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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260925T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260925T120000
DTSTAMP:20260916T224050Z
CREATED:20260913T192834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T224050Z
UID:9773-1790337600-1790337600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Virginia Tech Southwest AREC Sheep Field Day and Ram Sale
DESCRIPTION:The Virginia Tech Southwest AREC Sheep Field Day and Ram Sale will bring sheep producers to Glade Spring on Friday\, September 25\, 2026\, for an afternoon of research-based education followed by the annual sale of performance-tested rams. \nThe Virginia Tech Southwest Agricultural Research and Extension Center will host the event at 12326 VPI Farm Road\, Glade Spring\, Virginia. Registration and lunch begin at noon\, followed by the educational field day at 12:30 p.m. and the ram sale at 3 p.m. \n\n\nSheep Management Topics for Producers\nThe 2026 educational program will address several practical topics affecting sheep operations. \nPhil Blevins of Virginia Cooperative Extension in Washington County will discuss hay fertility timing and reduced-lignin alfalfa. Virginia Tech sheep specialist Dr. Scott Greiner will present fall flock management strategies\, while Greiner and North Carolina State University’s Dr. Andrew Weaver will address fall lambing considerations. \nThe program will also include a sheep health update from veterinarian Chris Fletcher of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services\, along with an update on the 2026 Southwest AREC Ram Test from Lee Wright of Virginia Tech Southwest AREC and Greiner. \nVirginia Tech Southwest AREC Sheep Field Day Highlights Ram Testing\nThe field day is also closely tied to Virginia Tech’s Southwest AREC Ram Test\, a program that began in 2012. \nVirginia Tech describes it as the only U.S. program that uses a forage-based performance test designed to evaluate both post-weaning growth and parasite resistance. Rams from multiple farms are evaluated under the same conditions\, giving producers performance information they can use when making breeding decisions. \nThe program is intended both to provide standardized performance records for breeders and to serve as an educational resource for the sheep industry. \n57 Performance-Tested Rams Offered for Sale\nA total of 119 rams from 30 flocks entered the 2026 test. Those animals came from farms in Virginia and 11 other states\, including Tennessee\, Kentucky\, North Carolina and West Virginia. \nDuring the 70-day performance test\, researchers monitored growth and parasite resistance using measures including body weight\, fecal egg counts\, and FAMACHA scores. \nThe Virginia Tech Southwest AREC Sheep Field Day and Ram Sale will conclude with the sale of 57 forage-tested rams evaluated for growth and parasite resistance. Organizers excluded rams that needed deworming during the test from sale eligibility. Veterinarians from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine conducted breeding-soundness examinations on all rams offered for sale\, and the rams passed. \nOnline bidding will also be available through Top Livestock for buyers who cannot attend in person. \nEvent Schedule\nDate: Friday\, September 25\, 2026\nRegistration and lunch: Noon\nEducational field day: 12:30 p.m.\nRam sale: 3 p.m.\nLocation: Virginia Tech Southwest Agricultural Research and Extension Center\nAddress: 12326 VPI Farm Road\, Glade Spring\, VA 24340\nOrganizer: Virginia Tech Southwest Agricultural Research and Extension Center / Virginia Cooperative Extension\nFormat: In-person field day and livestock sale \nVirginia Tech’s official event page also provides the current 2026 sale catalog\, ram performance reports\, sale order\, and videos of sale animals. \n  \n  \nRead our full-length articles about education opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/virginia-tech-southwest-arec-sheep-field-day-and-ram-sale/
LOCATION:Virginia Tech Southwest AREC\, 12326 VPI Farm Road\, Glade Spring\, VA\, 24340\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Field Days
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/frederic-dupont-Lamb-Virginia-Tech-Sheep.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260925T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260925T000000
DTSTAMP:20260915T195459Z
CREATED:20260915T191021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T195459Z
UID:10066-1790294400-1790294400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Kentucky Conservation Funding Application Deadline
DESCRIPTION:Kentucky conservation funding is available to eligible farmers and landowners seeking financial and technical assistance to improve soil health and implement conservation practices on working lands. Submit applications for the current funding cycle through a local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office by September 25\, 2026. \nThe opportunity is available through the Soil Health for Urban and Rural Environments\, or SHURE\, project\, a Regional Conservation Partnership Program initiative led by Grow Appalachia\, a strategic initiative of Berea College. Grow Appalachia is working with the Organic Association of Kentucky and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to deliver the program. \n\n\nMore Than $3.8 Million for Kentucky Conservation\nThe SHURE project is bringing more than $3.8 million into Kentucky to help farmers and landowners adopt conservation practices that support healthier soil and more resilient agricultural operations. \nEligible participants may receive financial assistance and one-on-one technical support. Grow Appalachia and Organic Association of Kentucky staff can help producers identify conservation needs\, develop an on-farm conservation plan\, navigate the NRCS application process\, and understand how to implement approved practices. \nConservation practices supported through the project may include cover crops\, riparian forest buffers\, pollinator habitat\, and other measures designed to improve soil and natural resources. \nThe project emphasizes soil health and resilient agricultural practices. NRCS also says the SHURE initiative prioritizes small farms of 50 acres or less in Kentucky. \nFarmers Can Get Help With the Application\nFarmers do not have to develop a conservation plan or navigate the NRCS process alone. Technical assistance is available to help identify farm problems and opportunities\, evaluate resources\, and determine which conservation practices may be appropriate. \nProducers and landowners interested in the current funding cycle must submit their applications through their local USDA NRCS office by September 25\, 2026. \nNRCS accepts conservation program applications year-round\, but the September 25 cutoff determines which applications will be considered for the current Kentucky funding cycle. Applications submitted after that date will move to a future funding period. \nFarmers who applied for SHURE funding during the spring 2026 application period but were not funded may apply again during the fall funding cycle. \nHow to Apply for Kentucky conservation funding\nKentucky farmers and landowners interested in the program should contact their local USDA Service Center or NRCS field office before the deadline. Grow Appalachia and the Organic Association of Kentucky also offer conservation assistance to farmers who need help understanding available practices\, conservation planning\, or the application process. \nApplication deadline: September 25\, 2026\nWho may apply: Eligible Kentucky farmers and landowners\nProgram: RCPP Soil Health for Urban and Rural Environments (SHURE)\nApplication: Submit through a local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office \n  \nRead our full-length articles about grants and educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/kentucky-on-farm-conservation-funding-application-deadline/
