Upcoming Events

Interested in adding your event to the calendar? Please read the submission rules and instructions.
  • All events must meet the criteria established in the Start2Farm Collection Development Policy. Acceptable events may include conferences, workshops, courses, seminars, and other educational activities.
  • The calendar is maintained as a courtesy and updated as time and resources allow. Start2Farm does not guarantee and is not obligated to list submissions.
  • Start2Farm will not include commercial or political events, events that promote discrimination, or any other events that are not in harmony with the purpose and spirit of Start2Farm.
  • Start2Farm reserves the right to determine if an event does or not does meet all of the requirements of submission.
Submit events for inclusion in the calendar by contacting Start2Farm at info@start2farm.gov or by calling 301-504-6020. Events information must include:
  • the title of the event
  • the dates and times
  • location
  • name of organization responsible for the event
  • contact information
  • fee or cost (if applicable)
  • a website for more information (if applicable)

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  • Groundswell Sustainable Farming Certificate Program

    May 6, 2013 all day
    Finger Lakes Region, New York

    Apply now for Groundswell's 2013 Sustainable Farming Courses!
    Visit groundswellcenter.org for info and easy online application form.

    Need tuition support? Let us know.

    Apply now for Groundswell's
    2013 Sustainable Farming Programs!
    Are you thinking about farming as a part-time or full-time livelihood? Are you looking for a solid introduction to organic farming principles, practices and business opportunities? Groundswell's Sustainable Farming programs provide hands-on training in small-scale, commercial organic farming systems and are geared for beginning and aspiring farmers.
    They also appeal to serious homesteaders, agricultural science students, educators, and others who need to deepen their knowledge of sustainable production practices and gain a realistic understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved in small-scale farming. Tuition support is available for those with financial need.
    Groundswell’s 100-hour Sustainable Farming Certificate Program runs from May 6 to October 26 and provides a well-rounded, in-depth immersion in organic crop and livestock production. It also exposes trainees to a variety of models and mentors for successful small farm management. The curriculum combines on-farm workshops, classroom training, farm tours, and supervised on-farm work experience.
    This year Groundswell is also offering a series of shorter courses for those who aren't able to take on the full 100-hour Certificate Program. These include several advanced-level Intensives, geared for farmers with some production experience.
    2013 Programs:
     Sustainable Farming Certificate Program: 100 hours, May 6 – October 26
     Finger Lakes CRAFT: Monthly farm tours and social gatherings for farmers, farm interns and farm employees.
     Organic Farming Fundamentals. Six sessions, May 8 - June 26.
     Commercial Organic Vegetable Production Basics. Eight sessions, May 22 - August 28.
     Organic Livestock Production Basics. Six sessions, July 3 - August 7.
     Pastured Poultry Intensive. Full-day workshop, Aug 12.
     Sheep Dairy Intensive. Full-day workshop, Aug 18.
     Hog Breeding & Farrowing Intensive. Full-day workshop, Sep 16.
     Draft Horse Intensive. Two-day workshop, TBA.
    APPLY ONLINE TODAY!
    Groundswell ‘s courses are taught by experienced farmers on diverse working farms in the Finger Lakes area. These include West Haven Farm in Ithaca, Northland Sheep Dairy in Marathon, Kingbird Farm in Berkshire, and The Good Life Farm in Interlaken, which serve as the main “Mentor Farms” for Groundswell programs.
    “With Groundswell, you’re getting the best farmers in the area to open up their farms, their business plans, their marketing strategies, growing practices and maybe most importantly, their lifestyles,” says Allan Gandelman of Main Street Farms in Homer, NY. Gandelman and his business partner Bob Cat both participated in Groundswell programs before and during the launch of their innovative indoor farm business, which now produces and markets sustainable-raised Tilapia and specialty greens year-round.
    “We work hard to attract a diverse group of trainees each year,” says Groundswell Director Joanna Green. “People of all ages and demographics are getting interested in farming, and they all need access to the training and the resources required to be successful.” Groundswell especially encourages people of color to get involved, as well as new Americans, LGBT and others who have sometimes been excluded from the sustainable agriculture/local foods movement.
    Tuition for each program is on a sliding scale, and additional tuition support is available for those with financial need. Program details and an online application form can be found atwww.groundswellcenter.org. For more information email info@groundswellcenter.org or call 607-319-5095.
    APPLY NOW
    The Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming is an initiative of the EcoVillage Center for Sustainability Education/Center for Transformative Action. Support is provided by USDA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute for Food and Agriculture-USDA, Grant #2010-49400-21799, Park Foundation, and Appalachian Regional Commission’s New Americans Initiative. For more information, visit www.groundswellcenter.org.

