Small Farms News

By Connie Carlson Associate Program Director Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
University of MinnesotaRegional Sustainable Development Partnerships Waseca, MN. --  The University of Minnesota Forever Green Initiative and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) invite processors, food entrepreneurs, culinary professionals, growers, and the curious public to learn about a new oilseed crop, winter camelina, on June 27th in Waseca, Minnesota.

Winter camelina (Camelina sativa) has a long history as an oil seed crop with great potential for use as a cash cover crop providing both protect soil and water while providing economic benefits to farmers in the Upper Midwest.

The Field Day event will be held at the Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca, Minnesota and will highlight current research and work underway to launch camelina into Minnesota’s agricultural landscape. Visitors will see camelina growing in the field and learn from UMN agronomists best production pra…

This month on What's Killing my Kale we're talking about integrated weed management (IWM) with Annie Klodd and Charlie Rowher.

In part three, we explore specialty systems. Charlie shares his experiences with weed management in hops, Annie discusses considerations for perennial systems like grapes and apples, and we finish with some insight from Charlie on weeds in high tunnel systems.  

You can listen to the podcast here, on iTunes, or Stitcher. 

If you listen, please provide your feedback via this short survey: https://z.umn.edu/ipmpodcast1.

New to modern energized fence technology? University of Minnesota Extension and the Sustainable Farming Association are holding a hands-on workshop focused on the utilization of temporary energized fencing on the farm.
Kent Solberg, the Sustainable Farming Association’s Livestock and Grazing Specialist will discuss how an energized fence works, how temporary fences fit in grazing/cropping situations, and he will also discuss various options for temporary livestock fence equipment as well as cover how to install and maintain these temporary fences. If weather permits – meaning there is no lightning – the workshop will also involve hands-on use of energized temporary fence materials for participants.
The workshop is free for attendees thanks to our generous sponsor, K Fence Inc. of Zumbro Falls, and will be held on Friday June 29, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm on the Rice County Fairgrounds. (1900 Fairground Drive #17 Faribault, MN 55021).
To register, you can visit z.umn.edu/tempfence or call the Ri…

In Episode 6, I continue the conversation with Colleen, Kitchen Manager at the Blue Heron in Winona, MN.

The Blue Heron incorporates a lot of locally sourced produce and meat on their menu, we discuss communication, farmer check-ins, size specifications, pricing, deliveries, and sourcing.

You can listen to the podcast here, on iTunes, or Stitcher.

I'd also love your feedback, fill out a brief survey at this link: https://z.umn.edu/fineprint6.

Are you a deepwintergreenhouse producer? Are you in the planning stages to become one? Do you want to know how to maximize your success in one of these passive solar structures?
On Friday, June 15, the Lake City Catholic Worker Farm will host a day-long DeepWinterGreenhouseproductionworkshop led by experienced DWG producer Carol Ford. This workshop will take place at the Lake City Catholic Worker Farm and include tours of the newly completed DeepWinterGreenhouse which will be used to grow produce all winter long with minimal use of external heat.
Space is limited for this hands-on workshop. Please register early to ensure your spot.

To register, call or email Greg Schweser: 612-625-9706, schwe233@umn.edu
See the flier for more information.

By Annie Klodd and Natalie Hoidal
UMN Extension


This month on What's Killing my Kale we're talking about integrated weed management (IWM) with Annie Klodd and Charlie Rowher.

In episode 2, we discuss different tools we've worked with for mechanical weed management. Annie shares her top 5 tools, and Charlie provides some insight on how flame weeders can be integrated into your weed management strategies. 

You can listen to the podcast here, on iTunes, or Stitcher. 

If you listen, please provide your feedback via this short survey: https://z.umn.edu/ipmpodcast1.

This month on What's Killing my Kale we're talking about integrated weed management (IWM) with Annie Klodd and Charlie Rowher. In part 1, we talk about how integrated pest management applies to weeds and explore the four pillars of IWM. 

You can listen to the podcast here, on iTunes, or Stitcher. If you listen, please provide your feedback via this short survey: https://z.umn.edu/ipmpodcast1.

What's Killing My Kale - Episode 1

The Youth Tractor & Farm Safety Certification Program is designed to provide youth 14-years-old and older the opportunity to learn about safe equipment operation and general farm safety. 

This program is based on the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operations Program curriculum and meets the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Hazardous Occupations Orders for Agricultural Employment. 

Completing this or other similar programs is required for youth who wish to work off of their family farm or homestead with equipment with over 20 horse power.

In-person Dates:

June 11-12, 2018
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM both days
Kingsland High School
705 North Section Avenue
Spring Valley, MN 55975
Instructor:
Michael Cruse, UMN Extension Educator - Fillmore & Houston County;
Phone: 507-765-3896 or email: mjcruse@umn.edu


June 14-15, 2018
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM both days
Meeker County Fairgrounds
1230 N Armstrong Ave
Litchfield, MN 55355
Instructors: 
Karen Johnson, UMN Extension Educator - McLeod & Me…

Have a great growing season! We're finally getting into the fields, and things are greening up. I hope you all have a productive and safe growing season. 
There are some UMN Extension events coming up that I want to draw your attention to, a new Local Food Fine Print podcast episode, and MISA turns 25. Enjoy the newsletter.
If you'd like to receive this newsletter directly in your email, sign up here.
-Jake Overgaard  Extension Educator
25th Anniversary Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) MISA turns 25 this year. I think many of us in the small farms community can appreciate the significant impacts the organization has had. As a frequent user of their resources, past collaborator, and current board member, I'd like to reflect on a few.
I'm not sure which MISA publication I was exposed to first. It was probably Building a Sustainable Business or Marketing Local Food. Either way, it was easy to recognize the quality and usefulness of the publications. They…

In episode 5, I speak with Colleen, Kitchen Manager at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse in Winona, MN.
The Blue Heron incorporates a lot of locally sourced produce and meat on their menu, and we discuss how local food fits in their business. We also discuss communication with farmers, initiating new business relationships, and local produce demand. Plus, a new feature this episode, “Three random questions”.
You can listen to the podcast here, on iTunes, or Stitcher.

If you listen, please provide your feedback via this short survey: https://z.umn.edu/fineprint5.

Annie Klodd UMN Extension Educator Fruit and Vegetable Production 
UMN Extension’s Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Team is hosting three Vegetable IPM evening field days throughout MN in June, from 5:00-8:00 pm.
Locations and dates include:
June 12: St. Paul @ UMN Student Organic Farm June 14: Waseca @ UMN Southern Research and Outreach Center June 19: Alexandria @ Berry Ridge Farm
Integrated Pest Management emphases combining diverse techniques for more sustainable and effective pest management. Join us for an evening of IPM strategies for vegetable crops. In Alexandria, the field day will include additional information on high tunnel pest management and fruit as well. Hone your skills, or learn new ones, to better tackle our most challenging diseases, insects, and weeds.
Activities include: Insect and disease management strategies Weeds: Innovative equipment and tactics for controlling weeds Spraying more efficiently and effectively - demos by Ken Frost of Frost Inc./The Spray Barn
Who is t…