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MOSES Summer Organic Livestock Feed Production Field Day
Luhman raises organic grass-fed beef and lamb and grows organic corn, soybeans, oats, wheat and forages. Using a diverse rotation and a variety of mechanical techniques for weed control, Jon produces feed for both his own livestock use and for sale to other organic farmers in his region. MOSES works in partnership with organizations, businesses and government agencies to help host its field days. This event is open all farmers who are interested in organic and sustainable farming practices. Free organic resources and materials will also be available to take away. Attendance at field days is free for all interested farmers. We welcome walk-ins but do ask that you pre-register. To pre-register and for directions to the farms, call or email Jessica Tupa in the MOSES office at 715-772-3153 or jessica@mosesorganic.org. For more information, you can also go to the MOSES web site at www.mosesorganic.org and click on the calendar of events
Location: Luhman Farms, Goodue, MN
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Date: July 22, 2008

2008 NPSAS Summer Symposium & Farm Tour
The Johnson Farm is a 2,400-acre certified organic operation & 175-head cow-calf herd of Angus and Gelbvieh cross cows. The Wilcox Farm includes a small cow-calf operation and a 350-head finishing lot as well as corn, oats and alfalfa fields. It has been fully organic for 10 years. Pre-Registration before July 7 for a $10 discount is $30 per /family for NPSAS members, (limit 6) $40 per/ family for non-members. All registrations include one adult meal, snacks and beverages. Additional meals can be purchased for $8 for adults and $5 for children age six to 12. Children five and under eat free. To register, go online at www.npsas.org/events. For more information call NPSAS at 701-883-4304.
Location: Wilcox Farm & Johnson Farms, Madison, SD
Time: 8:00am – 5:30pm
Date: July 22, 2008

Tour of Lorentz Meats
A public Farm Beginnings tour will feature Lorentz Meats in Cannon Falls, MN. Lorentz is a major processor of organic and sustainably produced meats in the region. To register for the tour, contact Heather Flashinski with the Land Stewardship Project at (715) 289-4896.
Location: Cannon Falls, MN
Date: July 25, 2008

Callister Farm Open House, Tour and Dinner
To help conserve fuel we have made arrangements with Lorenz Bus Service so you have the option of buying a ticket and riding the bus (a coach), it's only $14.00 per person. The bus will be loading at the Midtown Global Market at 1:30 pm and leaving at 2:00 pm. You will return to the market about 8:30 pm. We’ll be serving a farm fresh Callister chicken and fixings – all for $15.00 per adult; $10.00 per child 5 yrs - 12 yrs. Free for kids 5yrs and younger. There will be horse drawn wagon rides from the field to the farm yard. We will have tables & chairs but if you want to bring your own chairs please do so. We'll have a tent as well as many shade trees for you to enjoy your meal under. Toilet and hand wash facilities will be provided. Children are welcome, but must be supervised at all times and please leave your pets at home. Look for more info as the date gets closer. Questions? Ask at the Callister Farm store at the Midtown Global Market or email Lori at henhouse@clear.laks.com
Location: Callister Farm,
Time: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Date: July 27, 2008

Coteau Ridge Chapter Farm Tour – Pipestone, MN
The Coteau Ridge Chapter is hosting a farm visit at Don DeWeerd's home. We will be touring organic crops including corn, soybeans, oats, and peas. There will be a potluck supper. The address is 1826 70th Ave Pipestone, MN. Phone 507-825-2077. Directions are: from Pipestone-7 miles north on Hwy 75 to 181st St, 1 mile West to 70th Ave and 1/4 mile north. From Lake Benton-11 miles south on Hwy 75 to 181st St, 1 mile west to 70th Ave and 1/4 mile north. Everyone welcome.
Location: Don DeWeerd’s farm, Pipestone, MN
Time: 6:30pm
Date: July 28, 2008

Alternative Hog Production Workshops – St. Charles, MN
LSP is working with the USDA's Risk Management Agency and Farm Service Agency to put on two free alternative/niche hog production workshops in July for beginning and established farmers. Topics include feed alternatives to corn and soybeans as well as the economics of natural and organic hog farming in the context of high input prices and low-cost start up strategies. Presenters will include faculty members from Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota, hog farmers and representatives of feed mills and marketing firms. To reserve a spot, contact the Land Stewardship Project’s Amy Bacigalupo at amyb@landstewardshipproject.org or (320) 269-2105.
Location: Community Center, St. Charles, MN
Time: 3:00pm – 8:30pm
Date: July 28, 2008

2008 Sustainable Agriculture Field Day – “Aerial Seeding”
Learn more about how to “Keep it Green and Growing” An Aerial Seeding Concept. Because Minnesota weather can be so unpredictable call the following to confirm the date and location of the tour/field day. To confirm and for directions contact Andy Hart at (507) 876-2256.
Location: TBD
Time: TBD
Date: August 1, 2008

