Events Calendar
World Dairy Expo
September 29- October 3, 2009
Expo is the international dairy meeting place, a five day event showcasing the finest in dairy genetics and the newest technologies available to the dairy industry. World Dairy Expo takes place at the Alliant Energy Center of Dane County in Madison, Wisconsin USA. Follow highways 12/18/151 on Madison's South side. Exit North on Rimrock Road. See our location map.
Daily entrance fee is $8 per person (U.S. dollars) which includes parking. Season passes are $25 per person. Passes are purchased at the gate; no pre-registration is necessary.
National Small Food Manufacturers' Conference
April 23-24, 2009 | Lincoln, Nebraska
Be a part of the first National Small Food Manufacturer Conference. This conference has been designed specifically for small food manufacturers throughout the country. The conference will educate and motivate you to heat up your food business.
The Seward Co-op's CSA Fair/Grand Opening
April 25-26, 2009 | Minneapolis, MN
Twin-Cities residents are invited to stop by Seward Co-op on April 25th from 11am-3pm for their CommunitySupported Agriculture Fair.
Meet the farmers, learn about CSA options and select a CSA that is best for you and your family. The fair will be followed by the Grand Opening of the new Seward Coop on April 26th from Noon-5pm.
This year's fair will take place at 2823 East Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, under a canopy in the co-op's parking lot, rain or shine.
For more information and a list of participating farms, visit www.seward.coop.
On April 25th, from 11 am until 3 pm, Twin Cities residents are invited to stop by Seward Co-op to meet farmers, learn about CSA options and select a CSA that is best for themselves and their families.
On April 26th, from Noon until 5pm, join us again to celebrate our Grand Opening. We'll have live music, demos, give-aways and kid-friendly activities. Both events will take place in the Seward Co-op parking lot.
An Evening with Winona LaDuke: Cultivating a Local Food Community
April 30, 2009 | River Falls, WI
From 5:00-6:30pm visit with representatives from local farms, community supported agriculture operations, grocery co-ops, farmers' markets, restaurants, and other organizations that promote local food while dining on a variety of complimentary appetizers and beverages made with local ingredients.
From 6:30-8:30pm, Winona LaDuke will discuss the definition of a local food system and look at why local food systems are important in this day and age.
There will be limited seating for this event, so please pre-register by emailing Sarah Rykal at sarah.rykal@uwrf.edu before April 13, 2009. While there is no fee for this event, free-will donations will be accepted to help promote sustainable agriculture in Western Wisconsin.
Organic Processing Training
April 30 - May 1, 2009 | Medina, ND
This two-day workshop offered by FARRMS & IOIA will provide training in the USDA Organic handling andlabeling standards, understanding the requirements of organic system plans, and virtual tours of organic processors. The course is for processors who are newly certified or considering organic certification.
A limited number of spaces are available for organic inspectors or certification staff. Space is limited, so early application is encouraged. Training fees are $500 per participant. A limited number of scholarships are available.
For more information visit www.farrms.org/proctrain.html or 701.486.3569.
MAY EVENTS
Leafcutter and Mason Bee Management Workshop
May 15, 2009 | Madison, WI
The intended audience for this workshop includes farmers who depend upon bee pollination (fruit, vegetable, and forage seed producers), organic farmers, entomologists, Extension personnel, Master Gardeners, and honey beekeepers interested in diversifying their pollination services.
The event begins with a morning classroom session at the UW-Madison Arboretum followed by a field demonstration of these bees actively nesting at Gardens of Goodness organic apple orchard in McFarland.
Time: 9:30am - 3pm
Cost: $35, which includes a workshop textbook.
For more information, please download a flier, or call 920-391-4610. Register online today.
Chicago Green Festival
May 16-17, 2009 | Chicago, IL
Celebrating what's working in our communities, the Chicago Green FestivalT, showcases more than 350 diverse local and national green businesses. More than 150 renowned speakers appear for insightful panel discussions and presentations.
