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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Appalachian Highlands Farmers Magazine
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T120000
DTSTAMP:20261014T222043Z
CREATED:20261014T222043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T222043Z
UID:11103-1792231200-1792238400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Biodynamic Farming Weekend: Biodynamic Composting
DESCRIPTION:About this session\nThe Biodynamic Composting workshop meets Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon Eastern. Jeff Poppen and the Against the Grain Farm hosts plan to discuss their compost ingredients and methods\, including the role they assign to biodynamic preparations. The farm has compost piles at different stages for participants to compare. Consider the materials you already compost\, the space you use and the questions you have about managing a pile. A short written description can help you explain your situation without bringing materials to the farm. Ask whether any supplies are required before assuming you should carry a sample. \nLearn on a working farm\nBlue Ridge Women in Agriculture is partnering with Against the Grain Farm and farmer Jeff Poppen for a three-session Biodynamic Farming Weekend Oct. 17–18\, 2026\, in Zionville\, North Carolina. Participants can buy a ticket for an individual session or the whole weekend. The farm is at 619 Camp Joy Road\, Zionville\, NC 28698. The event takes place in a working farm setting\, so review the organizer’s arrival instructions and ask about accessibility or weather arrangements before traveling. \nChoose the right ticket\nUse the organizer’s Ticket Tailor page to check current prices and select the session or weekend option you want. A Saturday potluck is listed between the morning and afternoon workshops; the hosts invite participants to bring a favorite farm food dish. Confirm the arrangements if you plan to join the meal. The registration page presents the hosts’ biodynamic approach and planned activities. It does not establish that every claim associated with biodynamic preparations has been independently demonstrated. Participants can ask the presenters how they evaluate a practice and which observations guide their decisions. Bring questions that connect the session with your own farming interests\, and keep notes on resources you want to examine afterward. These are optional suggestions for learning\, not extra workshop requirements. Check the event page for changes before attending and retain your ticket confirmation for the correct date and time. \nOfficial event information | Registration
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/biodynamic-farming-weekend-biodynamic-composting/
LOCATION:Against the Grain Farm\, 619 Camp Joy Road\, Zionville\, NC\, 28698
CATEGORIES:Education,Educational
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T150000
DTSTAMP:20261014T222043Z
CREATED:20261014T222043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T222043Z
UID:11104-1792242000-1792249200@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Biodynamic Farming Weekend: Horn Manure Preparation and Application
DESCRIPTION:About this session\nThe afternoon workshop meets Oct. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern. Jeff Poppen and the hosts plan to explain the horn manure preparation known as BD500\, discuss its preparation and application\, and apply some on the farm with the group. The announcement also identifies discussion of horn silica\, called BD501. Participants interested in the practice can ask how the hosts select an application method and evaluate what they observe afterward. Keep questions about the preparation process separate from questions about evidence for claimed effects. This helps clarify what the demonstration shows and what would require further investigation. \nLearn on a working farm\nBlue Ridge Women in Agriculture is partnering with Against the Grain Farm and farmer Jeff Poppen for a three-session Biodynamic Farming Weekend Oct. 17–18\, 2026\, in Zionville\, North Carolina. Participants can buy a ticket for an individual session or the whole weekend. The farm is at 619 Camp Joy Road\, Zionville\, NC 28698. The event takes place in a working farm setting\, so review the organizer’s arrival instructions and ask about accessibility or weather arrangements before traveling. \nChoose the right ticket\nUse the organizer’s Ticket Tailor page to check current prices and select the session or weekend option you want. A Saturday potluck is listed between the morning and afternoon workshops; the hosts invite participants to bring a favorite farm food dish. Confirm the arrangements if you plan to join the meal. The registration page presents the hosts’ biodynamic approach and planned activities. It does not establish that every claim associated with biodynamic preparations has been independently demonstrated. Participants can ask the presenters how they evaluate a practice and which observations guide their decisions. Bring questions that connect the session with your own farming interests\, and keep notes on resources you want to examine afterward. These are optional suggestions for learning\, not extra workshop requirements. Check the event page for changes before attending and retain your ticket confirmation for the correct date and time. \nOfficial event information | Registration
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/biodynamic-farming-weekend-horn-manure-preparation-and-application/
LOCATION:Against the Grain Farm\, 619 Camp Joy Road\, Zionville\, NC\, 28698
CATEGORIES:Education,Educational
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261018T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261018T123000
DTSTAMP:20261014T222043Z
CREATED:20261014T222043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T222043Z
UID:11105-1792319400-1792326600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Biodynamic Farming Weekend: Open Farm and Market-Garden Discussion
DESCRIPTION:About this session\nThe final session meets Oct. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern. Jeff “The Barefoot Farmer” Poppen will take part in an open discussion of farming and market gardening. Organizers invite participants to bring questions about biodynamic practices or more general farm topics. Prepare a specific question that can be explained briefly. You might describe a production challenge\, a planning decision or a practice you want to understand. The invitation welcomes questions but does not promise an individual farm consultation or a complete management plan for each participant. \nLearn on a working farm\nBlue Ridge Women in Agriculture is partnering with Against the Grain Farm and farmer Jeff Poppen for a three-session Biodynamic Farming Weekend Oct. 17–18\, 2026\, in Zionville\, North Carolina. Participants can buy a ticket for an individual session or the whole weekend. The farm is at 619 Camp Joy Road\, Zionville\, NC 28698. The event takes place in a working farm setting\, so review the organizer’s arrival instructions and ask about accessibility or weather arrangements before traveling. \nChoose the right ticket\nUse the organizer’s Ticket Tailor page to check current prices and select the session or weekend option you want. A Saturday potluck is listed between the morning and afternoon workshops; the hosts invite participants to bring a favorite farm food dish. Confirm the arrangements if you plan to join the meal. The registration page presents the hosts’ biodynamic approach and planned activities. It does not establish that every claim associated with biodynamic preparations has been independently demonstrated. Participants can ask the presenters how they evaluate a practice and which observations guide their decisions. Bring questions that connect the session with your own farming interests\, and keep notes on resources you want to examine afterward. These are optional suggestions for learning\, not extra workshop requirements. Check the event page for changes before attending and retain your ticket confirmation for the correct date and time. \nOfficial event information | Registration
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/biodynamic-farming-weekend-open-farm-and-market-garden-discussion/
LOCATION:Against the Grain Farm\, 619 Camp Joy Road\, Zionville\, NC\, 28698
CATEGORIES:Education,Educational
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261020T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261020T210000
DTSTAMP:20260923T212945Z
CREATED:20260913T154025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T212945Z
UID:9693-1792519200-1792530000@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Winter Business Intensive: Visioning and Resources
