Schedule of Events
The 2012 NH Farm & Forest Expo will offer something for everyone! View our education sessions below, and check out what's going on on the Expo Floor!
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012 |
| 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Powerlines, Beaver Meadows and Other Shrubby Places: Critical Habitats for NH Wildlife Pierce Shrub habitats have always been a component of the NH landscape, but many factors have contributed to their steady decline over the last 50 years. decline. Wildlife that require these shrubby habitats have also been declining, causing many to be listed as species in greatest need of conservation. This presentation will provide an overview of the history of shrub habitats in NH, the wildlife species that require them, where these habitats occur today, and the important role private landowners can play in providing critical habitat for wildlife. Presenters are Matt Tarr (UNHCE) and Emily Brunkhurst (NH FIsh & Game). |
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9 a.m. to 11 a.m. How to Read Your Barn Frost/Hawthorne Sponsored by NH Historic Agricultural Structures Advisory Committees and others. Learn more about the history of your barn by understanding how it was built and how it was used. Help determine its age by examining its timber frame joinery, architectural features (windows & doors), and its orientation on the land. Does your barn have a hay track, internal silo, integrated loft ladders? Explore the common and unusual features of New England barns with Arron Sturgis of Preservation Timber Framing, Inc. Please bring photos of your barn to share. |
| 9 a.m. to 12 noon Dairy Research at UNH Hale During this session, multiple researchers from UNH will provide summaries of ongoing dairy research finding supported by the NH Agricultural Experiment Station and College of Life Sciences & Agriculture. Several faculty members, dairy staff and graduate students will provide information about their research covering both the Fairfield and Organic Dairy facilities. Topics will include amino acid nutrition, markers of health status in pasture-fed versus total mixed ration-fed Jerseys,
feeding high-sugar forages to lactating dairy cows, mechanisms influencing
ovarian folliculogenesis and fertility in the cow, testing for transferred
immunity in calves, improving immunity in calves, and improving growth and
efficiency in post-weaned heifers. Contact Jon Wraith, Interim Dean and Director of COLSA, with questions. |
| 9 a.m. to 12 noon NH Farmers Market Association's Winter Farmers Market Vendor Meeting Webster Offered in partnership with NH Made. 9 a.m. - NH Farmers Market Winter Meeting 9:30 a.m. - Wireless Credit Card and EBT Processing Systems, Joel Breton, MJM Assoc. 10 a.m. - Don't Plow It Under! with Cheryl Powers, Food Solicitor, NH Food Bank 11 a.m. - Food Safety with Alice Mullen of UNH Cooperative Extension |
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9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Managing the Risks of E-commerce & Social Media for Agritourism Providers Stark Managing the risks associated with internet commerce and social media is of great importance to agritourism farmers who are planning to directly market their products and services online. This day-long, walk-in workshop will present the latest in e-commerce and social media risk management issues, and will be specifically aimed at those involved in agritourism. Experts will be on hand to discuss your ideas, provide advice, and help you create your own e-commerce risk management plan. Whether you are a young farmer new to agritourism, or a mid-career farmer seeking to expand your agritourism operations, this workshop will provide up-to-date information, best practices, and future directions in risk management and food safety. For more information, contact the Center for Rural Partnerships at Plymouth State University’s Ben Amsden.. |
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9:15 a.m. to NH Envirothon & Soils Contest 11:15 a.m. Dartmouth 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. The NH Envirothon, operated by the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts and affiliated with Canon Envirothon, is an environmental education program for high school students. Students form teams and work together to learn about the environment with the assistance of natural resource and education professionals, and test their knowledge by competing with teams from across the state. Come learn about the problem designed around the 2012 theme, "Nonpoint Source Pollution/Low Impact Development" in a presentation by John Slater, associate dean of the School of Arts & Sciences at Souhern New Hampshire University. Learn how your students can get involved with the NH Envirothon in 2012! 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. The NH Solis Contest is a science education program for high school students conducted by the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts and the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Students visit 4 soil sites at the University of New Hampshire and evaluate the soil for its potential use as for a farm, forest or house lot. This workshop will prepare teachers and parents of home-schooled children how to prepare students for this annual event. For information on either of these sessions, please click here. |
| 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bid at our Silent Auction featuring products from NH Made members! Booths #504 & #506! |
| 10:45 a.m. to Farm Business Innovations & Programs for Beginning & Established Farmers, Foresters, & Food Artisans 12:15 p.m. Pierce The New Hampshire Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (NHIAF) will hold an information and meet-and-greet session for NHIAF members and all others interested in starting or expanding their agricultural, forestry, or food business. Also welcome are restaurateurs, institutional purchasing agents, and consumers of local food. This session is open to all who are interested in learning more about: NHIAF incubation and consulting programs for farmers, foresters and food artisans; development of our soon-to-be statewide distribution and e-commerce system (NH Farm Fresh Direct); bulk/wholesale agricultural inputs; equipment rental programs; land banking for new farmers our exciting joint venture with New Hampshire's fishermen, and more! Bring your questions and ideas and meet the NHIAF staff during this open session. |
