1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Pre-conference Intensive Short Courses — Part I

Short Courses #1 and #2
ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING

Short Course #3
CUT FLOWER PRODUCTION AND MARKETING

Short Course #4
YEAR ROUND HOOPHOUSE PRODUCTION

Short Course #5
BEEKEEPING FOR SMALL-SCALE PRODUCERS

Short Course #6
WEBSITE DESIGN

Short Course #7
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Short Course #8
BUSINESS PLANNING FOR SMALL-SCALE PRODUCERS

See Conference Short Courses page for complete descriptions.

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Pre-conference Intensive Short Courses — Part II

Second half of short courses 1 through 8 listed above.

Noon – 5:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

CONFERENCE BEGINS

7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Trade Show Open

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Welcome

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.  

Concurrent Sessions

How to Price Farm Products for Profit — You may think you are getting a good price for your farm products, but are you really making a profit?  Learn how to determine the right price to charge for all of your farm products, how to determine what crops you can't make a profit on, how to decide what crops to keep, and where to sell your products to maximize profits.  Jim Munsch, Deer Run Farm (WI).  To be repeated.

Beekeeping Basics — Interested in beekeeping but unsure if it is for you? In this session you will get an overview of what it takes to become a beekeeper.  Equipment, management throughout the year, and cost will be covered.  Bring all your questions as well. Carol Schreiber, Cooperative Extension (KY) and Greg Drake, Cooperative Extension (KY).  

Fueling the Fork: Energy and Food — This session will explore the general scope of energy use in our food systems and how we, as producers and consumers, need to focus on the energy intensity of food production. Learn concrete energy tactics farmers can put in action towards creating a successful and sustainable farming future. Steve Moore, Center for Environmental Farming Systems, NC State University (NC).

Great Goats — Keep your goat herd healthy and happy. You can improve condition and reduce internal parasites through forage based nutrition, smart pasture management, and strategic vaccination.  This session will also discuss farm biosecurity for the safety of your goats, plus cover body condition scoring for healthy productive does and kids.  An Peischel, Tennessee State University (TN).To be repeated

Accepting Food Stamps (EBT) at Farmers’ Markets — Hear about the successful use of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) in farmers markets. From the planning process and the paperwork to marketing and implementation, plus long-term sustainability strategies, learn about opportunities to expand your customer base and provide access for lower-income communities. Andrew W. Smiley, Sustainable Food Center (TX).

Our Story: Transitioning from Conventional to Organic — Inspired to get healthy food on people’s tables, in 2002 Relinda Walker left her high tech corporate job, returned to her family’s forty acre conventional farm, and began transitioning it to organic. Learn how she made this transition, why her crops and markets have shifted from when she first started and what lessons she can share.Relinda Walker, Walker Farms (GA).

Sustainable Weed Management for Vegetable and Row Crops - This session will cover eight key steps toward effective organic weed management, based on the observations of several experienced farmers and gardeners, and an in-depth review of cutting edge research in biological and cultural weed control. There will be time for open discussion, so bring your weed questions to share!  Mark Schonbeck, Virginia Assoc. for Biological Farming (VA). To be repeated

The Other Side of the Story: Past Funding Successes in the South and Future Priorities — For those doing work in local food systems, funding is what often stands between community interests and results.  Hear from representatives from public and private funding organizations about how to pursue your community’s dreams and why some grant applications stand out.  Learn how to make the connection between your work and the funding priorities of some granting agencies and how their funding priorities might link to Southern communities.  Come ready receive helpful hints from funders and to learn from your peers about the types of community work being done in the South. William Buster, W.K. Kellogg Foundation (MI) and Bill Buchanan, USDA Risk Management Agency Civil Rights and Community Outreach (DC).

10:30 a.m. – Noon

Noon – 1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Trade Show Open

8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Silent Auction

The terrific selection of auction items and the generosity of donors and bidders make this an exciting event every year.  This fun event helps raise funds to support the critical work of Southern SAWG.  Donations and high bids are greatly appreciated. See the Silent Auction page to learn how you can make your donation.

8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wholesale, Retail, and Institutional Markets for Fresh and Value-Added Foods — In this 3 hour session, you will be introduced to market analysis and planning tools designed to assist in the development of market strategies and work plans for diversified farm enterprises.  Topics covered will include: market assessment; analysis of trends and strategies related to emerging market channels; and an introduction to marketing innovations from around the South.  Tim Woods, Univ. of Kentucky (KY). Repeat session  

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

Organic Farming 101 for Horticulture — How do you transition your farm into an organic operation? What are the major advantages and barriers in making the transition? Is certification for you? This session will also cover fertility, pest management, and marketing strategies for beginning organic farmers. Owusu Bandele, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (LA).