DESCRIPTION:Turn a Farm Idea Into a Clear Direction\nWinter Business Intensive: Visioning and Resources continues Appalachian RC&D’s 2026-27 Winter Business Intensive Field School on October 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Langston Centre in Johnson City\, Tennessee. \nThe session focuses on helping farmers define where they want their operations to go and evaluate the resources they already have available. A clear vision can give later decisions about markets\, infrastructure\, finances\, and production a common direction rather than leaving each choice disconnected from the others. \n\n\nAssess the Resources Behind the Vision\nParticipants can examine factors such as land\, labor\, equipment\, infrastructure\, finances\, experience\, and time. For example\, a farm may have strong production potential but limited labor\, or access to land without the infrastructure needed for a particular enterprise. \nBy comparing long-term goals with current resources\, farmers can begin identifying gaps before making expensive commitments. The process can also help producers distinguish between opportunities that fit their operations and ideas that may require more capital\, labor\, or management than they can reasonably provide. \nA realistic inventory does not have to limit ambition. Instead\, it can show which investments or partnerships may be needed to move the operation deliberately toward its goals. \nConnect Personal Goals With Business Decisions\nFarm planning also involves the people behind the business. Workload\, family responsibilities\, income needs\, available time\, and lifestyle goals can all influence whether a farm plan remains workable over the long term. \nThis session gives participants a chance to consider those realities alongside the farm’s physical resources. Producers can then use that information as they move into later Winter Business Intensive sessions covering infrastructure\, marketing\, financial management\, and production planning. \nPart of an Eight-Session Business Series\nAppalachian RC&D designed the Winter Business Intensive for beginning and experienced farmers who want a stronger framework for managing their agricultural businesses. The series combines classroom instruction with practical tools and information from agricultural professionals and experienced producers. \nParticipants who complete the program can also qualify for Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program education credit toward eligible Producer Diversification requirements. Farmers should review the current registration information before attending and confirm any materials or preparation requested for the October 20 session. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/winter-business-intensive-visioning-and-resources/
LOCATION:Langston Centre\, 315 Elm St\, Johnson City\, TN\, 37601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Courses & Training,Education,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Visioning1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T160000
DTSTAMP:20261009T170018Z
CREATED:20261009T170018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T170018Z
UID:11007-1792571400-1792598400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Electric Fence-Building Workshop in Mount Jackson
DESCRIPTION:Build fencing skills in the field\nVirginia State University Cooperative Extension will hold an electric fence workshop Oct. 21\, 2026\, in Mount Jackson\, Virginia. The day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and centers on hands-on installation of high-tensile electric fencing with Gallagher Fencing. Farmers who want to understand fence construction through practical work can use the session to connect equipment choices with the demands of their livestock operation. The workshop is free\, includes lunch and has room for up to 40 participants. Gallagher and Martin’s Native Lumber support the event. \nPrepare for a working day\nOrganizers recommend bringing gloves\, safety glasses and hearing protection. Plan clothing and footwear for outdoor work\, and ask about weather arrangements when registering. A useful way to prepare is to write down the problems you want a new fence to solve: animals escaping\, difficult paddock moves or an aging boundary. Those observations can help you frame questions during the workshop. If you have a proposed fence project\, a simple sketch with gates\, terrain changes and water access may help you explain your situation. These are preparation suggestions\, rather than a published equipment list or a promise that instructors will design individual farm systems. \nConfirm the location and register\nThe public listing gives Mount Jackson Methodist Church\, 141 Orkney Drive\, Mount Jackson\, VA 22842\, as the event address. Its description also says participants will work at Llamazing Blessed Homestead. Confirm where to gather and whether travel between sites is involved before leaving home. Registration matters because the workshop has a participant limit. Contact Marian Dalke at 540-232-6010 or mdalke@vsu.edu with questions about registration\, the work site or accessibility. Ask whether your protective equipment meets the day’s needs and whether there are tasks you should expect to perform. Keep the registration confirmation available for arrival instructions and any schedule updates. The organizer’s event page links to the registration form and remains the best place to check changes before the workshop. \nOfficial event information | Register
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/electric-fence-building-workshop-in-mount-jackson/
LOCATION:Mount Jackson Methodist Church\, 141 Orkney Drive\, Mount Jackson\, VA\, 22842
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T170000
DTSTAMP:20261014T222218Z
CREATED:20261014T222049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T222218Z
UID:11106-1792571400-1792602000@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Mills River Pesticide Safety School: Day One — Core Training
DESCRIPTION:About this school day\nDay one meets Oct. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern for core training. Private/Farmers applicants attend instruction on this day only and return the following afternoon for their examinations. Before class\, confirm that your selected registration matches the certification you need and that you have ordered the relevant manual. These are practical preparation steps drawn from the school’s instructions\, rather than a substitute for the licensing agency’s requirements. \nPrepare for the correct category\nNC State Extension’s Mills River Pesticide Safety School takes place Oct. 21–22\, 2026\, at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center\, 455 Research Drive\, Mills River\, NC 28759. The school offers core instruction and category training for Ornamentals and Turf and Private/Farmers applicants. Organizers advise participants to purchase and read the appropriate manuals before class and bring them to the school. Registration\, manuals and certification examinations involve separate arrangements; review the official instructions for your category. \nKeep training and examinations distinct\nThe school’s public page says the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services administers exams on Oct. 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. Exam fees are separate from school registration and are paid to the inspector at the exam location. Registrants should receive a reminder with the agenda and another time-sensitive email containing an exam registration link and special code. Check both messages and follow their instructions. Do not assume that signing up for instruction completes every examination step. Ask the program team about fees\, eligibility and any materials you need before traveling. The course is scheduled in person and requires sufficient registration to proceed\, according to the watch announcement. Confirm that it is going ahead before making final travel arrangements. Completing training does not itself establish that a participant has passed an examination or received a license. Keep your school registration\, manual order and examination instructions together so you can check each step. If a confirmation is missing\, contact the program before the school rather than waiting until arrival. \nOfficial event information | Registration
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/mills-river-pesticide-safety-school-day-one-core-training/
LOCATION:Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center\, 455 Research Drive\, Mills River\, NC\, 28759
CATEGORIES:Education,Educational
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T130000
DTSTAMP:20261014T222218Z
CREATED:20261014T222050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T222218Z
UID:11107-1792584000-1792587600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Grassland Partnership: Introducing Clovers Into Tall Fescue Pastures
