Dilip Nandwani, Ron Eldridge, Danny Jones, Debra Kenerson, Charles Morris and Sochinwechi Nwosisi
Saddlebred/Highland, 10:00am-10:45am
This multiagency session discusses organic agriculture programs and assistance offered from various state, federal and public organizations in Tennessee for organic farming community as well as technical resource on organic agriculture. Representatives and experts from USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Rural Development, National Agriculture Stattistics Service, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Tennessee State University present and discuss support available from their agencies, new network of "Organic Champions" of NRCS and FSA ("go- to" resource) within State of Tennessee. Panel will fill a need for more expertise in organic agriculture, which is fastest-growing segment of agriculture in the country and globally.
Dilip Nandwani and Matthew Young
Saddlebred/Highland, 11:00am-11:45am
This session will discuss organic certification process for anyone who is interested in learning about certified organic. Participants will learn professional, efficient and objectives of organic certification and process to assist farmers, ranchers, food handlers, processors and other vendors. Basics of organic certification process, transition to organic, USDA National Organic Program (NOP) rules and regulations, organic standards, national list (OMRI), input requirements, benefits and cost of certification and many more topics will be covered.
Sindhu Jagadamma and Dilip Nandwani
Saddlebred/Highland, 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Crop productivity and environmental quality rely on building and maintaining soil health. Agricultural management practices play a huge role in determining soil health. It is argued that transitioning to organic farming may pose challenges for building soil health, as organic farmers rely on tillage to have successful crop establishment. This talk will focus on the topic of soil health in general and the current research at the University of Tennessee to test ways to improve soil health in organic grain systems.
Chris Simpson, Field of Dreams
Saddlebred/Highland, 2:00pm-2:45pm
In this class, we will explore how to start small and grow, and which animals compliment each other in a symbiotic relationship.
Ray Tyler, Rose Creek Farm
Saddlebred/Highland, 3:00pm-3:45pm
Growing Organic Profitable Greens 52 weeks a year. - Join Ray Tyler as he teaches the art of growing and selling diverse greens Organicly 52 weeks of the year. His unique system of growing vegetables on 1 acre under a mix of low-tech caterpillar tunnels and high tunnels earns him over $500,000 per year. In this workshop, Ray will teach his complete system, including the following: till and no-till methods, building and maintaining fertile and Organic living soil, selecting proper varieties for all 4 seasons, consistent germination 52 weeks of the year, creating a no-weed growing bed system, building a permanent irrigation system and selling the harvest year- round. Ray will provide a detailed workbook for you to fill out and take home, ensuring you leave with the best current practices and knowledge to select, grow and sell more greens than you could ever imagine from your farm.
Chris Simpson, Field of Dreams
Saddlebred/Highland, 4:00pm-4:45pm
We will explore small scale livestock farming...which animals go best with which terrain as well as how to heal the land...plus how to market and sell your products.
Ray Tyler, Rose Creek Farm
Highland/Saddlebred, 8:00am-8:45am
Do you struggle with finding good talent that has a positive and abundance mindset and keeping them around? Do you feel like having a good team is holding you back from success? Ray Tyler will lay out his principles for finding and keeping his amazing team around, motivated and feeling excited to work and grow the farm.
Max Vanderbroek and Hayley Roberts, Harpeth Moon Farm
Saddlebred/Highland, 9:00am-9:45am
In this session we will discuss our methods of maintaining a diverse range of offerings year round while generating profit. We will discuss an array of factors that have helped our farm achieve profitability in middle Tennessee, such as crop planning, marketing, production techniques, and more.
Cindy Shapton, Fernvale Herb and Flower Farm
Highland/Saddlebred, 10:00am-10:45am
Herbs are multifaceted plants that help us to live sustainably. These amazing plants provide us with food, flavor, and medicine while assisting fruits and vegetables in the garden with pest and disease protection. And if that’s not enough, herbs add a great deal to soil health and call in the pollinators. Whether you homestead a small plot or farm many acres you are bound to learn something you can incorporate into your organic practices.
David Cook
Highland/Saddlebred, 11:00am-11:45am
This program presents the history of the tomato, it's country of origin, how the tomato has evolved to present day, and the many unique flavors of the tomato. Learn what characteristics determine the flavors of different tomatoes and the many colors of the tomato. Learn how to identify and manage the difference between tomato disorders, diseases and insect injury.
Allison Walent, Dilip Nandwani and Carolyn Mayhew
Highland/Saddlebred, 12:00pm-12:45pm
This session shall discuss new opportunity for transitional and organic growers in Tennessee. The Transition to Organic Production Program (TOPP), Tennessee State University in collaboration with Midwest Regional Center will provide farmer training and education, connect farmers transitioning to organic with local, experienced organic mentors, and provide education and technical assistance on agronomy, organic certification, extension, conservation planning, certification cost share, business development, regulations, and marketing.
David Cook
Highland/Saddlebred, 2:00pm-2:45pm
This program presents diagnostic steps to identify specific diseases and insect injury to many of the popular vegetables we grow. Learn the difference between signs and symptoms that relate to vegetable issues. We will explore how to identify the type of insect or spider mite by examining feeding injury symptoms and explore the same principles that relate to vegetable diseases.
Jim Day, Timbertop Farm
Highland/Saddlebred, 3:00pm-3:45pm
This session will focus on the failures and successes on turning a mushroom hobby into a farming business.
Ray Tyler, Rose Creek Farm
Highland/Saddlebred, 4:00pm-4:45pm
Does watering your crops during the
oppressive Tennessee head pose a never-ending struggle? Ray Tyler will show you his very simple way to set up and automate you irrigation system so you can set it and forget it, ensuring the best chance of success.