  • Groundswell Organic Farming Fundamentals

    May 8, 2013 all day
    Finger Lakes Region, New York

    Apply now for Groundswell's 2013 Sustainable Farming Courses!
    Visit groundswellcenter.org for info and easy online application form.

    Need tuition support? Let us know.

    Apply now for Groundswell's
    2013 Sustainable Farming Programs!
    Are you thinking about farming as a part-time or full-time livelihood? Are you looking for a solid introduction to organic farming principles, practices and business opportunities? Groundswell's Sustainable Farming programs provide hands-on training in small-scale, commercial organic farming systems and are geared for beginning and aspiring farmers.
    They also appeal to serious homesteaders, agricultural science students, educators, and others who need to deepen their knowledge of sustainable production practices and gain a realistic understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved in small-scale farming. Tuition support is available for those with financial need.
    Groundswell’s 100-hour Sustainable Farming Certificate Program runs from May 6 to October 26 and provides a well-rounded, in-depth immersion in organic crop and livestock production. It also exposes trainees to a variety of models and mentors for successful small farm management. The curriculum combines on-farm workshops, classroom training, farm tours, and supervised on-farm work experience.
    This year Groundswell is also offering a series of shorter courses for those who aren't able to take on the full 100-hour Certificate Program. These include several advanced-level Intensives, geared for farmers with some production experience.
    2013 Programs:
     Sustainable Farming Certificate Program: 100 hours, May 6 – October 26
     Finger Lakes CRAFT: Monthly farm tours and social gatherings for farmers, farm interns and farm employees.
     Organic Farming Fundamentals. Six sessions, May 8 - June 26.
     Commercial Organic Vegetable Production Basics. Eight sessions, May 22 - August 28.
     Organic Livestock Production Basics. Six sessions, July 3 - August 7.
     Pastured Poultry Intensive. Full-day workshop, Aug 12.
     Sheep Dairy Intensive. Full-day workshop, Aug 18.
     Hog Breeding & Farrowing Intensive. Full-day workshop, Sep 16.
     Draft Horse Intensive. Two-day workshop, TBA.
    APPLY ONLINE TODAY!
    Groundswell ‘s courses are taught by experienced farmers on diverse working farms in the Finger Lakes area. These include West Haven Farm in Ithaca, Northland Sheep Dairy in Marathon, Kingbird Farm in Berkshire, and The Good Life Farm in Interlaken, which serve as the main “Mentor Farms” for Groundswell programs.
    “With Groundswell, you’re getting the best farmers in the area to open up their farms, their business plans, their marketing strategies, growing practices and maybe most importantly, their lifestyles,” says Allan Gandelman of Main Street Farms in Homer, NY. Gandelman and his business partner Bob Cat both participated in Groundswell programs before and during the launch of their innovative indoor farm business, which now produces and markets sustainable-raised Tilapia and specialty greens year-round.
    “We work hard to attract a diverse group of trainees each year,” says Groundswell Director Joanna Green. “People of all ages and demographics are getting interested in farming, and they all need access to the training and the resources required to be successful.” Groundswell especially encourages people of color to get involved, as well as new Americans, LGBT and others who have sometimes been excluded from the sustainable agriculture/local foods movement.
    Tuition for each program is on a sliding scale, and additional tuition support is available for those with financial need. Program details and an online application form can be found atwww.groundswellcenter.org. For more information email info@groundswellcenter.org or call 607-319-5095.
    APPLY NOW
    The Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming is an initiative of the EcoVillage Center for Sustainability Education/Center for Transformative Action. Support is provided by USDA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute for Food and Agriculture-USDA, Grant #2010-49400-21799, Park Foundation, and Appalachian Regional Commission’s New Americans Initiative. For more information, visit www.groundswellcenter.org.

  • Turning Dreams into Reality: Starting a Farm in Arizona workshop

    May 21, 2013 all day
    4341 E Broadway Rd Phoenix, AZ 85040

    Name: Turning Dreams into Reality: Starting a Farm in Arizona workshop
    Date: May 21-22, 2013
    Location: Maricopa County Cooperative Extension office, 4341 E Broadway Rd Phoenix, AZ 85040
    Website: http://extension.arizona.edu/events/turning-dreams-reality-starting-farm...
    Phone: 602-827-8200 x312
    Description: The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Maricopa County is offering a two-day workshop for people interested in starting a farm in Arizona. The workshop will explore the realities, benefits and challenges of starting a new farming operation. This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to interact with local producers and lenders, visit three successful farms in the Phoenix area, and learn from experts about accessing land and capital, obtaining credit, writing solid business plans, insurance, equipment needs, marketing, food safety, irrigation, farm diversification, and organic certification. Cost $113, visit website to register online

  • Groundswell Commercial Organic Vegetable Production Basics

    May 22, 2013 all day
    Finger Lakes Region, New York

    Apply now for Groundswell's 2013 Sustainable Farming Courses!
    Visit groundswellcenter.org for info and easy online application form.

