New Farmer University in Minnesota

Fearless Farm Finances
Friday, Oct. 21, 2016
9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$50  |   $25 for New Farmer U participants

Learn how to set up and manage your farm’s financial system.

You’ll get this 264-page book, too!

Breakout Workshops

Two topics will be offered in each 90-minute workshop session. You’ll get to attend 5 workshops total. Coming with a farm partner? Split up and catch all the workshops!

Soil Fertility
Allen Philo, Soils Consultant, Wis.
Learn how to improve your soil and increase productivity and quality with low-cost inputs including cover crops.

Weed and Pest Management
Laura Frerichs & Adam Cullip, Loon Organics, Minn.
Laura and Adam have been showing weeds and pests who’s the boss on their certified organic 40 acres for 10 years. Learn best organic weed and pest control methods from the best.

Setting Up a Fruit Farm
Rachel Henderson & Anton Ptak, Mary Dirty Face, Wis.
Anton and Rachel have built their certified organic fruit farm over the past 10 years. This farmer team will give you the tools for a realistic plan to build your fruit farm business.

Farm Machinery 101
Adam Cullip, Loon Organics, Minn.
Learn hands-on basic tractor mechanics, including how to change the oil and maintain the engine, and what to look for when it just won’t start.

Farm Business Planning & Decision Making
Aimee Finley, Western Technical College, Wis.
Aimee teaches farm business management and runs her own dairy farm. Walk through different models and start or refine your farm’s plans.

Season Extension
Ryan Pesch, Lida Farm, Minn.
From root cellars to high tunnel spring, summer and winter production, learn what has and hasn’t worked to extend the short farming season in northern Minnesota.

Pastured Poultry
Jody Padgham, MOSES & Wild Crescent Farm, Wis.
Jody has written and contributed to numerous books on farming, and served with the American Pastured Poultry Association. Add this low-input, high-quality enterprise to your young farm with her helpful instruction.

Opportunities for Beginning Farmer Impact
Nick Olson, Land Stewardship Project & Prairie Drifter Farm, Minn.
As the faces and climate of organic farming evolve, new opportunities arise to be active in policy and organizing. Learn how getting involved in farm policy off the fields can directly benefit your work in the fields.

Impact and Benefits of Certification
Harriet Behar, MOSES & Sweet Springs Farm, Wis.
Harriet lives and breathes National Organic Program regulation as MOSES’ Senior Organic Specialist, and a member of the National Organic Standards Board. Learn from the expert how certification can take your farm business to the next level.

Land Access and Funding for Farmers
Jan Joannides & Brett Olson, Renewing the Countryside, Minn.
Jan and Brett will bring the dirt on the current realities of land access for young farmers, and how to find funding to buy it.

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Ask an Expert Roundtables

(Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m.)

Choose one or more of these discussion roundtables led by experts. Ask burning questions, hear qualified answers, plus engage in discussion with your farming peers.

Adding Value to Your Farm, Lisa Kivirist, Inn Serendipity, Wis.

Farm Law Small-Group Consultations, Rachel Armstrong, Farm Commons, Minn.

Harvest and Post-Harvest with a Side of FSMA, Expert to be determined

Farming While Raising Children, Jennifer Nelson, MOSES + Humble Pie Farm, Wis.

Alphabet Soup: An Acronym Introduction, Lauren Langworthy, MOSES + Blue Ox Organics, Wis.

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Lodging

Dorm room lodging (4-6 people/room) at the conference center is included.
Or, you may find your own lodging/campground in Lanesboro. See lodging options.