Potted Herbs to Market — This session will cover growing and marketing the twelve most popular herbs.  Learn about raising herbs for consumers to transplant into their own gardens, and also about crafting “garden pots,” several herbs potted together for patios, windowsills, and gift-giving. This session will provide key tools for successfully producing and selling herbs: soil, pots, varieties, transport, displays, and prices. Wanda Lindsey, Fogg Hollow Farm (TN).

Advanced Soil Fertility — This advanced session willcover issues of nutrient cycles and flows, nutrient retention and release in soils (everything you wanted to know about cation exchange capacity, but were afraid to ask!), methods for estimating nutrient needs, potential pros and cons of these various methods (including cation balance systems), and using different recommendation systems. Soil tests from conference farmers will be discussed in detail! Fred Magdoff, Univ. of Vermont (VT). To be repeated

Chickens and the Egg — Learn how to produce eggs for market. This session will explore heritage breed options, facility designs, and state-specific regulatory considerations to help you undertake egg production. Plus learn various ways to candle an egg.  Bill Welch, Broken Wing Farm (SC).

Our Story: Marketing Our Farm Products — Joel Salatin has been marketing produce and meat products for twenty years and has developed a diverse marketing system as his product mix has expanded. Hear some key guidelines to maintaining quality product and quality relationships with all kinds of clients, from farmer’s markets to CSA’s to large chain grocers. Joel Salatin, Polyface Farm (VA).

How to Achieve Policy Wins: Part I — Successful activists will share examples of the policy “wins” they have been part of achieving—at the local, state and federal levels; what it takes to win; and what their most important lessons have been. Come away inspired and equipped to be a policy change winner, too! Part I led by seasoned activists. Betty Bailey, RAFI-USA (NC), Lorna Bourg, Southern Mutual Help Association (LA), Stephan Walker, AR Black Farmers & Agriculturalists Assoc (AR) and Hollis Watkins, Southern ECHO (MS).

Curbside Consulting — Did you know that there are a number of organizations looking to help you, free of charge, to improve your organization’s work? The Michael Fields Institute, Vanderbilt University, the Community Food Security Coalition and the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group all provide technical assistance to groups just like yours at no charge. Come to this session to learn what these groups have to offer. They will also offer you on-site advice and answer questions about your community food projects.  Margaret Krome, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (WI) and Jeanette Abi-Nader, Community Food Security Coalition Evaluation Program (VA).

10:30 a.m. – Noon

Concurrent Sessions

Pulpits and Plows — As stewards of the land, sustainable farmers are natural allies for people of faith. Congregations focusing on environmental sustainability and health education are strengthening their links with local farmers. The Oklahoma Food Cooperative began as a faith-based community agriculture outreach in 2003. Later this year this state-wide co-op will sell their "millionth dollar" of locally produced food and non-food items.  Learn how to connect faith groups in your community with local agriculture for the benefit of all. Robert Waldrop, Oklahoma Food Co-op and Oscar Romero Catholic Worker House (OK).

Growing Flower Bulbs in Crates — Learn the advantages to growing bulbs in crates, how to do it, which flowers to grow in crates, the cost of production compared to field grown, where to get the crates and how to reuse the crates. Dave Dowling, Farmhouse Flowers & Plants, (MD). Repeat session

Our Story: Sustainable Farming For Decades — This farm has been in operation twenty-seven years. Using sustainable methods and selling, on average, thirteen growers-only markets a week, Chip and Susan Planck have built a wealth of experience in production, marketing, and labor practices. Chip will tell the story of how they grew into full production and what they did to make this a successful business. Chip Planck, Wheatland Vegetable Farms (VA).

Small-Scale Goat Dairy — In this session you will learn what is needed for a successful small-scale goat dairy. Learn the kind of facility you need, what breeds are best, what is needed to bottle milk, what is needed to make cheese, what the regulations are and how to market. Jim Tanner, Bonnie Blue Farm (TN).