You'll also enjoy great how-to workshops, green films, a Fair Trade pavilion, yoga classes, kids' activities, delicious organic beer, wine and cuisine, and live music. Find out how Midwest neighbors, community nonprofits and city departments are working together to make their cities healthier places to live.
Equipment for Small Farmers
May 23, 2009 | Fairbury, IL
Learn how implements can contribute to satisfying, sustainable small-scale farming and help you achieve your goals. Information about the function and use of tractors and various implements will be demonstrated, including a bale mulcher, crop cart, tractor tiller, converted horse drawn cultivators, and a potato planter.
Green Communities 2009 "Going Local, Staying Local"
May 27, 2009 | Eau Claire, WI
Please join us for an exploration of green principles and practices to sustain economic growth in West Central Wisconsin. Workshops include Energy Sources, Alternatives & Efficiencies; Strengthening the Economy: Buy Local Campaigns; Modeling Successful Green Communities.
For more conference information and sponsorship opportunities, please visit the conference web site at www.thesynergyconference.com/green, email us at conferences-workshops@uwstout.edu
or call us at 715.232.2793.
Time: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Location: The Florian Gardens Conference Center, Eau Claire
Register by May 6th and save $100 (includes conference materials and meals
Aquaponics Training Courses
May 2009 | Montello, WI
Nelson and Pade, Inc., a leader in the aquaponics industry, is now offering aquaponic training courses for anyone interested in learning more about aquaponics. Aquaponics and Controlled Environment Agriculture is the first course scheduled. It will provide attendees the opportunity to learn about aquaponic system designs, methods and daily operation with an emphasis on proper environmental control. This 2-day course covers concepts through construction.
Other upcoming courses include Afternoon in the Greenhouse, Aquaponics and Hydroponics and Aquaponics for Educators.
For more information on the courses, schedule and related details, visit www.aquaponics.com and click on "Training and Workshops," or call 608-297-8708 or email: info@aquaponics.com.
JUNE EVENTS
Compost School - 3 Day Intensive
June 8-10, 2009 | Chaska, MN
Compost School 2009 will cover the science of composting, handling feedstocks ,enhancing compost quality,sampling and analytical processes, environmental regulations, application rates, source separated food waste and understanding compost markets. Classes will focus on a combination of hands-on training, lecture and discussion, facility operator panel discussions, and problem solving.
Find detailed information and/or register online today.
Time: 7am - 4pm daily
Location: University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN
All Things Organic
June 17-18, 2009
Delivering Today’s Fastest Growing Trends
Organic :: Multi-Cultural :: Health & Wellness :: Specialty
The All Things Organic™ Conference & Trade Show takes place along side the Organic Trade Association's Annual Meeting and Member Days, Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food, and features a Health & Wellness Education Program, Health & Wellness Pavilion and Specialty Pavilion.
Four events in one location create a one-stop shopping resource for new and innovative products across today’s top growing food industry categories. Find products, education and tools to capitalize on these top consumer trends.
20th Annual MREA Energy Fair
June 19-21, 2009 | Custer, WI
Over 270 exhibitors; 200+ workshops; Mass transit from Madison, Milwaukee,GreenBay/Appleton,Chicagoand Minneapolis; Free hourly shuttles from Stevens Point; Clean Energy Car Show; Green Home Pavilion; Sustainable Table Workshop Area; Hands on Workshops, and more!
For more information on Energy Fair speakers, workshops, travel and accomodations, visit the MREA website.
Cost: $15 a day / $35 for the weekend
Grazefest Minnesota 2009 at the Mill City Farmers Market
June 20, 2009 | Minneapolis, MN
Meet Minnesota Farmers growing pasture-raised foods; learn from Minnesota Chefs preparing delectable dishes using locally grown, pasture-raised foods; sample delicious, locally-grown, pasture-raised fare; learn about the benefits of pastured egg, pork, dairy, beef, goat, and sheep production; take a Bus Tour to grass-based farms producing pasture-raised foods; enjoy music, food, entertainment and fun!
