Tribune Staff Reports
Keynote speakers have been confirmed for the inaugural Mid-Southern Small Farm Ag Summit set for Nov. 9 and 10 at Southern Hills Church on State Road 135.
The summit, designed to promote agriculture, small farm operations and family farms across southern Indiana, will begin on the afternoon of Nov. 9 with registration followed by several breakout sessions.
The group will then tour Cornucopia Farm LLC before a farm-to-fork dinner and a featured discussion of the Cornucopia Farm LLC operation by the Baird family.
Nov. 10 will begin with registration, followed by a keynote speaker, Markie Hageman from Lucas Oil Protect the Harvest, who will discuss “Why Do I Need to be an Ag Advocate?”
This presentation will be followed by a series of breakout sessions, and then a second keynote speaker, Kent Yeager, former ag liaison for U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, who will discuss “Ag Policy Updates and Outlook Impacting the Small Farm.” Then there will be one final opportunity to attend breakout sessions before wrapping things up.
Breakout sessions will involve a wide variety of topics, including livestock topics, beekeeping, equipment, high tunnels, marketing, popcorn, woodlands, agritourism, wineries and many more.
Additionally, there will be two farmer panels allowing attendees to participate in question-and-answer sessions with a variety of livestock and specialty farm producers.
Participants are encouraged to attend both days, but one-day registrations also will be available. The registration fee is $40 for one or both days.
Contact the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District at 812-883-3006, ext. 3, for a registration packet. Those with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this meeting should contact Jill Roll at 812-883-3006, ext. 3, or Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.
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Here’s a list of the breakout session topics planned for the inaugural Mid-Southern Small Farm Ag Summit planned for Nov. 9 and 10 at Southern Hills Church on State Road 135 just south of Salem:
“Incorporating Bees on Your Farm” with Gina Anderson of Purdue Extension Floyd County educator, and Randy Lynch, New Albany Honey and Apiary owner.
“Rotational Grazing on Small Acres” with Robert Zupancic, NRCS Southeast grazing specialist.
“Popcorn — A Regional Opportunity” with Brian Churchill, Preferred Popcorn LLC plant manager.
“Ag Advocacy — How Do I Get Started?” with Markie Hageman with Protect The Harvest.
“Small Ruminants — Keeping Them Alive” with Jerry Rusch, Spring Mill Veterinary Service.
“Equipment Needs for Small Operators” with Jay Jacobi, Jacobi Sales Inc.
“Maximizing Small Acreage Using a High Tunnel” with Ryan Stuckwish, Jackson County farmer.
“Getting Started at a Farmers Market” with Miranda Edge, Purdue Extension Harrison County.
“Small Fruits and Vegetables Farmer Panel” with Jackson County farmers Thomas Hackman and Ryan Stuckwish and Floyd County farmer Jamie Schillmiller.
“High Tunnels — How Do I Get Started?” and “High Tunnel Dos and Don’ts” with Wenjing Guan, Purdue University horticulture specialist.
“Making It Work on a Multi-Generational Farm” with Jo Harshey and Steve Carr, Harrison County farm family.
“Grain Marketing for Small Operators” with Todd Hall, Consolidated Grain and Barge.
“Optimizing Woodlands on the Small Farm” with Ron Rathfon, Purdue University forestry.
“Agritourism” with A.J. Huber, Huber’s Orchard and Winery farm manager.
“Healthy Soils for Livestock and Crop Producers” with Robert Zupancic, NRCS Southeast grazing specialist.
“Know Your Local Government” with Kent Yeager, former agriculture liaison for U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly.
“The Indiana Grown Label” TBD.
“Taking Advantage of Beneficial Pollinators” with Gina Anderson, Purdue Extension Floyd County educator.
“Food Safety Considerations for the Small Farm” with Scott Monroe, Purdue Extension food safety educator.
“Direct Marketing Panel” with Washington County farmers John Denny, Brenda Hash, Kayla Payne and Jason Webster and Harrison County farmer Jo Harshey.
“Grapes and Wineries” TBD.
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What: Inaugural Mid-Southern Small Farm Ag Summit
When: Nov. 9 and 10
Where: Southern Hills Church on State Road 135 just south of Salem
Cost: $40 for both days or one day
Information or registration: 812-833-3006, ext. 3, or [email protected]
Sponsors: Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District, Purdue Extension, Farm Credit Mid-America, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation Services
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