Farmer-Owned Marketing Cooperative — Farmers in outlying areas of North Carolina with limited markets for organic crops benefit from cooperative marketing. Plus this coop assists conventional growers in transitioning in order to gain entry into the expanding organic market. Hear the nuts and bolts of how a viable marketing and distribution operation can work to the farmers’ benefit. Todd Dumke, Eastern Carolina Organics (NC).

How to Achieve Policy Wins: Part II — Successful activists will share examples of the policy “wins” they have been part of achieving- at the local, state and federal levels; what it takes to win; and what their most important lessons have been. Come away inspired and equipped to be a policy change winner, too! Part II led by new activists. Kaycie Len Carter, Community Farm Alliance (KY), Annette Hiatt, Land Loss Prevention Project (NC) and others TBA.

Healthy Shoots: Programs and Projects that Link Food and Health — “Feeding people is our first priority” says the leaders of the Athens Urban Food Collective (AUFC). Hunger is a problem that plagues not only large cities but also smaller southern college towns. Come to this session to hear about a university community partnership that addresses both hunger and sustainable agriculture. Learn how an organic rooftop garden started on the top of a building on UGA’s campus is helping to feed parts of the homeless population everyday in Athens.  Hilda Kurt, University of Georgia and Athens Urban Food Collective (GA).

Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch On Your Own

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

Protection from Loss: Limited Liability Corporations (LLC) — Think this business designation sounds intimidating and isn’t for farmers? Limited Liability Corporations may be an effective option for your agriculture business. For many, LLCs are the business entity of choice, especially with respect to risk management concerns, and should be considered as a farm business operation option. Harrison Pittman, Director of the National Agriculture Law Center (AR).

Our Story: “Juvenated” Growing — Azeez Mustafa and his wife Fathiyyah were the first African American certified organic farmers in South Carolina. Their 22 acre farm is a family run, gourmet crop operation where the focus is on flavor, not yield, and they are not afraid to experiment. They grow specialty varieties of everything from collards, to eggplant, to wheat. Hear about their nature-based farming practices. Azeez Mustafa, Asya Organics (SC).

Sustainable Weed Management for Vegetable and Row Crops — This session will cover eight key steps toward effective organic weed management, based on the observations of several experienced farmers and gardeners, and an in-depth review of cutting edge research in biological and cultural weed control. There will be time for open discussion, so bring your weed questions to share! Mark Schonbeck, Virginia Assoc. for Biological Farming (VA).  Repeat Session

Multi-Species Grazing — Correct pasture management can protect herd health, save you money, and increase production. This session will cover the three w’s of pasture management: what, when and where should you plant a variety of forages for your multi-species livestock operation.  Joel Salatin, Polyface Farm (VA).

Innovative Farmers Markets — This is an advanced session focusing on taking farmers markets outside the box.  Where and how can new markets be established? How can you market through companies, universities, and other organizations to increase direct market sales and customer outreach.  Plus, learn key steps in strengthening customer attention and retention.  Freda Butner, NC Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NC).

How to Price Farm Products for Profit — You may think you are getting a good price for your farm products, but are you really making a profit?  Learn how to determine the right price to charge for all of your farm products, how to determine what crops you can't make a profit on, how to decide what crops to keep, and where to sell your products to maximize profits. A case study will be used to explain these techniques. Jim Munsch, Deer Run Farm (WI).  Repeat session

The Agricultural Justice Project — A sustainable food system means environmental stewardship, plus fair compensation and just conditions for family farmers and all who work in agriculture.  How can we build on the values of organic agriculture to move us towards an equitable, diverse and just food system?  Learn what is happening around the country and join a discussion of how to get domestic fair trade going in our region.  Michael Sligh, RAFI-USA (NC) and Marty Mesh, Florida Organic Growers and Consumers Inc.(FL).

Developing Effective Youth Leadership Programs: Models of Success — The key to future changes in community food systems often depends on the willingness of youth participation.  During this session, you will hear from several organizations around the country that are successfully engaging youth.  The presenters will address questions concerning how to not only get youth involved but how to also train them to take on leadership positions in this work.  Whether you want to create an entirely new youth program or integrate your ideas within an existing group, this is an ideal session for you.  Anim Steel, The Food Project (MA) and Sylvia Blain, Environmental Educator (AR).

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

Transitioning Out of Active Farming — When we decide to stop farming, how do we pass on, and even generate income from, the valuable knowledge, infrastructures, and markets it took us years to build? This seasoned farmer will explain how he and his wife are easing into retirement, though their farm will continue to generate income for them for years to come. Their story will jump-start a group conversation about creative ways to keep the farming operation going and the income flowing.  Chip Planck, Wheatland Vegetable Farms (VA).

