2025 California Small Farm Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 37th annual California Small Farm Conference, a week-long event featuring over 40 online workshops as well as a dozen in-person gatherings around the state. Whether you’re a beginning farmer or a seasoned grower, a local food advocate or a farmers market manager, you’ll find something here for you. This year’s theme, "Rooted in Place", honors the vital relationship between farmers, communities and the land they steward.

Check out the schedule below for event times and locations. Click "Reserve Tickets" to register. Admission is on a sliding-scale, to ensure everyone can attend. Please select the amount you’re comfortable paying. Enjoy the conference!

The majority of our conference workshops are recorded for later viewing at any time on CAFF’s YouTube channel, with the exception of certain small group and facilitated sessions for privacy reasons.
Interested in sponsoring this event? Learn more here

8:00am PST

Boosting Beneficial Birds and Insects: Nest Boxes, Hedgerows and Other Natural Enemy Habitat

Sunday February 23, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

Online

Beneficial birds and insects target a range of insect and rodent pests in agriculture. Farmland can offer diverse habitats to meet their reproductive and overwintering needs, which helps support these natural predators and creates a comprehensive defense system. In this workshop, we will explore the advantages of incorporating natural enemy birds and insects into agroecosystems and discuss ways to attract and support them using nest boxes, perches, flower patches, shrubs, trees, hedgerows, and riparian zones. We’ll also address their preferences for various native and nonnative plants. By inviting these beneficial species to your farm, you enhance sustainability and promote local biodiversity.

Speakers

Jo Ann Baumgartner

Executive Director, Wild Farm Alliance

Breanna Martinico

UC Cooperative Extension

Sunday February 23, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers, Experienced Farmers

8:00am PST

A New Model for Farmland Access and Transition: The Farmland Commons

Sunday February 23, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

Online

The Farmers Land Trust is a national organization working to support farmland protection, transition, and secure access for farmers through the innovative Farmland Commons model, which decommodifies land by placing it in the ownership of local communities. This dynamic and engaging presentation will share how the Farmland Commons model works, and participants will leave with the knowledge and resources that will enable them to carry forward creative land transition and access opportunities to their own communities.

Speakers

Ian McSweeney

The Farmers Land Trust

Kristina Villa

The Farmers Land Trust

Sunday February 23, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online

Issues in Food & Ag / Other

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farmers Market Professionals, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

9:45am PST

Practical Entrepreneurship Guide for Raising Poultry on Pasture or Integrated with Crops

Sunday February 23, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST

Online

To successfully raise poultry on pasture, or in rotation with crops, farmers need practical plans to launch, scale and manage a successful business. In this workshop, seasoned farmers will discuss practices and innovations that work well. According to the interest of those participating in the workshop, we will discuss production systems design, enterprise budgets and profitability calculators, breed selection, brooder management, sturdy mobile coops, preventive health, predator management, managing pasture for poultry, and navigating regulations on meat processing and egg marketing. NCAT/ATTRA will share highlights of the poultry entrepreneurs toolbox and take-home messages from experiments in three states on broiler production in rotation with vegetable crops. Aspiring and beginning poultry farmers will learn about how to access to sources of practical information and ongoing support.

Speakers

Caleb Barron

Fogline Farm

Ann Baier

Sustainable Agriculture Specialist, National Center for Appropriate Technology

NCAT/ATTRA information service for farmers, ranchers and other food systems peopleBeginning Farmer workshops Pastured poultry integration with crop productionOrganic certificationCulture and agriculture Soil for Water, healthy soils, conservation planningLife, meaning and cycles... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

9:45am PST

Strawberry Production in Hotter Climates

Sunday February 23, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST

Online

Strawberries thrive in the cooler, sunny climates of California’s Central Coast which is why the region is home to the majority of the state’s commercial strawberry production. However, there are many small-scale operations throughout the state growing strawberries in hotter, drier regions. What does it take to successfully grow strawberries on a smaller scale—especially in less climatically ideal regions? How do coastal practices need to be adapted to hotter growing conditions? How does the heat affect disease and pest prevalence?

Join UC Cooperative Extension Small & Organic Farms Advisor, Margaret Lloyd, and Community Education Specialist, Lindsey Klein, as we dive into these questions plus topics like cultivar selection, irrigation needs, planting and harvesting schedules, post-harvest handling, and more!

Speakers

Margaret Lloyd

Small and Organic Farms Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension

Lindsey Klein

Small Farms Program Community Education Specialist, UC Cooperative Extension

toshare Strawberry Production in Hotter Climates pdf

Sunday February 23, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

11:30am PST

CSA Around the World: How is Community Support Implemented in Different Corners of the World?

Sunday February 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST

Online

* Please note: this session has changed from the originally-scheduled "Beyond the Newsletter: 5 Strategies to Scale a 100+ CSA Program in Less Than One Season"

Join us to hear from Jocelyn Parot, General Secretary of Urgenci, the international network of Community Supported Agriculture that works to promote alliances between food producers and consumers both at local and international level. We'll learn how CSA is taking shape around the world as part of a new study, including the many different models that farmers are using to connect with their local communities.

Speakers

Simon Anoumou Todzro

Farmer, Kpalimé, Togo

Jocelyn Parot

General Secretary, Urgenci

Sunday February 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online

Sales & Marketing

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers

11:30am PST

Mechanization for the Small Farm

Sunday February 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST

Online

Join us for a workshop to explore the latest in small-scale mechanization for your farm. We'll hear from multiple suppliers and innovators of tractors and other production tools that are designed specifically for farming on a smaller-scale.