Grazefest Minnesota 2008
Joel McNair, editor and publisher of Graze Magazine (www.grazeonline.com) will be our keynote speaker. Learn more about dairy grazing including: Getting started in grass-based dairy, Low cost parlor design, New Zealand style swing parlors/working parlor demonstrations, Low cost/Low labor dairying, Selling your carbon credits, Pastured Egg Production, Forage Production and Economics, Irrigated Pastures and Pasture Tours, and more! There will also be expert speakers, graziers, grazing specialists, guided pasture tours, and an array of delicious pasture-raised foods! Several Verndale area farmers have also agreed to provide opportunities to watch their milking parlors in operation. For more information visit www.sfa-mn.org or contact Anne with SFA at communications@sfa-mn.org or (320) 226-6318.
Location: rural Verndale, MN (Wadena County)
Time: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Date: August 1, 2008

Grazefest Minnesota Bus Tours in North Central, Minnesota
The dairy bus tour will take you to dairy grazing systems in close proximity, allow you to network with grazing specialists, scientists, conservationists, experienced graziers, and include a locally grown and pasture-raised lunch. For more information on the dairy bus tour visit www.sfa-mn.org or contact Anne with SFA at communications@sfa-mn.org or (320) 226-6318. If your interest is in beef grazing, the Wadena Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has an excellent beef tour that will run concurrent with the dairy tour. The beef tour bus will leave Sebeka, MN at 8:30 am. Contact Molly Costin with the SWCD at (218) 631-3195 to register for the beef grazing tour.
Location: Wadena County
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Date: August 2, 2008

Vineyard Establishment Tour
As we walk from 1st year vines to 3rd year vines, U of M Vineyard Manager, John Thull, will discuss the various aspects of establishment including variety selection and management strategies. Bob Lau will share his unique perspective as a grape grower in Blue Earth County. Join us for this exciting afternoon! Part of the 2008 3rd Crop Walk & Talks. For more information or directions contact the Rural Advantage office at (507) 238-5449.
Location: Pemberton, MN
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Date: August 2, 2008

Organic Apple & Berry Field Day
Held at Elm Tree Farm, Afton, MN. Contact: 608-967-2362; www.mosesorganic.org/treefruit/events.htm
Location: Elm Tree Farm, Afton, MN
Date: August 2, 2008

The 21st North American Prairie Conference: The Prairie Meets the River
For more info contact: Bruno Borsari, 507-457-2822 or visit http://bio.winona.edu/NAPC.
Location: Winona State University
Date: August 4-8, 2008

Agripreneurship Pavilion @ Farm Fest
Stop by the Agripreneurship Pavilion for exhibits, displays, and presentations from alternative energy groups conservation development groups, orchards, sustainable agriculture groups, vineyards, and MUCH MORE! Part of the 2008 3rd Crop Walk & Talks. For more information or directions contact the Rural Advantage office at (507) 238-5449.
Location: Morgan, MN
Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Date: August 5-7, 2008

Small Fruits, Nuts, and Wetland Restoration Day
During this informative afternoon, Heidi Morlock will share her experiences establishing, managing, and marketing the many features of her small-scale, diversified enterprise specializing in woody florals, small fruits, and nuts. Additionally, University of Minnesota Extension Educator Gary Wyatt will discuss pruning, propagation, and coppicing of woody perennials. If you’re interested in small-scale, diversified agriculture, please join us! Part of the 2008 3rd Crop Walk & Talks. For more information or directions contact the Rural Advantage office at (507) 238-5449.
Location: Belle Plaine, MN
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Date: August 9, 2008

Advanced Permaculture Farming Techniques Farm Tour
Key features of this advanced tour include: laying out the permaculture farm, successional farming strategies, considerations when choosing saleable crops, species selection, growing annuals permaculturally while perennials mature, farm hydrology and earth works (swales & ponds), see various plant guilds/families, essential home and building integration ideas, maximum use of energy (natural and produced), importance of diversification in income streams, income possibilities and start-up realities, and exploration of future markets. Recommended Prerequisite(s): Persons attending this tour should already have a clear understanding of what permaculture is and/or have completely read 'Introduction to Permaculture' by Bill Mollison and/or have already attended one of the Introductory Farm Tours. For more information visit: www.midwestpermaculture.com.
Location: Mark & Jen Shepard’s farm, Viola, WI
Time: 9:00am – 4:30pm
Date: August 10, 2008

Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s 20th Anniversary Symposium & Celebration
The Sustainable Agriculture Coalition is holding a symposium to look back at its successes over its twenty-year history and look forward to the next twenty years by envisioning the future of federal agriculture policy. The day-long symposium will be followed by an evening celebration complete with farm tours, a local beer & cheese tasting, a wonderful dinner made with fresh local ingredients, award ceremony, and music & dancing. Cost of attending the symposium & celebration for the whole day, which includes lunch & dinner is $75. The farmer/student rate is $35. We hope you can join us! Registration deadline is July 15th. More info: at www.sustainableagriculturecoalition.org.
Location: Mt. Olivet Conference Center, Farmington, MN
Date: August 13, 2008

