REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

Beginning Women Farmer Conference: Exploring Whole Farm Planning

Date: March 22-23, 2012

Location: University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, Lincoln Campus Center

A two day conference for all farmers interested in improved quality of life, profitability, and land health sponsored by Holistic Management International, the USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts.

Learn how Whole Farm Planning can help you achieve improved quality of life, profitability, and land health

• Hear about the successes HMI Beginning Women Farmer Program participants have achieved
• Learn from experts in the field about ways to farm successfully whether you are a beginning farmer or have been farming for years.
• Network with other farmers in the Northeast to share tips and learn about farming resources

Registration Fees

You must register in advance. No onsite registrations will be accepted

$120.00 Full Conference Registration, includes all conference sessions, most meals &  Beginning Women Farmer Banquet

$70 Day Pass for March 22, 2012 (does not include Banquet)

$70 Day Pass for March 23, 2010 (does not include Banquet)

$25 Beginning Women Farmer Banquet

• Cancellations received up to 30 days prior to an event start date will receive a full refund.
• Cancellations received up to 14 days prior to an event start date will receive a 40% refund.
• No refunds will be given otherwise, unless in the event of dire emergency.

This policy is required due to financial obligations incurred by HMI in planning these events. We appreciate your understanding.

Childcare

CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) is providing onsite childcare for children

Childcare Registration is NOW CLOSED

Agenda

Key Dates

March 6 – Last day to reserve a childcare slot

March 16 – Last day to register. Registration closes at 5pm Eastern

 Exhibitors

Due to space limitations at the facility we are unable to accommodate exhibitors, tables, or booths.

Speakers

• Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, keynote
• Tracy Favre, Chief Operating Officer for HMI, keynote
• Mary Peabody, University of Vermont Extension, dinner speaker
• Tricia Park, Creekside Meadows Farm, New York, “One Step at a Time: Building a Successful Farm Business Holistically”
• Ann Adams, Director of Education, HMI, “Enterprise Analysis for Fun & Profit”
• Jessie Schmidt, University of Vermont Extension, “Holistic Land Planning” & “Holistic Business Planning”
• Caroline Pam, The Kitchen Garden Farm, “From Farm to Restaurant”
• Melissa Bahret, Old Friends Farm, “How to do a Whole Farm Holistic Review”
• Gail Chase, WAgN Maine, “How to Address Issues of Leadership & Power on the Farm Successfully”
• Diane Schivera, Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association, “Holistic Grazing Planning”
• Kate Kerman, Phoenix Farm, “Techniques to Improve Communication Skills on the Farm”
• Seth Wilner, University of New Hampshire Extension, “Holistic Financial Planning Basics” & “Holistic Management for the Whole”
• Sherry Simpson, Cranberry Hill Farm, “How to Market Your Farm Products Effectively”
• Crystal Stewart, Cornell Cooperative Extension, “How Farmers Can Create A Consumer Co-op”
• Emily Brooks, Edibles Advocate Alliance, “Using Social Media Effectively to Make the Most of Your Farm Business”
• Lisa McCrory, Earthwise Farm & Forest, “Nutrient Dense Grazing” & “Addressing Animal Health Issues”
• Phil Metzger, “Introduction to Holistic Management”
• Andy Pressman, NCAT, “Risk Management Strategies: AGR-Lite Wizard Software”
• Lucy McKain, The Herb Mill Micro-Dairy, “The Challenges and Opportunities of Starting and Managing a Small Goat Dairy”
• Elysa Bryant, Stone Well Homestead, “Farm Start-ups: Who, What, When, Where, and Why?”
• Lauren Lines of Central New York RC&D & Kate Bogli of Maple View Farm “Lessons Learned from the Beginning Women Farmer Programs”
• Margaret Christie, CISA, “Scaling Up Local Food: Investing in Farm & Food Systems Infrastructure in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts”
• Devon Whitney-Deal, CISA, “Farmer’s Markets: Challenges & Opportunities”
• Ellen S. Gibson, Goodwill Workforce Solutions, “Agribility: Addressing Physical Challenges on the Farm
• Amanda Brown, UMass Extension Vegetable Program, “Educational Farms: Working Effectively with Interns, Students and Apprentices”
• Ruth Hazard, “Cover Crops”
• Elizabeth Marks & Carrie Novak, “Utilizing the USDA Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service in a Holistic Management Way”

Lodging

HMI has negotiated special conference rates for attendees at the local hotels listed below. In order to take advantage of the rates, you need to book your reservations by telephone no later than February 20, 2012. Limited availability. Attendees are responsible for their own lodging

Parking

Parking is available at the UMASS Campus in at the Campus Center Parking Garage for $5/day.

Directions

Directions to conference will be sent at time of registration

Weather

In March, the average high is 46 degrees, the low is 24 degrees and the average precipitation is 3.58 inches