Panelists:

Farm-ng, Nathan Dorn
BCS, Charlotte LeMieux, Product Line Manager
FarmHand Tractor, David Haynes
Fernando Garcia, FarmLink

Learning Objectives:

Learn about mechanized tasks suitable toward assisting farmer profitability.
See a list of typical farm activities with some cost accounting.
Learn from virtual demonstrations of the alternatives and how they benefit the farm business & bottom line
Learn about available Grants and/or financing opportunities [FarmLink Focus]

Organizer

Elizabeth Vaughan

Small Farm Technology Specialist, CAFF

Speakers

Nathan Dorn

VP Business Development, Farm-Ng

Fernando Garcia

California FarmLink

Charlotte LeMieux

BCS

David Haynes

Founder, DPH Industries, LLC

Sunday February 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online

Tools & Tech

1:15pm PST

Agricultural Land Equity in California

Sunday February 23, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST

Online

In this session members of the California Agricultural Land Equity Task Force will share an update on their work since October 2023. The members will discuss the main challenges the Task Force aims to address, how their draft recommendations address those issues, and how session attendees can engage in the work. There will be time at the end for attendees to share their own experiences, ideas and priorities related to agricultural land equity. The conversation will inform the Task Force as they continue developing their recommendations on how to address the land equity crisis and submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature by January 2026.

Organizer

Camille Frazier

Agricultural Land Equity Program Lead, California Strategic Growth Council

Speakers

Qi Zhou

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Program Manager, California Association of Resource Conservation Districts

Dorian Payán

Director of Holistic Land Relations, Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC)

Sunday February 23, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online

Issues in Food & Ag / Other

1:15pm PST

Which Direct Market Channel Is Right for Me?

Sunday February 23, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST

Online

Learn about different market channels and their pros and cons. Identify which market channels may be beneficial for your business.

Speakers

Ramiro Lobo

Small Farms Advisor, UCCE San Diego

Darlene Ruiz

Staff Research Associate, UCCE San Diego

Siguenos en las redes sociales- Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/cesandiego/ - Instagram@UCCESanDiego - X/Twitterhttps://www.facebook.com/sandiegoucce - Facebook

Sunday February 23, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online

Sales & Marketing

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers

3:00pm PST

Awards Ceremony: 2025 California Farm Champions

Sunday February 23, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PST

Online

Every year, our community recognizes amazing farms, individuals and local businesses making a difference in our food system. Selected from hundreds of nominations by people like you, the 2024 California Farm Champions are blazing trails, giving back, and helping promote a healthier, more regenerative and more just world.

Join us for the awards ceremony as we travel all across the state, visiting this year's honorees.

Sunday February 23, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PST
Online

Special Event

3:00pm PST

Conozca Sus Derechos: Agricultores, Trabajadores, Inmigrantes y Aliados

Sunday February 23, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST

Con los grandes cambios en las políticas de inmigración y aplicación de la ley en EE.UU., la comunidad agrícola y de trabajadores del campo en California enfrenta nuevos desafíos. Desde redadas del ICE hasta órdenes ejecutivas contradictorias, este taller ofrecerá una actualización sobre la situación actual y lo que necesitas saber para protegerte a ti mismo o a tu comunidad, ya sean empleados, vecinos, amigos o colegas.

Cubriremos situaciones cotidianas como estando en la casa, el trabajo, manejando o en la calle. Aprende de expertos cómo ser un aliado efectivo en tiempos de incertidumbre y amenazas crecientes contra las personas trabajadoras que forman la columna vertebral de nuestro sistema alimentario y agrícola.

Sunday February 23, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST

Español

4:45pm PST

Wildlife Safe Ranching

Sunday February 23, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST

Online

We will cover the practical and legal knowledge required to run a successful operation in California alongside wildlife. We will cover deterrence, exclusion, guardian animals, and the dynamics of "Barnyard CSI" and kill site forensics. We will also touch on conflict with domestic animals (especially loose dogs) with livestock, and how wildfires, drought, and a changing legal landscape impact farmers, ranchers and wildlife. Our perspective is pro-farmer, pro-rancher, pro-homesteader, and pro-wildlife. Attendees will come away informed and empowered, including with information on how to access free resources to solve conflicts with wildlife legally and safely.

Speakers

Gowan Batist

The Mountain Lion Foundation

Sunday February 23, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

4:45pm PST

Is There Soul in the Soil? The Spirituality of Farming

Sunday February 23, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST

Online

This workshop will explore the weaving of spirituality and agriculture from the experience of several panel members. These will include representatives from the Biodynamic community, Native American / Indigenous farmers, traditional faith background, and Earth-based spirituality.

Science has given us so many incredible tools to advance agriculture and especially food production. We can now produce more food with greater nutrition in more diverse ecosystems while paying attention to the impacts of different methods on the environment and segments of society. But a scientific focus can also lead to objectifying nature as something to manipulate at will, to control and use as a lifeless, mechanical resource. But what if the soil has soul? What if the land we depend on for life and livelihood has something akin to consciousness or even personhood-- different from the human sort but just as real? Historically, many indigenous and non-Western cultures have not separated their collective experiential knowledge (another name for empirical science) from their spirituality. What might it look like to form more intentionally collaborative relationships with the more-than-human beings that feed us, to honor spirit and science together? This upbeat workshop will be facilitated with curiosity, dialogue among speakers, and respect for diverse views. Plus time for Q&A of course! :)

Speakers

Jacqueline and Soleil Develle

Abraham Marquez

Benny Thompson

Angelie Ryah

Hello! A few years ago I started Belong Farm where I grow veg & fruit, and envision a community-building, healing space where (re)connection to the land is the focus. All my life, my deep experiences as a gardener, rock climber, canoeist, wildlerness camper, lover of thunderstorms... Read More →

Lacey Cannon

Sunday February 23, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online

Issues in Food & Ag / Other

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farmers, Experienced Farmers

8:00am PST

Rethinking "Small Farm": What Does It Mean, What Should It Mean?

