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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!

Interested in sponsoring this event? Learn more here
or to register for this event.
strong>New & Beginning Farmers [clear filter]
Sunday, February 23
 

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
IM

Ian McSweeney

The Farmers Land Trust
KV

Kristina Villa

The Farmers Land Trust

Sunday February 23, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online
  Issues in Food & Ag / Other

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
CB

Caleb Barron

Fogline Farm
AB

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

11:30am PST

Beyond the Newsletter: 5 Strategies to Scale a 100+ CSA Program in Less Than One Season
Sunday February 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online
Most farmers know a newsletter is key to engaging an existing audience, but it’s the activities surrounding your newsletter that deliver growth. Scaling a CSA program requires more than just communication; it demands strategic planning and execution across various aspects of the business.

After a brief presentation, attendees will be guided through a hands-on workshop, where they’ll learn 5 strategies to grow a CSA. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with a clear, actionable plan to scale their CSA membership to 100+ members this season, leveraging a mix of good products, community engagement, and technology.
Speakers
avatar for Ari Memar

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

1:15pm PST

Which Direct Market Channel Is Right for Me?
Sunday February 23, 2025 1:15pm - 1:30pm PST
Online
Learn about different market channels and their pros and cons. Identify which market channels may be beneficial for your business.  
Speakers
RL

Ramiro Lobo

Small Farms Advisor, UCCE San Diego
avatar for Darlene Ruiz

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/Twitter https://www.facebook.com/sandiegoucce - Facebook

Sunday February 23, 2025 1:15pm - 1:30pm PST
Online
  Sales & Marketing

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
GB

Gowan Batist

The Mountain Lion Foundation

Sunday February 23, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online
  Farm Production / Practices
 
Monday, February 24
 

8:00am PST

Rethinking "Small Farm": What Does It Mean, What Should It Mean?
Monday February 24, 2025 8:00am - 8:15am 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
avatar for Krista Marshall

Krista Marshall

UC Organic Agriculture Institute
EH

Evan Hazelett

PhD Student in Human Geography, University of Toronto
NB

Nathaniel Brown

Ujamaa Farmer Collective
RS

Rachel Soper

Associate Professor, Sociology, CSU Channel Islands

Monday February 24, 2025 8:00am - 8:15am PST
Online
  Issues in Food & Ag / Other

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
PL

Patricia Lazicki

UC Cooperative Extension
ML

Margaret Lloyd

Small and Organic Farms Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension

Monday February 24, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online
  Farm Production / Practices

9:00am PST

Farmers' Market Manager Training Level 1: Elevating Market Management Standards
Monday February 24, 2025 9:00am - 6:00pm 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 Portia Bramble (North Coast Growers Assn), April Lancaster (Visalia Farmers markets) , Tanya Wolf (Ag institute of Marin), and Minni Forman (Food Farming dir. Ecology Center).

Speakers
MF

Minni Forman

Ecology Center
avatar for April Treona

April Treona

Downtown Visalia Certified Farmers' Market
PB

Portia Bramble

North Coast Growers' Association
avatar for Marikit Mayeno

Marikit Mayeno

Food and Farming Program Coordinator, Ecology Center

Monday February 24, 2025 9:00am - 6:00pm PST
Online
  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.
Organizer
YF

Yaynicut Franco

Farm Manager / Director of Culture and Land Stewardship, Wukchumni Farms
Speakers
EW

Eric Wellington

compost specialist, Foodlink for Tulare County
MR

Michael Rodriguez

University of California, Merced
RP

Rocio Perez

Central California Environmental Justice Network
RR

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

9:45am PST

Ag Technology: Funding Opportunities
Monday February 24, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST
Online
This panel presentation will explore various funding opportunities available to farmers for advancing agricultural technology. Panelists will discuss different incentive programs for farmers, including:

CDFA: Agrivoltaics and irrigation efficiency program
CORE: Electric tractor vouchers
CARB: Tractor replacement program
3CE: Ag Electrification Program
UCANR: Tool Lending Library

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

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 →

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

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 three farmers who are working with CAFF on groundwater education. Walk away with an understanding of how SGMA functions in Tehama, Butte, and Monterey counties, how to get good information on SGMA in your region, and ways to get involved in groundwater policy in your region.
Speakers
RP

