Calendar of farming events and training

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Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

10am Webinar: Markets and Selling Fresh Produce

1pm Field Trip to Pine Bluff

4:30pm Thursday Night Farmers Market

5:30pm Growing Urban Farmers Meet-Up at St. Joseph Center of AR

4:30pm Thursday Night Farmers Market

1pm No Cost Market!

8:30am Turtle Island Farm Stand

5:30pm Field Day: Soil Health AT UALR!

4:30pm Thursday Night Farmers Market

5pm High Tunnel Pest Management at WSBZ

5pm Drip Irrig. and Soil Mgmt. in High Tunnels at BWG Herbal Tea

11am Free Food Giveaway - Marvell, AR

4:30pm Thursday Night Farmers Market

5pm Ping Pong Fundraiser at El Sur

4:30pm Thursday Night Farmers Market

9:30am Mushroom Growing Demo at Rose City

5:30pm Growing Urban Farmers Meet-Up at St. Joseph Center of AR

4:30pm Thursday Night Farmers Market

Support Organizations

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Website: USDA FSA

Description:

The FSA provides a range of financial services to small farms, helping them manage risk and maintain financial stability.

Services Offered:

• Farm Loans: Provides direct and guaranteed loans to help farmers purchase land, equipment, and operating expenses.

• Disaster Assistance: Offers financial relief for losses due to natural disasters, including droughts, floods, and hurricanes.

• Conservation Programs: Supports farmers in implementing conservation practices on their land.

• Payment Limits: Helps small farms navigate farm payment limits and eligibility.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Website: USDA NRCS

Description:

The NRCS works with farmers to protect and conserve natural resources, offering technical assistance and financial support for conservation practices.

Services Offered:

• Conservation Technical Assistance: Provides expert guidance on soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat management.

• Cost-Share Programs: Helps fund projects that improve environmental sustainability (e.g., erosion control, water management).

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Offers financial incentives to implement conservation practices on working lands.

• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Supports farmers who adopt comprehensive conservation practices across their operations.

University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service

Website: UofA Extension

Description:

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers research-based support for farmers to help improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, and profitability.

Services Offered:

• Educational Programs: Provides workshops, courses, and online resources on a variety of farming topics, including crop production, livestock management, and sustainable practices.

• Technical Assistance: Offers individualized advice on farm management, pest control, irrigation, and soil health.

• Farm Business Development: Provides guidance on business planning, financial management, and marketing strategies.

• Soil Testing & Nutrient Management: Offers soil testing services and advice on managing soil fertility for better crop yields.

National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)

Website: NCAT

Description:

NCAT provides technical assistance, training, and support for small farmers and ranchers to adopt sustainable agriculture practices.

Services Offered:

• Sustainable Agriculture Resources: Offers publications, webinars, and technical tools on topics like soil health, pest management, and energy efficiency.

• On-Farm Assistance: Provides one-on-one support to help farmers adopt sustainable practices, improve profitability, and reduce environmental impacts.

• ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas): A service that offers resources on sustainable farming techniques and technologies.

• Training Programs: Hosts workshops, conferences, and webinars to educate farmers on sustainable practices and business development.

Schools - Programs - Videos

University of Arkansas Center for Arkansas Farms & Food (CAFF)

Website: UofA CAFF School

Description:

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers a variety of educational programs aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of farmers. Their programs cover everything from crop production to sustainable farming practices.

Programs Offered:

• Farm Education: Provides courses and a 10 week program on crop management and sustainable farming.

• Workshops & Seminars: Offers in-person and online workshops on topics like soil health, pest management, and business development.

• Youth and Beginning Farmer Programs: Offers training and resources for young and beginner farmers to get started in agriculture.

• Online Learning: Access to free and paid online courses and webinars on agricultural topics.

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Small Farmer and Rancher Program

Website: UAPB Small Farmer and Rancher Program

Description:

UAPB’s Small Farmer and Rancher Program offers education and technical assistance to small-scale farmers and ranchers, particularly in underserved communities. They focus on helping farmers improve productivity, sustainability, and financial viability.

Programs Offered:

• Workshops and Training: Focuses on sustainable agriculture practices, including soil management, livestock production, and organic farming.

• Business Development Support: Offers assistance in farm business planning, marketing, and accessing financing.

• Youth Education Programs: Provides programs to engage youth in farming and agriculture-related careers.

• Technical Assistance: Provides one-on-one support for farmers with questions on operations, sustainability, and profitability.

Heifer USA YouTube Library

Website: Heifer USA YouTube Library

Description:

Heifer USA’s YouTube channel hosts an extensive library of videos designed to educate farmers and ranchers on sustainable agricultural practices. The content focuses on both small-scale and sustainable farming methods.

Programs Offered:

• Sustainable Farming Practices: Features videos on topics such as regenerative agriculture, soil health, and water management.

• Farmer Success Stories: Showcases how small farmers around the U.S. have implemented sustainable practices to improve their livelihoods.

• Animal Husbandry: Offers videos on caring for livestock, including breeding, feeding, and health management.

• Farm Business Management: Provides advice on building a farm business, including marketing, finance, and managing farm operations.

National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) – Armed to Farm Program

Website: Armed to Farm

Description:

The Armed to Farm Program, offered by NCAT, is designed to provide military veterans with hands-on training in sustainable farming practices. The program is tailored to help veterans transition to farming and agricultural careers.

Programs Offered:

• Hands-On Farming Training: A week-long training that includes farm tours, demonstrations, and discussions on sustainable farming techniques.

• Mentorship: Veterans are paired with experienced farmers to receive mentorship and support as they start or expand their farming careers.

• Business Development: Provides guidance on creating and managing a farm business, including marketing and financial planning.

• Networking: Helps veterans connect with other veterans in agriculture and with farming communities nationwide.

Documents, Guides, Suppliers

Manuals & Papers