Bioenergy Crops and Water Quality
Topics include water and nutrient holding capacity of perennial bioenergy crops, cover cropping and bioenergy crops, and climate change and the future of bioenergy crops. Speakers include Tony Thompson & Mark Seeley. Additionally, Paul Porter will demonstrate his oil seed press and U of M drainage and water quality expert, Craig Schrader, will display the conservation drainage system on Willow Lake Farm. Lunch will be provided. Part of the 2008 3rd Crop Walk & Talks. For more information or directions contact the Rural Advantage office at (507) 238-5449.
Location: Windom, MN
Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Date: August 15, 2008

3rd Annual Minnesota Garlic Festival
SFA will also be hosting Youth Art Workshop available to youth groups, in which the participants will actually produce a work of art to enter in the competition. For more information visit www.sfa-mn.org/garlicfest/art_competition2008.pdf or contact Jerry Ford, SFA’s Events and Youth Outreach Coordinator at jerry@marienne.com or (320) 543-3394. More information online at: www.sfa-mn.org/garlicfest
Location: Wright County Fairgrounds, Howard Lake, MN
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2008

Cannon River/Hiawatha Chapter Field Day at Loon Organics
Laura Frerichs and Adam Cullip’s farm will be hosting the third of the Cannon River/Hiawatha Chapter “Third Sunday Farm Tours.” It will feature CSA and produce farming. A potluck will follow the farm tour. For more info contact Kathy Zeman, (507) 664-9446 or kzeman@kmwb.net.
Location: Loon Organics, Farmington, MN
Time: 3:00 pm
Date: August 17, 2008

2008 Sustainable Agriculture Field Day – Madison, MN
Learn more about determining more environmentally and economically sounds ways to deal with phosphorous levels in various cropping systems including organic systems with and without animals. Because Minnesota weather can be so unpredictable call the following to confirm the date and location of the tour/field day. To confirm and for directions contact Carmen Fernholz at (320) 598-3010. This field day is made possible by MDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Demonstration Grant Program.
Location: A-Frame Farm, Madison, MN
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Date: August 20, 2008

A Whole-Systems Approach to Bioenergy
Prairie Horizons Farm is located near the U of M Morris, Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company, and FibroMinn renewable energy facilities. Mark Lindquist will discuss state-of-the-art bioenergy production and explore future directions of sustainable biomass production in this region and beyond. Mary Jo and Luverne Forbord will lead a tour of their Productive Conservation on Working Lands native grass field study and discuss their whole-farm risk management strategy. Their risk management strategy features many grass species, legumes, and native prairie in rotational grazing, multi-species grazing, and bioenergy production. Joel Tallaksen will discuss the goals, status, successes, and challenges of the U of M Morris Gasifier Project. Part of the 2008 3rd Crop Walk & Talks. For more information or directions contact the Rural Advantage office at (507) 238-5449.
Location: Prairie Horizons Farm, Benson, MN
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Date: August 22, 2008

SFA Western Chapter Farm Tour Friday at Prairie Horizons Farm
You don’t have to be a farmer, you don’t have to be a member, you only have to be interested in where your food comes from. Learn about the innovative ways that your neighbors are producing fresh, great tasting food that’s healthy for you, your community, and the environment. Each Friday Farm Tour begins with a Potluck supper, and proceeds into an evening filled with a farm tour, great networking, conversation…and activities for children under 10 years of age. Call 320-760-8732 for more information. Luverne and Mary Jo Forbord, Prairie Horizons Farm -- The Forbords rotationally graze Lowline Angus beef on certified organic pastures and market directly to customers. They are experimenting this year with multi-species, and cooperative grazing.
www.localfoods.umn.edu/prairiehorizons
Location: Prairie Horizons Farm, Starbuck, MN
Date: August 22, 2008

Minnesota Cooks at State Fair
Chefs and consumers will come together with Food Alliance Midwest-certified farmers for a day of fresh, sustainably-produced food during the sixth annual Minnesota Cooks event at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Cooking demos/panel discussions featuring top chefs and Food Alliance-certified farmers will take place throughout the day, beginning with a breakfast show at 8:30 a.m. Attendees of the event will also have a chance to pick up a free copy of the Minnesota Cooks 16-month calendar, produced by Renewing the Countryside. The program will take place in Carousel Park, just west of the Grandstand Ramp. For more information, check the Minnesota Cooks web page. Minnesota Cooks is sponsored in part by AURI and is co-presented by Minnesota Farmers Union, Food Alliance Midwest and Renewing the Countryside. Food Alliance Midwest was established in 2000 by the Land Stewardship Project and Cooperative Development Services.
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul, MN
Date: August 26, 2008

2008 Sustainable Agriculture Field Day – Victoria, MN
Learn more about introducing cold-hardy kiwi fruit in Minnesota. Because Minnesota weather can be so unpredictable call the following to confirm the date and location of the tour/field day. To confirm and for directions contact Jim Luby at (612) 624-3453. This field day is made possible by MDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Demonstration Grant Program.
Location: Victoria, MN
Time: 1:00pm
Date: August 30, 2008
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Hosted by the Local Foods Partnership