Rogelio Ponce

Sun Valley Farms
CT

Cheetah Tchudi

TurkeyTail Farm
SM

Sadie Morris

Oak Slough Farm
CV

Catherine Van Dyke

Water Policy and Organizing Manager, CAFF

Monday February 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online
  Issues in Food & Ag / Other

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
avatar for Maria Ridoutt-Orozco

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 →
PS
AS

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

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
EA

Ellie Andrews

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

Monday February 24, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online
  Farm Production / Practices

1:15pm PST

Path to Organic: How to Prepare for an 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
MR

Megan Robertson

Alluvial Organics
KD

Kristen Draz

FogDog Farm
avatar for Grace Jackson

Grace Jackson

Farmer Services Regional Lead - Central Valley, CAFF

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

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
EA

Ellie Andrews

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

Reyna Yagi

Farmer/Owner, Yagi Sisters Farm
"First we eat, then we do everything else." ~ MFK Fisher
CH

Caiti Hachmyer

Farmer, Red H Farm
SG

Samuel Guitron

Gospel Swamp Farm
avatar for Moet Takata

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

3:00pm PST

Asian Specialty Crop
Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Online
In this conference I will be introducing a panel from different regions to talk about Asian Specialty Crop and the impact of how each region is doing. This is to create the talk of what's happening in our markets, how we can brainstorm, help each other out, etc.
Speakers
AV

Addison Vang

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

Chiang Rai Lor

Aggregation Coordinator, FairShare CSA Coalition
JM

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

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
CD

Monday February 24, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online
  Farm Biz & Management

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
BF
Monday February 24, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online
  Organics
 
Tuesday, February 25
 

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
JK

Joshua Kouri

Central Coast Soil Hub
MF

Margot Flynn

Sacramento Valley Regional Soil Hub Coordinator, Sacramento Valley Soil Hub
EB

Elena Bischak

California Associations of Resource Conservation Districts

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online
  Farm Production / Practices

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:

• 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.

• 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.
Speakers
SS

Samantha Sam-Chen

Project Policy Analyst, UC Nutrition Policy Institute
CN

Cassandra Nguyen

Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension, UC Davis
OH

Olivia Henry

Regional Food Systems Area Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online
  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
LT
Speakers
LD
avatar for Lauren McCawley

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

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
JM

Justin Miller

Twin Peaks Orchard
MN

Molly Nakahara

Education Manager, CCOF Foundation

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

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
JT

Jesse Trace

Traceland Ranch
AP

Alex Palmerlee

Far View Ranch Inc
MK

Miranda Kersten

Western SARE

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online
  Farm Production / Practices

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
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 Woodloge of Napa Farmers Markets and Minni Forman Food and Farming Program Director at the Ecology Center 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.

Speakers
avatar for Cara Mae Wooledge

Cara Mae Wooledge

Executive Director, Napa Farmers Market
MF

Minni Forman

Ecology Center
PB

Portia Bramble

North Coast Growers' Association
avatar for Marikit Mayeno

Marikit Mayeno

Food and Farming Program Coordinator, Ecology Center

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

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
AW

Alana Williams

Zero Foodprint
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Online
  Farm Production / Practices

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
MG

Martin Guerena

NCAT/ATTRA

Tuesday February 25, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online
  Farm Production / Practices
 
Wednesday, February 26
 

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 will include a 30 min presentation on practical equipment considerations for implementing regenerative practices on California farms. 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. Stories from California farms will be shared including successes, challenges, and strategies for when things do not go as planned. There is no one-size-fits all for implementing regenerative practices in a Mediterranean climate with diverse cropping systems and short crop rotations. Big picture considerations for maintaining soil health, implementing soil building practices and selecting cover crop species will be shared.
Speakers
SL

Sarah Light

UC Cooperative Extension

Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online
  Farm Production / Practices

9:45am PST

Soil Health In-Field Tests and Lab Analyses: What do they tell us? What are their limitations? How do they compare?
Wednesday February 26, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST
Online
There is no one metric that can be used to quantify soil health. Instead, we rely on measurements from an array of indicators to paint a picture of what is going on in the soil. With all of the options available, how do you know which tests to use? Are the results accurate? How do you put those results into context and build strong soil health on your farm? In this workshop, we will explore the various lab analyses and in-field measurements of soil health and talk about their benefits, drawbacks, and usage for farmers and technical assistance providers.
UC Cooperative Extension and UC Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program staff will share our experiences with measuring soil health and working to develop an in-field soil health assessment for farmers in Northern California.
Speakers
ML

