Workshops

Session VI

Saturday, February 15 | 1:30-2:45 p.m.

The Food and Farm Movement

Farm Bill: What We Know and Where We’re Going

Patty Lovera, Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment, Stef Funk, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Steve Ela, National Organic Coalition, Milo Petruziello, OEFFA

Food and farm experts from around the country will discuss the status and the future of the impactful farm bill. Delve into the current landscape of upcoming federal legislation and review what new Ohio members of the 119th Congress can do to support our mission.

Woodhull C


Sustainable Foundations and Personal Resilience

Balancing Ideals and Reality

Amanda Hanger, Gorman Heritage Farm, Steve Edwards, Gorman Heritage Farm and White Oak Farm

Sometimes conceptual farming methods don’t yield the desired results. Learn about real-word applications of sustainable techniques and how to adapt when things don’t go as planned from two southwest Ohio farmers.

Woodhull B


Backyards, Lots, and Small Plots

Creating Ecology-Based Food Communities

Debra Knapke, The Garden Sage

Imagine creating a functional food garden designed to model a forest ecology. It would have a diverse, yet complementary, palette of trees, shrubs, perennials, and vines that offer food and nutrition to each other, their associated fauna, and to us. A food forest or forest garden is the practical application of regenerative practices for the gardener who wants to work with nature and put healthy food on the table.

River Birch B


Growing Sustainable Businesses

Mentoring on the Farm

Annie Warmke, Blue Rock Station Sustainable Living Center and Farm

With 20 years of experience developing and managing an internship/apprenticeship program, this workshop will share what it takes to make it successful. Learn the basics of Ohio intern law, the challenges, and successes, plus hear how Blue Rock Station has helped these wanna-be farmers turn into leaders.

Denison


Grain Crops

Can Biochar Restore Soil Carbon and Other Ecosystem Services?

Cody Creech, University of Nebraska

The extent to which biochar improves soil properties and crop production has been mixed. Explore what we know about biochar performance and how other practices that are used to improve soil health compare.

River Birch D


Livestock and Poultry

Fiber Farming and Diversification

Dianne Ganslein, Ohio Valley Farm and Fiber Mill

Learn how small growers can drive more profitability by diversifying their fiber farm’s offerings to include raising animals, commercial processing, and value-added products.

Woodhull DE


Vegetables, Fruit, and Specialty Crops

MVEG

Pest and Disease Scouting for Vegetable Growers

Dan Fillius, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Learn tangible practices to evaluate your organic vegetable crops for emerging pests and diseases, including schedules, tools, and techniques. Walk away feeling confident you can implement scouting practices to identify and mitigate pests and diseases that can impact your plants’ health and yield.

Woodhull A


Tools and Techniques

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.

River Birch A


Connecting Communities

Queer Breakout Room

Jerah Pettibone, OEFFA

This is a space intended for farmers who identify as LGBTQIA to come together and connect. It is a loosely structured conversation around the different joys and challenges queer farmers face. If this applies to you, come, meet, share, and connect in community.

River Birch C

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OEFFA

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
NEW ADDRESS
150 E. Wilson Bridge Rd. Suite 230
Worthington, OH 43085

oeffaoeffaorg

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

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