LOCATION:TN
CATEGORIES:Grants & Deadlines
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/jeff-arnold-Kentucky-farm-Conservation-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T130000
DTSTAMP:20260916T220300Z
CREATED:20260913T192834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T220300Z
UID:9772-1790254800-1790254800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Healthy Soil for Healthy Crops Builds Better Growing Systems
DESCRIPTION:Healthy Soil for Healthy Crops will give farmers\, growers\, and gardeners practical\, science-based guidance to improve soil health and build more resilient growing systems. \nThe class will be held Thursday\, September 24\, 2026\, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the North Carolina Arboretum\, 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way\, Asheville\, North Carolina. The in-person program is part of the Arboretum’s Adult Education offerings and will be taught by soil-health educator Mark Dempsey. \nUnderstanding How Healthy Soil Works\nThe workshop will begin with the fundamentals of soil and the biological and physical processes that influence crop performance. \nParticipants will examine the importance of organic matter\, how it affects soil function\, and why maintaining healthy soil can improve the long-term productivity of farms and gardens. The program will focus on practical steps growers can take to improve soil conditions rather than treating soil health as an abstract concept. \nThe Healthy Soil for Healthy Crops workshop is designed around research and real-world farm experience\, with an emphasis on strategies growers can put into practice on their own land. \n\nHealthy Soil for Healthy Crops and Soil Testing\nOne central topic will be soil sampling and nutrient testing. \nParticipants will learn how to collect a useful soil sample and how to interpret information from a nutrient test. Understanding soil-test results can help farmers and growers make better decisions about fertility\, amendments\, and overall soil management. \nThe workshop will also address steps producers can take after receiving test results\, helping connect laboratory information with practical field decisions. \nSoil Health\, Erosion and Farm Resilience\nThe program will explore ways better soil management can help reduce erosion and improve the resilience of farming systems. \nHealthy soils can play an important role in how agricultural land responds to heavy rainfall\, dry periods\, and other stresses. For Appalachian growers working on sloping ground or in areas that have experienced severe weather\, soil structure and erosion control can be especially important. \nHealthy Soil for Healthy Crops connects those broader concerns with practical soil-management strategies farmers and gardeners can use over time. \nExperienced Soil Health Instructor\nInstructor Mark Dempsey is a conservation specialist and soil health educator with the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. \nDempsey has more than 15 years of research and education experience involving soil microbiology\, no-till production\, cover crops\, and sustainable agricultural systems. His work focuses on practical approaches to improving soil function and long-term farm resilience. \nRegistration and Financial Assistance\nThe class is intended for adults and runs for approximately three hours. The North Carolina Arboretum offers a 10% registration discount for members and also provides a scholarship application for participants who may have difficulty covering the cost of a class. \nDate: Thursday\, September 24\, 2026Time: 1-4 p.m.Location: The North Carolina ArboretumAddress: 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way\, Asheville\, NC 28806Instructor: Mark DempseyFormat: In-person workshop \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/healthy-soil-for-healthy-crops/
LOCATION:The North Carolina Arboretum\, 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way\, Asheville\, NC\, 28806-9315\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/jonathan-kemper-healthy-soil-healthy-crops-featured.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="North Carolina Arboretum Adult Education":MAILTO:adulteducation@ncarboretum.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T133000
DTSTAMP:20260914T223603Z
CREATED:20260914T171549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T223603Z
UID:9887-1790253000-1790256600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Farming Where You Live Webinar Series
DESCRIPTION:The Farming Where You Live Webinar Series continues on September 24 \nThe Farming Where You Live Webinar Series is a free online program from the University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture for landowners and beginning farmers who want to use farm or forest land productively. Sessions are scheduled for September 17\, September 24\, October 1\, and October 7\, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Attendees must preregister. \nThis series targets people who may own acreage and are deciding which agricultural or forestry enterprise makes sense for their property. It can also help beginning farmers evaluate land\, identify realistic income opportunities\, and better understand available resources. \nThis Webinar Series Focuses on Practical Land Use\nThis Webinar Series focuses on practical ways to assess existing land and consider how it might generate income. That may include agricultural enterprises\, forest-based opportunities\, or other uses that fit the landowner’s goals and available resources. \nFor many landowners\, the challenge is not simply deciding what they could do with a property. The harder question is whether an idea fits the land\, available labor\, the market\, and the time and money they are willing to invest. \nA program like this can help participants move from a general idea toward a more realistic plan. \n  \n \nFarming Where You Live Webinar Series Can Help Beginning Farmers\nBeginning farmers often have to make several decisions at once\, including what to produce\, how much land they need\, and whether a proposed enterprise can support itself financially. \nThe series gives participants a chance to hear from agricultural professionals while thinking through those decisions before making larger investments. \nBecause the sessions are online\, farmers and landowners can participate from anywhere in the region without traveling. Participants may get more from the program by bringing questions about their own property and keeping notes on programs\, contacts\, or resources they want to investigate later. \nFarming Where You Live Webinar Series Runs Through October 7\nThe organizers schedule the final live session for October 7. \nLandowners and beginning farmers interested in the Farming Where You Live Webinar Series should register in advance and confirm the schedule and connection information before each session. The program may be especially useful for people with land available who are still figuring out what kind of farm or forest enterprise best fits their property\, resources\, and long-term goals. \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/farming-where-you-live-webinar-series-2/
LOCATION:Online/Virtual
CATEGORIES:Education,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Farm-where-you-live-feature.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="UT Center for Profitable Agriculture":MAILTO:acboyd@utk.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260923T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260923T200000
DTSTAMP:20260914T220402Z
CREATED:20260913T153702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T220402Z
