Value-Added & Energy Efficiency Loan & Grant Training Seminar
9-11 a.m.  Salon B

Presented by Steve Epstein.  The 2002 Farm Bill established the RE System and EE Improvement Program to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption through the purchase of renewable energy system (i.e. wind, solar, biomass or geothermal sources) and installation of energy efficient improvements.

2009 Spring Crop Meeting
9 a.m.-12 p.m.  Dartmouth

This workshop will share information that can help commercial field crop growers produce a profitable and sustainable crop.  Presentations will focus on production practices, soil fertility, and pest management practices that can decrease input costs and/or increase yields.  Pesticide Applicator credits.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.  Contact Carl Majewski at (603) 352-4550 or email carl.majewski@unh.edu to register.

Beekeeping
9 a.m.-12 p.m  Pierce

This session will feature a panel of experts which will discuss topics such as how to get started in beekeeping, bee health, crop pollination and much more.  This will be a one stop source for answers to all your beekeeping questions.
Panelists are:
Connie Stubbs is an entomologist with the University of Maine, School of Biology & Ecology
Wendy Booth is a NH Beekeeper and officer with the NH Beekeepers Association
Chuck Souther is an apple and berry grower in Concord, NH
The program is free and open to all.

NH Farmers Market Association
9a.m.-5 p.m.  Hale

Join us for our Winter Farmers Market Vendor meeting!  Workshops continuing all day Friday of interest to farmers and other vendors who sell at NH farmers markets.  Find out about NHFMA's partnership with NH Made.  Get updates from the WIC FMNP.  Learn about selling products from your own kitchen with the "Homestead License".  Improve your business by attending our afternoon workshops on risk management, insurance and food safety!

Farming With a Disability
10 a.m.-12 p.m.  Frost

This workshop will review agricultural worksite modifications for farmers who experience physical disabilities.  Adaptations to farm machinery, livestock handling and hand tools will be discussed.

Tools, Tips and Resources for Agricultural Commissions
10 a.m.-12 p.m.  Salon C

Farm Leases & Leasing
10-11 a.m.  Hawthorne

Presented by Land for Good.  Is leasing a farm, land or equipment right for you?  Leasing is an important tool to access land and other farm assets.  While the personal relationship between the owner and the farmer is important, a written agreement can address future changes in land or farm ownership, responsibility for capital improvements, maintenance, liability and taxes and provide direction to settle disputes that can arise.  Join a discussion about different types of agricultural leases, how to negotiate terms and conditions, legal and business aspects of leasing and how to put a lease to work for your farming operation.

Forest Stewardship Committee Annual Meeting
1-4 p.m.  Frost

Farm Tourism
1-3 p.m.  Salon C

Thinking about developing a corn maze, organizing farm vacations, opening a farm stand, hosting weddings or converting your home to a bed and breakfast?  Experienced farmers and agency professionals will exchange experiences, discuss your ideas, provide advice, and help you consider steps to a profitable and rewarding farm tourism venture.  This workshop is designed to help those exploring and new to farm tourism as well as seasoned pros identify appropriate activities and amenities, communicate with neighbors and local boards, manage risk, plan marketing and advertising, and better understand and business dynamics of farm tourism.  (NH Coalition for Sustaining Agriculture)

Feeding the Pregnant & Lactating Ewe
1-3 p.m.  Hawthorne

Bruce Clement will share what you need to know to properly and economically feed your pregnant and lactating ewes.  Through use of practical examples, easy to understand handouts and informative slides you will leave with the knowledge you need to help ensure a successful lambing season.

NH Farm to Restaurant
1-4 p.m.  Dartmouth

Three sessions in one!  The first session features the successes, problems, and plans for the future for "New Hampshire Virtual Farmers Market."  "Extending the Growing Session" explores meeting the needs of chefs and consumers, while "Partnering with Federal Express" will address enhancing distribution with a new Federal Express program.

General Farm Emergency Preparedness
1-4 p.m.  Salon B

Floods, fires, tornadoes, ice storms, chemicals spills--are you ready to handle an emergency on your farm?  NH State Veterinarian, Dr. Stephen K. Crawford, UNH Cooperative Extension, Education Director of Communication & Information Technology, David Foote and Steve Turaj, Coos County Extension Educator, Agricultural Resources, will discuss what to do should the unthinkable happens.

Good Forestry in the Granite State-Public Listening Session
4-5:30 p.m.  Salon C

After more than 10 years, a keystone publication for New Hampshire's forest landowners and for resource professionals is being revised.  The new version of Good Forestry in the Granite State:  Recommended Voluntary Forest Management Practices for the State of New Hampshire will consider new developments and address issues raised by natural resource professionals, landowners and the public.  This public listening session is an opportunity for you to tell members of the revision team what you like about the book, Good Forestry, and what needs to be changed.