Learn more - additional details to be added May 1st.
Time: 8am - 1pm
Location: Mill City Farmers Market, 704 2nd Street South, Minneapolis, MN 55401 Chicago Avenue and 2nd Street South between The Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum.
Open House: Four Elements Herbals
June 20, 2009 | North Freedom, WI
Tour Four Elements Herbal Gardens. Tours at 12:30pm and 2:00pm. Tours include Formal Display Herb Garden, Production Gardens, and Haywagon ride through the woods for native tree and shrub ID.
Visit www.fourelementsherbals.com to learn more, or for directions. Organic herb transplants and products will be available.
FUTURE EVENTS
Organic Farming Field Day
July 14, 2009 | Dickinson, ND
Topics include: "What We've Learned about Organic Farming from Long-Term Research", by Kathleen Delate; "No-Till Organic Farming: How to Do It", by Jeff Moyer; "Organic Farming in Wet Conditions", by Paul Porter and Carmen Fernholz; "Crop Variety Selection for Organic Systems", by Steve Zwinger, etc.
Time: 8:30am - 5pm.
The 3rd National Conference on Facilitating Sustainable Ag. Education
July 15-17, 2009 | Ames, IA
The conference will include visits to learning farms, time for making connections with others in the sustainable agriculture field, and sharing curriculum and experiences. Join us for a participant-led exchange of ideas and methods, as well as in-depth discussions!
Learn more by visiting the Sustainable Ag. Education Association (SAEA) website.
Cost: $325 for SAEA Members / $350 for Non-Members
Students: $75 for SAEA Members / $90 for Non-Members
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
July 21-23, 2009 | Waterloo, IA
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is the largest agriculture exposition in Wisconsin--a three-day outdoor event that showcases the latest improvements in production agriculture. Each year, it is held in a different Wisconsin county--on a different host family farm.
6th Annual Kickapoo Country Fair
July 25-26, 2009 | La Farge, WI
The 2009 Kickapoo Country Fair will be about hope, and a celebration of the simple things that make for a life rich in beauty, culture and connections, whether to the land, our past or the surrounding community. The all-weekend event will feature organic farm tours, farmers and farm animals, sustainability workshops, hiking, Butter Churn Bike Tour, food and artisan vendors, not-for-profit exhibitors, family "farm-friendly" activities, all-day music and entertainment, and dancing!
GEM Permaculture Design Certificate Course
August 10-21, 2009 | Saukville, WI
Exciting, hands-on, 72-hour training course in sustainable living-systems design where participants join in interactive learning exercises. You'll make super compost quickly, build soils, analyze sites for greening opportunities, and use your new Permaculture design skills in real-world applications in you own home, apartment or land.
The course includes field trips to observe Permaculture practices in action and more.
Visit gem.uwsp.edu for more course information and online registration form.
Creating Working Buildings and Farmscapes
October 25 - November 6, 2009 | Warren, VT
This course is aimed at those involved in small, integrated, local farms.
Topics covered will include energy efficiency and independence, barnyard layout, barn design and rehabilitation, site planning, sheds and outbuildings, greenhouses, root cellars, housing, long-term planning, and the many systems involved in a local food source.
The studio experience will be an opportunity for farmers to take to time and space away from the daily routine and imagine, prioritize, and plan the upgrades they have always dreamed of. Students are encouraged to bring a design project to the class to workshop through the week.
A small building project at the school or at a local farm will give the students a chance to safely learn the basics of construction. Farm visits, presentations, and guest lectures will provide a first hand opportunity to see how others have taken on the noble challenge of building a farm.
Learn more about this workshop and additional workshops at www.yestermorrow.org.
Cost: Beginner to intermediate. $1400 plus $45 materials fee
