This year the Texas Hispanic Farmer and Rancher Conference and the Food Summit come together in the Rio Grande Valley in McAllen, Texas, for four days of workshops and activities. NCAT and conference partners are excited for this collaborative bilingual event to bring together agriculture, policy, activism, and community stakeholders to co-create a resilient and inclusive food system in la Frontera.

NOC is hosting the Spring 2024 Pre-NOSB Meeting, in Milwaukee, WI. This is an in-person event! The Pre-NOSB Meeting takes place in advance of the National Organic Standards Board meeting each spring and fall. This meeting provides a space for information-sharing and dialogue and is open to all organic community members. The meeting will include:

A panel of local organic farmers discussing regional challenges and opportunities.

An DC update on organic policy issues, including the Farm Bill and new organic regulations.

A Q&A with Jenny Tucker, Deputy Administrator for the National Organic Program.

Discussions about topics under consideration by the National Organic Standards Board.

And more!

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will meet to discuss substances petitioned for addition to or deletion from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List), substances due to sunset from the National List in 2026, and recommendations on organic policies. The meeting will be held in person and broadcast live via Zoom.

The NOSB typically meets twice per year in various locations around the United States. Prior to meetings, the NOSB reviews written public comments and listens to oral public comments. During meetings, the NOSB discusses agenda items, and then votes on recommendations to the Secretary in a public forum. Detailed meeting information, including agendas, locations, proposals, and public comments, will be posted below as it becomes available. For information on previous meetings, visit the NOSB meetings page.

Agricultural Viability Alliance’s sixth National Farm Viability Conference is hosted by West Virginia University Extension in Charleston. The conference will feature engaging workshop sessions and bring together professionals from across the nation for peer-to-peer learning and networking with a focus on strengthening farm sustainability, building stronger and more resilient local food systems, and supporting the long-term profitability of farming and agri-entrepreneurs from start-ups to generational businesses. Pre- and post-conference tours are on the agenda.

This two-day school in Princeton, Kentucky, is designed to provide you with tools needed to establish a profitable and sustainable grazing system. It includes a mixture of classroom and hands-on instruction from the University of Kentucky and Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council.

Join the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and co-hosts from California, Washington, New York and Oregon to learn about cutting-edge sustainable and climate beneficial practices being adopted in vineyards and wineries across the United States — and in the broader value chain. The summit in Lodi, California, includes tours and features presentation sessions that are also offered virtually.

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will meet to discuss substances petitioned for addition to or deletion from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List), substances due to sunset from the National List in 2026, and recommendations on organic policies. The meeting will be held in person and broadcast live via Zoom.

The NOSB typically meets twice per year in various locations around the United States. Prior to meetings, the NOSB reviews written public comments and listens to oral public comments. During meetings, the NOSB discusses agenda items, and then votes on recommendations to the Secretary in a public forum. Detailed meeting information, including agendas, locations, proposals, and public comments, will be posted below as it becomes available. For information on previous meetings, visit the NOSB meetings page.

Agricultural Viability Alliance’s sixth National Farm Viability Conference is hosted by West Virginia University Extension in Charleston. The conference will feature engaging workshop sessions and bring together professionals from across the nation for peer-to-peer learning and networking with a focus on strengthening farm sustainability, building stronger and more resilient local food systems, and supporting the long-term profitability of farming and agri-entrepreneurs from start-ups to generational businesses. Pre- and post-conference tours are on the agenda.

This two-day school in Princeton, Kentucky, is designed to provide you with tools needed to establish a profitable and sustainable grazing system. It includes a mixture of classroom and hands-on instruction from the University of Kentucky and Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council.

Join the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and co-hosts from California, Washington, New York and Oregon to learn about cutting-edge sustainable and climate beneficial practices being adopted in vineyards and wineries across the United States — and in the broader value chain. The summit in Lodi, California, includes tours and features presentation sessions that are also offered virtually.

Have you ever wondered how funding decisions are made? Do you have questions about serving on a Peer Review Panel and helping to make funding decision? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” register to attend the next Grant Applicant/Awardee Technical Assistance (GAATA) session and submit your questions ahead of time to have it answered.