DESCRIPTION:A lunchtime look at pasture improvement\nNC State Extension will offer a free Grassland Partnership webinar Oct 21\, 2026\, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern. The online session focuses on introducing clovers into existing tall fescue pastures. It is one of two fall webinars connecting pasture management education with information about potential financial assistance. Farmers can register through the official announcement\, which links to the individual sessions. Keep the two dates separate when planning your attendance: the clover webinar is Oct. 21\, and the native grass webinar is Nov. 18. \nConnect the topic with your farm\nBefore joining\, note where clover already grows on your farm and which fields you might want to improve. A recent soil test\, a short account of weed pressure and your field’s herbicide history can help you identify questions to pursue. These are optional preparation suggestions\, not a published list of required materials. Ask how the practice fits your conditions rather than assuming that every field needs the same approach. The series is relevant to livestock producers interested in evaluating their forage systems. Use the presentation to distinguish what is broadly useful from what needs a closer look on your own land. Keep notes on questions that would benefit from a conversation with your local Extension contact after the webinar. The event announcement identifies the practice and the opportunity to learn about implementation\, rather than promising a particular production result for every participant. \nAsk about implementation support\nThe closing portion will explain access to financial support for implementing the featured practices. Organizers expect on-farm implementation to begin in late January 2027. The notices do not publish payment rates\, acreage requirements or the geographic limits of eligibility. Before planning around assistance\, ask which farms qualify\, what costs the program covers and what obligations participants accept. Review your registration confirmation for Zoom access instructions and test your connection before noon. A notebook or other way to record contacts will help you follow up on funding questions. Check the official announcement again before the session for updates. Registration for an educational webinar should not be treated as approval for funding or permission to begin a reimbursable project. \nOfficial event information
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/grassland-partnership-introducing-clovers-into-tall-fescue-pastures/
LOCATION:Online — Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education,Educational
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T080000
DTSTAMP:20260921T221408Z
CREATED:20260921T202600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T221408Z
UID:10287-1792656000-1792656000@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Woods and Wildlife Field Day
DESCRIPTION:Forestry and Wildlife Education in Oak Ridge\nUT AgResearch and UT Extension will hold a Woods and Wildlife Field Day on October 22. The event will be held at the Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center and UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Eastern at the UT Arboretum Auditorium\, 901 S. Illinois Avenue. \nThe event is part of UT AgResearch’s statewide field day program. It offers landowners\, farmers\, and other participants a chance to learn about current university research. They can also talk directly with faculty and staff. Woods and Wildlife programs focus on managing forestland\, wildlife habitat\, and natural resources. The field day is particularly relevant to Appalachian Highlands landowners. They manage wooded acreage alongside farms\, pasture\, or other working lands. \n\n\n2026 Agenda Still to Come\nUT AgResearch confirmed October 22 as the date for Oak Ridge and an 8 a.m. start. Therefore\, delay presentation topics until the full program is issued. Also delay tours\, fees\, and end time. \nPrevious Woods and Wildlife field days mixed classroom or auditorium presentations with field stops. These stops let participants see research and management practices in the landscape. UT’s 2026 agenda should move beyond these earlier programs\, though they provide useful context. \nA Resource for Woodland Owners\nWoodland management decisions can affect timber value\, wildlife habitat\, recreation\, invasive-species pressure\, forest health\, and the long-term condition of family land. Field days can help landowners learn what university researchers are studying and identify Extension or natural-resource professionals who may be able to assist with questions on their own property. \nThe UT Arboretum is part of the Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center and serves as an outdoor research and education site. Its Oak Ridge location makes the October program accessible to many landowners in East Tennessee and the wider Appalachian Highlands. \nParticipants should check UT AgResearch’s official field day listing as October 22 approaches for the final agenda\, registration instructions\, cost information\, and ending time. The university will update the AHF Education Calendar if it releases additional details. \nDate: Thursday\, October 22\, 2026\nTime: 8 a.m. Eastern\nLocation: Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center — UT Arboretum Auditorium\nAddress: 901 S. Illinois Ave.\, Oak Ridge\, TN 37830\nOrganizer: UT AgResearch and UT Extension\nDetailed agenda: Pending\nRegistration information: Pending \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/woods-and-wildlife-field-day/
LOCATION:UT Arboretum Auditorium\, 901 S. Illinois Avenue\, Oak Ridge\, TN\, 37830\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Field Days
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/KIMG1028_Crop_Web-aspect-ratio-300-360.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T170000
DTSTAMP:20261014T222218Z
CREATED:20261014T222050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T222218Z
UID:11108-1792657800-1792688400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Mills River Pesticide Safety School: Day Two — Category Training and Exams
DESCRIPTION:About this school day\nDay two includes Ornamentals and Turf category instruction from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Eastern\, followed by a break before state examinations from 1 to 5 p.m. Private/Farmers applicants do not attend morning category training; they return for the examination period. The calendar’s overall day-two span includes that midday break. Review the school’s emails to confirm which portions apply to you and how to register for the relevant exams. \nPrepare for the correct category\nNC State Extension’s Mills River Pesticide Safety School takes place Oct. 21–22\, 2026\, at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center\, 455 Research Drive\, Mills River\, NC 28759. The school offers core instruction and category training for Ornamentals and Turf and Private/Farmers applicants. Organizers advise participants to purchase and read the appropriate manuals before class and bring them to the school. Registration\, manuals and certification examinations involve separate arrangements; review the official instructions for your category. \nKeep training and examinations distinct\nThe school’s public page says the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services administers exams on Oct. 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. Exam fees are separate from school registration and are paid to the inspector at the exam location. Registrants should receive a reminder with the agenda and another time-sensitive email containing an exam registration link and special code. Check both messages and follow their instructions. Do not assume that signing up for instruction completes every examination step. Ask the program team about fees\, eligibility and any materials you need before traveling. The course is scheduled in person and requires sufficient registration to proceed\, according to the watch announcement. Confirm that it is going ahead before making final travel arrangements. Completing training does not itself establish that a participant has passed an examination or received a license. Keep your school registration\, manual order and examination instructions together so you can check each step. If a confirmation is missing\, contact the program before the school rather than waiting until arrival. \nOfficial event information | Registration
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/mills-river-pesticide-safety-school-day-two-category-training-and-exams/
LOCATION:Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center\, 455 Research Drive\, Mills River\, NC\, 28759
CATEGORIES:Education,Educational
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T110000
DTSTAMP:20260926T192715Z
CREATED:20260926T192715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260926T192715Z
UID:10569-1792663200-1792666800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Fall Crop Protection Webinar #1: Extension Weed Science Update
DESCRIPTION:Fall Crop Protection Webinar #1\nThe Extension Weed Science Update session of the University of Kentucky Fall Crop Protection Webinar Series will be held online from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern. Marcelo Zimmer of University of Kentucky Extension Weed Science will present the session. \nThe University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture\, Food and Environment and the Grain Crops Pest Management Group are presenting the 2026 Fall Crop Protection Webinar Series. The five-part online series focuses on agronomic crops and integrated pest management and is open to farmers\, Extension agents\, crop consultants\, industry professionals and others. \nEach session runs from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern. Participants must register online and select the webinar dates they want to attend. Certified crop advisers can earn one Integrated Pest Management continuing-education unit for each webinar\, for a possible five CEUs across the full series. Kentucky pesticide applicator credits are pending. \nPart of a Five-Week Series\nThe series runs on consecutive Thursdays from October 22 through November 19. Farmers can register for individual sessions or multiple dates through the official University of Kentucky event page.
