Project Summary for Field Engagement Specialists

If you know of anyone who might be interested, please pass the Project Summary on to them. For more information and to apply, refer them to our
website: www.directcontact.com. The link to apply is in the upper right corner. Please mention Project #496.

Thank you so very much for your help. Best Wishes.

Best Wishes,
Jill Duckett
Agricultural Recruiter
Direct Contact, Inc.
jill_duckett@directcontact.com
Home Office: 319-334-7000
DCI: 800-558-6803 Ext. 155
website: www.directcontact.com

Project 496 – Project Summary
January 2017 – September 2017

Objectives: To manage aspects of our Client's information collection
process on new technology crops product release, including response,
diagnosis, education, data collection, data entry and documentation,
to assure that all are addressed in a manner to represent client in
best light possible to both the grower and to other affected
parties, and to free the Client's sales personnel from these
activities so they are able to pursue other activities.

Position Requirements: The contractor will have or develop an
understanding / comprehension of a unique crop protection chemistry
utilized on a newly-released seed trait and being used in
agricultural production with crop / seed specific cultural
practices. An agronomy degree (weed science or advanced degree
recommended) and / or experience in hands-on agronomics is required.
The successful candidate will be self-directed, an effective
communicator with Client personnel, retailers and crop producers,
computer literate with access to an Internet ready computer, able to
negotiate conflict resolution when necessary and able to reserve as
much as 40 hours per week from January-to-September.

Training: Candidate will be required to attend an in-person training
meeting with Direct Contact, Inc. and Client. A date for online
training for all contractors on this project will be scheduled on a
date and at a location TBD. There will be no work allowed nor
compensation paid to any contractor that fails to participate in the
training session.

Specialist Duties: The contractor will respond to and inspect
product inquiries received by the Client company and various Client
personnel. The contractor will visit in-person with growers and
retailers, as well as other individuals who have inquiries related
to use of the Client's product to collect information. During
visits, the contractor will inspect the fields of crop producers to
document agronomic observations, verify application practices,
document the products used, and collect other information. The
contractor will visit agricultural chemical retailers to gather,
document, verify grower information and review product application
records. Contractor will interview individuals filing said
inquiries and collect relevant information for statistical use
reports. Additionally, the contractor will help educate product
users on proper product use and application.

Specialist Duties (cont.): The contractor will be provided an iPad
(and possibly a laptop computer) for the duration of the project.
The contractor will enter all information in a timely manner via the
Client's intranet system. In a database accessed via the Direct
Contact, Inc. ("DCI") Web site, the contractor will record a number
of key statistics regarding the contractor's activities which
include but not necessarily be limited to the number of hours worked
each day, the number of inquiries submitted and information specific
to the actual field visits. The contractor will visit and inspect
inquiries on an in-person basis, with response in a timely manner
after receiving notification. The contractor will also submit a
weekly expense report to DCI, with details of travel / site visits
included.

Time Frame: The contractor will be available for assignment from
January 2017 through September 2017. The time commitment is
expected to be as much as 40 hours per week during the project
period. Occasional Saturday work may be required.

Other Requirements: The contractor must supply a high speed
Internet connection, mobile telephone that has hands-free capability
with voice mail, and a vehicle in good working condition. Access
to a fax and document scanner is recommended.

Territory: Daily travel within a 50-150 mile radius of the
contractor's home may be necessitated.

Compensation: Hourly rates for in-field activities will be based
upon individual contractor backgrounds and experience.

Expenses: All necessary expenses incurred in conducting the field
activities will be reimbursed. This includes use of personal
vehicle at the current IRS rate in effect at the time the mileage is
incurred, telephone / communications cost-share (up to $50 per
month), lodging and airfare (both of which require advance
approval). If an overnight stay is required, the current maximum
reimbursable amount per night for a hotel room is $100 and a total
maximum of $30 for dinner the night of the overnight stay and
breakfast the next morning.