    Need tuition support? Let us know.

    Apply now for Groundswell's
    2013 Sustainable Farming Programs!
    Are you thinking about farming as a part-time or full-time livelihood? Are you looking for a solid introduction to organic farming principles, practices and business opportunities? Groundswell's Sustainable Farming programs provide hands-on training in small-scale, commercial organic farming systems and are geared for beginning and aspiring farmers.
    They also appeal to serious homesteaders, agricultural science students, educators, and others who need to deepen their knowledge of sustainable production practices and gain a realistic understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved in small-scale farming. Tuition support is available for those with financial need.
    Groundswell’s 100-hour Sustainable Farming Certificate Program runs from May 6 to October 26 and provides a well-rounded, in-depth immersion in organic crop and livestock production. It also exposes trainees to a variety of models and mentors for successful small farm management. The curriculum combines on-farm workshops, classroom training, farm tours, and supervised on-farm work experience.
    This year Groundswell is also offering a series of shorter courses for those who aren't able to take on the full 100-hour Certificate Program. These include several advanced-level Intensives, geared for farmers with some production experience.
    2013 Programs:
     Sustainable Farming Certificate Program: 100 hours, May 6 – October 26
     Finger Lakes CRAFT: Monthly farm tours and social gatherings for farmers, farm interns and farm employees.
     Organic Farming Fundamentals. Six sessions, May 8 - June 26.
     Commercial Organic Vegetable Production Basics. Eight sessions, May 22 - August 28.
     Organic Livestock Production Basics. Six sessions, July 3 - August 7.
     Pastured Poultry Intensive. Full-day workshop, Aug 12.
     Sheep Dairy Intensive. Full-day workshop, Aug 18.
     Hog Breeding & Farrowing Intensive. Full-day workshop, Sep 16.
     Draft Horse Intensive. Two-day workshop, TBA.
    APPLY ONLINE TODAY!
    Groundswell ‘s courses are taught by experienced farmers on diverse working farms in the Finger Lakes area. These include West Haven Farm in Ithaca, Northland Sheep Dairy in Marathon, Kingbird Farm in Berkshire, and The Good Life Farm in Interlaken, which serve as the main “Mentor Farms” for Groundswell programs.
    “With Groundswell, you’re getting the best farmers in the area to open up their farms, their business plans, their marketing strategies, growing practices and maybe most importantly, their lifestyles,” says Allan Gandelman of Main Street Farms in Homer, NY. Gandelman and his business partner Bob Cat both participated in Groundswell programs before and during the launch of their innovative indoor farm business, which now produces and markets sustainable-raised Tilapia and specialty greens year-round.
    “We work hard to attract a diverse group of trainees each year,” says Groundswell Director Joanna Green. “People of all ages and demographics are getting interested in farming, and they all need access to the training and the resources required to be successful.” Groundswell especially encourages people of color to get involved, as well as new Americans, LGBT and others who have sometimes been excluded from the sustainable agriculture/local foods movement.
    Tuition for each program is on a sliding scale, and additional tuition support is available for those with financial need. Program details and an online application form can be found atwww.groundswellcenter.org. For more information email info@groundswellcenter.org or call 607-319-5095.
    APPLY NOW
    The Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming is an initiative of the EcoVillage Center for Sustainability Education/Center for Transformative Action. Support is provided by USDA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute for Food and Agriculture-USDA, Grant #2010-49400-21799, Park Foundation, and Appalachian Regional Commission’s New Americans Initiative. For more information, visit www.groundswellcenter.org.

  • Battleground to Breaking Ground: Agriculture workshop for military veterans

    June 1, 2013 5:00am
    Bell County Expo Center, 301 W. Loop 121 Belton, TX

    Agriculture workshop for military veterans to be held

    ‘Battleground to Breaking Ground’ will be May 18 in Dallas and June 1 in Belton

    By: Paul Schattenberg, 210-467-6575, paschattenberg@a.tamu.edu

    Contact: Dr. Cheryl Grenwelge, 979-845-3727, chgrenwelge@ag.tamu.edu

    DALLAS – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, in cooperation with the Texas AgrAbility Project and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will present an agriculture workshop designed especially for military veterans during May and June in two northeast Texas locations.

    The workshop will be from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. at both locations. The first will be May 18 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 17360 Coit Road in Dallas. The second will take place June 1 at the Bell County Expo Center, 301 W. Loop 121 in Belton.