UID:9662-1790188200-1790193600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Organic Weed Management Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Organic Weed Management Starts With Understanding Weeds\nThe Organic Weed Management Webinar is scheduled for September 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Organic Growers School is offering the free online program as part of its 2026 Organic Crop Management series. \nThe webinar will focus on weed biology\, identification\, and methods organic growers can use to reduce weed pressure without relying on conventional herbicides. For organic farms\, weed control often requires farmers to think several steps ahead rather than waiting until unwanted plants compete with crops. \nUnderstanding how weeds reproduce\, when they germinate\, and what conditions favor particular species can help growers make better management decisions throughout the season. \n\n\nOrganic Weed Management Relies Heavily on Prevention\nSuccessful weed management usually begins before weeds become a major problem. Cultural practices\, crop rotations\, cover crops\, and field preparation can all influence the amount of weed pressure a farmer faces later. \nThe webinar will examine preventive\, mechanical\, and cultural practices that growers can use as part of a broader weed-management strategy. \nThat approach matters because weeds can compete with crops for sunlight\, water\, and nutrients. They can also increase labor costs when farmers must spend additional time cultivating\, mowing\, or removing weeds by hand. \nPreventing weeds from producing seed can be just as important as controlling the plants already growing in a field. \nOrganic Weed Management Requires Good Timing\nMechanical cultivation can be effective\, but timing often determines how well it works. Small weeds are generally easier to control than established plants with extensive root systems. \nLikewise\, farmers may use different techniques depending on the crop\, weed species\, weather\, and growth stage. No single practice works in every situation. \nThe Organic Weeds Management Webinar gives growers a chance to view weed control as a system rather than a single treatment. Combining several methods can reduce dependence on any one tool and help farmers respond when weather or field conditions make a preferred approach difficult. \nOrganic Weed Management Can Reduce Labor Pressure\nWeeds are more than a production problem. They can become a significant business expense when control requires repeated tractor passes or large amounts of hand labor. \nFor small and diversified farms in the Appalachian Highlands\, improving weed management may help growers protect crop yields while reducing the time spent dealing with persistent weed problems. \nBecause the program is online\, farmers can participate without traveling. Growers may get the most from the session by bringing questions about weeds they regularly encounter\, management practices they have already tried\, and places where weed pressure continues to create problems. \nParticipants should check the Organic Growers School program information before September 23 for registration instructions and any schedule updates. \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/organic-weeds-management-webinar/
LOCATION:Online / Virtual\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/weeds-2.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Organic Growers School":MAILTO:chris@organicgrowersschool.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260923T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260923T000000
DTSTAMP:20260914T212551Z
CREATED:20260913T153702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T212551Z
UID:9663-1790121600-1790121600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:SDBII Dairy Grants Applications Close September 23
DESCRIPTION:Applications for two SDBII Dairy Grants available through the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative are due September 23 at 5 p.m. Eastern. The 2026 funding cycle includes the Specialty Processing Equipment Grant and the Dairy Business Planning Grant. \nBoth programs are open to permitted dairy businesses\, including farms and processors\, in 12 Southeastern states — including Kentucky\, North Carolina\, Tennessee\, Virginia\, and West Virginia — as well as Puerto Rico. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service supports the grants. \nFor Appalachian Highlands dairy businesses\, the programs may offer an opportunity to address needs that are difficult to cover through normal farm operating income. \n\n\nSDBII Dairy Grants Can Support Processing Equipment\nThe Specialty Processing Equipment Grant provides reimbursement funding for projects that increase efficiency or capacity or add new processing capabilities to an existing or proposed dairy processing facility. \nFor 2026\, the maximum award is $150\,000\, and recipients must provide a 25% match. \nThis makes the program particularly relevant to dairy businesses considering processing expansion\, new products\, or equipment upgrades. A processing investment can help a dairy farm move beyond commodity milk production and explore higher-value products\, but those projects can also require substantial upfront capital. \nSDBII Dairy Grants Include Business Planning Assistance\nThe second opportunity is the Dairy Business Planning Grant\, which offers awards of up to $30\,000. \nRather than paying for processing equipment\, this grant helps permitted dairy businesses hire professional expertise to plan for the future. That can include work connected to business planning and evaluating future opportunities. \nFor a farm considering a major expansion\, value-added enterprise or other change\, outside professional assistance can help determine whether an idea makes financial and operational sense before the business commits significant resources. \nSDBII Dairy Grants Require Applicants to Choose One Program\nApplicants may apply for only one of the two SDBII Dairy Grants during this funding cycle. Program officials also advise applicants to read the full Request for Proposals before beginning an application. \nApplicants should review eligibility requirements\, allowable costs\, required documents\, budgets\, and scoring information well before the deadline. Waiting until September 23 to begin gathering those materials could create unnecessary problems. \nAward recipients must also have a Unique Entity Identifier\, or UEI\, before a grant contract can be executed. Program officials recommend beginning that process early because obtaining a UEI can take several weeks. \nSDBII Dairy Grants Deadline Is 5 p.m. Eastern\nSubmit applications for both programs by 5 p.m. Eastern on September 23. \nDairy farmers and processors considering either opportunity should review the official application materials now\, determine which grant best fits their project\, and make sure required records and supporting documents are ready before the deadline. \nFor Appalachian Highlands dairy businesses considering processing improvements or a major business decision\, the SDBII Dairy Grants could provide financial support and an opportunity to strengthen the operation’s long-term direction. \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/sdbii-dairy-grants-application-deadline/
LOCATION:TN
CATEGORIES:Education,Grants & Deadlines
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Fall-Grants-Announcement-July-scaled-aspect-ratio-700-400.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T193000
DTSTAMP:20260914T204319Z
CREATED:20260913T153701Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T204319Z
UID:9660-1789668000-1789673400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Thinking of Opening a Farm Stand?