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/fall-crop-protection-webinar-1-extension-weed-science-update/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T110000
DTSTAMP:20261014T222218Z
CREATED:20261014T222050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T222218Z
UID:11109-1792663200-1792666800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Fall Crop Protection: Biology and Management of Johnsongrass
DESCRIPTION:About this webinar\nMarcelo Zimmer will present Biology and Management of Johnsongrass Oct 22\, 2026 as part of the Fall Crop Protection Webinar Series. The announced presentation addresses Johnsongrass in row crops\, forages and roadsides. Consider where it occurs on your operation and what you want to clarify about management before joining. A short description of the setting can help you frame questions. This is optional preparation\, not a request to submit a weed sample or a promise of a field-specific herbicide recommendation. \nA regional crop protection series\nThe University of Kentucky Grain Crops Pest Management group is presenting five one-hour fall webinars on consecutive Thursdays from Oct. 22 through Nov. 19\, 2026. Every meeting runs from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern\, or 9 to 10 a.m. Central. Farmers\, crop consultants\, Extension agents\, industry professionals and other interested participants can join\, including people who live or work outside Kentucky. Each meeting has its own topic and calendar entry. Reserve the dates that fit your learning needs and check the confirmation for each one. A question that remains unanswered during a session can become a useful follow-up with your local Extension office. \nRegister and check credit requirements\nSelect the desired dates on the university’s Zoom registration page and provide your name and email address. The confirmation will identify the dates selected. To add a session before it airs\, return to the registration page and select that date. The current announcement says certified crop advisers can earn one Integrated Pest Management continuing education unit per webinar\, potentially five for the full series. Kentucky pesticide applicator credits remain pending in the published notice. Confirm current approval and participation requirements before relying on a session for a particular credential. Contact UK Extension associate Jason Travis at 859-562-2569 with questions. Test your online connection before the morning meeting and keep the confirmation available. Afterward\, retain any attendance documentation and the resource names you want to consult. These steps help organize follow-up but do not replace the organizer’s process for receiving credit. \nOfficial event information | Registration
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/fall-crop-protection-biology-and-management-of-johnsongrass/
LOCATION:Online — Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education,Educational
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T150000
DTSTAMP:20261009T170054Z
CREATED:20261009T170027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T170054Z
UID:11008-1792674000-1792681200@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Small Farm Orientation — Online Option
DESCRIPTION:Start with a farm planning foundation\nVirginia State University Cooperative Extension will offer Small Farm Orientation Oct. 22\, 2026\, from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern through Microsoft Teams. The program serves people with no farming experience and farmers in their first five years. This calendar entry covers the online option\, which lets participants join without traveling to the in-person meeting in Cambridge\, Maryland. The orientation brings together Ben Dukes\, Malique Middleton and integrated marketing specialist Theresa Nartea. Organizers identify the Small Farm Orientation manual as a resource for the program. \nBring your farm questions\nEarly decisions can shape how a farm develops\, and an orientation offers a place to organize the questions that come with starting out. Before the meeting\, consider writing a short description of what you hope to produce\, the land or facilities you can use and the customers you want to reach. Keep immediate needs separate from ideas that can wait until a later season. For example\, you might need to understand your next planning step before deciding on a major equipment purchase. These suggestions help you prepare for the conversation; they do not represent a promised agenda. Participants can also note which parts of farming feel least familiar and ask how Extension resources might support their learning after the orientation. \nConnect through Microsoft Teams\nInstall Microsoft Teams in advance if your device needs it\, and test your microphone\, speakers and internet connection. Joining early gives you time to resolve access problems before the program begins. Register through the organizer’s event page and follow the instructions in your confirmation for the meeting link. The public listing does not state a registration fee\, so contact the organizer if cost affects your plans. Ben Dukes can answer questions at 804-731-7916 or bdukes@vsu.edu. Ask about obtaining the manual\, any materials you should review beforehand and the format for participant questions. Keep the contact information close at hand on the day of the meeting. Use the online registration option when signing up so the organizer can send the appropriate joining instructions. \nOfficial event information | Register
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/small-farm-orientation-online-option/
LOCATION:Online — Microsoft Teams
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T200000
DTSTAMP:20260921T195545Z
CREATED:20260921T190524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T195545Z
UID:10244-1792692000-1792699200@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Cover Crops Your Way: Session 1
DESCRIPTION:Build a Cover Crop Plan That Fits the Farm\nFarmers and growers looking to improve soil health can join Cover Crops Your Way\, a two-part workshop scheduled for October 22 and November 14 in Morganton. \nThe program begins with a classroom session from 6 to 8 p.m. October 22 at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Burke County Center\, 130 Ammons Drive. Participants will return November 14 from 10 a.m. to noon for a hands-on demonstration at Oak Hill Community Park and Forest\, 820 N.C. 126. Pre-registration is required. \nThe workshop moves from classroom instruction to practical field application. \n\n\nCover Crop Selection\, Soil Testing\, and Establishment\nTopics will include the benefits of cover crops\, different cover crop varieties\, soil testing\, planning\, and establishment. Organizers also plan a cover crop planting demonstration during the field portion of the program. \nThe classroom session will cover different cover crop types and how to use them in production environments. During the November field session\, participants will see how different cover crops are established and gain practical knowledge they can apply to their own operations. \nThat combination may help growers who understand the general benefits of cover crops but need help deciding which species\, planting methods\, or timing make sense for their farms. \nSupporting Healthier Soils\nCover crops can be part of a broader farm-management strategy\, not a one-size-fits-all practice. Producers need to consider their production system\, soil conditions\, planting windows\, and goals when selecting what to grow between cash crops. \nThe workshop aims to help participants develop a cover crop plan rather than simply introducing individual species. \nThe program is being offered through N.C. Cooperative Extension in cooperation with partners including Burke Soil and Water Conservation District\, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina\, and Empowering Mountain Food Systems. \nFor Appalachian Highlands vegetable producers\, diversified farms\, market gardeners\, and other growers interested in soil health\, the two-session format provides both instruction and an opportunity to see cover-crop establishment in the field. \nParticipants must register in advance. Burke County Extension can also provide additional information about the sessions. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/cover-crops-your-way-1/
LOCATION:N.C. Cooperative Extension Burke County Center\, 130 Ammons Drive\, Morganton\, NC\, 28655\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/pexels-n-voitkevich-4453779-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T200000
DTSTAMP:20260927T210321Z
CREATED:20260927T210321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260927T210321Z
UID:10692-1792692000-1792699200@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Cover Crops Your Way: Classroom Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Start With the Classroom Session\nCover Crops Your Way begins October 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Burke County Center in Morganton. The two-part program is designed to help growers understand how different cover crops can fit their production systems and soil-management goals. \nThe classroom session will cover the benefits of cover crops\, different cover-crop varieties\, soil testing\, equipment and development of a practical cover-crop plan. \nPart One of a Two-Part Workshop\nThe October 22 session prepares participants for a hands-on field demonstration scheduled for November 14 at Oak Hill Community Park & Forest. The field session will focus on establishing different cover crops in the field. \nRegistration Required\nThe program is hosted by Burke County N.C. Cooperative Extension with partners including Burke Soil and Water Conservation District\, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina and Empowering Mountain Food Systems. Pre-registration is required. Participants can register through the official event listing or contact Burke County Extension at 828-764-9480.
