Join Organic Seed Alliance in Montana this September for two hands-on trainings. The first event will teach farmers how to grow high-quality seed using organic farming methods and which specialty seed crops are ideal for their farm and climate. The second event is a two-day course on plant breeding and is intended for farmers, researchers, and students with a strong interest in on-farm crop improvement.
Registration is limited so reserve your spot today!
Growing Seed on Your Farm
This workshop is designed for vegetable farmers with a strong interest in producing seed using organic farming methods. Organic Seed Alliance will provide hands-on instruction to help farmers build their skills in organic seed production, handling, and storage. The workshop will provide a brief overview of seed biology but will mostly focus on seed harvesting and cleaning techniques. Participants will also learn how to choose both dry- and wet-seeded crops that are most appropriate to grow for seed in Montana. Participants should have basic knowledge in seed biology and are encouraged to review OSA’s publications and tutorials before the workshop. Prior experience in growing seed is recommended.
When: September 11, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Terrapin Farm, Whitefish, Montana
Cost: $15 (includes lunch)
Learn more and register here
Learn the Fundamentals of On-farm Plant Breeding
Join the Northern Organic Vegetable Improvement Collaborative (NOVIC) at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, Montana, for a two-day classroom and field-based course on plant breeding. Nationally renowned organic plant breeders from the University of Wisconsin, Cornell University, Oregon State University, and Organic Seed Alliance will lead this course. Participants will learn basic principles and practices for evaluating, developing, improving, and maintaining plant varieties on their farm. The course is intended for farmers, researchers, and agricultural students. Prior experience in seed growing is recommended. Participants are encouraged to review OSA’s publications and tutorials before the course.
When: September 13 – 14, 2016
Where: The classroom component of this course will take place at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, Montana. The course also includes a number of farm visits throughout the Mission Valley.
Cost: Free (lunch provided)
Learn more and register here
Questions? Contact OSA’s Kiki Hubbard.
These events are supported by the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, USDA’s Organic Research and Extension Initiative, and the High Stakes Foundation.