Our Story: Farming in Urban Metro Atlanta — At multiple locations in metro Atlanta, Truly Living Well Natural Urban Farms produces fresh vegetables and fruit, most sold through a CSA. Their work also includes community outreach education. Learn how this urban farm operates, what challenges they faced in getting this new operation established and what advice they have for others. Rashid Nuri, Truly Living Well Natural Urban Farm (GA).

Pollinator Conservation on Farms — Learn about the important pollinators in our Southern region and how they can help improve yields on your farm. We will look at actual specimens and discuss how to provide forage, habitat, and nesting sites for these important beneficials. Be among the first to see the new web-based North Carolina Cooperative Extension Pollinator Conservation Guide she created. Debbie Roos, Chatham County Cooperative Extension (NC).

Meat Rabbit Production — Are rabbits for your farm? Take a look at this emerging market and the flexible nature of production strategies. Explore the potential with this experienced producer, processor, and marketer who offers facts, figures, hints, and tricks of the trade.  Beth Seely, Seely’s Ark (FL).

Internet Food Co-op — These co-op organizers developed an online cooperative management system that allows customers to order via email or from a web-based shopping cart, creates automatic invoices for both customers and producers, and allows the producers to enter and revise their product information and prices.  Learn how this internet-based cooperative marketing system can aid farmers in efficiently and effectively connecting with customers in this internet age. Robert Waldrop, Oklahoma Food Co-op (OK).

Advanced Soil Fertility — This advanced session willcover issues of nutrient cycles and flows, nutrient retention and release in soils (everything you wanted to know about cation exchange capacity, but were afraid to ask!), methods for estimating nutrient needs, potential pros and cons of these various methods (including cation balance systems), and using different recommendation systems. Soil tests from conference farmers will be discussed in detail! Fred Magdoff, Univ. of Vermont (VT).  Repeat session

Bringing Policy Home in the Community Foods Movement — Hear from veteran advocates about how to identify community food system and policy needs through Food Policy Councils, how to create grassroots support for programs such as Farm-to-School at the local and state level, and how to ensure federal policy opportunities are fairly implemented.Steve Hodges, Jubilee Project (TN), Anita Poole, Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture (OK) and Marilyn Yank, New Orleans Food and Farm Network (LA).

Applying for the USDA Community Food Program — The grant-application process can be overwhelming for many people. But it doesn’t have to be. Come to this session to learn more about USDA’s Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program. Learn whether or not your project is suited for this funding stream and if so, how to navigate the process. Topics will range from submitting an electronic grant application to ensuring that your organization meets important deadlines. Liz Tuckermanty, USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (DC).

5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Silent Auction Final Bidding

The terrific selection of auction items and the generosity of donors and bidders make this an exciting event every year. This fun event helps raise funds to support the critical work of Southern SAWG. Donations and high bids are greatly appreciated. See the Silent Auction page to learn how you can make your donation.

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Keynote Address

Joel Salatin’s keynote address is entitled “Healing the Planet, One Plate at a Time.” Joel is well-known for his pioneering farming operation and his passion for family farms and local food systems. In this keynote, he’ll explain the necessity of our work. Joel Salatin says, “We are in the redemption business: healing the land, healing the food, healing the economy, and healing the culture.” Joel will also be leading conference sessions in which he will share his farming and marketing practices.

A third generation alternative farmer, Joel Salatin returned full-time to his family farm, Polyface Inc. (The Farm of Many Faces), in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in 1982. He has authored many popular books over the years. His speaking and writing reflect dirt-under-the-fingernails experience punctuated with mischievous humor. He passionately defends small farms, local food systems, and the right to opt out of the conventional food paradigm.

Learn more about Joel Salatin and Polyface Farms.

Taste of Kentucky Dinner

Through a partnership with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, food produced by sustainable farmers in Kentucky will be featured at this sit-down dinner on Saturday, January 19. Through this partnership, we’ve had exceptional dinners during the last two years that we’ve been in Kentucky. We are very grateful to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and Mac Stone in the Office of Agricultural Marketing and Product Promotion for their incredible efforts to make this happen and their tireless work to promote local foods and support family farmers. (Ticket required. One ticket included in the conference registration fee.)

8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Music

CONFERENCE CONCLUDES