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/cover-crops-your-way-classroom-workshop/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T200000
DTSTAMP:20260927T210322Z
CREATED:20260927T210322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260927T210322Z
UID:10694-1792692000-1792699200@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Cover Crops Your Way: Classroom Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Start With the Classroom Session\nCover Crops Your Way begins October 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Burke County Center in Morganton. The two-part program is designed to help growers understand how different cover crops can fit their production systems and soil-management goals. \nThe classroom session will cover the benefits of cover crops\, different cover-crop varieties\, soil testing\, equipment and development of a practical cover-crop plan. \nPart One of a Two-Part Workshop\nThe October 22 session prepares participants for a hands-on field demonstration scheduled for November 14 at Oak Hill Community Park & Forest. The field session will focus on establishing different cover crops in the field. \nRegistration Required\nThe program is hosted by Burke County N.C. Cooperative Extension with partners including Burke Soil and Water Conservation District\, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina and Empowering Mountain Food Systems. Pre-registration is required. Participants can register through the official event listing or contact Burke County Extension at 828-764-9480.
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/cover-crops-your-way-classroom-workshop-2/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T200000
DTSTAMP:20261014T222218Z
CREATED:20261014T222050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T222218Z
UID:11110-1792692000-1792699200@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Cover Crops Your Way: Classroom Session
DESCRIPTION:A two-part approach to cover crops\nCover Crops Your Way will hold its classroom session Oct 22\, 2026 in Morganton\, North Carolina. The classroom meeting will examine cover crop species\, combinations of species and how to fit them into a production setting. Organizers connect the subject with goals such as building organic matter\, reducing erosion\, suppressing weeds and improving nutrient availability. The session gives participants a place to consider the reasoning behind a cover crop choice before attending the separate field demonstration. The workshop series is free\, and advance registration is required. This entry covers one meeting rather than both dates; reserve the other session separately on your calendar. \nPrepare a question about your land\nBefore attending\, consider the goal that matters most in the field you have in mind. You might want to understand a seasonal opening in your rotation\, a soil management concern or the equipment you can use. Write down the crops already grown there and the decision you hope the program will help you investigate. These are optional preparation suggestions\, not a required farm plan or a promise of an individual prescription. Keep the question specific enough to discuss\, and ask which local resources can help you evaluate it afterward. The series announcement describes educational opportunities\, rather than guaranteeing a particular soil or production result for each participant. Use what you learn as a starting point for a plan suited to your own conditions. \nRegister and confirm the meeting site\nThe Oct. 22 classroom session runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burke County Extension Center\, 130 Ammons Drive. The Nov. 14 field session runs from 10 a.m. to noon at Oak Hill Community Park and Forest\, 820 NC-126. All times are Eastern. Register through the linked Eventbrite page or call 828-764-9480 for assistance. Check your confirmation for attendance arrangements and any supplies the organizer recommends. For the outdoor meeting\, ask about weather plans\, walking conditions and accessibility before traveling. Do not assume both parts use the same address. Review the current announcement before each date\, and keep a way to record the equipment\, resource names and follow-up contacts that are most useful to your farm. \nOfficial event information | Registration
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/cover-crops-your-way-classroom-session/
LOCATION:Burke County Extension Center\, 130 Ammons Drive\, Morganton\, NC\, 28655
CATEGORIES:Education,Educational
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261023T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261025T120000
DTSTAMP:20260913T154134Z
CREATED:20260913T154134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T154134Z
UID:9701-1792746000-1792929600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Gather to Grow Forest Farming Conference
DESCRIPTION:Three-day Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition conference on forest farming of botanicals\, mushrooms\, syrups and other non-timber forest products. Conference scholarships remain available for some beginning farmers from Appalachian counties.
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/gather-to-grow-forest-farming-conference/
LOCATION:The Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center\, 901 Prices Fork Road\, Blacksburg\, VA\, 24061\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
ORGANIZER;CN="Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition":MAILTO:info@appalachianforestfarmers.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261024T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261024T160000
DTSTAMP:20261009T170054Z
CREATED:20261009T170028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T170054Z
UID:11009-1792846800-1792857600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:QuickBooks and Farm Financial Management Workshop — Abingdon
DESCRIPTION:Work on your farm’s financial systems\nVirginia State University Cooperative Extension will offer a QuickBooks and Farm Financial Management Workshop Oct. 24\, 2026\, from 1 to 4 p.m. in Abingdon\, Virginia. The session takes place at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center\, 1 Partnership Circle\, Abingdon\, VA 24210. Participants must bring a laptop. Organizers offer one year of QuickBooks access at no charge and describe the workshop as an opportunity for one-on-one technical assistance. The public listing does not state a workshop registration fee. \nConnect records with farm decisions\nThe announced support addresses financial stability\, loss prevention\, risk management and USDA programs. It also points farmers toward legal\, tax and farm business services. Those connections can help participants identify where they need further assistance after the workshop. To prepare\, consider writing down the bookkeeping task that gives you the most trouble and the reports you would like to understand better. You might also outline the records you already keep and the parts of your system you want to improve. These are optional preparation suggestions\, rather than a published requirement to bring financial documents. Ask the coordinator what information\, accounts or software setup you should have available on your laptop before arriving. That conversation can help you use the technical assistance time efficiently. \nRegister and ask about assistance\nJimmy Maclin is the contact for workshop questions at 804-731-6595 or jlmaclin@vsu.edu. Mandy Fletcher and Wayne Browning are also involved in coordination. The announcement offers travel assistance; contact the organizer to learn the conditions and how to request it. Do not assume that every travel expense qualifies or that assistance is automatic. Register through the event’s linked form and review the confirmation for instructions. Charge your laptop\, bring its power adapter and check that you can access the accounts you expect to use. If you need accommodations or help with the software offer\, raise those questions before the workshop. Keep the official event link available to check for updates. After attending\, choose a manageable next step for your farm records and follow up with the relevant service provider when you need more specialized guidance. \nOfficial event information | Register
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/quickbooks-and-farm-financial-management-workshop-abingdon/
LOCATION:Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center\, 1 Partnership Circle\, Abingdon\, VA\, 24210
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261025T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261025T090000
DTSTAMP:20260913T193209Z
CREATED:20260913T193209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T193209Z
UID:9806-1792918800-1792918800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Gather to Grow Forest Farming Conference
DESCRIPTION:Gather to Grow Forest Farming Conference is scheduled for Oct. 23-Oct. 25\, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition is organizing the opportunity. The event is scheduled at The Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center. The listed cost is $299. \nThe current event listing describes the program this way: Three-day Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition conference on forest farming of botanicals\, mushrooms\, syrups and other non-timber forest products. Conference scholarships remain available for some beginning farmers from Appalachian counties. \nForest farming creates agricultural opportunities under a managed woodland canopy. Appalachian producers may work with botanicals\, mushrooms\, syrups and other non-timber forest products\, but success depends on site conditions\, production knowledge\, markets and long-term stewardship. A regional conference can connect growers with experienced producers\, researchers and buyers while showing the range of enterprises possible in Appalachian forests. \nConferences can be especially useful for people who want both education and networking. In addition to formal sessions\, participants often gain value from comparing experiences with other producers\, meeting organizations that serve farmers and identifying follow-up contacts for technical or business questions. \nFor Appalachian Highlands readers\, the event may be especially useful when the subject connects directly to farm profitability\, conservation\, land access\, production risk or the development of 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.appalachianforestfarmers.org/gather-to-grow
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/gather-to-grow-forest-farming-conference-2/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261025T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261025T140000
DTSTAMP:20260926T192720Z
CREATED:20260926T192720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260926T192720Z
UID:10570-1792936800-1792936800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Fall in the Foothills Field Day
DESCRIPTION:East Tennessee Field Day Planned for October 25\nThe 2026 Fall in the Foothills Field Day will take place October 25 at 2 p.m. at the Little River Dairy Unit of the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Walland\, Tennessee. \nThe University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture lists the program as a training\, workshop and outreach event focused on agriculture. The event is hosted through the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center\, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. \nMore Program Details Are Coming\nUT has not yet posted a detailed 2026 agenda. The official calendar says additional information will be released as the event approaches. Farmers and other attendees should check the official event page before traveling for any schedule updates or registration information. \nThe Little River Dairy Unit is located at 3229 Ellejoy Road in Walland. The event offers a regional opportunity for East Tennessee producers and other Appalachian Highlands farmers to connect with university research and Extension outreach.
