Workshops
Session V
Saturday, February 17 | 10:45 a.m.–Noon
Bridging Perspectives
Nicole Wolcott, OEFFA
Through group discussions and activities, learn how we can bridge perspectives and backgrounds to build movements. OEFFA’s narrative is our goal—to have a sustainable and resilient food system. By practicing positive conversations and working across differences, we can help folks see the value in working together to achieve that goal.
C A N C E L L E D
For Peat’s Sake! An Exploration of Potting Soil Components
Nathan Rutz, Rust Belt Riders Composting/Tilth Soil
Have you ever looked at the ingredient list on your potting soil and wondered what and where it comes from? Discuss the job we task potting soil to do, explore common and uncommon potting soil components (the bulk of the material) and amendments (the added stuff), and understand the benefits and drawbacks of the available options.
Backyards, Lots, and Small Plots
Small-Space Indoor Production of Microgreens and Mushrooms as a Way to Create a Viable Income and Help People Out of Poverty
Tom Phillips, StarkFresh, Alexis Philips, Little Greens Mama
Hear the results of two Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) projects that demonstrate ways mutually beneficial partnerships can help people in poverty create viable incomes through small-space, indoor farming businesses. Real-life case studies will be shared of a microgreen and mushroom farms in an urban environment.
Fostering Best Practices for Plant and Soil Health Management While Adapting to Current and Future Climate Challenges
Pam Mack, L Marie Ltd
Take an experience-based look at running a small organic vegetable farm with a changing climate. Learn best practices for growing plants and an approach to adapting a growing philosophy to combat climate challenges.
Farm, Mill, and Bakery: Adding Value Adds Up
Thor Oechsner, Oechsner Farms
Delve into how an organic field crop farm kept its head above water by adding value to its grain through processing. Talk about both the why and how they came to own and operate both a flour mill and bakery. Simple on-farm grain cleaning and marketing will also be covered.
Earning Income on Fallow Land with Swine
Tom Cail
Learn how to use swine to help earn income on fallow land, all while adding fertilizer and controlling weeds.
Farming with Draft Animals
Gabriel Francisco, Thunderfoot Farm
Did you know that farming with the use of draft animals continues to be one of the most prevalent methods of farm power to this day? Topic discussions will include team selection, training basics, soil health and farm biodiversity, economics, and practicality. Information will be provided for those interested or starting their draft-powered farming journeys, but all skill levels are invited to attend and join in the conversation.
Grants, Loans, and Technical Support for Urban Farmers from the USDA
Mike Hogan, OSU
Understand the new and expanded financial and technical support for urban farm businesses available from the USDA. Representatives from USDA agencies will outline how existing and aspiring urban farmers can access support for their business, and urban farmers will discuss how their farm operations have benefitted from utilizing these resources.
Community Conversations
Seed Commons as a Pathway to Community Resilience
Jim Embry, Sustainable Communities Network
Continuing the morning’s keynote presentation, learn about the development of bioregional seed commons. This transformation of our agrifood system depends on us doing many things differently, thinking not just out-of-the-box but out-of-the-barn. But one thing is clear: this paradigm shift cannot happen without securing, adapting, sharing, and honoring the diversity of plant seeds—from grasses to trees.
* This session was not recorded due to its conversational aspect.
t This session's recording had technical issues.
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
41 Croswell Rd.
Columbus OH 43214
oeffa
oeffa
orgOEFFA: (614) 421-2022 (614) 421-2022
OEFFA Certification: (614) 262-2022 (614) 262-2022