The Science of Growing Plants in Containers

• Randall Vos | Iowa State University Extension, IA

Why do some plants languish in their trays? What factors should we monitor to grow transplants more successfully? Growing plants in containers is different than in the soil and is less forgiving of mistakes. From media pH to nutrient balance, Randall Vos will share knowledge from his time managing a commercial greenhouse and as a Horticulture professor and Extension Field Specialist.

Transplants for Sale

• Kristin Grandlienard | Pearson Organics, MN
• Yoko Takemura and Alex Carpenter | Assawaga Farm, CT
• Flint Wiswall | Cate Farm, VT

This session is specific to a variety of scales, is enhanced by photos from the prop house, and provides detailed production information. Participants will receive a handout detailing each presenter’s systems, including germination techniques, equipment, disease and pest control, and so much more.

Farm Store Management

• Brian Bates | Bear Creek Organic Farm, MI
• Robyn Calvey | Park Ridge Organics, WI
• Guy Ashmore | That Guy’s Family Farm, OH

An on-farm store can be a great way to boost sales without needing to pack more CSA boxes or haul produce to a farmers market—plus it has the potential to work on many different scales. So how do you know when it’s right to invest or expand? What products, marketing, and staffing models are successful for other farms? Come learn from three different speakers about how they maximize their farm stores to fit their farms and business models.

Microgreens

• Corinne Hansch | Lovin’ Mama Farm, NY
• Nick Testa | Farming Turtles, RI
• Kevin Novak | Flavor Country Farm, IA

This session is specific to a variety of scales, is enhanced by photos from the field, and provides detailed production information—from variety selection to postharvest handling. Participants will receive a handout detailing each presenter’s systems, including germination techniques, equipment, disease and pest control, and so much more.

Living Through Change: Farm Adaptations, Transitions, & More

• Nick Olson | Prairie Drifter Farm, MN
• Pa Thao | Maiv Flower Farm, WI
• Chris McGuire | Blue Roof Orchard, WI
• Laura Culip | Renewing the Countryside, MN

Though it can be intimidating, change is at the heart of living. And in our case, it’s a core part of the farming experience too. Hear from four farmers who have navigated change throughout their farming careers: from production and scale, to questions of how farming fits into families, cultural identities, and much more.

Basil

• Roxanne Ramirez | Winterspring Farm, WI
• Christina Chan | Choy Division, NY
• Patty Grimmer | Wonka’s Harvest, WI

This session is specific to a variety of scales, is enhanced by photos from the field, and provides detailed production information—from variety selection to postharvest handling. Participants will receive a handout detailing each presenter’s systems, including germination techniques, crop spacing, equipment, disease and pest control, and so much more.

Maximizing the Storage Life of Crops

• Steve Pincus | Tipi Produce, WI
• Becca Rudebusch | Seeds Farm, MN

Organic and local do not guarantee produce will be fresh, nutritious, and long-lasting. Maximizing storage life is a win-win for the farmer and customer. Join this session to learn about postharvest handling systems and equipment to amplify results on your farm.

Celery

• Jon Weston | Green Things Farm Collective, MI
• Andy Hupp | Three Creeks Produce, OH
• Ethan Koch | Red Door Family Farm, WI

This session is specific to a variety of scales, is enhanced by photos from the field, and provides detailed production information—from variety selection to postharvest handling. Participants will receive a handout detailing each presenter’s systems, including germination techniques, crop spacing, equipment, disease and pest control, and so much more.

Habit Farming: Powerful Off-Season Planning to Streamline In-Season Decision-Making

•  Taylor Mendell | Footprint Farm, VT

As farm businesses grow, the volume of decision-making increases, and so does decision-making fatigue and burnout. Taylor Mendell counters the fatigue using an annual review process that employs the science behind habit formation to create plans for the year ahead. She will share her step-by-step process to transform feedback from managers, field crew, and customers into a budget, marketing plan, crop plan, employee job descriptions, and more. She’ll share tips for getting honest feedback, customizable templates to use on your farm, and how this process has helped her reduce in-season stress despite a pandemic, 2 young children, and an ever-changing farming environment.

Farmer-to-Farmer Roundtables

HMoob Grower Roundtable

This is a space for HMoob farmers to connect with organizational partners and other HMoob growers from across the state. Discuss session topics, share questions, and identify additional interests and needs.

Equipment & Gear for Women & Non-Binary Farmers 

Although it’s getting better, equipment, tools, farm clothes, and gear have not historically been easy to find for women and non-binary growers. Come discuss with fellow farmers what you’ve found that works for you, hacks and mods that make it work, and what you’re still hoping to find.

Programs, Software, & Tools for Farming Wins! 

We’re talking about improving systems, organization, and efficiency on the office side of things here. What do you dread about office work? What processes have you recently streamlined for the better? Share and learn about tools and tips to improve efficiency so you can get back in the field.

Farm Teams: Hiring, Firing, & Everything in Between 

In farming, working closely with people can be full of joys and challenges. When the team is vibing, there’s nothing quite like it! Come and share your tips, tricks, and the many thoughtful ways in which you navigate different aspects of farming with people so you can set everyone up for success.

Strategies for Working Through Conflict 

Come find out if you’re the @$$hole ;-). Conflict is almost everybody’s least favorite topic, and yet we have to deal with it all the time. Let’s talk about working through conflicts with others so that the farm team can start performing again.

Favorite Vegetable Varieties 

Excellent varieties are central to successful organic vegetable production, which is what makes this discussion so popular every year. Sub-groups may be created based on scale or farm location, depending on who joins the session.

Enterprise Diversity: How Much Is Too Much? 

When does diversification become too stressful, inefficient, and maddening? When is it best to pull back and focus on enterprises that are truly our passion…that give us the most satisfaction…and the best financial returns? What enterprises fit well together and are there management structures and divisions of labor that can make the diversified farm run smoothly? Come share your experiences, frustrations, and breakthroughs.

Kale

• Steven Shoemaker | Steadfast Acres, WI
• Abby Benson | Featherstone Farm, MN
• Andy Hupp | Three Creeks Produce, OH

This session will provide detailed production information, from variety selection to postharvest handling, is specific to a variety of scales, and is enhanced by photos from the field. Participants will receive a handout detailing each presenter’s systems, including germination techniques and crop spacing to equipment, disease and pest control, and so much more.

Creating Action Plans From Soil Tests

• Kevin Allison | Marion County Soil & Water Conservation District, IN
• Tony Whitefeather | Whitefeather Organics, WI

So you got the results of your soil test back…now what?! Break through those feelings of uncertainty in this session that will share ideas and tools to help you figure out how many pounds of soil amendments you need based on the ppm in your fields.