Competency and Skill Requirements:

· Excellent Communication Skills
· Self-Directed
· Computer/iPad Literate
· Solid Agronomic Background

Confidentiality: This information is strictly confidential. Any
breach of confidentiality will be considered grounds for dismissal
from this project and may prohibit contractor from working on future
projects with DCI.

FINAL TERMS DISCLAIMER
This document is for informational purposes only and does not
constitute an offer to work on this project. Any offer to contract
with DCI, if any is made, will be presented in the form of a
contract which will contain the final terms of the offer. DCI thus
reserves the right to make any changes to the compensation plan or
required activities prior to the signing of any agreement between
DCI and the contractor.


(See attached file: Project Summary.pdf)

Ohio State Faculty Position in Comm Devt and Food Systems - due 11/28

I encourage you all to pass this job announcement along to any potentially interested graduate students or faculty who might want to join our team here in Ohio.

 

Deadline for applications is Nov 28^th.

Thanks!

 

Dr. Douglas Jackson-Smith

Jackson-smith.1@osu.edu

--

Reminder: UF/IFAS Extension Cabbage Field Day at the Hastings Ag Extension Center - November 30

This is a reminder that the UF/IFAS Tri-County Agricultural Area Extension Agent and Specialist Group is holding a Cabbage and Cole Crops Field Day at the HAEC Cowpen Branch Road Research Facility on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 beginning at 8:30 AM.  I have attached an Agenda for your review.  To assist in planning for the sponsored lunch, please pre-register by calling (904) 692-4944.

 

For those on the Hastings Agricultural Extension Center Advisory Committee, a meeting will commence at approximately 2:00 PM after the conclusion of the field day.  I will provide additional information about the Advisory Committee meeting within the next few days.

 

We look forward to seeing everyone at the field day and please let us know if you have any questions.

 

Thank you,

 

Gary K. England

Regional Specialized Extension Agent/Director

Hastings Agricultural Extension Center

595 E. St. Johns Ave.

P.O. Box 728

Hastings, FL 32145-0728

(904) 692-4944

(904) 692-4673 Fax

gke@ufl.edu

 

