As the annual Southern SAWG conference has grown over the years, so too has the diversity of conference attendees. Conference organizers have worked to accommodate the many production and marketing styles, scales of operation, experience levels, values and interests that are represented at the conference by developing a broad range of conference sessions. Browsing through the list of sessions reveals that there is truly something for everyone.

Positive responses to introductory sessions for those new to sustainable agriculture in 2006 have encouraged the inclusion of several basic sessions on the schedule again this year. And, for those getting their start in organic production, we have created a basic organic track.

For those with experience beyond the basics, the 2007 conference will offer more advanced sessions on a variety of horticulture and livestock production and marketing topics. There are also multiple sessions for those with current involvement or interest in farm policy and education and community food systems work.

In addition to the sessions focused on technical information, we have scheduled several "Our Story" farm profile sessions—Southern farmers sharing firsthand accounts of their own sustainable farming operations. These sessions are valuable opportunities to learn from experienced farmers from throughout the Southern region who represent a variety of products and farming styles. Farmers will offer insight into what they are doing and how they are succeeding.

To review the complete list of sessions and start planning your own schedule, visit the conference site at http://www.ssawg.org/conference-program.html.

Sustainable Farming Enterprise Intensive Short Courses

Last year's short courses were such a success that this year we are offering them again, plus four more! These eight optional courses will all be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2007 at our conference hotel, The Galt House.

The Intensive Short Courses are exceptional learning opportunities for those serious about operating a successful sustainable farming enterprise.

We are offering one Intensive Short Course devoted strictly to helping small-scale producers learn the necessary skills to plan a successful business. This short course and the take-home materials are being provided through a special partnership with Kentucky State University, the Southern Region Risk Management Education Center, The Association of 1890 Extension Administrators and USDA-CSREES. There is no charge for this business planning short course.

The other seven Intensive Short Courses are all focused on providing in-depth information on farming enterprises ideal for small-scale sustainable producers. Our outstanding instructors have a wealth of practical experience and will provide, in detail, information critical to the success of these types of enterprises. Take-home Enterprise Manuals and Video, along with other valuable resources will be provided to each participant. These seven short courses are being offered at a reduced rate of $60 each through a partnership with the USDA Risk Management Agency.

The eight topics include production and marketing of Pastured Turkeys, Organic Vegetables, Cut Flowers, Pastured Broilers, and Meat Goats, plus Seed Saving for Small-Scale Producers, Management Intensive Grazing of Beef, and Farm Business Planning for Small-Scale Producers. The impressive list of presenters includes, among many others, Bill Hodge, the Uekman family, Alex Hitt, Pamela and Frank Arnosky, Mike Walters, Holly Born, Bill Legg, Neil Hoffman, Cricket Rakita, Marion Simon, and Ann Wells.

All short courses are limited to thirty people to enhance learning through interaction. Register early to guarantee your place in one of these exceptional courses.

For more information, visit
http://www.ssawg.org/conference-short-courses.html

Community Food Systems Mini Courses

For the first time ever, we will offer three Community Food Systems Mini Courses on January 25 and 26 prior to the regular conference sessions. These three-hour courses will allow leaders of community food projects to build skills in planning and design, community food systems organizing, and community food assessments. Course presenters have practical experience in developing more sustainable food systems and will share a wealth of innovative ideas. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain new skills and network with others in a smaller classroom setting. These CFS mini courses are being offered at a reduced rate through a partnership with the USDA-CSREES Community Food Projects Program. There is a $30 charge for each half day Mini Course.

CFS Mini Courses are limited to thirty people to enhance learning through interaction. Early registration is encouraged to guarantee a place in one of these exceptional CFS Mini Courses.

For more detailed descriptions and registration information see http://www.ssawg.org/conference-CFS-mini.html.

2007 Field Trips

This year we are offering SIX optional half-day field trips on Friday morning, January 26. Field trip participants will travel to our destinations on comfortable motor coaches equipped with rest rooms (no private vehicles). A boxed lunch will be provided on your return trip. There is a $45 fee for these field trips, including lunch. Space is limited, so register early.
All field trip motor coaches will depart from outside the Galt House Hotel and Suites at 7:00 a.m. and will return at 12:30 p.m.

Among the field trip themes and locations are Permaculture at Joseph and Susan Brutto's farm in the foothills of the Knoblands of Central Kentucky. Two different field trips will travel to Elmwood Stock Farm—one to focus on Organic Vegetable Production, the other on Diversified Organic Livestock. Kentucky State University will also host two field trips, both at their Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort—one on Meat Goats, the other on their Sustainable Ag Research programs. We will also return to Paul and Alison Wiediger's Au Naturel Farm. Those not able to see their Diversified Sustainable Vegetable and Pastured Poultry operation last year will have another chance this year.

Field trips can fill up quickly, so folks are encouraged to register early. More details about each field trip are available at: http://www.ssawg.org/conference-field.html.