Chainsaw Operation & Maintenance
6-8 p.m.  Frost

This will be a hands-on workshop on safety, use and maintenance of the backyard chainsaw.  Learn proper cutting methods, safe handling, and maintenance tips.  You are encouraged to bring your chainsaw to this training session.

NH Farm & Forest Exposition Board Meeting
7-8 p.m.  Salon B

This is an opportunity for exhibitors and the general public to meet the Board of Directors and discuss this year's Exposition.  We also welcome any suggestions for future Exposition plans.

Annual Awards Ceremony and Breakfast

February 7, 2009, 7:30 a.m.

Location Armory
Sponsored by NH Farm Bureau & Farm Family Insurance

                     

The Annual Awards Breakfast recognizes industry leaders and their contributions over the past year.  The following awards will be presented at the 2009 event:

--Andrew L. Felker Memorial Award for leadership in promoting the growth and prosperity of New Hampshire agriculture. 

--Fred E. Beane Memorial Award for fair, accurate and effective reporting of news and issues impacting farming and forestry in the state. 

--Farms of Distinction, a program of the NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Food that annually recognizes those New Hampshire Farms that go the extra mile to keep their busy farmsteads neat and attractive, thereby portraying a positive image for New Hampshire agriculture. 

--Green Pastures Dairy Farm of the Year program showcases outstanding dairy farms throughout New England.  The 2008 New Hampshire winners will be introduced and presented with a farm sign. 

--The Tree Farmer of the Year Award is presented to a landowner who has shown exceptional forest management in the Tree Farm Program. 

--The NH Horse Person of the Year, presented by the NH Horse Council, recognizes outstanding achievement in the equine industry. 

This is a reservation only event.

Tickets may be purchased for $15 by calling 271-3788 by January 30.
A small amount of tickets will be available for purchase at the door. 

Small Farms from the Ground Up
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (lunch break from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)  Salon A

Topics will include Appropriate Technology, Creative Energy Solutions on the Farm, Solar Greenhouses/Tunnels, Panel Discussion on Crop/Revenue Insurance and more.

Pre-registration required, $10 Registration fee.  Register for this session online at:  http://www.events.unh.edu/register.shtml?event_id=5245

Garden Workshop
9a.m.-2 p.m.  Salon D

NH Lama & Alpaca Association Meeting
9-11 a.m.  Dartmouth

Winter meeting of the New Hampshire Llama and Alpaca Association (NHLA).  Come and share ideas and plans.  The NHLA is open to all those interested in llamas and/or alpacas.  Dues are $20.  Visit our web site:  www.nhla.org.  For more information call Betsy at (603) 569-2453.

Growing Giant Pumpkins
9-11 a.m.  Hawthorne

Join Jim Beauchemin, 2005 New England Champion Giant Pumpkin Grower, as he explains the hobby of growing giant pumpkins.  It has become a tremendous way for commercial vegetable growers to draw attention to their roadside farm stands.  The seminar will take you from beginning to end of all aspects of growing giant pumpkins.  Visual and audio aids will be used to convey the excitement and make all participants eager to give this most rewarding outdoor hobby a try.  Free seeds and tip sheets will be handed out to all those who participate in the workshop.

Equine Challenge
9 a.m.-1 p.m.  Pierce

All youth, 4-H and Pony club members ages 9 to 11 are welcome to participate in a friendly novice-level quiz bowl event, designed to showcase their knowledge of horses.  Questions will be given orally or visually for youth to answer using a buzzer board.  Youth participants in this event do not have to be 4-H or Pony club members.  Come join the fun.  Pre-registration is required on or before February 1.  Contact Mary Davis at (603) 742-3712 or email mcdavis511@comcast.net.

NH Dairy Goat Annual Meeting
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  Salon B

9:30-10 a.m.  ADGA District #1 Meeting  Presented by:  Phil Cassette, ADGA Director

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  Meat Cutting:  Understanding Your Butcher's Cut Sheet

Sponsored by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension in cooperation with the New Hampshire Dairy Goat Association.  How do you fill out the Butcher's cut sheet?  What cuts of meat are expected from each area of the animal carcass and how many pounds of meat should you expect back when you take your lamb or goat in to the butcher for processing?  Rick Lemay from Lemay and Sons Beef in Goffstown, NH, will lead a question and answer session on Meat Cutting.

Admission at door-$5 per family; 4-H members free.