Weekly Harvest, November 16, 2016

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Weekly Harvest Newsletter Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - November 16, 2016 Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture website. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online. Join the NCAT Team! The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is seeking a Demonstration Farm Manager for its Gulf States Regional Office in Jackson, Mississippi. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, enthusiastic individual to grow and manage a small-scale demonstration farm and to share knowledge with young people, community members, and other farmers in the region. News & Resources Resources for Adapting to Climate Change Compiled in USDA Report USDA Offering CRP Grasslands Practice Tailored to Small-Scale Livestock Grazers Guide Helps Farmers Use Food Waste as Livestock Feed Study Highlights Ecosystem Services of Weeds Hoop House to Hotel Video Available Organic Seed Alliance Surveys Organic Growers on Plant-Breeding Priorities Funding Opportunities Annie's Sustainable Agriculture Scholarships New York State New Farmers Grant Fund Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Service Provider Investment Coming Events Sustainable Food & Farm Conference Virginia Association for Biological Farming's Farming Conference Green Lands Blue Waters Conference News & Resources Resources for Adapting to Climate Change Compiled in USDA Report USDA has published Adaptation Resources for Agriculture: Responding to Climate Variability and Change in the Midwest and Northeast to enhance climate education and training programs that help producers prepare for, cope with, and recover from extreme weather and uncertain climate conditions. The report includes an Adaptation Workbook designed for use by individual farmers, as well as four real-world examples. Related ATTRA Publication: Climate Change and Perennial Fruit and Nut Production: Investing in Resilience in Uncertain Times USDA Offering CRP Grasslands Practice Tailored to Small-Scale Livestock Grazers USDA is offering a new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands practice specifically tailored for small-scale livestock grazing operations. Operations with 100 or fewer head of grazing dairy cows (or the equivalent) can submit applications to enroll up to 200 acres of grasslands per farm. USDA's goal is to enroll up to 200,000 acres. This opportunity will close on December 16, 2016. Small livestock operations should contact their local Farm Service Agency office to learn more. Guide Helps Farmers Use Food Waste as Livestock Feed The Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic and the Food Recovery Project at the University of Arkansas have released Leftovers for Livestock: A Legal Guide for Using Excess Food as Animal Feed. The publication, available free online, will help both businesses with food scraps, and livestock farms hoping to feed their animals more sustainably, navigate the complex patchwork of Federal and State regulations. Study Highlights Ecosystem Services of Weeds A study by researchers at Cornell brought new insights into management of crop weeds. Researchers found that weeds can perform ecosystem services such as providing habitat for beneficial insects, and that removing them from the crop ecosystem can end up costing farmers. The study suggests that holistic IPM would be more beneficial. Hoop House to Hotel Video Available USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Nevada has posted the second video in its Hoop House to Hotel series. The six-minute video features a producer who has taken advantage of the USDA NRCS high tunnel program to extend her growing season, enabling her to produce crops for her CSA, as well as high-end restaurant customers on the Las Vegas Strip. Related ATTRA Publication: Tips for Selling to Restaurants Organic Seed Alliance Surveys Organic Growers on Plant-Breeding Priorities Organic Seed Alliance is surveying organic vegetable growers in order to better understand the plant-breeding priorities of growers who sell to consumers or wholesale markets. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes for the first crop and five minutes for each additional crop. The survey is available online until December 10, 2016. >>More Breaking News Back to top Funding Opportunities Annie's Sustainable Agriculture Scholarships Annie’s scholarship program assists undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in sustainable and organic agriculture. This year, 15 winners will each be eligible to receive $10,000. The program is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students studying at an accredited two- or four-year college or graduate school in the United States for the 2017/2018 school year. Applications must be postmarked by January 6, 2017. New York State New Farmers Grant Fund The New York State New Farmers Grant Fund will provide grants up to $50,000 to assist with up to 50% of eligible project costs. All owners of eligible farms must be within the first 10 years of ownership, and the farm must have a minimum of $10,000 in income from sales of products grown or raised on the farm. Applications are due by January 27, 2017. Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Service Provider Investment The Working Lands Enterprise Board Service Provider Investment offers awards of $15,000 to $75,000 for projects that demonstrate direct impact on Vermont Working Lands businesses. Types of technical assistance provided may include market development, marketing plans, and sales; business and financial planning; succession planning; access to capital; or manufacturing efficiencies or process flow. Letter of intent to apply is due by December 2, 2016. >>More Funding Opportunities Back to top Coming Events Sustainable Food & Farm Conference January 6-8, 2017 Grass Valley, California This conference draws farmers, ranchers, homesteaders, and foodies to be inspired by internationally acclaimed keynote speakers and local experts in sustainable farming and ranching. The event features farm tours, a farm expo, and workshops. Virginia Association for Biological Farming's Farming Conference January 10-11, 2017 Hot Springs, Virginia Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia State University, and the Virginia Association for Biological Farming present this event featuring practical learning and insights from more than 30 speakers. Topics will include vegetable production, specialty crops, pollinators, soil health, livestock, and marketing and business. Green Lands Blue Waters Conference November 29-30, 2016 Columbia, Missouri "Going Green with Conservation-Based Farming: Market-Based Approaches to Promote Soil Health and Water Quality" brings a market-based focus to complement innovative, science-based approaches to conservation of soil and water quality. >>More Events Back to top Subscribe to the Weekly Harvest Comments? Questions? Contact us Weekly Harvest Archives Digital versions of recent and archived Weekly Harvest newsletters are available online. ATTRA was developed and is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Business-Cooperative Service. Visit the NCAT website for more information on our other sustainable agriculture and energy projects. © 2016 NCAT Back to top	New ATTRA Publication Direct Marketing Lamb: A Pathway Question of the Week How can I control garlic bloat? Ask an Agriculture Expert Submit questions to our professional staff online or by calling 1-800-346-9140 Veteran Scholarships for Southern SAWG Conference Military veterans, apply by December 1, 2016, for scholarships to Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms, January 25-28, 2017, in Lexington, Kentucky. ATTRA Spanish Newsletter Subscribe to Cosecha Mensual (Monthly Harvest), ATTRA's Spanish-language e-newsletter ATTRA is on Facebook! We feature breaking news on sustainable agriculture topics several times a week. Add us to your Facebook friends list today!