Monday February 24, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

Online

In this workshop, we will unpack the meaning of “small farm,” a term that often guides discourse around social justice and ecological stewardship in agrifood systems, even as it is poorly defined.

The USDA rigidly defines “small farms” as those with less than $350,000 in gross annual income yet provides no justification for this cutoff. Additionally, “small” farms must be “family” farms, itself a thorny term that includes both sole proprietors and farms owned by family members who may not even work on the farm (in Brazil, by contrast, “family” is defined by who labors, not by ownership). More broadly, the term is used in practice and scholarship to refer to farms of wildly varied size and scale characteristics while often implying that certain social, ecological, or economic goals are prioritized, presumably distinguishing the “small” farm from large-scale agribusiness.

Being “small,” however, in no way guarantees that, by definition, a farmer operates outside agribusiness or pursues/achieves these goals. Similarly, being “large” does not by definition make a farm incapable of achieving progressive socioecological or economic goals. Who, then, do we mean by "small farmers"? What should we mean? What are the goals/values driving the term’s usage? Do we need a new definition, or different terminology altogether? Is it "smallness" we want, or is it social justice, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability? And do these goals require “smallness,” whatever that is?

Together, we will thoughtfully consider what “small farms” we’re fighting for and why, engaging the tensions or agreements that arise.

Speakers

Krista Marshall

UC Organic Agriculture Institute

Evan Hazelett

PhD Student in Human Geography, University of Toronto

Nathaniel Brown

Ujamaa Farmer Collective

Rachel Soper

Associate Professor, Sociology, CSU Channel Islands

Monday February 24, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online

Issues in Food & Ag / Other

Audience Farmers, Service Providers, General Public (including non-farmers), New & Beginning Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

8:00am PST

Let’s Talk About Nitrogen on Your Organic Farm

Monday February 24, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

Online

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant production. It's particularly difficult to manage on organic farms because the availability dynamics are complex. This workshop will present a holistic way of thinking about nitrogen cycling and management so that growers can have a nitrogen plan in place. From compost and cover crops to soil organic matter and amendments, we'll talk about it all. By the end, you'll be empowered to understand how these different sources of nitrogen create a whole system plan and where you have room to improve.

Speakers

Patricia Lazicki

UC Cooperative Extension

Margaret Lloyd

Small and Organic Farms Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension

Monday February 24, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online

Organics

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

9:00am PST

Farmers' Market Manager Training Level 1: Elevating Market Management Standards

Monday February 24, 2025 9:00am - 1:00pm PST

Online

This half-day training, developed by the California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, offers farmers' market workers, managers, volunteers or enthusiasts insight into the rules and regulations and best practices for running a CA certified Farmers market. The program is designed to equip market managers, staff, volunteers, enthusiasts, with the essential skills needed to enhance the integrity, management, and sustainability of Certified Farmers’ Markets across California.

During this interactive session, participants will dive into the foundational elements of the Farmers' Market Manual, which promotes direct farmer-to-consumer relationships and supports small independent farmers. Upon completion of the training, participants will receive a free farmers' market management manual.

The training will be led by farmers' market longtime professionals and industry leaders Loren Norman and April Lancaster.

Speakers

Putri Kusdarman

Loren Norman

Ecology Center

April Treona

Downtown Visalia Certified Farmers' Market

Medical Herbalist, Urban Agriculturalist, Farmers Market Advocate, and Certified Market Manager Trainer April Lancaster is a passionate medical herbalist, small business owner, and certified producer who has been operating her organic herbal apothecary, Lancaster Creations, since... Read More →

Certified Farmers Market Managers Manual 2021 pdf

Prework 2. Value of Direct Marketing pdf

Prework 3. The Role of the Farmers' Market Manager pdf

The Anti Racist Farmers Market Toolkit Digital Download compressed pdf

2025 CSFC Market Manager Condensed 4 hr Deck ECown pdf

Monday February 24, 2025 9:00am - 1:00pm PST
Online

Farmers Market Professionals

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers, General Public (including non-farmers), New & Beginning Farmers, Farmers Market Professionals

9:45am PST

Small-Scale Composting: Getting Started, Growing, and Building a Network

Monday February 24, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST

Online

Composting and compost use is an effective and scalable climate change solution that has a multitude of environmental and societal benefits, especially when implemented at community gardens and small farms. Despite state mandates for organic waste diversion from landfills to meet climate goals, adoption of composting in the state at community scale remains low and expansion of industrial composting can exacerbate air quality problems and greenhouse gas emissions. We formed a partnership among community organizations and researchers to meet this need. Our mission is to establish affordable, accessible, and scalable community-level composting knowledge and practices to transform farm and food waste into compost to grow nutritious food, mitigate climate change, and advance social justice in the San Joaquin Valley. In this workshop, we share knowledge gained and lessons learned through our partnership. We hope to equip participants of this workshop with fundamental knowledge of the benefits of composting at this scale, different models of small-scale composting, the human and natural resources needed to compost, and the tools to start community-scale composting projects and partnerships.

Spanish interpretation will be provided/included in this workshop presentation.

Organizer

Yaynicut Franco

Director of Culture and Land Stewardship, Wukchumni Tribe

Speakers

Eric Wellington

compost specialist, Foodlink for Tulare County

Michael Rodriguez

University of California, Merced

Rocio Perez

Asistente Agricola, Central California Environmental Justice Network

Cuidando a nuestro medio ambiente.