Margaret Lloyd

Small and Organic Farms Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension
avatar for Lindsey Kelley

Lindsey Kelley

Small Farms Program Community Education Specialist, UC Cooperative Extension
VW

Wednesday February 26, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST
Online
  Farm Production / Practices

11:30am PST

Apple Orchard Health
Wednesday February 26, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online
This virtual workshop will provide a big-picture overview of key management strategies to promote apple orchard health. We will start with a 30-minute presentation that covers soil, nutrient, and water management and Integrated Pest Management strategies for insect pests and diseases focusing on organic/agroecological approaches. This will include examples and helpful photos of visual symptoms of different issues. At the end of the presentation, I will share a quick poll with the audience to ask them to rank which aspects of orchard health they'd like to hear most about from experienced apple growers. I'll share the results with everyone so we can all see which topics are highest priority. For the remainder of the time, we'll hear from a panel of small-scale commercial apple growers to learn which strategies they use in their orchards to promote orchard health, what works best for them in their context, and why. This will help show attendees what these strategies look like in practice and how strategies can be tailored to different orchard situations. After panelists feel they have covered the attendees' identified priority topics, we'll open it up for Q&A to help attendees explore how to effectively apply these strategies in their own orchards.
Speakers
EA

Ellie Andrews

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

Wednesday February 26, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online
  Farm Production / Practices

1:15pm PST

Developing a Business Plan with the AgPlan Online Software
Wednesday February 26, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online
Wanting to start a farm, but unsure if it’ll be successful? Full of great ideas for your farm, but struggle to implement them? Or maybe just trying to strategize your farm’s future, but don’t know where to start? Writing a business plan can dramatically increase the success of implementing your ideas and goals. The AgPlan online business planning software has multiple templates to help you organize your business into a comprehensive business plan allowing you to highlight your unique operation. Templates include value added, agritourism, commodity, and a short-term operating plan. In this workshop, we will guide you in creating a business plan to incorporate your farm vision into your operation.
Speakers
avatar for Curtis Mahnken

Curtis Mahnken

Economist, Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota
Curtis Mahnken joined the Center for Farm Financial Management in 2010 as an Extension Economist. Prior to arriving at the center, he spent four years with the University of Kentucky as an Area Extension Specialist in Farm Business Management. While at UK, he authored the 2008 Dairy... Read More →
MB

Mariah Beverly

Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota
KW

Katie Wilts Johnson

Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota

Wednesday February 26, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online
  Farm Biz & Management

3:00pm PST

Legal & Business Considerations for Non-Farm Income
Wednesday February 26, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Online
Are you exploring income generating activities for your farm that go beyond what your farm produces? Perhaps you have a new invention that you'd like to sell to other farmers, a service, agritourism activities, or perhaps a new product that you plan to develop & sell? This workshop will provide perspective on legal and business assurances to help a farm prepare for receiving additional income. Topics to include tax requirements, employment law, land use, adding an additional business entity, and a review of protecting intellectual property.

Learning objectives:
1) Understand what legal protections and business considerations should be in place when
selling a produce or service outside of farm income.
2) Understand how to prepare for product development and sales of product.
3) Protecting your intellectual property. Understand the differences and benefits between trademarks, patents, non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality agreements.
Organizer
avatar for Elizabeth Vaughan

Elizabeth Vaughan

Small Farm Technology Specialist, CAFF
Speakers
avatar for Rachel Armstrong

Rachel Armstrong

Attorney/Consultant, Farm Commons
My passion for farming goes way back to the days when I proudly proclaimed that I wanted to be a farmer when I grew up. I’ve lived out that dream in many ways, from working on farms to managing a community garden, starting a catering company that featured local foods and running... Read More →

Wednesday February 26, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Online
  Farm Biz & Management

4:45pm PST

Water Rights, Rural Water Systems and Water Use Efficiency
Wednesday February 26, 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
TH

Tom Hammond

Abundance Ag Engineeirng

Wednesday February 26, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online
  Farm Biz & Management
 
2025 California Small Farm Conference
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