Basics of Organic Farming & Livestock Production

Thursday, March 21, 2013
(10:00 am to 4:00 pm)

I. Properties of Soil
What is soil?
Soil texture and structure
Organic matter, plant nutrients and pH

II. Testing soil
Taking the sample and reading the results

III. Soil Husbandry and Sources of Plant Nutrition
Managing soil organic matter and fertility

IV. Composting
Biology and Chemistry of the pile
How to make and use compost

Lunch

V. Adding Value to Crops and Marketing Them (Cheryl Wixson)
BEFORE choosing which crops to grow, determine what would sell well and how to sell it.
If adding value by processing food, safety and kitchen licensing must be considered.

VI. Organic Certification
Who needs to get certified and how to do it.

Thursday, March 28, 2013
(10:00 am to 4:00 pm)

VII. Crop Rotation & Green Manures
Benefits of crop rotation
Choosing which green manure is best for the situation

VIII. Insects and Diseases
Understanding Pest Control
Using crop rotation, sanitation, barriers, microbial pesticides, botanical pesticides , copper and other materials

IX. Farmer Presentation
A farmer TBA will give an over view of his/her farm and discuss the ins and outs of growing and marketing crops.

Lunch

X. Weed Management
Weed Ecology
Crop rotation and cover crops
Mulches
Cultivation tools; hand and tractor

XI. Livestock (Diane Schivera)
MOFGA's livestock specialist will present the basics of feeding, breeding and healthcare of livestock on an organic farm.

XII. Open Discussion and Wrap Up