Rebecca Ryals

Monday February 24, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST
Online

Organics

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

9:45am PST

Ag Technology: Funding Opportunities

Monday February 24, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST

Online

During this panel presentation, we will:

Learn how to use CAFF funding database and explore various funding opportunities available to farmers
Discuss 4 programs available to purchase ag equipment, including:
SWEEP: A program from the CA Department of Food & Ag, that funds up to 100% of irrigation efficiency technologies
California HVIP and CORE: A program that provides rebates for the acquisition of new, electric equipment and machinery
Ag Electrification Program: For 3CE customers in the Central Coast

The session will be moderated CAFF's Tech Advisor Maria Ridoutt-Orozco. Join us to learn how these funding opportunities can support your farming operations!

Speakers

Paige Callaghan

Energy Programs Analyst, 3CE

Maria Ridoutt-Orozco

Small Farm Technology Advisor, CAFF

Maria supports the Small Farm Tech Hub by leading technical assistance efforts to improve the productivity and competitiveness of small farmers. Maria is originally from Peru and fell in love with farming when she attended the Agrarian National University in Lima. After receiving... Read More →

Ana Resendiz

CES III, UCANR

Hello, I'm Ana Resendiz the Climate Smart Agriculture-Community Education Specialist III for UC Cooperative Extension in Imperial County.I provide technical assistance to farmers and ranchers applying for CDFA grant programs.Currently, there are three grant funding opportunities... Read More →

Ricardo Armendarez

Project Manager 2, CalSTART

About the great company Ricardo works for. CALSTART, a non-profit global leader in accelerating clean energy transportation and mobility, administers a host of integral programs in California and provides technical resources to help navigate zero-emission transitions. Cal Feet Advisor provides... Read More →

Monday February 24, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST
Online

Tools & Tech

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers

11:30am PST

A Farmer's Guide to Groundwater and SGMA

Monday February 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST

Online

Do you use a well for irrigation? Have you heard about the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) or new regulations for groundwater? Confused by the endless acronyms and jargon, and need to understand what this really means for your farm? Come hear from farmers who are working with CAFF and UC ANR on groundwater education. Walk away with an understanding of how SGMA functions in Butte, Monterey, and Riverside counties, updates on the Cuyama groundwater adjudication, how to get good information on SGMA in your region, and ways to get involved in groundwater policy in your region.

Organizer

Catherine Van Dyke

Water Policy and Organizing Manager, CAFF

Speakers

Robbie Jaffe

Cuyama, Condor's Hope

Sonia Rios

Lauren Crotty

Rogelio Ponce

Sun Valley Farms

Cheetah Tchudi

TurkeyTail Farm

Monday February 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online

Issues in Food & Ag / Other

Audience Experienced Farmers, New & Beginning Farmers

11:30am PST

On-Farm Recordkeeping Technologies and Strategies

Monday February 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST

Online

Join us for a panel-style discussion on the essentials of recordkeeping for farmers. This workshop is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the various resources available to streamline and enhance your farm's recordkeeping processes. Whether you’re focused on improving your business operations, ensuring food safety compliance, or preparing for audits and certifications, this session has you covered.

The workshop will outline the critical aspects of recordkeeping, including profit/loss statements, crop plans, and the importance of accurate documentation for food safety and marketing, FSMA, organic certifications, and third-party audits, emphasizing how proper records play a pivotal role in meeting these standards.

After this workshop you won’t go at it alone! CAFF’s Farmer Services Office Hours are held every Monday to get in-depth advice on what records you need and how to maintain them efficiently. This workshop is your starting point to mastering farm recordkeeping—don’t miss it!

Speakers

Maria Ridoutt-Orozco

Small Farm Technology Advisor, CAFF

Paulina S. Hernandez

CAFF

Arabelle Schoenberg

Bay Area Regional Lead, Farmer Services, CAFF

SHAREABLE CAFF On Farm Recordkeeping and Strategies pdf

Monday February 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online

Tools & Tech

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

1:15pm PST

Organic IPM for Vegetables

Monday February 24, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST

Online

This workshop will provide a foundational introduction to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and how the IPM framework can be applied on small-scale organic vegetable farms. We will start with a basic overview of key IPM concepts and strategies. Then we will explore how IPM can be used to manage two common and economically-damaging pests as examples, symphylans and cucumber beetles. This will include real-world examples of IPM for these pests from North Bay vegetable growers, shared with permission. We will use last 30 minutes of this workshop to walk through how to write your own IPM plan for a pest of your choice using a simple outline. This will start with accurate pest identification, understanding its life cycle, and prevention strategies. Then we will cover how to set action thresholds appropriate for your farm as well as strategies for monitoring and record keeping. We'll cover how to combine management strategies such as biological, cultural, mechanical, and organic chemical options. Attendees will leave this workshop with a draft of an IPM plan they can continue refining over time.

Speakers

Ellie Andrews

Specialty Crops Advisor for Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties, UC Cooperative Extension

Monday February 24, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online

Organics

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

1:15pm PST

Path to Organic: How to Prepare for Organic Certification

Monday February 24, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST

Online

Join us for a workshop on organic certification and inspection, featuring an experienced organic inspector and successful organic farmer. This session will provide insights into the certification process, compliance requirements, and practices for preparing for an inspection.

