This year's webinars brought to you by:
COMING AUGUST 2021
Join us the first four Mondays in August for informational sessions filled with the latest information on organic farming.
August 2
Melanie Kirby
It takes a community to raise bees.
Topic: The importance of place, power, and purpose in sustainable beekeeping.
Abstract: This dynamic class will discuss the connections between habitat and pollinator health and how the relationship between stewardship, location, and mindful management can support individual and community-based efforts to nurture biodiversity and conscientious coexistence.
August 9
Elicia Whittlesey
Cultivating cooperative learning for workers on small farms.
Topic: Teaching/learning farming; managing farm staff; beginning farmers
Abstract: How do you teach farming? And how does someone effectively learn to farm? Established farmers know that the profession requires specific knowledge, broad skillsets, and patience for problem-solving. How does this learning take place out of the classroom or even outside of conversations? How can farmers foster supportive environments for apprentices, WOOFERs, and volunteers to begin accumulating farming knowledge? How can farm mentors and educators promote independent problem-solving while still making sure the job gets done?
In this interactive talk, Elicia Whittlesey (Program Manager for the Old Fort Farmer Training Program in Hesperus, Colorado) explores the value of cooperative learning in the context of farming. Elevating cooperative learning as a method for teaching farming highlights the value of creating conditions for team interactions that instill knowledge and confidence.
Drawing from five years’ experience running a unique farmer training program that promotes cooperative learning in groups of beginning farmers, with relative autonomy from program staff, Elicia will discuss different practices that support cooperative learning using examples from her time in the fields. How can a farmer support both independence (from the farmer/supervisor) and cooperation (especially with peers), and still make sure everyone pulls out only the actual weeds? Tune in for new ideas about helping your farm workers gain knowledge while working on your farm, and come with your own questions, tips, and stories to share.
August 16
Heidi Anderson
Functional marketing for local regenerative producers: a solution for meeting your sales goals.
Abstract: Join this workshop to learn functional marketing, a practice designed for busy producers who sell perishables at farm stands, farmers markets, and/or through local intermediaries. Classic local do-it-yourself marketing is hard… it’s not clear what or how much to do. It can feel like throwing darts in the dark. In contrast, functional marketing involves creating and executing a plan that solves one or more sales goals with least possible effort.
This workshop starts with an overview of marketing fundamentals including network marketing, customer-centricity, and values-based alignment. The fundamentals set you up to feel great about your marketing. Then, we will incorporate the fundamentals as you are led through an easy to follow planning recipe that sets you up to solve one or more of the following sales challenges
- Mitigating financial and/or product loss risks due to unpredictable sales
- Establishing reputation
- Attracting Customers (traffic)
- Attracting Sales
- Retaining Customers
Functional marketing transforms sales and marketing related anxiety or overwhelm into profits, security, sales resilience, and confidence. It enables you to focus more of your efforts on the things you love, while creating the business of your dreams.
August 23
Casey Holland
Transitioning to No-Till Agriculture for NM farmers.
Casey Holland, of Chispas Farm and the 2020 NMOFC Young Farmer of the Year
Abstract: This topic will follow Casey’s own agricultural journey practice from conventional tilling agriculture to no-till agriculture and the farm's current practices. This includes the philosophy of no till, transition time / preparedness, practices that got farm to this point, and results. Included will also be specifics about tools used, timing, lessons learned, and space for additional knowledge based on other peoples experiences.
Event Registration