Sponsored by Western SARE, Montana Farmer’s Union, MSU Extension, Montana Department of Commerce, Prospera, Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana Farm Bureau, Food and Ag Development Centers, and Land Trust.

Our conference is designed to bring together industry leaders and professionals from various backgrounds in tourism, agriculture, education, agritourism, community development, and government to engage in insightful discussions, learn from experts, and network with peers. The conference is hosted by the Montana Agritourism Fellows and MSU. The conference theme is “Building Agritourism from the Ground Up: Inviting You to the Table” and we are creating a comprehensive agenda that will cover topics such as:

Starting an Agritourism Business

Agritourism Business Management Strategies

Marketing and Communication

Funding Opportunities in Agritourism

State Agritourism Initiatives

Adding Value to Your Agritourism Business

Understanding Your Visitors

Public Engagement with Agritourism

Keynote Speakers include:

Cole Mannix, Founder of Old Salt Co-Op in Helmsville, MT. Old Salt is a meat company designed to bring Montanans together around good food in support of land stewardship. Old Salt Co-op.

Nic DeCastro, Founder of Land Trust in Bozeman, MT. LandTrust connects landowners with outdoor recreators seeking recreational land access in an easy to use online marketplace. We are the leading recreation access network that brings people together to create income for landowners and opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts. Book private land for outdoor experiences | LandTrust.

Glenna Brown and Elena Bigart, Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research in Missoula, MT. ITRR will present findings of a recent research study, “The Evolution of Montana Agritourism– Preliminary Results from a Statewide Study.” Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research (umt.edu).

Montana Agritourism Fellows. A cohort of leaders who educate other farmers, ranchers, professionals, and communities about sustainable agritourism and serve as industry advocates. The fellows represent a geographically and industrially diverse pool of agricultural, tourism, and communications professionals, as well as government representatives and educational experts.

Matt Sailor, Senior Underwriter for Mainstreet America Insurance, and Holly Hovland and Josh Pulst, Leavitt Great West Insurance will discuss “Insurance for Agritourism Operations.”

Agroforestry is a land management system in which trees and shrubs are intentionally grown alongside crops and/or livestock. Examples include forest farming, silvopasture, and alley cropping.

Interested in seeing these practices on a farm near you? In 2024, Appalachian Sustainable Development will host farm tours spread throughout Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Keep an eye on this page as new dates in our farm tour series are announced.

51st Annual Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival
May 4 & 5, 2024
8:30AM – 6PM Saturday
8:30AM – 5PM Sunday
Rain or shine!
Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MD

The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival is one of the largest festivals of its kind celebrating all things sheep, from hoof to handwoven.
VENDORS: 250+ SHEEP: 600+ WORKSHOPS: 40+

Register now for the inaugural Agritourism Summit and Farm Tour, featuring educational sessions and networking opportunities.

If you’re a Michigan farmer, municipal official, agritourism business or other community leader with an interest in rural entrepreneurship and economic development, this groundbreaking event is for you.

Tourism contributed $3.1 billion to the state in 2022* and agriculture generates nearly $105 billion annually**, yet Michigan farmers are still struggling financially. These two industries both drive revenue and provide jobs for the state, but we must find the right balance between helping farmers thrive and bolstering local economic development, while preserving our rural and agricultural character.

Combining agriculture and tourism on a single farm property provides significant economic opportunity for both the farmer and the local municipality. This collaborative summit aims to plant seeds for future growth which can create a resilient, sustainable and more viable agritourism industry for generations to come.

Pre-Summit Farm Tour and Welcome Soirée: Tuesday, May 7th
Leaving from Hotel Indigo (Traverse City) at 9:00am and returning at 7:00pm
The pre-summit farm tour includes visits to multiple agritourism operations in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties including Jacobs Farm; Leelanau Cheese (awarded Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards in Spain for their Raclette); 9 Bean Rows Farmstead, Café, Bakery, and CSA; Tandem Ciders’s production facility; and ends at Farm Club for the Welcome Soirée. The tour includes round-trip coach transportation, lunch at 9 Bean Rows, and on-site food and beverage samples. The Farm Club Welcome Soirée features two complimentary drink tickets, appetizers, and networking.

