On-Farm Exchange at the 2007 Conference

WANTED!!

A FEW GOOD EXPERIENCED FARMERS
USING ORGANIC PRACTICES

On-Farm Exchange Presentation

Photos

Are you a full-time vegetable grower who has created a successful farming operation using organic practices? Are you one who is continuously working to improve your operation?  And are you, on top of all of that, one of those who generously gives of your time and knowledge to help new growers learn to farm sustainably?

THEN, IT’S YOUR TURN FOR A LITTLE REWARD!

Southern SAWG is offering 12 small and mid-scale farmers who have been commercially producing horticultural crops using organic practices for at least 10 years the opportunity to get together on an organic farm with other farmers like themselves to exchange information and experiences.  

Partnering with USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), Southern SAWG is offering a one-day On-Farm Exchange event in conjunction with our 2007 Annual Conference in Louisville, Ky.  This On-Farm Exchange will be hosted by John Bell, Ann Bell and Mac Stone of Elmwood Stock Farm in Georgetown, Ky.  This exchange will consist of only 12 other farmers who want to learn how to improve their operations and share with others some of the special techniques they have developed over the years.  

Knowing that farmers learn best by visiting other farms, and by sharing experiences with each other, we have created an opportunity for just that.  This On-Farm Exchange is being offered to help those farmers who have the practical experience that still surpasses any written information available, so that they can learn from each other how to carry their farms to the next level.  Farmers will share successes, ask each other questions, and brainstorm new solutions to long-standing quandaries.  It will be an exciting and energizing experience.  Each producer will bring to share:

• At least 10 photos of her/his operation that illustrate key practices or systems and their most useful tools and equipment.
• Lists of favorite varieties.
• Record keeping templates (planting schedules, yields, financial, etc)

To help spread the knowledge gained from this exchange beyond just this small group of producers, each participant in this exchange must agree to share their learning through educational events being offered in their own locales, within 9 months of this event.

The selected On-Farm Exchange participants will take a van on Sunday morning, at 7:30 a.m. January 28, 2007, to Elmwood Stock Farm and will return to Galt House at 5:30 p.m.  Lunch will be brought to the site.  The fee of $45 will be collected at departure from the Galt House, location of the 2007 Southern SAWG Conference, and will cover travel, food and materials.  A note taker will be provided to capture the discussion, and “Proceedings” will be provided in CD format to all participants.  An abbreviated version of these proceedings will also be made available to others through the Southern SAWG website.

Southern SAWG is now taking applications for the 12 On-Farm Exchange participants.  The following are the criteria.  If you want to be a part of this unique opportunity, PLEASE APPLY.

Producers must be:

• Operating a commercial sustainable farming operation for at least 10 years
• Farming as a primary vocation
• Farming at least 2 acres
• Willing to share information about farming operation with peers
• Willing to share photographic and other printed information about the farming system with the group
• Willing to help other participants with troubling issues/questions
• Willing to provide outreach and assistance to other producers
• Willing to complete an On-Farm Exchange evaluation

To APPLY: Submit the following application by email to: ssawg@aol.com

Or by snail mail to:

Karen Adler, 2459 Fernleaf Lane, Decatur, GA 30033

Click here for an application in Word or a pdf.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED
NO LATER THAN 5 P.M., DECEMBER 1, 2006