CD $5.00
MP3 $1.25
2008 Organic Farming Conference La Crosse
Growing Raspberries from Soil to Market
In this wide-ranging workshop, veteran berry farmer and Northland Berry News publisher, Paul Otten, will cover the fundamentals of producing raspberries in an organic system, including discussions of soil stewardship, site considerations, cultivar selection, critical cultural practices, crop budgets, tools and equipment, marketing tips, resources and much more.
Start Your Farming Year in September: Year-round Growing in Hoop Houses
Hoop houses can provide a competitive advantage to your market and enable you to choose which season gives your product the most value. Join Judy Hageman and Bill Warner as they follow the cycle of production from September through August at Snug Haven Farm in south central Wisconsin, where they have grown crops in hoophouses since 1994.
Organic Management of Apple Insect Pests
Join Michigan organic apple orchardist, Jim Koan, and Michigan State University entomologist, Mark Whalon, for a discussion of the practical tools and innovative strategies they use for controlling the major insect pests of the apple orchard.
Intensive Urban Agriculture
Farmer and community activist, Will Allen, will share examples and lessons from Growing Power’s urban agriculture initiatives in Milwaukee and around the world, including community outreach, composting, vermiculture, aquaponics, bee keeping, greenhouse construction, project planning, intensive planting technology, marketing, packaging, post harvest handling, and product delivery.
Other Conferences
Learning to Grow Organic Peanuts
Dr. Emily Cantonwine of NESPAL and Dr. Marshall Lamb of the National Peanut Lab discuss challenges and early successes in growing organic peanuts in south Georgia. They will also describe the efforts of the Organic Peanut Working Group in Georgia and a national network of peanut researchers working on organic production.
Transitioning to Organic Vidalia Onion Production
Growers, extension agents, and researchers from the Organic Vidalia Onion Working Group share their knowledge and experiences. More than 150 acres of organic onions are planted for the 2007 harvest.
Connecting the Community
Wisconsin farmer Will Allen is Executive Director of Growing Power, a national nonprofit organization that supports the development of community food systems and healthy affordable food in urban areas. He will explore avenues to bring food and jobs to urban and rural communities. He’ll also introduce strategies for developing community-based businesses.
Organic Beekeeping Methods for Health & Vitality
Join beekeeper and biodynamic practitioner Gunther Hauk for a discussion of the honeybee colony as an organism that has certain needs in order to maintain its health, the ways that modern beekeeping practices go against most of these basic needs, and how you can raise honeybees in a way that respects their own instinctual wisdom.
Herbs for Commerce: An Exploration for Farmers
The market for medicinal herbs is growing; and few herbs are being grown in the United States, creating a market opportunity. Join herbalist Linda Conroy for an overview and exploration of this growing industry, and a look at the herbs that Midwest farmers could grow as cash crops.
Organic Blueberry Production
Blueberries are an excellent crop to integrate into an organic market garden or small farming operation, provided that soil acidity and siting considerations can be met. Northern Wisconsin berry growerTom Galazen will address the vital factors in establishing a blueberry planting as well as how to meet the challenges presented by drought, fungal diseases, weeds, and birds.
In many locations, demand for locally-produced strawberries far exceeds available supplies. Laura and Brian Wilson share their experience with four acres of organic strawberry production, including information on varieties, fertility, irrigation, straw application, weed and pest management, crop rotation, and marketing through multiple venues.