2013 OSU Small Farms Conference Keynote Session

The recently published book, Greenhorns: 50 Dispatches from the New Farmer Movement, includes nine “dispatches” from Oregon farmers and ranchers. These authors represent the growing youth movement in Oregon agriculture. The keynote session features four of the Oregon authors and greenhorn farmers representing different regions of the state: Sarahlee Lawrence, Rainshadow Organics, Terrebonne; Josh Volk, Slow Hand Farm, Portland; Cory Carman, Carman Ranch, Wallowa; Teresa Retzlaff, 46 North Farm, Olney. However, greenhorns would not be anywhere without grayhorns.”  Moderating the panel is well-known organic seed grower and inveterate grayhorn, Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seed, Philomath.

2013 OSU Small Farms Conference Session One:

Useful Record  Keeping for Vegetable Growers

Successfully operating a diverse farm is much easier with good planning and record keeping and it is essential for maintaining certifications. Josh Volk from Slow Hand Farm will share the basics of the systems he has developed over the last 15 years for keeping clear and concise records that feed into his planning system every year. AgSquared is an online software tool developed to help small farmers plan, manage, and keep farm records so that they can better understand the ins and outs of their production system and make better decisions. Drew Katz, AqSquared; Josh Volk, Slow Hand Farm.

2013 OSU Small Farms Conference Session Two:

Connecting to Land: Finding, Leasing and Purchasing Agricultural Land 

Finding the right land is the most fundamental, and sometimes the most difficult, part of starting or expanding an agricultural enterprise. Prospective landlords and tenants will learn the basics of crafting a lease agreement, and how to maintain a long-term, working relationship. Get practical advice from a farmer, a legal perspective on land contracts, and a real estate agent’s perspective on researching a property.  Nellie McAdams, Friends of Family Farmers; Conner Voss, Agricultural Real Estate Consultant; Shawn Clark, Student at OSU's Horticulture Program and CCC's Urban Agriculture Program.

2013 OSU Small Farms Conference Session Three:

Visual Soil Assessment in Pastures & Cultivated Crops

Learn how to evaluate soil health in pastures and cultivated crops. Graham Shepherd will describe his Visual Soil Assessment methods. Teresa Matteson will describe soil quality projects in Oregon.  Graham Shepherd, Bioagronomics; Teresa Matteson, Benton Soil & Water Conservation District.