DESCRIPTION:Opening a Farm Stand Takes More Than Setting Up a Table\nThinking of Opening a Farm Stand? is a free virtual workshop scheduled for September 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Haywood County Center is organizing the program\, with Carol Coulter of Appalachian State University serving as the speaker. \nThe workshop is designed for farmers who are considering selling directly to customers from their farms or another roadside location. Opening a farm stand can create a new market for produce\, meat\, eggs\, flowers\, value-added products\, and other farm goods\, but it takes more than arranging products and waiting for customers. \nFarmers need to think about how the stand will operate as part of the larger farm business and what customers will experience when they arrive. \nOpening a Farm Stand Requires Planning for Customers\nThe workshop will cover farm stand design\, safety considerations\, and direct-market opportunities. \nLocation and layout can affect how easily customers find the stand\, where they park\, and how they move through the sales area. Farmers may also need to consider signs\, displays\, shade\, refrigeration\, payment methods\, and how they will restock products during busy periods. \nA farm stand also puts the farmer in the retail business. Producers who normally sell through wholesale markets may suddenly find themselves handling customer questions\, pricing products\, maintaining displays\, and managing transactions. \nThose responsibilities can require a different skill set than production alone. \n\n\nOpening a Farm Stand Means Understanding the Rules\nAnother important part of opening a farm stand is understanding which regulations apply. The workshop will address North Carolina requirements along with food safety and product-handling considerations. \nRequirements can vary depending on what a farmer sells. Fresh produce may involve different considerations than meat\, eggs\, dairy products\, or foods prepared on the farm. Farmers should understand which rules apply before investing in structures\, equipment\, or inventory. \nLocal zoning\, parking and signage requirements may also affect how and where a farm stand can operate. \nOpening a Farm Stand Can Create a Direct Connection With Customers\nDirect marketing lets farmers meet the people buying their products and explain how they’re grown or raised. A well-run farm stand can also encourage repeat visits and strengthen a farm’s presence in the community. \nHowever\, direct sales work best when farmers consider both the opportunity and the additional workload. The September 17 workshop gives prospective farm-stand operators a chance to learn about those issues before making a larger investment. \nBecause the program is online\, farmers can participate from across the region without traveling. Participants may want to bring questions about their own farms\, products\, or proposed locations. \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/thinking-of-opening-a-farm-stand/
LOCATION:Online / Virtual\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Farm-stand-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T183000
DTSTAMP:20260914T201558Z
CREATED:20260914T171550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T201558Z
UID:9891-1789666200-1789669800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:WVSU Aquaponics Workshop Introduces Fish-Based Growing
DESCRIPTION:The WVSU Aquaponics Workshop will be held Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Raleigh County Public Library\, 221 N. Kanawha St.\, in Beckley\, W.Va. West Virginia State University Extension Service is offering the program free of charge. \nThe workshop will introduce participants to aquaponics\, a growing system that combines fish production with hydroponic plant production. Instead of growing plants in soil\, aquaponic systems circulate water between fish and plants. Fish waste provides nutrients for the plants\, while the plants and related biological processes clean the water before it returns to the fish. \nFor people who have heard about hydroponics but are less familiar with aquaponics\, the workshop offers a chance to see how the two ideas differ and how fish become part of the nutrient system. \n\nArcadiYay\, CC BY-SA 4.0 \nWVSU Aquaponics Workshop Explores an Alternative Growing System\nAquaponics can appeal to growers interested in producing food where conventional field production is difficult\, or space is limited. Systems can vary considerably in size and complexity\, from small educational setups to larger commercial operations. \nThe WVSU Aquaponics Workshop can help participants better understand the basic relationship among fish\, plants\, water\, and nutrients before deciding whether the approach fits their interests. \nOperating an aquaponic system requires attention to more than plant growth. Producers must also consider fish health\, water quality\, temperature\, oxygen levels\, and the balance between the aquatic and plant portions of the system. Learning those fundamentals can help people develop realistic expectations about the equipment\, monitoring\, and management involved. \nWVSU Aquaponics Workshop Builds on Extension Education\nThe aquaponics program is part of a series of WVSU Extension workshops exploring food production and related skills. Other 2026 workshops have addressed soil health\, aeroponics\, and hydroponics\, giving participants several opportunities to learn about different production systems. \nFor Appalachian Highlands growers\, these systems may be worth exploring as possible additions to existing farms\, educational projects\, or small-scale specialty production. \nRegister for the WVSU Aquaponics Workshop\nThe WVSU Aquaponics Workshop begins at 5:30 p.m. on September 17 and lasts one hour. WVSU lists the program as free\, but participants should register in advance and check the university’s event page for any last-minute schedule or participation changes. \nThe workshop offers farmers\, gardeners\, and other interested participants a chance to learn how fish and hydroponic plant production can work together in one growing system. \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/wvsu-extension-workshop-aquaponics/
LOCATION:Raleigh County Public Library\, 221 North Kanawha Street\, Beckley\, WV\, 25801\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Aquaponics_at_Growing_Power_Milwaukee.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="West Virginia University Extension":MAILTO:grass@wvu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T183000
DTSTAMP:20260914T193053Z
CREATED:20260911T214615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T193053Z
UID:9626-1789664400-1789669800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Farming on Leased Land Webinar Looks at Farmland Access
DESCRIPTION:The Farming on Leased Land Webinar is scheduled for September 17 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. NC FarmLink and N.C. Cooperative Extension are organizing the online program for farmers and landowners interested in agricultural leases and access to farmland. \nFor beginning farmers in particular\, access to suitable land can be one of the biggest obstacles to starting or expanding an operation. Purchasing farmland may be out of reach\, especially for someone still building a customer base\, equipment inventory\, and farm income. \nLeasing can provide another route. It lets a farmer start using land without the immediate cost of buying property. However\, a lease works best when both the farmer and landowner understand what they are agreeing to from the beginning. \n\n\nFarming on Leased Land Webinar Covers Lease Agreements\nThis webinar covers strategies for finding farmland to lease\, best practices for lease agreements\, and ways landowners can connect with farmers looking for land. \nA good farmland lease involves more than agreeing on rent. Farmers and property owners may need to discuss who is responsible for fences\, buildings\, roads\, utilities\, and other infrastructure. They should also understand how long the lease will last and what happens if either party ends the agreement. \nWritten expectations can be especially important when a farmer plans to improve the property or needs several years to establish an enterprise. \nFarming on Leased Land Webinar Can Help Prevent Misunderstandings\nClear communication can prevent small disagreements from turning into serious problems. Farmers may want to discuss access to water\, equipment storage\, maintenance\, conservation practices\, and what types of agricultural activities the landowner will allow. \nThe webinar allows participants to think through those questions before agreeing. It may also help landowners understand what farmers need from a property to operate successfully. \nFarming on Leased Land Webinar Is Available Online\nBecause this Webinar is online\, farmers and landowners can participate from across the region without traveling. Participants may want to bring questions about their own leasing situations and take notes on resources or contacts they want to pursue afterward. \nAnyone planning to participate should check the event information before September 17 for registration instructions\, connection details\, and any schedule changes. \n\nRead our articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/farming-on-leased-land-webinar/
