Two Ohio conferences offer insight on how to run a successful small farm

WILMINGTON, Ohio — Ohio State University Extension will host two conferences in March dedicated to small farm landowners.

First conference

The first conference is the third annual “Opening Doors to Success” Small Farm Conference and Trade Show, March 11-12, at Wilmington College.

Covered topics

The conference will feature 38 breakout sessions and a trade show for small farmers. The conference kicks off March 11 at 5:30 p.m. with a session, “Get Ready – Get Set – Get Market Ready” — an evening dedicated to investigating opportunities for marketing beyond the farm gate.

The following day, March 12 will feature more than 35 breakout sessions on a variety of topics — from agritourism and bee keeping to poultry production and insurance issues.

Registration is $20 for March 11, $50 for March 12 or $60 for both days. Registration deadline is March 4.

For more information, log on to: http://clinton.osu.edu, or contact OSU Extension educator Tony Nye at nye.1@osu.edu or 937-382-0901.

Second conference

The second annual “Living Your Small Farm Dream” Northeast Ohio Small Farm Conference and Trade Show will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. March 26 at the R.G. Drage Career Center in Massillon, Ohio.

The conference will begin with a keynote address, “Using Social Media to Reach Customers and Market Your Product,” followed by 23 breakout sessions attendees can pick and choose from.

Breakout sessions

Examples of breakout sessions include: aquaculture; berry production; developing a CSA; alternative energy for small farms; meat goat and rabbit production and marketing.

Registration details

Registration is $50 per person and the deadline is March 18. For more information log on to: http://jefferson.osu.edu, http://clinton.osu.edu, or contact OSU Extension educator Mike Hogan at hogan.1@osu.edu or 330-324-6341.