The 2023 Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts State Meeting includes more breaks for networking, watershed training, and special sessions for new employees and new directors. In addition, the meeting will provide information about ecosystems crediting markets, climate smart agriculture, and the vast amount of federal funding that is on the horizon for conservation. Additional topics include direct marketing of products, diversifying your operation to include agritourism and increase financial resiliency, and what exactly it is that large corporations are looking for from commodity producers in the upcoming year. As always, there are also networking opportunities with local, state, and national leaders in conservation.
For more information or to register, visit the meeting website, or contact Sarah Blaney by email or phone (517-763-8609).
Rodale Institute offers a micro-grants program specifically targeted to support projects and consulting for small-scale BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Color) farmers, whether you’re organic, transitioning to organic, or an aspiring organic farmer.
Grant funding is focused on needs such as tools, equipment, training, consulting, or anything that ensures the farmer’s success. Funding should have the potential to positively impact a farmer’s transition to organic, allow them to better market their products, or solve a particular problem that is typically un-fundable through normal operational or lending strategies. Projects that have a high level of potential impact on the individual farm and/or the communities they serve will be given the highest priority.
Any U.S. small-scale BIPOC farmer who is currently organic or wishes to pursue the transition process to become organic, or any student/intern/apprentice farmer involved in an organic operation is eligible to apply for these funds. The Organic Farmers Association is a partner in the process to identify and screen potential recipients for the grants.
Projects will be prioritized based on potential impact and success. Project budgets should be a maximum of $2,000. An annual report will be due 60 days after the end of the project.
Applications open January 1 and are due by February 28th of each year. Proposals will be reviewed by a committee of Rodale Institute staff and board members, Organic Farmers Association, and/or partnerships with other groups as appropriate. Funding decisions will be made by April 30th. Funds will be available immediately and released as per the demands of the project being funded.
The application process is a streamlined process requiring a complete application and budget. Additional appendices are permitted with a total limit of 5 pages. The Finance office is available to help with any or all parts of the application process. Input from Rodale Institute staff or any other office is no assurance that the project being submitted will be funded.
For more information or to apply, visit the program webpage, or contact Elaine Macbeth by email or phone (610-683-1400).
The ninth annual Oklahoma Local Agriculture Summit focuses on increasing the availability of local food in Oklahoma communities and strengthening farmers markets and agritourism sites through education and networking opportunities.
The conference is facilitated by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, ONIE Project, Langston University, and key stakeholders from agricultural, community, and public health agencies. The farm bus tour will take place on Monday, Feb. 27. Two in-depth workshops will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 28, including hands-on marketing training and a workshop sharing best farm practices. The full summit with more than 20 breakout sessions is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1 followed by the agritourism rolling workshop bus tour on Thursday, March 2.
Most of the events associated with the summit are free to attend; however, registration is required for each event.
The conference has five tracks addressing topics of special interest to farmers market managers, growers, agritourism producers, Christmas tree growers, and community support organizations. Topics will include accepting SNAP/EBT, growing practices, marketing to consumers, and more. A meal on March 1 will be provided to all registrants.
For more information or to register, visit the event website, or contact the Oklahoma Local Agriculture Collaborative (OLAC) by email or phone (405-271-2091).
USDA’s National Agroforestry Center is launching a free 10-part monthly webinar series to highlight how different USDA programs can be used to advance agroforestry adoption.
Each individual webinar will include two speakers and one USDA agency representative, as well as one program participant who has used that USDA program to enhance their agroforestry work.
Learn how USDA programs can be utilized to promote and support agroforestry establishment, management, research, and other efforts in your area.
For more information or to register, visit the program webpage.
InTents: The Farmers Market Conference brings together farmers market managers and participants from throughout the US, Canada and beyond to make their operations stronger and more profitable.
Join in for three days of presentations, panels, roundtables and networking. Learn and connect, compare notes on what’s happening in the farmers market industry and your community of practice. Gain knowledge and discover resources, and enjoy time with your village of market managers, farmers and makers.
For more information or to register, visit the conference website, or contact Farmers Market Pros by email or phone (619-233-3901).
At the American Solar Grazing Association annual meeting, you will learn about 2022 highlights, programming for 2023, and upcoming ASGA projects, as well as meet ASGA’s membership team and much more! ASGA members will also vote on candidates for the Board of Directors. Only ASGA members are eligible to vote for board members, but non-members are welcome to attend.
The meeting is free and online, but RSVP is required.
For more information or to RSVP, visit the event webpage, or email ASGA.
This conference is designed to offer practical, actionable ideas and information from some of the leaders of the cottage food movement and from cottage food entrepreneurs who are running a successful, and profitable, business from their home kitchen.
The conference is for anyone and everyone who is operating or wants to start a home-based food enterprise. While it is true that each state has its own cottage food and/or food freedom law, this conference focuses on the many issues and challenges facing food business owners regardless of where they call home. As examples, the national conference will explore the differences between operating as a sole proprietor or LLC, how to take your marketing to the next level, ways to approach possible expansion into some form of commercially-licensed operation like a commercial kitchen rental or construction, and how to attract and grow your customer base. Of course, there will be opportunities to connect with others in your state, too.
On each day of the four day virtual (online) conference, a keynote will kick things off, followed by 3 practical workshops, each to include live question and answer sessions. This adds up to a great value of sixteen sessions and over nine hours of content — all hosted on the Whova conference platform that provides plenty of opportunities to engage with others attending. Prizes are even given away for the most Instagram-worthy product photos.
For more information or to register, visit the event webpage, or contact Renewing the Countryside by email or phone (507-291-3663).
Please note that, in cooperation with efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Kerr Center is currently offering tours by appointment only, and only outdoors. To request a tour, please contact us at least two weeks in advance by calling 918.647.9123 or emailing mailbox@kerrcenter.com (please put “public tour” in subject line).
(Under normal circumstances, guided tours are available one day each month, on the second Tuesday, April through September.) During these tours, Kerr Center staff show visitors our current horticulture and livestock projects.
Tours go from 9-11 or 1-3 (approximate length), and cost $10 per person.
Advance registration is required. Contact us a week in advance to let us know you are coming and whether you want to see horticulture or livestock projects or both.
Keep in mind that what is available to see varies according to season. When you call, we can let you know what is available to see. We want you to have the best possible experience!
Pay at the door. Tours begin at the Kerr Center office.
Click here for directions and map.
All other visits must be requested at least two weeks in advance. Groups are welcome.
Call the Kerr Center at 918.647.9123 or email mailbox@kerrcenter.com with “tour request” in the subject line to arrange a visit.
The Cow/Calf Boot Camp is designed for both new and experienced cattle producers who are serious about increasing their level of management and their bottom line.
As much cow knowledge as possible is packed into the three day agenda covering all aspects of cow-calf production. Come prepared to work hard, learn a lot, and make new friends.
To be the first to know when registration is opened for the next camp, place your name on the waiting list.
For more information, visit the Cow/Calf Boot Camp webpage, or contact Brian Freking by email or phone (580-332-7011).
Join the Eastside Fresh Market’s season opening, with produce, crafts, food, and entertainment for the whole family.
The Eastside Fresh Market serves as a food access hub for Northeast Oklahoma City and creates new market opportunities for NE OKC farmers and other Oklahoma City area food producers.
For more information, visit the market webpage, or contact Brandi Buys by email or phone (405-713-1125).