What is “heirs property?”
Heirs property is land passed down through a family, often over multiple generations and to numerous descendants, without the use of wills or determination by probate courts. Heirs of the original owner can possess and use the property with equal claim regardless of the size of their factional title interest in the land. But without proper documentation or clear title, owners can’t sell the property, borrow against it or qualify for federal farm loans or disaster relief. These complications can strain family relationships and make farmland vulnerable to partition and sale — often at below-market prices — and removed from farm and forest use. Because Black landowners disproportionately hold it, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has called heirs property the leading cause of Black involuntary land loss. In North Carolina, the value of land owned as heirs property is estimated at nearly $1.9 billion (Conservation Trust for North Carolina, 2023). Although no one is immune to the vulnerability of losing their land to a forced partition action, this issue disproportionately impacts Black, Indigenous, and People of Color throughout North Carolina. This platform will help navigate and continue to seek innovative solutions to address these issues at the community level in North Carolina.

The Heirs Property Program at North Carolina A&T State University is holding an Heirs Property Summit in Robeson County. Workshops will cover the origin and history of heirs property, inform participants about estate planning and legal strategies to secure their land, and connect them with resources and other technical assistance, including a panel of people who have dealt with heirs property issues.

LET’S GROW HOPE TOGETHER!
We can’t wait to host you for NCAT’s fourth annual national conference. This conference will provide you with the practical tools to build more resilient farms, ranches, and communities, as well as the opportunity to connect with other likeminded producers and resource providers.

Our pre-conference farm tours will feature local farm operations that nurture innovative agroecosystems. During the conference, NCAT agriculture specialists, subject matter experts, and farmers from around the country will lead detailed how-to sessions on appropriate technology, climate adaptation, land stewardship, and regenerative farm businesses.

Questions? Email Margo Hale at margoh@ncat.org

Targeted grazing has offered the US sheep industry an opportunity to grow and capitalize on our sustainable grazing practices. The American Lamb Board is excited to offer an in depth education workshop for producers to assist in their success and promote industry growth.

Vegetation management for Solar arrays, vineyards, and fire suppression are the content areas for the 3-day intensives offered across the country.

Producers interested in grazing Solar arrays will receive an American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) certification upon course completion.

The NC State Ruminant Medicine Service invites owners, breeders, and producers to attend the 2024 Small Ruminant Husbandry Owner Workshop

Please join us at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine for continuing education regarding small ruminant husbandry! This full day learning experience is targeted towards small ruminant (sheep and goat) and camelid owners, breeders, and producers. Our amazing clinicians will provide 50-minute lectures on critical topics relating to small ruminant and camelid husbandry.

Breakfast and lunch will be served. Please come and join us!

Registration
Registration for this event is $60.00 and includes workshop notes, breakfast and lunch!

Schedule
Time Topic Presenter
7:00 – 7:45 AM Registration and Breakfast
8:00 – 8:05 AM Welcome Jennifer Halleran, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
8:05 – 8:55 AM Gastrointestinal Parasites Siena Mitman, DVM, MPH
9:05 – 9:55 AM Gastrointestinal Parasites Treatment and Management Sarah Goss, DVM
9:55 – 10:10 AM Break
10:10 – 11:00 AM Small Ruminant Nutrition Andrew Weaver, DMS, PhD
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM Pasture Management Johnny Rogers, BS, MS
12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 – 1:50 PM Most Common Emergencies Blanca Camacho, DVM
2:00 – 2:50 PM Geriatric Goat and Sheep Care Sarah Goss, DVM
2:50 – 3:05 PM Break
3:05 – 3:55 PM Camelid Husbandry Sarah Goss, DVM
4:05 – 4:55 PM Medication and Antimicrobial Use Jennifer Halleran, DVM, PhD, DACVIM

About the workshops

Targeted grazing has offered the US sheep industry an opportunity to grow and capitalize on our sustainable grazing practices. The American Lamb Board is excited to offer an in depth education workshop for producers to assist in their success and promote industry growth.