Speakers

Megan Robertson

Consultant, Alluvial Organics

Megan is a regarded expert in organic certification. She is immersed in the trade as a triple-scope inspector, business consultant, and CCOF-certified organic broker. Her various roles keep her well-informed on ever-changing certification rules. She regularly attends industry events... Read More →

Kristen Draz

FogDog Farm

Grace Jackson

Farmer Services Regional Lead - Central Valley, CAFF

Monday February 24, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online

Organics

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

3:00pm PST

Steps for Conducting Research on Your Own Farm

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST

Online

Every farm has unique challenges and, in striving towards solutions, farmers are innovative problem-solvers well-versed in constant trial and error. However, as a farmer, you may not think of yourself as a researcher or what you do as experimental trials. This workshop will break down the basic steps you can follow to conduct practical on-farm research projects to answer questions about a range of practices, from soil health, plant breeding and cultivar selection, and climate resilience. It will feature a panel of farmers who will share their motivation for doing research on their farms, their experience running basic experiments with accessible and inexpensive tools, and the different opportunities available to receive funding and assistance to develop farmer-led research projects. The aim of this workshop is to provide the background and tools needed to cultivate your curiosity and problem-solving skills into your own research.

Speakers

Ellie Andrews

Specialty Crops Advisor for Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties, UC Cooperative Extension

Reyna Yagi

Farmer/Owner, Yagi Sisters Farm

"First we eat, then we do everything else." ~ MFK FisherReyna also works for CAFF as a Groundwater Community Engagement Contractor, helping small farmers navigate and understand SGMA.

Caiti Hachmyer

Farmer, Red H Farm

Samuel Guitron

Gospel Swamp Farm

Moet Takata

Ecological Pest Management Program Manager, CAFF

Moet supports the Ecological Pest Management Program to help farmers implement and sustain ecological pest management practices through applied research and outreach. She is based in the San Joaquin Valley, and conducts on-farm experiments in walnut orchards and winegrape vineyards... Read More →

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience Experienced Farmers, New & Beginning Farmers

3:00pm PST

Let's Have a Talk: Asian Specialty Crop in Our Markets

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST

Online

This interactive workshop brings together a diverse panel of speakers from farming organizations, food industry leaders, and advocacy groups to discuss pressing challenges and opportunities in the food system. With a focus on Asian specialty crops and small-scale farmers, the workshop will explore topics such as market access, the impact of technology, and the evolution of farming practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with speakers through a Q&A session, fostering a collaborative dialogue on building a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Speakers

Yimmuaj Yang

Community Director, Groundswell Conservancy

Yimmuaj is the Community Director at Groundswell Conservancy in Madison, WI, where she champions equitable access to farmland for emerging and BIPOC farmers. With a passion for sustainable agriculture, Yimmuaj is developing an innovative Buy-Protect-Sell pipeline to make farmland... Read More →

Keng Vang

Owner, Fresno BIPOC Produce INC

Johnny Moua

CAFF

Addison Vang

Hmong Community Food Systems Outreach Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Addison Vang holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic and a Master's in Public Policy and Graduate Minor in Urban and Regional Planning from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He has over six years... Read More →

Chiang Rai Lor

Aggregation Coordinator, FairShare CSA Coalition

The son of HMoob (Hmong) immigrants, Chiang Rai grew up around small-scale farming and selling his family’s produce at farmers’ markets around Northeast Wisconsin. Having experienced the challenges of being a grower from an underserved population, he is excited and proud to be... Read More →

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Online

Sales & Marketing

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers, Farmers Market Professionals, General Public (including non-farmers), New & Beginning Farmers

4:45pm PST

Regulatory and Advocacy Tools for Small Food Producers

Monday February 24, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST

Online

Farmers, homesteaders, artisans, and cottage food makers have the right to produce the food they want, and consumers have the right to purchase what they want to feed their families. However, laws and regulatory overreach often restrict these choices, and while consumer demand for locally grown products is rising, increased regulation can drive out small farms and businesses.

In this workshop, we will explore key federal, state and local regulations that impact small food producers. We will examine the federal rules regarding meat and poultry production, the prohibitions on interstate sales of certain products such as raw milk, cottage food regulations, and FSMA safety regulations. Since this conference in CA based, we will also touch on the state and local rules for each of the above food categories and also address typical local zoning regulations, the state Right to Farm law, and more. We will examine the legal solutions - such as meat and milk share agreements - that can farmers and small producers can employ to remain viable and grow.

Finally, we will explore the various legislative, policy, and advocacy tools that seek to expand food freedom choice for everyone, and offer guidance on how producers can build partnerships with legislators and mobilize supporters to change the rules to their benefit.

Speakers

Christine Dzujna

Legal and Policy Manager, Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund

I am a paralegal with a long career at law firms and in corporate offices until I went back to school to obtain a Food Studies degree. Since then, I've been working on behalf of farmers and food producers across the country to advance food freedom. I love doing policy work and seeing... Read More →

2025 CA Small Farm Conf Virtual C Dzujna Preso pptx

Monday February 24, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online

Farm Biz & Management

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers, Farmers Market Professionals, General Public (including non-farmers), New & Beginning Farmers

4:45pm PST

Organic Practices for Citrus and Avocado Growers

Monday February 24, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST

Online

Organic production of subtropical tree crops along the coast revolves around maintaining tree health through management of irrigation, nutrients and cultural practices. Disease and pests of these trees will be discussed and practices that reduce the occurrence.

Speakers

Ben Faber

Monday February 24, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online

Organics

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

8:00am PST

What is Carbon Farming?

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

Online

What is “carbon farming”? As government agencies, retail corporations, and the general public have become more interested in sustainable farming, terms like “organic,” “climate-smart,” “regenerative,” and others have become the buzz words of our time – but often lose some of the meaning and power behind the original intent. Carbon farming is an emerging term to join this list, with growing interest from funding agencies and produce buyers. But what exactly is “carbon farming?”