LOCATION:Online/Virtual
CATEGORIES:Education,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Leased-Land-Featur.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T133000
DTSTAMP:20260914T222312Z
CREATED:20260914T171544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T222312Z
UID:9886-1789648200-1789651800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Farming Where You Live Webinar Series Explores Farm Income
DESCRIPTION:The Farming Where You Live Webinar Series begins Sept. 17 with the first of four free online sessions for landowners and beginning farmers looking to generate income from farm or forest land. \nThe Farming Where You Live Webinar Series is a free online program from the University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture for landowners and beginning farmers who want to use farm or forest land productively. Sessions are scheduled for September 17\, September 24\, October 1\, and October 7\, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Attendees must preregister. \nThis series targets people who may own acreage and are deciding which agricultural or forestry enterprise makes sense for their property. It can also help beginning farmers evaluate land\, identify realistic income opportunities\, and better understand available resources. \nFarming Where You Live Webinar Series Focuses on Practical Land Use\nThis Webinar Series focuses on practical ways to assess existing land and consider how it might generate income. That may include agricultural enterprises\, forest-based opportunities\, or other uses that fit the landowner’s goals and available resources. \nFor many landowners\, the challenge is not simply deciding what they could do with a property. The harder question is whether an idea fits the land\, available labor\, the market\, and the time and money they are willing to invest. \nA program like this can help participants move from a general idea toward a more realistic plan. \n\n\nFarming Where You Live Webinar Series Can Help Beginning Farmers\nBeginning farmers often have to make several decisions at once\, including what to produce\, how much land they need\, and whether a proposed enterprise can support itself financially. \nThe series gives participants a chance to hear from agricultural professionals while thinking through those decisions before making larger investments. \nBecause the sessions are online\, farmers and landowners can participate from anywhere in the region without traveling. Participants may get more from the program by bringing questions about their own property and keeping notes on programs\, contacts\, or resources they want to investigate later. \nFarming Where You Live Webinar Series Runs Through October 7\nThe organizers schedule the final live session for October 7. \nLandowners and beginning farmers interested in the Farming Where You Live Webinar Series should register in advance and confirm the schedule and connection information before each session. The program may be especially useful for people with land available who are still figuring out what kind of farm or forest enterprise best fits their property\, resources\, and long-term goals. \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/farming-where-you-live-webinar-series/
LOCATION:Online/Virtual
CATEGORIES:Education,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Farm-where-you-live-feature.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture":MAILTO:931-486-2777
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260918T150000
DTSTAMP:20260914T184056Z
CREATED:20260913T153702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T184056Z
UID:9661-1789639200-1789743600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Farm Disaster Preparedness Workshop Helps Farmers Plan Ahead
DESCRIPTION:The Farm Disaster Preparedness Workshop will be held September 17-18 at Rural Resources in Greeneville\, Tenn. The Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council is organizing the two-day program with University of Tennessee agricultural specialist Shelli Rampold. \nThe workshop will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Registration is $30 and includes lunch\, and fee waivers are available for farmers who need help covering the cost. \nThe program helps farmers identify vulnerabilities before an emergency and make practical plans to protect people\, livestock\, property\, and farm operations. \n\nAsheville\, N.C. (November 11\, 2024) – FEMA opens a Disaster Recovery Center in the Asheville Mall to help survivors apply for assistance after Hurricane Helene. \nFarm Disaster Preparedness Workshop Focuses on Farm Risks\nOne central activity will be farm risk assessment. Participants will examine parts of a farm that could become serious problems during flooding\, storms\, power failures\, or other emergencies. \nThat includes what organizers describe as pressure-point mapping. Farmers identify places where one failure could quickly create several other problems. A washed-out access road\, for example\, could prevent a producer from reaching livestock. Fence damage could create animal-control problems. Loss of electricity could affect wells\, refrigeration\, or other essential systems. \nMapping those pressure points gives farmers a chance to consider alternatives before they face an emergency. \nFarm Disaster Preparedness Workshop Includes Emergency Scenarios\nThe Farm Disaster Preparedness Workshop will also use disaster simulations and planning exercises to help participants think through decisions they might have to make during a real emergency. \nPreparing for a disaster is not only about protecting buildings or equipment. Farmers may need plans for moving livestock\, maintaining water supplies\, reaching isolated areas of a farm\, communicating with family or employees\, and keeping essential business functions operating. \nPlanning can make emergency decisions faster and more organized. \nHurricane Helene Showed the Need for Farm Planning\nThe workshop comes as Northeast Tennessee farmers continue to learn from Hurricane Helene. The September 2024 storm damaged farmland\, roads\, fencing\, buildings\, and other agricultural infrastructure across parts of the region. \nFor many producers\, recovery also required navigating disaster-assistance programs and gathering records to document losses. The experience showed that preparedness includes paperwork as well as physical farm planning. \nMaintaining photographs\, receipts\, inventories\, maps\, and other records before a disaster can make it easier to document damage afterward. \nFarm Disaster Preparedness Workshop Covers Recovery Resources\nParticipants will also learn more about disaster assistance and the resources farmers may need after an emergency. \nThe Farm Disaster Preparedness Workshop allows producers to examine their own operations before the next storm\, flood\, or other emergency forces those decisions on them. \nFarmers interested in attending should confirm registration availability and any final program details with Appalachian RC&D before September 17. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nRead our full-length article here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/farm-disaster-preparedness-workshop/
LOCATION:Rural Resources Farm and Food Education Center\, 2870 Holly Creek Rd\, Greeneville\, TN\, 37745\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/US-70_Burke_County_9_27.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T000000
DTSTAMP:20260914T162417Z
CREATED:20260911T214614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T162417Z
UID:9624-1789603200-1789603200@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Berea Forestry Field Day
