Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference
August 12, 2024 11:50AM - 12:00AM
Grow Benzie, 5885 Frankfort Hwy, Benzonia, Michigan 49616
Contact: nmsfc@crosshatch.org, (231) 533-2555
This conference is supported by Michigan TOPP and hosted by Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology, Michigan TOPP Network Partner.
TOPP will be hosting a Roundtable Discussion on Organic Farming, from 8-9am on Monday, August 12th, at Bluebird Farm and Garden, (10750 S Fredrickson Rd., Empire, MI 49630). Bluebird will be one of the farm tour sites for the Small Farm Conference, and the owners are transitioning to organic too. During the roundtable discussion, we will talk about organic farming practices, the transition and certification process, each speaker's farming histories, mentorship opportunities, and answer questions along the way. This roundtable is available for anyone who is using organic practices, curious about organic farming, or would like to learn more ways to improve their operation. Breakfast will be provided for all attendees too.
Hear from the following speakers:
- Alan and Cheryl Kobernik, owners and managers of North Star Organics. Certified organic farmers.
- John Plichta, owner and manager of FarmHouse Vineyards. Certified organic farmer.
- Ellie Hudson, executive director for the Accredited Certifiers Association.
- Sam Wallace, TOPP Coordinator and Grand Traverse Conservation District staff.
Answering the call for an innovative conference designed specifically for small farms, Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference has been educating farmers since 2000.
Now in its 25th year, the Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference regularly connects producers and growers across the region for farm tours, hands-on workshops, and networking. Farmers of all ilks and backgrounds gather to network, share ideas, and gain new skills that will make small farms in Michigan more economically and environmentally sustainable. The conference is a program of Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology.
To showcase the diversity of farms and regions in Northwest Lower Michigan, the conference rotates its location to a different county each year, offering tours and workshops at local farms. This year, the hub of the conference will be Grow Benzie, a rural prosperity incubator in Benzie County, with additional tours and workshops at nearby farms. After last year's successful pilot of this new August format, the organizers decided to continue it. Previously held in January, the conference is now more accessible and allows attendees to tour farms at the height of their production. This year's conference will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024.
General admission tickets are $25. Admission for children 12 & under is free. Tiered sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Learn more at: https://www.smallfarmconference.com/
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