Join a panel discussion hosted by the new Resource Conservation District (RCD) Regional Ag & Climate Hubs to explore the important role of carbon on working lands and discuss how RCDs are collaborating with farmers. Panel topics will include the basic science behind on-farm benefits of carbon, how RCDs can help growers plan and implement carbon farming, and successes and lessons learned in carbon farming in California. This presentation is aimed at helping farmers understand what carbon farming really is, improving their ability to talk about the environmental benefits their farms provide, and giving them familiarity with Carbon Farm Plans and the agencies that can fund the creation and implementation of these plans. Service providers and the general public are encouraged to join as well to deepen their understanding of these issues.

Speakers

Margot Flynn

Sacramento Valley Regional Soil Hub Coordinator, Sacramento Valley Soil Hub

Joshua Kouri

Central Coast Soil Hub

Joe Pozzi

Pozzi Ranch

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers, Farmers Market Professionals, General Public (including non-farmers), New & Beginning Farmers

8:00am PST

Research on CalFresh & Other Nutrition Assistance Programs at Farmers’ Markets

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

Online

This workshop will share research updates from three groups of UC ANR academics seeking to grow the use of CalFresh at farmers’ markets, as well as improve the experience of shoppers using CalFresh at markets. The recent funding threat to Market Match underscored the value of programs that connect direct marketing farmers and shoppers using nutrition assistance benefits. Each research program is testing interventions or listening for information that will strengthen those connections. You’ll hear about:

• Sacramento Region Market Access Survey: UC Cooperative Extension Advisor Olivia Henry surveyed the managers of 70 markets in the greater Sacramento region in the spring and summer of 2024. She asked about what motivated and challenged them around CalFresh and the WIC/Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. The results point to several recommendations for public agencies and technical assistance providers.

• NPI’s Market Match Research: In the summer of 2024, the Nutrition Policy Institute enrolled about 80 CalFresh recipients, that don’t use Market Match, in a pilot intervention testing the effectiveness of using text messages to inform participants about the Market Match program offered at a farmers’ market near their recruitment site. Participants completed an initial and follow-up survey, and a small sub-sample took part in an in-depth interview.

• CalFresh at Farmers Market Assessment Tool: UC ANR academics, Shannon Klisch and Cassandra Nguyen, collaborated to develop a tool that supports best practices for market staff to welcome CalFresh shoppers. The tool is based on a systematic review of published literature, pilot testing with market managers, and surveying content experts in the field. Practices included in the tool cover program implementation, accessibility considerations, market culture, communications about programs, and marketing.

Speakers

Samantha Sam-Chen

Project Policy Analyst, UC ANR Nutrition Policy Institute

Samantha is a project policy analyst at NPI. She has a Master of Public Health in Nutrition from UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health. Her primary research interests include food and nutrition insecurity, evaluating food and nutrition programs, and early childhood nutrition interventions... Read More →

Cassandra Nguyen

Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension, UC Davis

Olivia Henry

Regional Food Systems Area Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension

Olivia Henry is an Area Food Systems Advisor for Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Placer and Nevada counties. Her program focuses on resilient supply chains; distribution and processing infrastructure; food security; and food waste and recovery. She has a master's degree in community development... Read More →

CASmallFarmConference FarmersMarketResearchPresentation Final v2 pdf

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online

Farmers Market Professionals

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farmers Market Professionals

9:45am PST

Grants: Preparing for the Proposal

Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST

Online

This workshop is designed to help producers and processors who are new to grant applications. There are many steps to take prior to beginning the application process: registering with the System for Award Management, creating a mission statement, defining your goals and needs, finding programs that are the right fit, and more! This workshop will, 1) provide an overview of everything the small producer should do before beginning their proposal in order to maximize success; 2) outline the differences between private, state, and federal grants; 3) provide resources for applicants searching for the right grant for their business; and 4) provide a few basic tips and tricks for writing a proposal.

Organizer

Laura Ting

CDFA

Speakers

Logan Dreher

CDFA

Lauren McCawley

RFSI Program Manager, California Department of Food and Agriculture

Lauren McCawley is the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program Manager for the California Department of Food and Agriculture.The purpose of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program is to build resilience in the middle of the food supply chain; to provide... Read More →

Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST
Online

Farm Biz & Management

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers, Farmers Market Professionals, General Public (including non-farmers), New & Beginning Farmers

9:45am PST

Know Your Rights: Farmers, Workers, Immigrants & Allies

Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST

Online

With massive changes to US immigration and enforcement policy now underway, California's farm and farmworker community faces new challenges. From ICE raids to the whiplash of executive orders, in this workshop we'll provide an update on where the issue stands today and what you need to know in order to protect yourself or your community, be they employees, neighbors, friends, or colleagues. Learn from experts about how to be an effective ally in the face of uncertainty and mounting threats to the hard-working people who form the backbone of our food and agricultural system.

Speakers

Judith Redmond

Full Belly Farm

Vivian Wauters

NorCal Resist

Wendy Sosa

Kitchen Table Advisors

Nicole A. Gorney

Supervising Attorney, Removal Defense & Farmworker Programs, VIDAS Legal

CA Small Farm Conference pdf

Sample Warrants (1) pdf

Immigration Response Resources for Individuals English PDF pdf

Immigration Response Resources for Individuals Español PDF pdf

Immigration Response Resources for Employers English PDF pdf

Immigration Response Resources for Employers Español PDF pdf

Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST
Online

Issues in Food & Ag / Other

11:30am PST

CNIP Nutrition Incentive Program, Advocacy and Funding Updates: A review of the CA State Budget funding for food and agriculture programs

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST

Online

This presentation will highlight the experience and best practices of the “Save Market Match Coalition”, a diverse group of 250+ agricultural, nutrition, food security, and public health organizations that worked together to convince California budget leaders to reinstate funding for vital programs that both address food security, bring revenue to small and mid-scale farmers, and support the local food system.