Recent Advances in Equine Medicine
9:30-10:30 a.m.  Hale

Mike Davis, DVM, MS, founder and CEO of New England Equine Medical & Surgical Center in Dover, NH, will discuss the latest in equine medicine.  Lameness evaluation, testing, technology, surgery, imaging, physical therapy and more will be discussed.  Slides from his state of the art facility will be used.  Dr. Davis will also talk about what the Medical & Surgical Center offers and will be followed by a question and answer session.  This workshop is sponsored by the NH Farm Bureau.

NH Coverts Advisory Committee Meeting
10 a.m.-12 p.m.  Webster

Restoring & Reusing Small Historic Water-Powered Mills
10 a.m.-12 p.m.  Hawthorne

A roundtable discussion for those with hydro-powered mills in all stages of preservation and operation.  Is it economically possible to run a small business on water power?  What are the educational or heritage tourism possibilities that might also provide income?  Can hydro-electric generation pay off?  Where does a mill owner turn for help?

Maggie Stier, Field Representative from NH Preservation Alliance, will lead the discussion.

NH Horse Council Annual Meeting
12-2 p.m.  Dartmouth  (Updated)

Kid's Day
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.  Armory

Kid's Day is a fun opportunity for kids of all ages.  Kid's Day offer fun activities and the opportunity for kids of all ages to see how 4-H and other youth groups from NH help young people learn and grow.  Bring your family and friends and learn about the forest, environment, sciences and all types of animals.  Come and join the fun, participate in hands-on activities and enjoy the entertainment of the King Sisters and other talented youth from NH.

Admission is $7 for adults, children 15 and under are free.  Admission paid at the Exposition gate allows you entry into this event.  Admission paid for Kid's Day also provides you entry into the 2009 NH Farm & Forest Exposition Hall.

Emergency Care for Horses:  What to do before the Vet Arrives
11 a.m.-12 p.m.  Expo Concourse

Mike Davis, DVM, MS, founder and CEO of New England Equine Medical & Surgical Center in Dover, NH, and Celeste Blumerich, DVM, currently interning at the Center will conduct a session for horse owners about basic management of emergency situations at home, before the vet arrives.  The discussion will include colic (signs, examination, treatment and prevention), lacerations, fractures and other emergencies.  Bandaging techniques will also be demonstrated.  Weather permitting, a live horse will be used to enhance the demonstration.  This workshop is sponsored by the NH Farm Bureau.

Cutting Firewood from Your Own Woodlot
12:30-1:30 p.m.  Webster

Whether you cut your own firewood, or have a forester make those choices, this session will demystify how those choices are made.  Starting with woodlot assessment and setting objectives, learn how to pick the trees to cut and the trees to leave.

Backyard Maple Sugaring--How To Make Your Own Maple Syrup!
12:30-2:30 p.m.  Hale

The sap will be running soon!  Have you thought about making your own maple syrup?  Do you want to know what is needed?  Join Hank Peterson, NH maple producer, and Steve Roberge, UNHCE County Forester, to learn the steps from the tree to the table plus the equipment needed to get started making your own syrup.  This special workshop is geared to first-timers and beginner maplers.  All aspects of maple sugaring will be covered, including tree identification and tapping, collecting and boiling sap, finishing, filtering and packing syrup.  Equipment and supplies needed, especially sizing and operating small evaporators, homemade and commercial, will also be discussed.

Annual NH Farm & Forest Auction
1-3 p.m.  Stark

A great opportunity to obtain NH products and services!  Featuring items donated by many of our Expo exhibitors for use in the home, on the farm or in the forest, this is a great way to help us raise funds to defray the cost of the NH Farm & Forest Expo.  All auction items will be on display prior to the Auction.

Critical Wildlife Habitats in NH
1-2:30 p.m.  Hawthorne

Learn to recognize habitats on your land that are critical for supporting rare wildlife in New Hampshire.  Understand the threats facing wildlife today and what landowners can do to help.  Presented by UNHCE (Malin Clyde and Emma Carcagno)

Small Flock Poultry Management Disease
1-4 p.m.  Salon B

The number of small poultry flocks in NH is on the rise, small flock owners need information to keep their flocks and their community healthy and disease-free.  This educational session will provide information on the basic principles of Poultry Disease, increase awareness of Zoonotic Disease and educate attendees in the process of submitting samples to the UNH Diagnostic Lab.

Llamas 101
2-4 p.m.  Webster

Interactive presentation geared toward new or potential llama and alpaca owners and other interested parties.  This session will cover basic llama personalities, llama body language, basic llama care, how llamas are customarily used in the United States.