Tools and Techniques

Workshop Session I: 9:15-10:30 a.m.

Choosing the Right Variety for Your Farm

Dana Hilfinger, Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Ever wonder how to choose between all those cherry tomato varieties in a seed catalog? Learn about a decision making framework for selecting varieties, and share your own experiences with varieties that were successful.

Organic seed sourcing is nuanced. Refer to this fact sheet for details!

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Workshop Session II: 10:45 a.m.-Noon

Which Tool is the Right Tool?

Joel Dufour, Earth Tools Inc.

Dig into the world of garden tools—it’s a lot bigger than what you see at a big-box store! Learn the proper selection and ergonomics of various tools, how to identify high quality tools, and how to maintain them.

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Workshop Session III: 1:30-2:45 p.m. 

For Peat’s Sake

Nathan Rutz, Tilth Soil

Growing stronger, healthier plants starts with propagation. If you’ve ever had questions about what is, or what should be, in your potting soil, come get your hands dirty (literally!). Learn more about: the role and origin of various components and amendments; how they interact to help plants succeed; and balancing performance, ecological, and financial considerations.

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Workshop Session IV: 3-4:15 p.m

High Tunnel Construction Best Practices

Bob Rimol, Rimol Greenhouse Systems

High tunnels are a valuable tool for growers of all sizes, but careful planning is needed to ensure it creates more benefits than headaches. Hear the best practices for high tunnel construction to help prevent common high tunnel mistakes and ensure you get the most value from your investment.

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Workshop Session V: 10:45-Noon

Keeping You and Your Produce Safe

Denise Natoli Brooks, CSU

You grow and sell delicious produce, but how do you know that produce is safe? Consider proper manure management, personal hygiene, and harvest/post-harvest produce handling to help create and implement an on-farm produce safety plan. Build and take-home an in-field hand-washing station.

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Workshop Session VI: 1:30-2:45 p.m.

Biodynamics Simplified: Making Biodynamic Preparations

Jeff Poppen, Barefoot Farmer and Long Hungry Creek Farm

Biodynamics refers to biology and energy, and its method relies on compost and cover crops, along with appropriate remineralization. Discuss in detail what biodynamics is, why we do it, and how it’s done. Understand the practical applications of this efficient, economical, and sustainable system for the market gardener and the small landowner.

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Workshop Session VII: 3-4:15 p.m.

Mini Site Assessment Workshop

Jerah Pettibone, OEFFA, Marc Amante and Denise Natoli Brooks, CSU

Before investing in farmland, you need to find the right land to support your farm and lifestyle. This workshop is for anyone searching for farmland, and is suitable for crop, livestock, and agroforestry producers. Explore key considerations on topography, land infrastructure, location, soil, and water, and connect with a team of supportive technical assistants from OEFFA and Central State University.

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