Grassroots leaders will share the behind-the-scenes story of how this coalition and thousands of farmers and customers, organized to fight for the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) funding to be reinstated in the 2024-2025 CA State Budget. They will share about the connection between this program that supports both low-income California shoppers and farmers, the CA budget crises, and connection to accessing federal Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) funding. Farmers’ Market industry leaders and others will share the process, best practices, and outcomes of this campaign, and what the current status of funding for nutrition incentive programs is at the state and federal level. Highlighting food and farming program funding updates, participants will learn about programs that benefit local producers, farmers’ market operators and local food systems, as well as some best practices that could be applied to future campaigns.

This panel will focus on the advocacy process industry leaders engaged with, and the decision-making process elected officials must follow to establish the state budget. Included will be a brief overview of changes and issues related to these programs and the federal Farm Bill.

Organizer

Portia Bramble

North Coast Growers' Association

Speakers

Martin Bourque

Executive Director, Ecology Center

Andy Naja-Riese

CEO, Agricultural Institute of Martin

Sam Greenlee

Alchemist Community Development Corporation

Tiffany Germain

Research & Policy Advisor, NexGen Policy

Tiffany Germain specializes in high-level public policy analysis and political research. Her primary areas of emphasis include tackling food insecurity, providing more healthy school meals in California schools, and developing California’s food system networks.Before joining NextGen... Read More →

CNIP Panel CSFC 2025 pptx

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online

Farmers Market Professionals

Audience General Public (including non-farmers), Farmers Market Professionals, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

11:30am PST

Mentorship Magic! How mentorship strengthens organic & bolsters beginning farmer success

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST

Online

Hear from farmers who are part of the West – Southwest Transition to Organic Partnership (TOPP) Program for a conversation about the importance of farmer-to-farmer mentoring and their pivotal role in expanding organic and supporting beginner farmer success. Join the conversation and find out how to become a mentor or find a mentor!

Speakers

Robert Hoze

Apple Creek Vineyard Farm & Nursery

Molly Nakahara

Education Manager, CCOF Foundation

Advancing organic by supporting people and communities who care for the land. The CCOF Foundation unites the organic community to offer intentional education, financial support, and growth opportunities for organic professionals.

Justin Miller

Twin Peaks Orchard

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online

Organics

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers, Farmers Market Professionals, General Public (including non-farmers), New & Beginning Farmers

1:15pm PST

Blending Habitat Conservation & Restoration into Ag Landscapes: From Research to Reality

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST

Online

Western Sustainable Agriculture and Research (SARE) supports farmer and rancher driven research on the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainable agriculture throughout the western U.S. and Pacific Islands. These research projects produce data-driven recommendations to assist producers and other land managers in making management decisions, such as integrating habitat conservation and restoration into agricultural landscapes.

This workshop will highlight two producers using Western SARE Farmer/Rancher grants to investigate management practices in different California landscapes to enhance sustainable agriculture.
Jesse Trace, Traceland Ranch in Cayucos, CA, will discuss his work on implementing rehydration and restoration practices, including berms, recharge basins, and plantings, to increase water infiltration and crop production as well as developing native oak cultivars for use as a food source.
Alex Palmerlee, Far View Ranch in Bangor, CA, will talk about how grazing management can aid in natural oak recruitment as a landscape-scale solution. They will share the outcomes of their own research and their experiences in conducting research through the Western SARE Farmer/Rancher grant program.

Speakers

Jesse Trace

Traceland Ranch

Alex Palmerlee

Far View Ranch Inc

Miranda Kersten

Program Manager, Western SARE

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers, Farmers Market Professionals, General Public (including non-farmers), New & Beginning Farmers

1:15pm PST

Farmers' Market Roundtable: Navigating Hot-Button Issues in Today’s Certified Farmers' Market Landscape

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST

Online

Click here to RSVP

This roundtable, hosted by the CA Alliance of Farmers' Markets, offers a dynamic space for farmers' market professionals and stakeholders to come together and discuss the most pressing issues facing the industry today. In an open and collaborative format, participants will have the opportunity to share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and explore best practices around key topics such as market regulations, vendor management, financial sustainability, marketing, nutrition incentive grants, and the evolving role of markets in local communities.

CA Farmers' Market Industry leaders Cara Mae Wooledge, Brijet Myers, and Tasha Ardalan will facilitate the discussion.

With a focus on peer-to-peer learning, this session will encourage attendees to share insights, ask questions, and provide support to one another as they navigate the complexities of operating successful farmers' markets in California.

Organizer

Putri Kusdarman

Speakers

Tasha Ardalan

So Cal Farmers' Markets

Brijet Myers

CEO, San Diego Local Markets

Brijet Myers has spent 14 years as a San Diego farmers market manager, operations director, and now CEO of the largest farmers market organization in San Diego County. She and her team have helped launch multiple area markets and still operate the twice weekly Little Italy Merca... Read More →

Cara Mae Wooledge

Executive Director, Napa Farmers Market

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online

Farmers Market Professionals

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farmers Market Professionals, New & Beginning Farmers

3:00pm PST

New and Ongoing Resources for Producers: Simple Grants for Compost and up to $25k for Healthy Soil Practices

Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST

Online

It can be difficult to obtain financing for conservation practices, as many government grants are confusing with burdensome reporting. Zero Foodprint exists to make it easy for growers to access funds for conservation practices, through our Compost Connector and Restore programs. This workshop will outline how each program works including eligibility, timelines, scoring criteria, and how they can overlap. There will also be time at the end for questions and attendees will be connected to the staff members who run each program if they have further questions.