DESCRIPTION:The Berea Forestry Field Day is scheduled for September 17 in Berea\, Kentucky. Kentucky 4-H Youth Development is organizing the event for junior and senior 4-H members interested in forestry and natural-resource skills. \nThe program is designed to move forestry education out of the classroom and into a setting where young people can work directly with trees\, measurements\, and navigation tools. Participants will learn alongside forestry professionals while building skills that can support 4-H competition\, future coursework\, and potential natural-resource careers. \nBerea Forestry Field Day Covers Practical Forestry Skills\nActivities at the Berea Forestry Field Day include tree identification\, compass use and pacing\, tree measurement\, and other forestry skills. \nThose subjects help students understand how foresters describe and evaluate a woodland. Tree identification teaches participants to recognize species by characteristics such as leaves\, bark\, and growth patterns. Measurement skills introduce basic methods for estimating tree size and understanding forest conditions. \nCompass and pacing exercises add another practical element. Forestry often requires people to navigate property where roads\, signs\, and obvious landmarks may be limited. Learning to move through wooded terrain while tracking distance and direction gives students experience with skills used in forestry and land management. \n\n \nBerea Forestry Field Day Connects Learning With Careers\nThe Forestry Field Day can also introduce young people to the larger role forests play in Kentucky and the Appalachian region. Forests support wildlife habitat\, recreation\, water quality\, timber production\, and rural economies. \nFor students who enjoy working outdoors\, the event may also provide an early look at careers in forestry\, conservation and natural-resource management.   Hands-on programs can make those possibilities easier to understand because participants can see how the skills are used instead of simply reading about them. \nCheck Berea Forestry Field Day Details Before Attending\nFamilies\, 4-H volunteers\, and educators should review the Kentucky 4-H event information before September 17 for registration instructions\, participation requirements\, schedule details\, and anything students should bring. \nBecause event information can change\, check the organizer’s page shortly before the Berea Forestry Field Day to confirm final details. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nRead our full-length articles about educational events here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/berea-forestry-field-day/
LOCATION:Berea\, Kentucky\, Berea\, KY\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Large-Logo_NO-TAGpng.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T190000
DTSTAMP:20260914T195336Z
CREATED:20260913T192718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T195336Z
UID:9763-1789585200-1789585200@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Farm Beginnings Info Session Offers a Look at the Program
DESCRIPTION:The Farm Beginnings Info Session will be held online on September 16 from 7 to 8 p.m. Organic Growers School is offering the free Zoom session for people considering its 2026-27 Farm Beginnings program. \nFarm Beginnings is designed primarily for aspiring and early-stage farmers who are still shaping their farm businesses. Some participants may already be producing on a small scale\, while others may have farming experience but are still deciding how to turn that experience into a workable business. \nThe information session gives prospective applicants a chance to learn more before committing to the yearlong program or submitting an application. \n\n\nFarm Beginnings Info Session Explains the Business Focus\nFarm Beginnings places much of its emphasis on the business side of farming. Participants work on areas such as business planning\, financial literacy\, marketing\, and long-term farm planning. The program also helps farmers make connections within the agricultural community. \nThat distinction is important for applicants. Farm Beginnings is not primarily a production course that teaches participants how to grow a particular crop or raise a particular type of livestock. Instead\, it helps farmers think through how their production goals fit into a sustainable farm business. \nProduction questions can still play a role through mentoring and other program activities\, but the larger emphasis remains on developing a farm that can function as a business. \nFarm Beginnings Info Session Can Help Farmers Decide\nThe Farm Beginnings Info Session may be especially valuable for people interested in the program but unsure whether they are far enough along to apply. \nParticipants can use the session to ask questions about program expectations\, the time commitment\, tuition\, mentoring\, scholarships\, and the type of farmer the course is designed to serve. \nBecause the meeting is online\, prospective participants can join from throughout the region without traveling. \nFarm Beginnings Info Session Comes Before the Application Deadline\nThe timing also allows farmers to gather information before the September 28 Farm Beginnings application deadline. \nAnyone considering the program should use the session to identify questions that matter to their own situation. Farmers may want to ask how the program fits someone who has not yet launched a farm\, how mentoring works\, what financial assistance may be available\, and what participants are expected to accomplish during the year. \nFor aspiring and early-stage farmers across the Appalachian Highlands\, the Farm Beginnings Info Session offers a low-risk way to learn whether the program is a good match before applying. \nRead our full-length article about this event here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/farm-beginnings-info-session-2/
LOCATION:TN
CATEGORIES:Education,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/20260221_140837-3.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Organic Growers School":MAILTO:chris@organicgrowersschool.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T190000
DTSTAMP:20260914T194853Z
CREATED:20260911T214613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T194853Z
UID:9622-1789491600-1789498800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Virginia Small Farm Orientation Helps New Farmers Get Started
DESCRIPTION:Virginia Small Farm Orientation will be offered online on September 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. through the Virginia State University Small Farm Outreach Program. The two-hour program is designed for farmers who have been operating a farm for five years or less and want a clearer understanding of the resources available to help them move forward. \nParticipants receive a Small Farm Orientation manual and guidance to help them build a productive\, profitable farm operation. For someone in the first few years of farming\, that kind of overview can be especially useful. New farmers often have to make decisions about production\, land\, finances\, and marketing at the same time while also learning where to turn when questions arise. \nVirginia Small Farm Orientation Looks Beyond Production\nStarting a farm involves much more than deciding what to grow or raise. Beginning farmers also need to consider record keeping\, business planning\, land access\, markets\, and programs available through Extension and other agricultural organizations. \nThe Virginia Small Farm Orientation gives participants a place to begin sorting through those issues. Rather than focusing narrowly on one crop or livestock enterprise\, the session can help farmers identify resources and determine which areas of their operation may need additional attention. \nThat can also make future Extension programs more useful. A farmer who understands gaps in a business or production plan can make better choices about what training\, technical assistance\, or professional advice to pursue next. \nVirginia Small Farm Orientation Is Offered Online\nBecause the program is virtual\, farmers can participate without traveling to a classroom or Extension office. That makes the session accessible to producers across Virginia\, including those in the Appalachian Highlands. \nParticipants may want to come prepared with questions about their own farms. Keeping notes on useful contacts\, programs\, and follow-up resources can also help turn the orientation into a practical starting point for future planning. \nVirginia Small Farm Orientation Serves Early-Stage Farmers\nThe program is intended for farmers with zero to five years of experience operating a farm. That includes people who are just beginning as well as producers who have been farming for several years but are still developing their businesses. \nFarmers interested in the Virginia Small Farm Orientation should review the Virginia State University Small Farm Outreach Program’s event information before September 15 and confirm registration requirements\, connection instructions\, and any schedule updates. \n  \n \n  \nRead our articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/virginia-small-farm-orientation/