    The workshop, called “From Battleground to Breaking Ground: A Transformational Journey,” gives military veterans interested in farming or ranching the opportunity to get information on aspects of starting, developing and funding an agriculture-based business.

    “The workshop also addresses the possibilities for ranching or farming for veterans with disabilities,” said Dr. Cheryl Grenwelge, AgriLife Extension specialist in disability transition with the Texas AgrAbility Project. “We’re hoping military veterans will take advantage of this program which has been designed with input from AgriLife Extension, AgrAbility, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the National Farmer Veteran Coalition, Farm Service Agency, Texas Department of Agriculture and ATTRA -National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.”

    The cost is $10 and program registration is payable at the door. However, due to space considerations, attendees must RSVP in advance at http://txagrability.tamu.edu/ or download the registration form from the website and send to: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Attn: Dr. Cheryl Grenwelge, 2147 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2251.

    The program begins with registration and a continental breakfast from 8-9 a.m., followed by a short welcome. Presentations start at 9:15 a.m., and include a presentation by a veteran currently involved in production agriculture. Morning presentations will address resource networking and the Texas AgrAbility Program of the Texas A&M University System. Afternoon presentations include a panel discussion on resources available for funding options, business plan development and resource networking.

    “The Texas AgrAbility Program’s focus is on connecting, assisting and empowering agricultural producers, their family members and employees with disabilities and chronic health conditions to stay engaged in production agriculture,” Grenwelge said. “About 45 percent of returning veterans are from rural areas and we want to enable veterans with or without disabilities to return to the area of production agriculture if they choose.”
    For more information, contact Grenwelge at 979-845-3727 or chgrenwelge@ag.tamu.edu

  • Twilight Meeting - Organic Crop Production: Soil, Pest and Food Safety Issues for Farmers

    June 3, 2013 2:00pm
    Waltham Fields Community Farm, 240 Beaver Street, Waltham, Massachusetts

    Twilight Meeting - Organic Crop Production: Soil, Pest and Food Safety Issues for Farmers

    Monday, June 3, 2013 5:00 - 7:00 PM

    Sponsored by:
    UMass Extension Risk Management/Crop Insurance Education Program and the Waltham Fields Community Farm
    Location:
    Waltham Fields Community Farm, 240 Beaver Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
    Agenda:
    Introduction and Farm Overview
    Claire Kozower and Amanda Cather, Waltham Fields Community Farm
    Tom Smiarowski and Paul Russell, UMass Extension Risk Management Specialists

    Challenges of Organic Soil Fertility Management:
    John Spargo, UMass Extension Assistant Professor - Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management & Director, Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory

    Diseases & Insect Concerns for Organic Producers:
    Ruth Hazzard, UMass Extension Vegetable Specialist

    Food Safety Issues & Weed Management in Organic Operations:
    Rich Bonanno, UMass Extension Weed and Food Safety Specialist

    Registration:
    There is no registration cost for attendees. Preregistration not required. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management/Crop Insurance Program. For further information contact UMass Risk Management Specialists Paul Russell at pmrussell@umext.umass.edu or Tom Smiarowski at tsmiarowski@umext.umass.edu or Claire Kozower of Waltham Fields Community Farm at claire@communityfarms.org. Dress accordingly, held rain or shine.

  • Livestock Fencing 101

    June 15, 2013 6:00am
    Accokeek Foundation at Piscataway Park located at 3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD 20607

    All following events will be held at the Accokeek Foundation at Piscataway Park located at 3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD 20607. For more information, call 301-283-2113 or visit www.accokeekfoundation.org.

    Livestock Fencing 101
    Saturday, June 15
    9 am - 3 pm
    $40 Members, $45 Non-Members
    Ever wonder what is the best fence to use for a cattle herd? Sheep? Horses? Join Accokeek Foundation Livestock Manager, Polly Festa, for Fencing 101 and learn in-depth strategies and factors for fencing various types of livestock The workshop will include both a classroom lecture as well as a practical, hands-on portion. We encourage participants to come prepared with questions regarding their own livestock fencing needs. Lunch will be provided. Please bring a water bottle and dress appropriately for working outside.

    For more information about upcoming events and classes, email
    info@accokeek.org
    or call 301-283-2113.

  • 3 - 5pm - Brainerd Area Environmental Learning Network (BAELN)

    June 21, 2013 all day
    MN Pollution Control Agency in Baxter, MN (7678 College Rd.)

    BAELN events are held most third Thursdays of the
    month from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and include an hour-long presentation with time for
    questions, networking and refreshments.

This is a list of upcoming events. To view the entire calendar, click here.