Session II

Workshops and Presentations - Wednesday 1:00 - 2:30 PM

A Midwest Homecoming featured five sessions of concurrent workshops, group presentations and roundtable discussions. Click on the title of a workshop or group presentation to see available downloads for that session. Not all presentation materials are available.

Session I | Session II | Session III | Session IV | Session V

CF01. Green Payments: A New Vision for the Farm Bill (roundtable)
The 2007 Farm Bill offers an opportunity to shift farm policy toward rewarding sustainable agriculture. This roundtable discussion will center around rewarding farmers for their conservation outcomes. 
Ferd Hoefner, Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
Margaret Krome, Michael Fields Agriculture Institute
Mike McGrath, The Minnesota Project
Loni Kemp, The Minnesota Project

CF02. Group presentations/Sustainable Crop Production:
The Wisconsin Healthy Grown Potato Initiative 
This new pest management regime enables certified growers to market under the nation's first eco-brand for potatoes. Learn how project partners are developing a whole-farm standard that balances the management of resources on the farm. 
Deana Sexson, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Developing Integrated Vegetable Systems
After two decades of research on vegetable crops, Midwest researchers hope to develop systems approaches that better integrate farmers into the research process. Explore the relevant research questions for the next two decades for Midwestern vegetable production. 
John Masiunas, University of Illinois
Northwest Farmer to Farmer Exchange (F2FX)
Sixteen experienced Northwest organic farmers worked to improve sustainability on their farms and run tests using potatoes as a model crop. In their farmer-to-farmer exchange program, they are helping partners at Oregon State University gather problems and solutions. 
Alex Stone, Oregon State University
Farmer Networks and Pesticide Reduction
Farmer networks are helping growers of high-value crops develop systems to manage crops with minimal pesticides. Learn how growers of potatoes, wine grapes, almonds, tomatoes and sweet potatoes use networks and others tools to reduce pesticide risk. 
Michelle Miller, UW-Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems

CF03. Iowa Produce Market Potential Calculator (workshop)
The calculator compares what Iowans eat to the 37 fruits and vegetables Iowa farmers produce and figures farm revenues if the local markets were fully realized. Learn how to use the calculator as a market forecasting tool. 
Rich Pirog, Leopold Center
Randy Boekenstedt, Iowa State University Ctr. for Transportation Research and Education 

CF04. Group presentations/Renewable Energy: 
Introduction to Renewable Energy on the Farm
Why has farm energy become such a hot topic? This introduction to sustainable farm energy will provide background and a general overview of the rapidly growing interest in energy issues on the farm. 
Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension
Assessment of Potential On-Farm Renewable Energy Production: A National Overview
Is a wind turbine appropriate for you? What about solar electricity? Learn how to navigate the maze of renewable energy options available to farmers, including the difference between LLCs and cooperatives, the pros and cons of community wind farms, and how to evaluate the best renewable energy resources for your farm. 
Roya Stanley, National Renewable Energy Lab, Dept. of Energy
USDA Initiatives to Realize America's Quest for Energy Independence
Where is the U.S. heading with renewable energy? What does the President's energy initiative mean for U.S. farmers? This session will discuss joint USDA-DOE efforts and the many USDA programs that are designed to help farmers supply America's domestically produced energy. 
Carmela Bailey, CSREES, USDA
Renewable Energy as Rural Development: Lessons from Iowa
Iowa is leading the U.S. in building its own bioeconomy. Hear about the various models of ownership and the local and state-wide economic impacts of this developing bio-industry. 
Jill Euken, Iowa State University

CF05. Group presentations/Direct-Market Successes 2:
Culinary Markets
Follow along with an herb farmer who worked through the challenges of setting up a sideline culinary and ornamental herb business focused on supplying quality, hard-to-find products. 
Joanna Rauch, Everyday Herbs
Three Little Fishes
Join a grain and dairy farmer who added aquaculture to her farm. She shares the experiences of converting to prawn production, then intercropping other fish. 
Brenda Lyons, Lyons Fisheries, Sandoval, Ill.
A Taste of the Hawaiian Range
To fill the gap left by the sugar and large-scale beef industries, Hawaii Extension began fostering sustainable cattle enterprises, working with chefs and consumers to develop demand for high-quality meats. Learn the keys to the program's decade-long success. 
Glen K. Fukumoto, University of Hawaii-Manoa
12 Trees
The 12 Trees Project pairs farmers and chefs in Hawaii to grow and serve 12 species of exotic tropical fruit grown throughout the year to develop a steady supply and reduce labor. Learn about their demonstration orchard and student chef program. 
Ken Love and Richard Bowen, University of Hawaii

CF06. Group presentations/Maintaining Diversity in Agriculture 1:
Growing a Community Garden
Learn about the team of master gardeners, extension nutrition staff and community leaders who led high school students in planting, maintaining, harvesting and distributing the produce raised in a city garden to a local food pantry. 
Kasey Murphy, University of Illinois Extension - McHenry County
Youth Renewing the Countryside
Young adults are finding innovative ways to make a living in rural communities. Learn strategies for attracting and retaining young residents with programs and policies that support and enhance quality of life and stimulate ideas for rural leaders, agricultural educators and vo-ag instructors. 
Beth Munnich, Renewing the Countryside
Log On to Sustainable Ag
Wisconsin teachers will benefit from a high school e-curriculum that provides an overall framework for exploring the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainable agriculture. Five modules contains materials, case studies, activities and links to more resources. 
Diane Mayerfeld, Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems

CF07. Group presentations/Innovative Livestock Systems 1:
Breeding a Better Bird
Hear research results from a study of slow-growing and fast-growing broiler genotypes that measured feed efficiency and weight gain. 
Anne Fanatico, University of Arkansas
The A to Z of Meat Goat Production
Would meat goat production be a profitable enterprise for your farm? Learn the production details, from herd size to grazing management to parasite management. 
Russell Ramsey, University of Missouri Extension
Getting Started with Pastured Poultry
Learn the ropes of pastured poultry production - brooding, pen design, fencing, record keeping and more - from a farm family that launched a poultry farm that grew to 1,000 organic chickens and up to 100 heritage turkeys annually. 
Julie Maro, Coon Creek Family Farm, Mondovi, Wis.