Speakers

Jami Witek

Grants Manager, Zero Foodprint

Alana Williams

Zero Foodprint

Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers, Farmers Market Professionals, General Public (including non-farmers), New & Beginning Farmers

3:00pm PST

California Agriculture & A New White House

Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST

Online

Special note: this workshop will NOT be recorded and nor will the chat or Q&A be saved.

With the new administration, America is reeling from substantial changes and bracing for more to come, including to our food and agricultural systems. Join us for this forum with policy experts at both a state and national level as we explore what these changes mean for California's small-scale farmers, immigration and the farmworker community, conservation programs and climate initiatives, and investments in local food programs.

Speakers

Keely Cervantes

Policy & Organizing Manager, CAFF

Keely advocates for agriculture policies that contribute to stronger regional urban grower networks and food systems, managing several statewide multi-year programs that support urban ag. Working with partner organizations, farmers, and government representatives, she works to advance... Read More →

Phillip Escoriaza

Partner, Feldesman Leifer LLP

Mike Lavender

Policy Director, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

(Live 2 25 2025) Presentation Slides pdf

Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Online

Issues in Food & Ag / Other

4:45pm PST

Water Rights, Rural Water Systems and Water Use Efficiency

Tuesday February 25, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST

Online

Analysis of California water rights concerning small-scale agriculture and rural water consumers. Exploration of primary rural water systems, focusing on system reliability, life spans, and expenses. Examination of water usage efficiency, including a guide on conducting a distribution uniformity test and overall assessment of water systems, along with the importance of conducting such tests.

Speakers

Tom Hammond

Abundance Ag Engineeirng

Tuesday February 25, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online

Farm Biz & Management

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers, General Public (including non-farmers), New & Beginning Farmers

4:45pm PST

Introduction to Soils and Soil Health in Urban Areas

Tuesday February 25, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST

Online

Soil health is paramount in urban agriculture for the following reasons:
1. Nutrient Supply: Healthy soil provides essential nutrients fostering growth and productivity.
2. Water Retention: Proper soil structure allows for adequate water retention, reducing frequent irrigation, which is important in urban areas where water may be scarce or expensive.
3. Pollution Mitigation: Urban soils can be exposed to various pollutants from industrial activities, traffic emissions, and waste disposal. Healthy soil can mitigate the effects of these pollutants thus improving the environment.
4. Carbon Sequestration: Urban agriculture can contribute to carbon sequestration. Healthy soils act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing carbon dioxide levels.
5. Biodiversity Support: Healthy soils harbor diverse microbial communities and beneficial organisms, which contribute to nutrient cycling, soil aeration, and pest control. Promoting soil health in urban agriculture fosters biodiversity and ecological balance within urban ecosystems.
6. Resilience to Climate Change: Climate change can exacerbate challenges in urban agriculture, such as extreme weather events and changing precipitation patterns. Healthy soils are more resilient to these changes, providing a stable environment for plant growth despite fluctuating conditions.
7. Erosion Prevention: Urban areas often experience increased runoff and erosion due to impervious surfaces like pavement and buildings. Healthy soils are more resistant to erosion, maintaining the integrity of urban landscapes.
Other topics will include soil sampling, laboratory analysis and mitigation practices.
Prioritizing soil health in urban agriculture is essential for sustainable food production, environmental conservation, and resilience in the face of urban challenges.

Speakers

Martin Guerena

NCAT/ATTRA

Tuesday February 25, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers)

8:00am PST

ABC Aves: como establecer un emprendimiento ecológico con pollos y gallinas

Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

Online

El taller mostrara la transición de una empresa convencional a un modelo de ganadería regenerativa, mostrando como fueron variando indicadores económicos, ambientales y productivos con el paso de los años. se hablara sobre los objetivos y desafíos que tuvimos que sortear y lo que vemos para el futuro.

Speakers

Bruno Vasquetto

El Mate

Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online

Español, Español

8:00am PST

Practical Tools for Implementing Regenerative Agriculture Practices

Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

Online

Regenerative agriculture practices can build soil health and increase the resilience of farms to climate extremes. Access to equipment and information can be a barrier to entry for farmers who wish to experiment with new practices. This workshop is led by Sarah Light, Agronomy Farm Advisor at the University of California Cooperative Extension and Nick Andrews, Organic Vegetable Specialist and former Small Farms Specialist with Oregon State University Cooperative Extension. Sarah and Nick are both members of the Western Cover Crops Council. This workshop will include comprehensive information on practical equipment considerations for managing cover crops and reducing soil disturbance in annual cropping systems including vegetable and field crop production. Equipment information for cover crop establishment, interseeding, seed size considerations, cover crop termination and incorporation, furrow management, and more will be shared. In addition, the workshop will share practical resources and tools from the Western Cover Crops Council and the University of California Cooperative Extension that farmers can use to manage cover crops and adopt other soil health practices. There is no one-size-fits all for implementing regenerative practices in a Mediterranean climate with diverse cropping systems and short crop rotations. There will be plenty of time for discussion in this workshop and participants are encouraged to bring equipment successes, challenges, concerns, and questions related to regenerative agriculture to the workshop for discussion.

Speakers

Nick Andrews

Oregon State University

Nick is a Professor of Practice in the new OSU Organic Agriculture program. He focuses on ecological and organic vegetable production, cover crops, nutrient management, and pest management. He started at OSU in 2005 serving as the Portland Metro-area Small Farms agent. In 2022 he... Read More →

Sarah Light

Agronomy Farm Advisor, Universty of California Cooperative Extension

Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers