Events | Oregon State University

Upcoming Events

Fruit & Vegetable Processing Short Course: Short Course Objectives…This three day short course provides attendees with concepts of basic fruit and vegetable processing technologies, quality analysis, and hands-on experience through pilot plant exercises. Topics are modified annually based on specific interest and identified needs... Acidified vegetable processing – fermented, fresh and refrigerated pickles Jam/Jelly making Fruit and vegetable drying – conventional, freeze, and infused drying Basic food quality analysis – Brix, pH, TA, water activity, color, texture, etc. Methods of the measurement of phenolic and antioxidant contents Who Should Attend? Personnel in production, manufacturing, engineering, and product development associated with fruit and vegetables Suitable for both entry level and more experienced individuals How Do I Register? You may register online at: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/foodsci/extservices/ext_index.htm

WSU/Tilth Farm Walk - Monroe, WA: Jeff Miller will share his innovative ideas for getting a jump on early mixed vegetable production. We will tour greenhouses and propagation houses, as well as direct-seeded and transplanted row crops. Willie Green’s sells at year-round farmers markets, and offers a winter CSA share. Now farming 55 acres, he has been perfecting his production systems for over 22 years. Our discussions will include a wide range of detailed growing, season extension, harvesting, and marketing techniques, as well as equipment and facility innovations. (Organic) Driving Directions: see http://www.tilthproducers.org.

WSU/Tilth Farm Walk - Pullman, WA: This innovative family-run crop and livestock farm produces wheat, feed grains, locker lambs and pastured poultry. With ten acres in transition to organic, Eric Zakarison is experimenting with ‘solar tractors,’ using draft mule, horse and oxen teams (fueled on-farm), with manure to complete the power/nutrient cycle by enhancing soil fertility. Cover crops are incorporated in rotation, and sheep and chickens help with their harvest and incorporation. The Zakarisons future plans include producing organic small grains to market locally and minimizing tillage and petroleum consumption. WSU researchers will present their plans for on-site research on minimizing soil disturbance. Driving Directions: see http://www.tilthproducers.org.

Acidified Foods School: Audience... Supervisors of acidified food processing operations and food container closure operations. Purpose... Each processor of acidified foods is required to operate with a certified supervisor on hand at all times during processing. This school provides the necessary training to certify supervisors of such processes. This school DOES NOT satisfy the requirements for low acid thermal processing. Individuals requiring low acid certification need to attend the Oregon Better Process Control School, January 26-29, 2009. Certification...The Oregon State University Acidified Foods School is recognized by the FDA and follows the prescribed course of instruction for certification. The two-day course addresses operations of acidified food processing systems, glass packaging systems and container closure inspection. Examinations are given for each section and are standardized by the Food Processors Institute with the approval of the FDA who specify 70% as a passing score. The FDA receives a list of names of individuals who have passed the prescribed course. Participants who pass receive a certificate issued by Oregon State University. How do I register? You may register online at: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/foodsci/extservices/acidfoods_regform.htm

The Black Sheep Gathering: June 20, 21, 22, 2008 Black Sheep Gathering, Lane County Fairgrounds Eugene, Oregon. Since 1974, celebrating natural colored animals and their fiber. Sheep and Angora Goat shows, Wool Show and Sale, Workshops, Talks and Demonstrations, Trade Show, Fiberarts Competition and Show and more. Contact: The Black Sheep Gathering, Inc. 541-484-1011, email: leslie@fishwhistle.com, Visit our web site: www.blacksheepgathering.org

WSU/Tilth Farm Walk - Everson, WA: During the tour of this 35-year old diversified, fresh-market farm, the Alm Hill Garden team will cover season extension (using greenhouses and high tunnels), crop diversity (annuals and perennials), berry production, and direct marketing strategies. Research taking place on the farm in coordination with WSU will be highlighted, including integrated pest management and field trials of several varieties of fruits and vegetables. A new cooperative agreement being forged between the owners, the farmers, and a new generation of farmers will be discussed. This Farm Walk will be offered in both English and Spanish. (Sustainable). Driving directions: see http://www.tilthproducers.org.

WSU/Tilth Farm Walk - Woodinville, WA: The Farm at 21 Acres is used for research, experimentation and education, while producing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for sale through local direct marketing avenues. Visitors will tour the farm and future site of the multi-purpose Agriculture Center, with a focus on urban farming, green technology, and building community support in urban areas for a traditionally rural enterprise. Participants will learn about the construction of the permanent farmers market, integration of animal husbandry into an urban setting and the community gardens on site. (Sustainable) WSU BIOAg site. Driving Directions at http://www.tilthproducers.org.