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/fall-in-the-foothills-field-day/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261027T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261027T160000
DTSTAMP:20261025T205059Z
CREATED:20261025T205059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261025T205059Z
UID:11225-1793111400-1793116800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Burke County Master Gardener Class Information Meeting and Q&A
DESCRIPTION:Learn about the volunteer program\nBurke County Extension will hold a Master Gardener class information meeting and question-and-answer session Oct. 27\, 2026\, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Eastern. The location is 130 Ammons Drive in Morganton. The meeting will explain the program’s mission\, class details and volunteer responsibilities. Current Master Gardeners will share their experiences and answer questions. \nConsider both learning and service\nThe separate class announcement says training is planned for January through April 2027\, with applications opening in early November. This information meeting is a chance to ask about the local program before applying. Suggested preparation includes considering why you want to participate and how community education could fit your time and interests. An interest in gardening is useful context\, but ask the coordinator what the actual volunteer role involves. Attendance at an information session does not establish acceptance. \nQuestions to bring\nAsk how the application process works\, what training participation requires and how new volunteers receive support. If you have a work\, travel or accessibility constraint\, describe it clearly and ask about the program’s current arrangements. You may also want to ask how volunteers find approved references and handle questions beyond their experience. These are suggested discussion prompts\, not an additional agenda or a prediction of interview questions. Keep the response tied to Burke County rather than assuming every county uses the same policies. \nCheck the next milestone\nContact Tanner Collier at 828-764-9480 or tanner_collier@ncsu.edu about current participation details. Confirm any registration requirement and arrival instructions before traveling. No fee has been verified for this meeting. Keep its date separate from the later application opening and the start of training. Early November remains an approximate application period rather than a confirmed Nov. 1 opening. Use the official event page for meeting updates and the current class announcement for subsequent steps. Record the contact information you receive so you can resolve questions after reviewing the program materials. \nOfficial information and current participation details
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/burke-county-master-gardener-class-information-meeting-and-qa/
LOCATION:Burke County Extension Center\, 130 Ammons Drive\, Morganton\, NC\, 28655
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261028T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261028T153000
DTSTAMP:20261009T170054Z
CREATED:20261009T170028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T170054Z
UID:11010-1793172600-1793201400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:2026 Kentucky Grazing Conference — Elizabethtown
DESCRIPTION:Small ruminants take center stage\nThe 2026 Kentucky Grazing Conference will meet Oct. 28 in Elizabethtown\, Kentucky\, with a focus on sheep and goats. The theme\, Rooted in Resilience: Grazing Small Ruminants in Kentucky\, brings attention to the management decisions behind pasture-based small ruminant operations. The day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern\, with arrival and registration from 7:30 to 8 a.m. General admission costs $45\, and the student rate is $15. Registration includes lunch and a trade show. \nExplore grazing approaches\nThe announced program addresses regenerative practices\, nutrition\, custom grazing and mixed-species grazing. The University of Kentucky Master Grazer Educational Program and partners are organizing the conference. Choose this Elizabethtown date if it fits your travel plans; Winchester hosts a separate conference the following day. Farmers can prepare by identifying a grazing question tied to their own animals and acreage. For example\, consider where your current pasture plan works well and where you need more information before changing it. Keep those observations brief enough to discuss during a break. These optional preparation ideas do not add sessions to the published program. A conference can also help you compare the questions other producers are asking and identify resources for follow-up. Take notes on an approach you want to investigate further rather than trying to make every management decision during one day. \nRegister for the correct location\nThis listing is for Hardin County Extension Office\, 111 Opportunity Way\, Elizabethtown\, KY 42701. The conference has separate dates and locations\, so select the appropriate option when registering through Eventbrite. Contact Katy Trimble at 270-625-5366 or katy.trimble@uky.edu with questions about the program\, student pricing or attendance arrangements. Check your confirmation for the local venue and date before traveling. Allow time for registration before the educational program gets underway\, and review the official event page for updates. If you need dietary or accessibility arrangements\, raise those questions in advance. After the conference\, review your notes with the people who help make grazing decisions on your farm and choose a realistic next step. Keep the organizer’s contact information available for questions that require additional local guidance. \nOfficial event information | Register
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/2026-kentucky-grazing-conference-elizabethtown/
LOCATION:Hardin County Extension Office\, 111 Opportunity Way\, Elizabethtown\, KY\, 42701
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261029T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261029T153000
DTSTAMP:20261009T170054Z
CREATED:20261009T170028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T170054Z
UID:11011-1793259000-1793287800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:2026 Kentucky Grazing Conference — Winchester
DESCRIPTION:Small ruminants take center stage\nThe 2026 Kentucky Grazing Conference will meet Oct. 29 in Winchester\, Kentucky\, with a focus on sheep and goats. The theme\, Rooted in Resilience: Grazing Small Ruminants in Kentucky\, brings attention to the management decisions behind pasture-based small ruminant operations. The day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern\, with arrival and registration from 7:30 to 8 a.m. General admission costs $45\, and the student rate is $15. Registration includes lunch and a trade show. \nExplore grazing approaches\nThe announced program addresses regenerative practices\, nutrition\, custom grazing and mixed-species grazing. The University of Kentucky Master Grazer Educational Program and partners are organizing the conference. The Winchester program also includes business meetings for the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association and Kentucky Goat Producers Association. Farmers can prepare by identifying a grazing question tied to their own animals and acreage. For example\, consider where your current pasture plan works well and where you need more information before changing it. Keep those observations brief enough to discuss during a break. These optional preparation ideas do not add sessions to the published program. A conference can also help you compare the questions other producers are asking and identify resources for follow-up. Take notes on an approach you want to investigate further rather than trying to make every management decision during one day. \nRegister for the correct location\nThis listing is for Clark County Extension Office\, 1400 Fortune Drive\, Winchester\, KY 40391. The conference has separate dates and locations\, so select the appropriate option when registering through Eventbrite. Contact Katy Trimble at 270-625-5366 or katy.trimble@uky.edu with questions about the program\, student pricing or attendance arrangements. Check your confirmation for the local venue and date before traveling. Allow time for registration before the educational program gets underway\, and review the official event page for updates. If you need dietary or accessibility arrangements\, raise those questions in advance. After the conference\, review your notes with the people who help make grazing decisions on your farm and choose a realistic next step. Keep the organizer’s contact information available for questions that require additional local guidance. \nOfficial event information | Register
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/2026-kentucky-grazing-conference-winchester/
LOCATION:Clark County Extension Office\, 1400 Fortune Drive\, Winchester\, KY\, 40391
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261029T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261029T110000
DTSTAMP:20260926T192720Z
CREATED:20260926T192720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260926T192720Z
UID:10571-1793268000-1793271600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Fall Crop Protection Webinar #2: Extension Entomology Update
DESCRIPTION:Fall Crop Protection Webinar #2\nThe Extension Entomology Update session of the University of Kentucky Fall Crop Protection Webinar Series will be held online from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern. Felipe Batista\, a University of Kentucky entomology postdoctoral scholar will present the session. \nThe University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture\, Food and Environment and the Grain Crops Pest Management Group are presenting the 2026 Fall Crop Protection Webinar Series. The five-part online series focuses on agronomic crops and integrated pest management and is open to farmers\, Extension agents\, crop consultants\, industry professionals and others. \nEach session runs from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern. Participants must register online and select the webinar dates they want to attend. Certified crop advisers can earn one Integrated Pest Management continuing-education unit for each webinar\, for a possible five CEUs across the full series. Kentucky pesticide applicator credits are pending. \nPart of a Five-Week Series\nThe series runs on consecutive Thursdays from October 22 through November 19. Farmers can register for individual sessions or multiple dates through the official University of Kentucky event page.