LOCATION:Online / Virtual\, United States
CATEGORIES:Courses & Training,Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/VA-Small-Farm-Orientation-Feature.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Virginia State University Small Farm Outreach Program":MAILTO:smallfarm@vsu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T170000
DTSTAMP:20260915T204419Z
CREATED:20260915T202839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T204419Z
UID:10084-1789459200-1789491600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:The Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo / Master Beef Producer
DESCRIPTION:The Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo will bring cattle producers\, Extension specialists\, researchers\, and agricultural industry representatives together in Greeneville for beef production education\, networking\, and hands-on learning. \nThe 2026 Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo is scheduled for Thursday\, October 15\, at the Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville\, Tennessee. Alongside the event\, the Tennessee Master Beef Producer course will be offered October 15-16\, allowing producers to complete additional training and work toward Master Beef Producer certification. \n  \n \n  \nEducation for Northeast Tennessee Cattle Producers \nThe Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo has served cattle producers in the region since the late 1980s and has developed into a major annual educational and networking event. \nPrograms traditionally focus on practical topics affecting beef operations\, including cattle management\, herd health\, pasture and forage management\, farm profitability and other production issues. Producers also have opportunities to interact with Extension specialists\, researchers\, veterinarians\, agricultural businesses and other cattle producers. \nThe Greene County Extension office says the expo includes educational presentations by industry experts\, breed association representatives\, veterinarians and university specialists. A trade show is also part of the first day\, providing producers with an opportunity to learn about agricultural products\, services and resources available to beef operations. \nMaster Beef Producer Training Available \nProducers interested in additional education can participate in the Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program on Oct. 15 and 16. \nThe program provides instruction and hands-on learning in current beef cattle management practices with an emphasis on improving the profitability and sustainability of cattle operations. Participants also receive reference materials they can continue using after the course. \nAnother benefit is the opportunity to network with other producers\, Extension personnel\, university researchers\, and agricultural industry representatives. \nFarmers who complete the Master Beef Producer program earn certification. UT Extension says that certification can qualify producers for a higher percentage of financial assistance through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program\, or TAEP. \nRegistration and Schedule \nThe Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo is scheduled for October 15\, 2026\, at the Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville. The Master Beef Producer course continues through October 16. \nGreene County Extension says check-in begins at 7:30 a.m.\, with programming scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Pre-registration costs $25 per person for one day or $50 for both days\, and includes lunch. \nFarmers interested specifically in completing the Master Beef Producer certification should contact the Greene County Extension Office at 423-798-1710 for registration information and current course requirements. \nDates: October 15-16\, 2026\nBeef Expo: October 15\nMaster Beef Producer course: Oct. 15-16\nLocation: Clyde Austin 4-H Center\, Greeneville\, Tennessee\nPresented by: UT Extension and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/the-northeast-tennessee-beef-expo/
LOCATION:Clyde Austin 4-H Center\, 214 4-H Lane\, Greeneville\, TN\, 37743\, United States
CATEGORIES:Courses & Training,Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/etienne-girardet-Beef-Expo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T140000
DTSTAMP:20260914T194621Z
CREATED:20260911T214607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T194621Z
UID:9620-1789459200-1789480800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Kentland Farm Field Day Brings Research to the Farm
DESCRIPTION:The Kentland Farm Field Day is scheduled for September 15 at Virginia Tech’s Kentland Farm near Blacksburg. The program runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5250 Whitethorne Road and lets farmers see agricultural research and management practices on a working farm. Registration costs $15 per person\, and space is limited. Virginia Tech asks participants to register by September 8. \nField days offer something difficult to duplicate in a classroom or online program. Farmers can see crops\, livestock\, equipment\, and management systems in action. They can also talk with Extension personnel\, researchers\, and other producers about how those practices might fit their own operations. \nField Day Connects Farmers With Virginia Tech Research\nKentland Farm serves Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as a site for agricultural research\, teaching\, and Extension work. The nearly 1\,800-acre farm supports work across several agricultural disciplines and provides a setting where researchers can demonstrate ideas under field conditions. \nPast Kentland field days have included wagon tours\, livestock and horticulture demonstrations\, and presentations on research taking place at the farm. Previous Extension programs at Kentland have explored subjects such as cover crops\, irrigation\, seasonal grasses\, fruit production\, pest management\, livestock watering\, cattle handling\, fencing\, and agricultural technology. The specific program can change each year\, so participants should review the 2026 agenda before attending. \nKentland Farm Field Day Offers a Chance to Compare Practices\nFor Appalachian Highlands farmers\, the value of the Kentland Farm Field Day may come from seeing how research translates into practical farm decisions. A demonstration can help a producer decide whether a particular practice deserves a closer look before investing money or changing an established system. \nThe event also offers an opportunity to ask questions about a farm’s soil\, livestock\, crops\, equipment\, or management challenges. \nRegister for Kentland Farm Field Day Before September 8\nBecause attendance is limited\, farmers interested in participating should register before the September 8 deadline rather than waiting until the day of the event. Virginia Tech lists the registration fee at $15 per person. Direct questions to the Pulaski Extension Office at 540-980-7761. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n \nRead articles about other educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/kentland-farm-field-day/
LOCATION:Kentland Farm\, 5250 Whitethorne Rd\, Blacksburg\, VA\, 24060\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Field Days
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kentland-Featured.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T000000
DTSTAMP:20260914T194428Z
CREATED:20260911T214607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T194428Z
UID:9621-1789430400-1789430400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:GRASS Project Applications Due Sept. 15
