Oikos Tree Crops is a nursery specializing in fruit trees, nut trees, and perennial vegetables.

This tour will walk through the ripening pawpaws, pears, persimmons, and various nuts while hearing about this unique method of plant selection. Ken presented at the MOFFA Organic Intensives this past January.

Register at moffa.net/farmtours-2023.html. Registrants will receive the exact address with parking and car pool instructions.

Location:
Oikos Tree Crops
Lawton, MI

Contact:
MOFFA / (248) 262-6826 /

http://www.moffa.net/farmtours-2023.html

 

Online 

Monday, October 2, 2023
1-2 p.m. EST

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Everyone is looking for money to support their farming operations. The most compelling opportunities are grants - which are limited in scope and funding sources. This lunch and learn will share tips and best practices to write a winning grant application. Hear from Cyndi Knudson - Small Farms Area Agent with North Carolina A&T State University, and Brennan Washington of Phoenix Gardens and Southern SARE - as they share their expertise on this topic.

This webinar is brought to you in partnership with American Farmland Trust, Black Family Land Trust, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, and RAFI. All are welcome to attend.

Location:
Zoom

Contact:
Mary Bulan / (919) 542-1396 /

http://www.rafiusa.org/blog/events/lunch-and-learn-writing-a-winning-grant-proposal/

 

Upper Arlington, Ohio 

Wednesday, October 4, 2023
4:30 p.m.

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Nobody knows the farmers' market or seasonal eating better than a farmer! In this free outing and picnic, farmer and cheese maker Abbe Turner of Lucky Penny Creamery will share her insider strategies for getting the most out of a trip to the market at any time of year. After a chance to shop, convene for a picnic and enjoy your market bounty together. There will be a summer eating focused picnic at Bexley Farmers' Market and a fall focused picnic at Upper Arlington.

This event is a part of OEFFA's 2023 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Visit oeffa.org/farmtours to learn more.

Location:
Upper Arlington Farmers' Market
2140 Tremont Center
Upper Arlington, OH 43221

Littleton Market's parking lot

Contact:
OEFFA / (614) 421-2022 /

http://www.oeffa.org/farmtours

 

West Mansfield, Ohio 

Saturday, October 7, 2023
10 a.m.

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Yaks are unusual livestock, but their small body size and cold-hardy habits make them easy to keep. Since buying their first yak in 2015, Covered Bridge Yaks now has a small herd for meat and producing calves to sell on their 60 acres. This tour will show the yaks, discuss their benefits, and explain how they differ from traditional beef cattle.

This event is a part of OEFFA's 2023 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Visit oeffa.org/farmtours to learn more.

Location:
Covered Bridge Yaks
23839 State Route 47
West Mansfield, OH 43358

Find the driveway with the black "Mathys 23839" mailbox. There is a covered bridge ⅔ down the driveway; it is safe for passenger vehicles. Parking will be in a pasture past the house.

Contact:
OEFFA / (614) 421-2022 /

http://www.oeffa.org/farmtours

 

St. Marys, Ohio 

Friday, October 13, 2023
10 a.m.

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Settlage is a veteran-owned, certified organic dairy with more than 300 acres of perennial and annual pasture. This pasture walk will focus on PaddockTrac, a technology developed by University of Missouri researchers that uses an ATV-mounted sensor to measure and predict forage availability.

The spring (June 1) and fall (October 13) events will allow for a comparison of the PaddockTrac performance over the seasons. A pasture walk will be followed by a demonstration and a review of data collected to date.

This event is a part of OEFFA's 2023 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Visit oeffa.org/farmtours to learn more.

Location:
Settlage & Settlage Farm
12218 St. Rt. 29
St. Marys, OH 45885

Contact:
OEFFA / (614) 421-2022 /

http://www.oeffa.org/farmtours

 

Columbus, Ohio 

Friday, October 20, 2023
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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Join food systems professionals and advocates at the Ohio Food Policy Summit. This year's Summit will feature discussions on innovative food policies and programs. Join for riveting discussions on how we can nurture a just, sustainable, and thriving food system for all Ohioans.

Location:
Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center
2201 Fred Taylor Dr
Columbus, OH 43210

Contact:
OSU Glenn College / 614-292-8696 /

http://web.cvent.com/event/6e0d8136-0c52-4728-ba0c-908cc8235700/summary

 

Online 

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 through Tuesday, December 5, 2023
6:30 p.m.

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Join Faith Gilbert of Letterbox Farm for a 4-part workshop series on financial management for farmers! Virtual sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm, November 7, 14, 28, and December 5. You must attend all sessions. This series will be virtual on Zoom.

Session 1: Context & Enterprise Budgeting
This session covers the basics of what farm financial management is all about, then dives into enterprise budgeting (creating a budget for each significant crop or product on your farm). Participants will be set up with a budget and recordkeeping template to create their own enterprise budgets outside of class.

Session 2: Whole Farm Budgeting, Cash Flow, and Budgeting for Investments
After reviewing last session's homework, we will weave together multiple enterprise budgets into a "whole farm budget" or general budget for your whole business, including general business or "overhead" costs. We will also discuss cash flow planning, or planning for how money will enter and leave your bank accounts over a year. Lastly, we will introduce a simple budget for making investments or applying for loans.

Session 3: Financial Statements: Income Statement & Balance Sheet
In this session, we will switch gears from looking forward (projections) to looking backward (historical records, or "actuals"). We'll learn to generate the two main financial statements used to evaluate a business and to apply for grants and loans.

Session 4: Record keeping
Good budgets and financial statements require good records. In this session, we'll look at basic bookkeeping (financial recordkeeping) practices, and discuss production and sales records.

Pricing:
Regular price – $80
Discounted price – $50 (use code FARM23)

Limited scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Click the link below to learn more.

Location:
Online

Contact:
Rural Action / (740) 677-4047 x610 /

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/whole-farm-financial-planning-4-part-series-registration-617315416027?u

 

Online 

Thursday, November 9, 2023
1 p.m.

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Are you exploring ways to bring in employees or interns that truly benefit your operation? Wondering what you'll need to do this successfully, safely, and legally?

This course is designed for farm business owners or managers of all levels to make informed hiring choices and to be an employer that truly supports its team with the most up-to-date industry standards.

This event is a part of OEFFA's 2023 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. Visit oeffa.org/farmtours to learn more.

Location:
Online

Contact:
OEFFA / (614) 421-2022 /

http://www.oeffa.org/farmtours

 

Peninsula, Ohio 

Monday, November 13, 2023
9 a.m.-4 p.m.

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The annual Stinner Summit is held as a tribute to Dr. Ben Stinner, who was a pioneer in regenerative agriculture research and a great connector of people. Each year this event gathers researchers, farmers, educators, policy leaders, and organizations from across the state. Through a participatory process, specific project ideas are crafted during the Summit and funded through the Stinner Endowment Fund. This year's event will share projects focused on building more resilient and equitable food systems in metropolitan regions.

Learn more via the link below.

Location:
Happy Days Lodge in Cuyahoga National Park
500 W Streetsboro St
Peninsula, OH 44264

Contact:
Ohio State University / 330-202-3540 /

http://amp.osu.edu/collaboration/annual-stinner-summit

 

OEFFA
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
41 Croswell Rd.
Columbus OH 43214

oeffaoeffaorg

OEFFA: (614) 421-2022
OEFFA Certification: (614) 262-2022
Fax: (614) 421-2011

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