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/fall-crop-protection-webinar-2-extension-entomology-update/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261030
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261031
DTSTAMP:20261025T205059Z
CREATED:20261025T205059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261025T205059Z
UID:11224-1793318400-1793404799@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Virginia AFID Infrastructure Grants — Application Deadline
DESCRIPTION:Application deadline is Oct. 30\nVirginia’s fall 2026 AFID Infrastructure Grant applications are due Oct. 30 by 5 p.m. Virginia local time. The program supports reimbursable capital projects\, including food hubs\, farmers markets\, commercial kitchens and agricultural processing or packaging facilities. Applications must come from an eligible Virginia political subdivision. Farmers and community organizations should work with their locality on a proposed project. \nUnderstand the funding route\nThe maximum award is $50\,000. The announcement calls for an equal cash match\, with reduced matching requirements available for economically distressed localities. Review the current guidelines with the intended applicant before assuming a project or expense qualifies. This calendar entry marks a funding deadline\, not an educational meeting or an approval to start spending. Use the program’s actual application and grant terms for decisions about project costs and reimbursement. \nSuggested project preparation\nPrepare a concise description of the capacity the project would add\, the producers it would serve and the problem it would address. Identify the local-government partner and the information that partner needs to evaluate the idea. A preliminary budget can distinguish proposed capital costs\, available matching funds and unanswered questions. These are preparation suggestions rather than a grant-writing formula or a guarantee of selection. Ask the program staff which costs and documentation require clarification before making a financial commitment. \nCoordinate submission early\nUse the official page for guidelines\, forms\, the budget document and the recorded informational webinar. Joyce Blankenship is the program contact at 804-786-1906 or joyce.blankenship@vdacs.virginia.gov. Allow time for the eligible applicant’s review and submission process before the deadline. Keep a copy of the final materials and any receipt. This date-only calendar marker does not extend the 5 p.m. cutoff. Do not assume reimbursement is available merely because a project is described in an application or a purchase has been made. Confirm current requirements directly with the program. \nOfficial information and current participation details
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/virginia-afid-infrastructure-grants-application-deadline/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261103T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261103T210000
DTSTAMP:20260923T220501Z
CREATED:20260913T154134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T220501Z
UID:9702-1793728800-1793739600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Winter Business Intensive: Infrastructure and Natural Resources
DESCRIPTION:Plan the Physical Farm Around the Business\nWinter Business Intensive: Infrastructure and Natural Resources is the third session in Appalachian RC&D’s 2026-27 Winter Business Intensive Field School. The November 3 class runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Langston Centre in Johnson City\, Tennessee. \nThe session focuses on the physical systems that make a farm work and the natural resources that support production. Buildings\, fencing\, water\, roads\, equipment\, soils\, pasture\, and other resources can determine what an operation can realistically produce and how efficiently it can grow. \n\n\nMatch Investments to Real Farm Needs\nParticipants can consider buildings\, fencing\, water systems\, equipment\, roads\, utilities\, and other infrastructure while also examining soil\, water\, forests\, pasture\, and related natural resources. \nThe goal is not simply to list improvements. Farmers can use the planning process to ask whether a proposed investment actually supports their production system\, markets\, and long-term business goals. A costly building or piece of equipment can become a burden if it does not solve a real production or labor problem. \nPlanning infrastructure before purchasing can help producers prioritize investments and understand how individual improvements fit into the larger farm system. \nPut Conservation Into the Business Plan\nNatural-resource decisions also have business consequences. Soil condition\, water availability\, erosion\, pasture quality\, and woodland management can influence productivity\, costs\, and resilience. \nFarmers can use the session to think about conservation and resource stewardship as part of business planning\, not as a separate activity. In some cases\, conservation practices can also connect producers with technical assistance or cost-share programs that make improvements more affordable. \nPrepare for Later Financial Decisions\nThis session builds on the earlier work of defining farm goals and assessing available resources. It also prepares participants for later discussions about markets\, financial management\, and production planning because infrastructure needs often shape both costs and capacity. \nAppalachian RC&D’s Winter Business Intensive is an eight-session series for beginning and experienced farmers. Completion can also qualify participants for Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program education credit toward eligible Producer Diversification requirements. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/winter-business-intensive-infrastructure-and-natural-resources/
LOCATION:Langston Centre\, 315 Elm St\, Johnson City\, TN\, 37601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Courses & Training,Education,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Infrustructure-Natural-Resources1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261104T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261104T150000
DTSTAMP:20261025T205101Z
CREATED:20261025T205101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261025T205101Z
UID:11227-1793782800-1793804400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Farmer Wellness Day — Madison County
DESCRIPTION:A day for the farming community\nMadison County Cooperative Extension lists Farmer Wellness Day for Nov. 4\, 2026\, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern at 258 Carolina Lane in Marshall. Lunch is provided\, and the official page links to online registration. The announcement does not yet provide a detailed agenda or identify individual speakers. \nMake time to participate\nSuggested preparation includes planning how essential farm work will be covered while you attend. Consider transportation\, the time away from the operation and any practical question that needs an answer before registering. Ask the organizer about the day’s format if that information would affect your decision. These are attendance-planning suggestions\, not a statement that the event provides private counseling\, health screenings or a particular treatment. Use the actual program information as it becomes available rather than assigning services to a broad wellness title. \nQuestions for the organizer\nYou may want to ask what kinds of learning activities are planned\, whether any part of the day requires advance preparation and how the lunch arrangements work. If you need an accommodation or have a dietary question\, discuss it directly with the office. Do not assume that an unpublished agenda includes a particular activity or that participants must share personal experiences in a group. Keep any private health questions for an appropriate professional setting. This listing describes a community education opportunity and does not offer medical advice or make claims about outcomes. \nConfirm registration and arrival\nContact Madison County Extension at 828-649-2411 if the registration link\, meeting arrangements or current program details are unclear. No ticket price has been verified\, so the calendar does not describe attendance as free. Retain any confirmation you receive and check for updated instructions before traveling. If you hope to follow up on a subject after the event\, ask which public resources the organizer recommends and record the contact information it chooses to share. A specific question and a manageable next step can help you make use of the information actually presented. \nOfficial information and current participation details
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/farmer-wellness-day-madison-county/