Vegetation management for Solar arrays, vineyards, and fire suppression are the content areas for the 3-day intensives offered across the country.

Producers interested in grazing Solar arrays will receive an American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) certification upon course completion.

Roxboro, North Carolina
May 20th-22nd
Registration Fee: $200
* Includes: Lunch & Refreshments

Lodging:
Hampton Inn
336-599-8800
Room rate: $149

Register now for the inaugural Agritourism Summit and Farm Tour, featuring educational sessions and networking opportunities.

If you’re a Michigan farmer, municipal official, agritourism business or other community leader with an interest in rural entrepreneurship and economic development, this groundbreaking event is for you.

Tourism contributed $3.1 billion to the state in 2022* and agriculture generates nearly $105 billion annually**, yet Michigan farmers are still struggling financially. These two industries both drive revenue and provide jobs for the state, but we must find the right balance between helping farmers thrive and bolstering local economic development, while preserving our rural and agricultural character.

Combining agriculture and tourism on a single farm property provides significant economic opportunity for both the farmer and the local municipality. This collaborative summit aims to plant seeds for future growth which can create a resilient, sustainable and more viable agritourism industry for generations to come.

Pre-Summit Farm Tour and Welcome Soirée: Tuesday, May 7th
Leaving from Hotel Indigo (Traverse City) at 9:00am and returning at 7:00pm
The pre-summit farm tour includes visits to multiple agritourism operations in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties including Jacobs Farm; Leelanau Cheese (awarded Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards in Spain for their Raclette); 9 Bean Rows Farmstead, Café, Bakery, and CSA; Tandem Ciders’s production facility; and ends at Farm Club for the Welcome Soirée. The tour includes round-trip coach transportation, lunch at 9 Bean Rows, and on-site food and beverage samples. The Farm Club Welcome Soirée features two complimentary drink tickets, appetizers, and networking.

LET’S GROW HOPE TOGETHER!
We can’t wait to host you for NCAT’s fourth annual national conference. This conference will provide you with the practical tools to build more resilient farms, ranches, and communities, as well as the opportunity to connect with other likeminded producers and resource providers.

Our pre-conference farm tours will feature local farm operations that nurture innovative agroecosystems. During the conference, NCAT agriculture specialists, subject matter experts, and farmers from around the country will lead detailed how-to sessions on appropriate technology, climate adaptation, land stewardship, and regenerative farm businesses.

Questions? Email Margo Hale at margoh@ncat.org

Targeted grazing has offered the US sheep industry an opportunity to grow and capitalize on our sustainable grazing practices. The American Lamb Board is excited to offer an in depth education workshop for producers to assist in their success and promote industry growth.

Vegetation management for Solar arrays, vineyards, and fire suppression are the content areas for the 3-day intensives offered across the country.

Producers interested in grazing Solar arrays will receive an American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) certification upon course completion.

About the workshops

Targeted grazing has offered the US sheep industry an opportunity to grow and capitalize on our sustainable grazing practices. The American Lamb Board is excited to offer an in depth education workshop for producers to assist in their success and promote industry growth.

Vegetation management for Solar arrays, vineyards, and fire suppression are the content areas for the 3-day intensives offered across the country.

Producers interested in grazing Solar arrays will receive an American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) certification upon course completion.

Roxboro, North Carolina
May 20th-22nd
Registration Fee: $200
* Includes: Lunch & Refreshments

Lodging:
Hampton Inn
336-599-8800
Room rate: $149

Each year, the Quivira Coalition, Holistic Management International, and the American Grassfed Association collaborate to convene ranchers, farmers, conservationists, land managers, scientists, and thought leaders to share knowledge, build community, and create a culture of resilience and regeneration.

This year’s conference, Innovating for a Resilient Future, will explore data, technology, information collection and sharing, ways of learning and knowing, and the myriad approaches to fulfilling our ecological roles. Mark your calendars!

If you would like to be notified when we open registration, sign up for the REGENERATE email list.

If you have additional questions, need help registering, or have other special requests related to the conference, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Email: info@regenerateconference.com