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Florida Land Steward Update 11/18/16

 

Florida Land Steward Update November 18, 2016 Have Land?  Get a Plan and Stay Connected.  Florida Land Steward is your source of assistance, information, events and resources. News, information and upcoming events below.   Please share this update with your neighbors, colleagues and others that may be interested.

*- Link to the current quarterly Florida Land Steward Newsletter (Fall-Winter 2016, Vol 5, No 4) and back issues -*

News & Info Brief FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PARTNERS WISH YOU ALL A VERY FESTIVE AND SAFE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY PRESCRIBED BURN ASSOCIATION (PBA) INFORMATIONAL MEETING, DECEMBER 1 IN WAKULLA COUNTY A PBA is formed and run by landowners who help conduct prescribed burns on each other's land. Members can gain experience and have access to equipment, training, and help from other landowners who are more experienced burners while saving money. Free. December 1, 2016, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm ET, TCC Wakulla Environmental Institute, 170 Preservation Way, room 108A, Crawfordville, FL 32539. To register contact Billie Clayton at (850) 767-3634. More details here. FARM RENEWABLE AND EFFICIENCY DEMONSTRATION (FRED) PROGRAM PROVIDES ENERGY EVALUATIONS AND ASSISTANCE TO FLORIDA FARMERS The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Energy has just announced funding availability for a new Farm Renewable and Efficiency Demonstration (FRED) program. FRED provides free energy evaluations to Florida farmers. Farmers who complete an audit through the FRED program are eligible for reimbursement of up to 80 percent of the cost to implement the recommendations, up to $25,000 from the free energy evaluation.  Examples of eligible project for reimbursement include energy efficient lighting and water pumps, fuel efficient tractors and generators, and small scale renewable energy generation such as solar or biomass. Funding is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. More details and the FRED application can be found at http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Energy/Incentives-for-Farmers If you have any questions contact Reo Morris, FDACS Office of Energy, (850) 617-7490 YOUR LEGACY, YOUR LAND WEBINAR SERIES RECORDED This year the American Forest Foundation partnered with Oregon State University and their Ties to the Land program to connect landowners across the country with experts as they work through the succession planning process. Topics associated with your legacy plan, from setting goals to communicating with your family to understanding the different estate planning tools, were discussed during these sessions. These webinars were all recorded and are available for viewing at the Your Legacy, Your Land website. The last webinar in the series is December 15. Register for at the Your Legacy, Your Land website. OSU's Ties to the Land program here: http://tiestotheland.org/ 2016 TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS Dr. Linda Wang, National Timber Tax Specialist, USDA Forest Service, has prepared her annual Timber Tax Tips publication. It and other related resources are available at the National Timber Tax website: http://www.timbertax.org/. FUNDING HELPS FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS IMPROVE WORKING LANDS   Application Deadline February 3 for Conservation Stewardship Program Agricultural producers can sign up for funding now until February 3 available through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Agricultural producers and forest landowners can earn incentive payments from CSP for expanding conservation activities on their land, such as cover crops, ecologically-based pest management, buffer strips, and pollinator and beneficial insect habitat.  CSP encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and new approaches such as precision agriculture applications, on-site carbon storage and planting for high carbon sequestration rate, and new soil amendments to improve water quality. The program also offers bundles, where a producer can select a suite of enhancements to implement and receive an even higher payment rate. All CSP contracts will have a minimum annual payment of $1,500. New methods and software for evaluating applications will help producers see how they are meeting stewardship thresholds and allow them to pick practices and enhancements that work for their conservation objectives. Producers can expect to see nearly double the enhancements and conservation practices offered and better reporting tools projecting the results of their conservation efforts. These new tools also allow producers to see potential payment scenarios for conservation early in the process. Information about CSP, including national and state ranking questions and enhancement descriptions, is available on the national website or visit your local NRCS field office. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE IN DEER - FWC REQUESTS SAMPLES FROM HARVESTS By Larry Perrin, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission The FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) requests your assistance with increased monitoring for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is a fatal disease of white-tailed deer, and other ungulates (elk, moose, mule deer). It is not contagious to humans. CWD was originally discovered in Colorado in 1980 and now occurs in 24 other states; the closest to FL being TX and AR to the west and VA and WV to the north. Early detection is critical as this disease is extremely difficult to control, thus continuous monitoring is important. FWC has been conducting CWD monitoring since 2001 with many of our samples coming from public wildlife management areas. We would now like to focus on obtaining samples from other public and private lands. It would be most beneficial if you would report any sick, injured, or dead deer (typically road-killed deer) to our CWD "hotline" at 866-293-9282. FWC will then make every effort to collect the necessary brain tissue and lymph nodes from these animals. Also, if you, or any of your acquaintances, are deer hunters we would like to obtain samples from these animals as well. For hunter-killed bucks, the antlers and/or cape can be removed as normal without affecting the desired samples. If you are likely to harvest several deer (bucks or does) over the hunting season deer heads can be stored for 2 to 3 weeks if refrigerated and for an extended period if frozen. The storage of heads from the same tract of land is beneficial as we can schedule a pickup that will be much more efficient than picking up individual deer heads. Again, you can call our hotline no. (866-293-9282) to arrange for pickups. If you harvest deer from more than one area specific location information is needed for each deer since if a sample tests positive for CWD it will be essential that its location be known so that appropriate measures can be taken. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.  SOMETHING BUGGING YOUR TREES? Do you have pests or a disease in your trees? Leaves or needles wilting, and you don't know why? Sawdust falling out of your trees, and you don't know how to save them? There is help: ask your question at the free Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/. GOT AN INVASIVE SPECIES PROBLEM? Go to floridainvasives.org for information, assistance and partnership opportunities. LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR TOPIC? Check the vast array of extension publications available at the University of Florida IFAS on the EDIS publication site:  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/  Wow, there's a publication about that? HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE? Drop a line to Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu More news and info at the Florida Land Steward Blog   *** EAST FLORIDA (Madison County, east and south) November 29 Growing Organic From the Ground Up: Techniques and Tips for South Florida Success (link), 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Verde Community Farm & Market, 12690 SW 280th Street in Homestead. Speakers include Chuck Lyons, Verde Community Farm & Market manager, Joe Pierce, Permaculture enthusiast and Jeff Wasielewski, M.S., Commercial Tropical Fruit Crops Extension Agent with the University of Florida/IFAS Miami-Dade County Extension. The cost is $25 and includes the program and lunch. See link above for details and registration December 5-7 Weather & Climate Decision Tools for Farmers, Ranchers & Land Managers (link), University of Florida Campus, Gainesville, FL. This conference is designed to give producers and land managers a competitive edge in increasing productivity and reducing risks associated with climate variability and change. Please contact Caroline Staub (carogstaub@ufl.edu) or Carolyn Cox (crcox@ufl.edu) with any questions. December 15 Managing Your Forests and Pastures for Water and Wildlife (link), 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, Marion County Growth Services Building, 2710 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL. Provided by Florida Forest Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Register by December 9th. Call or email Robin Holland, (352) 732-1273, Robin.Holland@FreshFromFlorida.com February 10, 2017 Small Scale Mushroom Production (link), UF/IFAS Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center, Live Oak, FL. See link above for details and registration or contact Dilcia Toro at dtoro@ufl.edu or (386) 362-1725 ext.102 March 13-14 or March 17-18 Starting a Successful Hydroponic Business (link),UF/IFAS Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center, Live Oak, FL. See link above for details and registration or contact Dilcia Toro at dtoro@ufl.edu or (386) 362-1725 ext.102  WEST FLORIDA (Jefferson County and west) December 1 Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) Informational Meeting (link), 9:30 am to 12:00 pm ET, TCC Wakulla Environmental Institute, 170 Preservation Way, room 108A, Crawfordville, FL 32539. A PBA is formed and run by landowners who help conduct prescribed burns on each other's land. Members can gain experience and have access to equipment, training, and help from other landowners who are more experienced burners while saving money. Free. To register contact Billie Clayton at (850) 767-3634. January 29-31, 2017 Southeastern SAF 2017 Annual Meeting: "Sustaining Southeastern Forestry - Healthy Forests, Markets and Policy" (link), Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar, FL, Approved for 9.0 SAF Category 1-CF Hours. Contact: Sharon Dolliver, sesafbusmgr@windstream.net  WEBINARS, REGIONAL EVENTS December 14 Science/Technology Webinar: Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Management (link), 2 pm ET, see link for details and to join. December 15 Your Legacy, Your Land Monthly Webinar Series (link), provided by American Forest Foundation. See link for details.  *** More events on these sites and web calendars: UF/IFAS Web Calendar Florida Forest Stewardship Calendar http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/events_calendar.html http://www.floridainvasives.org/ Florida Master Naturalist Program Florida Native Plant Society Chapters:  http://www.fnps.org/chapters/chapters Brooker Creek Preserve Events, Pinellas County Florida Forest Service Training Opportunities Forestry and Natural Resources Webinars Check with your UF/IFAS County Extension Office for more events and information relevant to your county: http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/ On Facebook? Visit and Like   Florida Land Steward on Facebook     Florida Land Steward Partnership:   UF/IFAS SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES & CONSERVATION UF/IFAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PARTNERS PROGRAM PENINSULAR FLORIDA LANDSCAPE COOPERATIVE FLORIDA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION / SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE FLORIDA TREE FARM PROGRAM   http://floridalandsteward.org   To be added or removed from this service, simply email a request to cdemers@ufl.edu