LOCATION:Madison County Extension Center\, 258 Carolina Lane\, Marshall\, NC\, 28753
CATEGORIES:Education
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261105T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261106T160000
DTSTAMP:20260915T215705Z
CREATED:20260913T154134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T215705Z
UID:9703-1793865600-1793980800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference
DESCRIPTION:The Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference will bring veteran farmers and their families together for two days of agricultural education\, hands-on learning\, farm tours\, and networking in Nashville\, Tennessee. \nThe conference will be held Nov. 5-6\, 2026\, at the Ed Jones Auditorium at the Ellington Agricultural Center\, 416 Hogan Road\, Nashville. The event is part of the Tennessee AgVets Opportunities on FarmLand\, or TN AgVOLs\, program and is being presented through a partnership that includes Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council\, the University of Tennessee Center of Farm Management\, Tennessee AgrAbility\, UT Extension\, and other agricultural organizations. \n\n\nAgricultural Training and Hands-On Learning\nThe Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference connects veterans involved in agriculture with other farmers\, agricultural professionals\, and organizations that provide training and assistance. \nThe two-day program will include farm tours\, workshops\, demonstrations\, and networking opportunities. Participants will learn from agricultural professionals while meeting other veterans who are starting\, operating\, or expanding farms and agricultural businesses. \nThe conference is part of a broader TN AgVOLs effort to help veterans and transitioning service members enter agriculture. The program connects participants with technical assistance\, education\, hands-on training\, and other resources that can help them develop new agricultural businesses or strengthen existing operations. \nResources for Veteran Farmers\nTN AgVOLs works with agricultural organizations across Tennessee to connect veteran farmers with educational opportunities\, internships\, farm mentors\, and other resources. \nThe program also provides information about agricultural training scholarships. TN AgVOLs currently reimburses up to $250 for veterans who complete approved agriculture-related educational programs. Conference organizers also indicate that scholarship assistance is available for the Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference. \nBeyond formal educational sessions\, the conference will give participants time to build connections with other veteran farmers and agricultural professionals. Those relationships can help beginning farmers identify resources\, learn from established producers\, and become more involved in Tennessee’s agricultural community. \nMeals Included During the Conference\nRegistration includes a light breakfast and lunch each day. According to event organizers\, the conference is open to veterans and their families. \nThe Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference is the first annual conference organized through the TN AgVOLs initiative. Veterans interested in farming\, developing an agricultural business\, or expanding an existing operation can use the event to explore educational resources\, meet agricultural professionals\, and connect with other veteran farmers from across the region. \nDates: Nov. 5-6\, 2026\nLocation: Ed Jones Auditorium\, Ellington Agricultural Center\nAddress: 416 Hogan Road\, Nashville\, TN 37220\nFormat: In-person conference\nActivities: Farm tours\, workshops\, demonstrations\, and networking\nMeals: Light breakfast and lunch provided both days\nEligibility: Veterans and their families \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/veterans-in-agriculture-conference/
LOCATION:Ed Jones Auditorium\, Ellington Agricultural Center\, 416 Hogan Rd\, Nashville\, TN\, 37220\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-15-2026-05_39_44-PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261105T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261105T110000
DTSTAMP:20260926T192720Z
CREATED:20260926T192720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260926T192720Z
UID:10572-1793872800-1793876400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Fall Crop Protection Webinar #3: Extension Plant Pathology Update
DESCRIPTION:Fall Crop Protection Webinar #3\nThe Extension Plant Pathology Update session of the University of Kentucky Fall Crop Protection Webinar Series will be held online from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern. Kiersten Wise\, University of Kentucky Extension plant pathologist will present the session. \nThe University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture\, Food and Environment and the Grain Crops Pest Management Group are presenting the 2026 Fall Crop Protection Webinar Series. The five-part online series focuses on agronomic crops and integrated pest management and is open to farmers\, Extension agents\, crop consultants\, industry professionals and others. \nEach session runs from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern. Participants must register online and select the webinar dates they want to attend. Certified crop advisers can earn one Integrated Pest Management continuing-education unit for each webinar\, for a possible five CEUs across the full series. Kentucky pesticide applicator credits are pending. \nPart of a Five-Week Series\nThe series runs on consecutive Thursdays from October 22 through November 19. Farmers can register for individual sessions or multiple dates through the official University of Kentucky event page.
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/fall-crop-protection-webinar-3-extension-plant-pathology-update/
CATEGORIES:Education
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261106T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261106T133000
DTSTAMP:20261009T170054Z
CREATED:20261009T170028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T170054Z
UID:11012-1793952000-1793971800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Tennessee Forage & Grassland Council Annual Meeting
DESCRIPTION:A morning focused on forage management\nThe Tennessee Forage & Grassland Council will hold its annual meeting Nov. 6\, 2026\, at the Clyde M. York 4-H Center in Crossville\, Tennessee. Registration costs $50. The published meeting program runs from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Central\, with registration\, coffee and doughnuts at the start. Farmers traveling from the Eastern time zone should account for the difference: the meeting begins at 9 a.m. Eastern. The center is at 62 4-H Center Drive\, Crossville\, TN 38572. \nPasture challenges and producer experience\nThe agenda covers bale grazing\, foxtail management in pastures\, recovery from Hurricane Helene flooding and Johnsongrass management. A forage producer panel adds an opportunity to hear from farmers\, while a trade show gives participants time to make contacts between sessions. Lunch and an NRCS update appear near the end of the program. Together\, those topics bring pasture management decisions into one morning. Farmers can prepare by identifying the forage issue that most affects their operation and considering how it connects to grazing schedules\, winter feeding or recovery work. A brief set of farm observations will be more useful than a long list of general questions. These preparation ideas are optional and do not add topics to the published agenda. \nPlan the visit\nBefore registering\, review the official meeting information and the ticket page for current arrangements. Contact Malerie Fancher at 865-974-7324 or mfanche4@utk.edu with questions. If you need to discuss a particular pasture weed\, ask whether photographs or written observations would be useful for a conversation during breaks. Consider which points you want to take home from the producer panel and how you will record them. A practical follow-up plan might include reviewing one management option with your Extension contact after the meeting. Allow time to arrive for registration rather than planning around the first presentation alone. The local schedule uses Central time throughout; preserve that time zone when adding the meeting to your own calendar or arranging travel with another attendee. \nOfficial event information | Register
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/tennessee-forage-grassland-council-annual-meeting/
LOCATION:Clyde M. York 4-H Center\, 62 4-H Center Drive\, Crossville\, TN\, 38572
CATEGORIES:Education
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END:VCALENDAR