DESCRIPTION:The GRASS Project is accepting applications from beef cattle and sheep producers in Virginia and West Virginia through September 15. Led by West Virginia University Extension\, the Grazing for Appalachian Sustainability Project works with livestock farmers who want to improve pasture management\, grazing systems\, and long-term farm productivity. \n  \nThe program combines education and technical assistance with possible financial incentives. Rather than a simple equipment grant\, GRASS works with participating producers on conservation practices that improve how livestock\, forage\, water\, and land are managed together. \n \nGRASS Project Focuses on Grazing Improvements\nParticipating farms may work on practices such as prescribed grazing\, pasture and hay planting\, nutrient management\, silvopasture\, alley cropping\, tree and shrub establishment\, and other conservation improvements. \nFencing and livestock watering systems may also qualify when they support an approved grazing or conservation practice. That distinction matters because the program focuses on changes in farm management rather than stand-alone purchases. \nFor livestock producers\, better grazing management can affect several parts of an operation at once. Improved pasture use may help reduce feed pressure\, protect soil\, improve forage availability\, and give producers more flexibility during dry periods or other challenging conditions. \nFinancial Assistance Is Only Part of the Project\nSelected producers may qualify for annual cash incentives tied to approved practices. However\, the GRASS Project also provides training\, technical guidance\, and opportunities to connect conservation work with livestock marketing. \nFinancial assistance can vary by farm and practice\, so producers should not view GRASS as a flat-rate grant program. \nFarmers already receiving NRCS or other conservation cost-share assistance should check with GRASS staff before seeking funding for the same work. A project already being paid for through another program generally cannot receive duplicate funding. \nWho Should Consider the GRASS Project?\nThe program targets beef and sheep producers in Virginia and West Virginia who control the land where the proposed work will take place. Leased land may qualify when the producer has sufficient control of the property for the project. \nApplicants may also need current Farm Service Agency records and required federal forms. Producers interested in applying should review the eligibility requirements and contact the program before the September 15 deadline. \nFor Appalachian Highlands livestock farmers\, the GRASS Project offers an opportunity to examine grazing management with both conservation and farm economics in mind. \n  \nRead our full-length article about the GRASS Project here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/grass-project-application-deadline/
LOCATION:TN
CATEGORIES:Education,LAND, FOOD & STEWARDSHIP
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/20260718_085413-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="West Virginia University Extension":MAILTO:grass@wvu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T183000
DTSTAMP:20260914T193746Z
CREATED:20260913T192715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T193746Z
UID:9759-1789410600-1789410600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Organic Growers School's Organic Soil Management Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Organic Soil Health Starts Below the Surface\nThe Organic Soil Management Webinar is scheduled for September 14\, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Organic Growers School is organizing the event. The program will be offered online. The event is listed as free. \nThe current event listing describes the program this way: Free Organic Growers School webinar on soil health management\, soil organic matter\, and cover crops. Part of the 2026 Organic Crop Management series. \n  \n \n  \nFarmers Can Join the Webinar Online\nHealthy soil influences water movement\, nutrient availability\, root growth\, and a crop’s ability to handle stress. Soil management programs can help growers look beyond short-term fertility and consider organic matter\, cover crops\, biological activity\, and field practices that build resilience over time. For organic producers\, those decisions also connect directly to weed pressure\, disease risk\, and nutrient cycling. \nBecause the program is online\, participants can join from across the region without travel. Farmers may get more value from the session by bringing specific questions from their own operation and keeping notes on resources\, contacts\, or follow-up steps they want to pursue afterward. \nFor Appalachian Highlands readers\, the event may be especially useful when the subject connects directly to farm profitability\, conservation\, land access\, production risk\, or building a stronger agricultural business. AHF includes it in the Education Calendar so readers can track both learning opportunities and important application deadlines in one place. \nBefore the event or deadline arrives\, readers may want to save the official page\, confirm the date and time\, and note any registration\, eligibility\, or documentation requirements. Agricultural programs can change as organizers update schedules or funding guidance\, so checking the source again shortly before participating is a good final step. \nAnyone planning to attend should check the organizer’s page before the event for registration instructions\, schedule changes\, participation requirements\, and any materials to bring. Space may be limited for some programs\, and online events may require advance registration to receive the connection link. For the latest details\, visit https://www.organicgrowersschool.org/organic-crop-management. \n  \nRead our educational opportunity articles here:
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/organic-soil-management-webinar-2/
LOCATION:TN
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Great_Soil_Structure_in_Stehly_Crop_Field_in_Eastern_SD_21480483232.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Organic Growers School":MAILTO:chris@organicgrowersschool.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T183000
DTSTAMP:20260914T193632Z
CREATED:20260911T214606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T193632Z
UID:9619-1789410600-1789410600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Sullivan County Beef Producer Meeting: Dystocia
DESCRIPTION:Extension Specialist to Discuss Dystocia\nSullivan County Beef Producer Meeting: Dystocia is scheduled for September 14\, beginning at 6:30 p.m. UT-TSU Extension Sullivan County is organizing the event. The event will be held at the Sullivan County Extension Office. The event is listed as free. \nDystocia Education Counts Toward Master Beef Certification\nThe current event listing describes the program this way: Free monthly beef producer education meeting. Dr. Lew Strickland of the University of Tennessee will discuss dystocia. Attendance counts as one point toward Tennessee Master Beef certification. \nCalving Problems Can Escalate Quickly\nDystocia\, or difficulty during calving\, can quickly become a high-stakes problem for both the cow and calf. Beef producers benefit from knowing the warning signs\, when to intervene\, and when veterinary help may be needed. A focused Extension discussion gives producers a chance to review practical calving-management decisions before they face them in the barn or pasture. \nThe event may be useful to both newer and experienced producers because it provides a focused opportunity to step away from day-to-day farm work and concentrate on one subject. Participants can compare the information presented with the needs\, limitations\, and goals of their own operations. \nFor Appalachian Highlands readers\, the event may be especially useful when the subject connects directly to farm profitability\, conservation\, land access\, production risk\, or building a stronger agricultural business. AHF includes it in the Education Calendar so readers can track both learning opportunities and important application deadlines in one place. \nBefore the event or deadline arrives\, readers may want to save the official page\, confirm the date and time\, and note any registration\, eligibility\, or documentation requirements. Agricultural programs can change as organizers update schedules or funding guidance\, so checking the source again shortly before participating is a good final step. \n  \nFor current registration information\, eligibility requirements\, and any schedule updates\, visit the official event page: https://sullivan.tennessee.edu/monthly-beef-producer-meetings/ \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nRead our Educational Event articles here: 
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/sullivan-county-beef-producer-meeting-dystocia/
LOCATION:Sullivan County Extension Office\, 140 Spurgeon Lane\, Blountville\, TN\, 37617-4510\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
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