 

K Rashid Nuri and Ricardo Salvador: Our keynote speakers at the 2017 conference

Two exciting keynote speakers, a corral of field-tested presenters, 56 educational sessions, and loads of special events and activities await you at the 2017 Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference. Ricardo Salvador Join us for this eye-opening session on Friday morning with Ricardo Salvador. We come here from all across the country to share and gain knowledge and to grow the sustainable food movement. In this session, we'll hear from one of our country's leading experts on the connections between food and health, environment, economic development, sovereignty, and social justice.   As the senior scientist and director of the Food and Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, Ricardo Salvador works with citizens, scientists, economists, and politicians to transition our current food system into one that grows healthy foods while employing sustainable and socially equitable practices. Click here to learn more.     K Rashid Nuri In our closing keynote address, K. Rashid Nuri will discuss the transformative power of farming in inner city communities. He and a team of community members are transforming vacant lots in some of the most distressed areas of metro Atlanta, Georgia into vibrant farms and community hubs.    But producing food is not the sole purpose of The Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture farms--it is a means for building and lifting up the community. Rashid Nuri will inspire us all to tap into this power to build communities across race and cultures. Click here to learn more.     Thursday evening we will have a mixer for you to catch up with old friends and make some new ones! Yes, there will be a cash bar stocked with local brews. A variety of conference presenters will be on hand Thursday evening to sell and autograph their books for you during the pre-conference mixer.   We'll provide space and envelopes for those who wish to swap seeds. This will be a good opportunity to meet seed savers and learn about varieties dear to their hearts. Bring seeds, photos and samples too if you can.        Wednesday and Thursday - January 25-26, 2017   These popular 1½ day pre-conference short courses are intensive learning experiences that provide comprehensive information.   1. Start-Up Organic Vegetable Production and Marketing   2. Mixing and Matching Cattle, Sheep and Goats on Pasture   3. Permaculture for Commercial Vegetable Production   4. Student Farms: Maximizing Learning Opportunities on College Farms   Click here to learn more about the short courses. Our ½ day mini courses cover specific topics in greater depth than is possible in our regular conference sessions.     1. USDA Grants for Local Food Systems   2. Seed Saving and Seed Production as a Farm Enterprise   3. Applying Biodynamic Principles to Your Farm   To learn more about mini courses, click here.     The Organic Agriculture Research Symposium (OARS) will bring together researchers, farmers, ranchers, extension agents, educators, agricultural professionals, and other beneficiaries of organic agriculture and farming systems research to learn about and advance organic farming research. To learn more about this symposium, click here. Load up on the bus and check out the farming going on around Lexington, Ky. If you who learn best by getting out in the field, we offer six outstanding ½ day field trips this year.  1. Feeding Students: A Collegiate Ag Program Nourishing Mind and Body at Berea College 2. Permanent Culture: Creating a Commercial Permaculture Farm 3. Fertile Land: Growing Organic Vegetables and High Yield Soil 4. Veggies and Herbs: Ways to Extend Season, Control Pests, and Grow a Superior Product 5. Work Smarter: Equipment, Machines and Structures for Increasing Efficiency 6. Full Circle: Building a Food System from Field to Freezer--Livestock   To learn more about field trips, click here.       Friday and Saturday - January 27-28, 2017   The general conference, running all day Friday and Saturday, offers 56 educational sessions on a broad range of topics, plus networking sessions. We have sessions for those with years of experience and for those who are new to the field. The session topics include organic and sustainable vegetable, livestock and specialty crop production; unique marketing strategies; business and finance management; beginning farming; farm to cafeteria; student farms; community food systems; federal farm programs; agriculture policy developments; and more. To see the full description of sessions on this year's program, click here. We have a very exciting slate of presenters this year. They are successful farmers and ranchers, along with well-respected educators and local food organizers. All 90+ presenters have extensive knowledge and most importantly, practical experience. Learn more about our presenters here.   The Southern SAWG conference is always a great bargain, given the quality of the information and the networking opportunities that come with such a large turnout of the South's most innovative and successful producers, organizers and advocates in sustainable agriculture. Your farming operation or local foods organization can't afford to miss this event. Click here to learn more about registration fees and upcoming deadlines. Or register now by clicking on the button below. These funds will help make it possible for limited-resource farmers to participate in this event.  To learn more about fee waivers and how to apply, click here.   Kentucky farmers! Check out the article below to learn how you can apply (by Dec 1) for up to $500 to participate in conferences like this Southern SAWG conference! Note to organizational and institutional leaders: We can provide letters of support to your potential funders if you are seeking funds for producers in your area to participate in the pre-conference and conference activities. Just contact us with the details.   Kentucky Farmers: Get Funds to Attend the Southern SAWG Conference   Kentucky State University is offering educational support grants of up to $500 for Kentucky farmers who wish to participate in trainings for "certified organic farming and marketing, value-added enterprise development, aquaponics and new economic development." The Southern SAWG conference, as well as the Organic Agriculture Research Symposium being held in conjunction with the conference, would both be excellent events for which these funds might apply. This is restricted to farmers with less than $250,000 gross sales from the farm and special consideration is given to limited-resource farmers, small acreage producers, female farmers, minority farmers and the 54 Appalachian counties.    The next deadline for application is December 1, 2016. For more information, visit this link or contact Joni Nelson at joni.nelson@kysu.edu.   If you offer products or services to those looking for sustainable farming and local food system solutions, then this is the event for you. Click here for information about our trade show and advertising opportunities.       We need conference sponsors! As a sponsor you will be helping hundreds of farmers, community food advocates, educators and researchers across the South, and with the visibility this event affords, it will distinguish you as a critical supporter of the sustainable agriculture movement. Click here to learn more and show your support.     CLICK TO LEARN MORE!   Stay Connected       PO Box 1552, Fayetteville, AR 72702

 

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