2012 7th Annual
Getting Started in Organic Farming Conference

Saturday, January 28, 2012
Connecticut Forest & Park Association
16 Meriden Road
Rockfall, CT
8:30 to 4:00

Are you a new farmer who's just starting out, or an established farmer who wants to go organic?  Come to our Getting Started in Organic Farming Conference and learn the tricks of the trade from a group of talented professionals! 

This year's event will be held at the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) in Rockfall, CT.  Over the past century, CFPA has been instrumental in the acquisition of more than 100 state parks and forests for public use and enjoyment. Today, CFPA continues to champion the needs of Connecticut's public recreational facilities for the funding, personnel and equipment necessary to maintain and improve these natural treasures.  We are delighted to be able to hold our conference at such a civic-minded venue and hope you will enjoy it too!

Co-sponsored by CT NOFA, UConn & RMA

Registration
$30 for CT NOFA members, $40 for non-members.

Click here for a printer-friendly registration form that you can bring with you. Walk-ins are welcome! And don't forget the potluck (scroll down for details).

Getting Started in Organic Farming Agenda

8:00-8:30 - Registration

8:30-8:45 - Bill Duesing: Welcome and Introduction

8:45-9:00 - Jim Little: Intro and History of the CT Forest and Park Association

9:00-10:00 - Bryan O'Hara: Soil Management Techniques

10:00-10:15 - BREAK

10:15-11:15 - Dina Brewster: Planning for Profits - The Basics of a Farm Business Plan

11:15-11:30 - Joe Bonelli: Crop Insurance

11:30-11:45 - Other Resources

11:45-12:00 - Attendee Intro

12:00-1:00 - POTLUCK LUNCH

1:00-2:00 - Shannon Raider: Getting Started in the Greenhouse

2:00-3:00 - Jiff Martin and Jennifer McTiernan H.: Looking for Land?  Good!  We Think We've Got Some for You!

3:00-4:00 - Duncan Cox: Getting Started in Organic Certification

 

Speakers and topics include:

Planning for Profits - The Basics of a Farm Business Plan - Dina Brewster, The Hickories in Ridgefield, CT

Dina Brewster farms at The Hickories in Ridgefield CT. The Hickories, a highly diversified farm, raises certified organic fruits, vegetables, and has recently added pastured livestock. Over her first six years as an organic farmer, Dina has developed a simple format for business planning that allows small farmers to begin their farming endeavors with eyes open about the income and expense lines and how these can effect decision making. In this workshop, participants will start on the road to building or refining their own farm's business plan.

Soil Management Techniques - Bryan O'Hara, Tobacco Road Farm, Lebanon, CT

Covers the basics of soil fertility and focuses on how to manage soil for the growth of healthy crops. Topics covered include:
-Soil and water management
-Evaluating soil quality
-Methods to enhance soil life
-Timing for residue decay
-Tillage
-Use of cover crops and mulches

 

Organic Certification
Duncan Cox, Baystate Organic Certifiers

 

 

Greenhouses - Shannon Raider, Common Ground High School, New Haven, CT

Land Access and Leasing - Jiff Martin & Jennifer McTiernan, UConn Extension

Don't miss this opportunity to network with other new farmers and learn from the experts about how to be successful.

Potluck Lunch
Please bring something for a potluck lunch! It need not be local food or even organic—do what you can. A family-sized serving is fine, along with the recipe or ingredient listing. Drinks are always welcome if you are unable to cook. To help us conserve, please bring your own place setting, napkin, and utensils.

 
This project was supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant # 2010-49400-21847.