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12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Alternative Models for Saving Historic Farm Properties Hale As long-standing patterns of family ownership yield to economic necessity, many of NH's most historic and scenic farm properties are now being offered for sale with little assurance they will remain as iconic elements of their community's heritage. How can these historic agricultural or mill properties be saved from becoming house lots or highways? Can community groups start successful non-profit agricultural educational centers, CSA's, or schools for traditional arts? What partnerships are logical in such efforts and how might the current trend toward local food effect outcomes? A panel of experts in land protection, historic preservation, real estate, and agriculture will share their collective knowledge of good models, trends, opportunities, and challenges to these concepts, and will discuss what the future might hold for alternative models of protecting NH's vanishing family farms. For questions about this session, please contact Maggie Stier at NH Preservation Alliance. |
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12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Women In Agriculture Frost/Hawthorne Join the NH Women in Agriculture conference held for the first time at the NH Farm & Forest Expo! Meet our guest, the dynamic Dafna Michaelson, nationally recognized speaker, entrepreneur and community builder. Founder of the Journey Institute and Women as SOCIAL Entrepreneurs group, Dafna works to bring people together to grow business ideas that benefit the community. Learn from her experiences and those of others involved in agri-business in NH. Get ready for an empowering and idea-filled afternoon and reach the next level in achieving your business dreams! Registration fee: $5 at the door, $10 by Jan. 16. Pre-registered participants will receive a free ticket to the Expo trade show. Contact (603) 271-3788 or e-mail here for more information. The Women in Agriculture Conference is supported by funding from the USDA Risk Management Agency. |
| 1 p.m. Max from the Manchester Monarchs will be walking the Expo Floor! |
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1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The New Hampshire Farm-to-Restaurant Connection's New "Certified Local" Program Webster Our voluntary “Certified Local” program, introduced in July, 2011, recognizes facilities which are committed to sourcing local New Hampshire farm products and to promoting local farmers and agricultural products. Certification is at four levels: Certified, Certified, Silver Level, Certified, Gold Level and Certified, Platinum Level. The point system developed in consultation with chefs and restaurant owners and criteria for certification will be presented and discussed, as will be the possibility of extending this program to others, such as wineries, breweries, value-added producers and retailers. For more information, contact Charlie Burke. |
| 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Field Trip 101: How to Lead a Nature Walk on Your Farm or Woodlot Pierce
There's nothing more engaging for people than
being invited "behind the scenes" to a farm or woodlot, to hear
directly from landowners about how they work their land. But leading a
group can be intimidating. This workshop will show you that you don't
have to be a naturalist or a professional to lead a great tour. We'll
cover the basics of planning and delivering a guided walk or hike,
including developing a theme for your walk, dos and don'ts, grop
safety, and how to get the word out. For more information, contact Malin Clyde from the UNHCE. |
| 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Forest Stewardship Program Annual Meeting Dartmouth The Forest Stewardship Program Annual Meeting is an opportunity for the Forest Stewardship Committee to review the year’s accomplishments and plan for the coming year and beyond. The committee is made up of representatives from state and federal agencies and New Hampshire conservation organizations and they advise the N.H. Division of Forests and Lands and UNH Cooperative Extension of the Forestry and Wildlife Programs offered to the citizens of New Hampshire. For information, please contact UNHCE’s Karen Bennett. |
| 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Is Tree Farming for You? Hale Join Wendy Scribner and Andy Fast, Foresters with UNH Cooperative Extension, to find out what the New Hampshire Tree Farm Program is all about. Learn how tree farmers use their property for wood, water, wildlife, and recreation. We will also discuss what is required to be a tree farm and what it means to be green certified under the national program. |
| 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Role of Social Media and Networking in Promoting the Local Food Movement Webster . This workshop will take a strategic look at the role social media can play in the local food movement. Speaker Judi Window will emphasize how to engage other like-minded people, how to identify which tools work bet, and how to close the marketing loop with specifics. For more information, contact Charlie Burke. |
| 3 to 4:30 p.m. Buying Local Lumber Pierce New Hampshire's forests provide consumers with a wide variety of wood products - from paper to fine furniture. This session will review the species of trees that grow in the state, who owns the forest, who works in the forest, the wood produced from native species, where it is processed, and how a consumer might purchase local lumber. This workshop will also describe the New Hampshire Native Lumber Law which enables local New Hampshire people to use local lumber in their construction projects. For questions on this workshop, please contact Sarah Smith of UNH Cooperative Extension. |
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5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Busting Myths About Feeding Horses: 10 Things You Need to Know Hale Led by Blue Seal Feeds/Kent Nutrition Group's Equine Nutritionist Dr. Nettie Libert, Ph.D., Equine Nutrition. This session discusses the 10 popular misconceptions related to the equine diet. Dr. Libert offers practical advice to help the amateur or professional horse owner find the optimum balance of diet and nutrition. Chainsaw Operation & Maintenance Pierce Jon Nute, the Hillsborough County Forester with UNH Cooperative Extension, shares tips about safe tree cutting and saw handling. Valuable maintenance tips will be offered as well. Feel free to bring your own saw for hands-on learning! Good Forestry in the Granite State: Recommended Voluntary Forest Management Practices for NH Stark Good Forestry in the Granite State is a new book full of useful information for woodlot owners interested in taking care of their land. This workshop will help landowners interested in realizing the potential of their land. Topics covered include: creating a plan, growing and harvesting trees, improving wildlife habitat, keeping the woodlot healthy, and how to work the land while recognizing and protecting water quality and sensitive sites. Questions? Contact UNHCE's Karen Bennett. |
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2012 |
| 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bid at our Silent Auction featuring products from NH Made members! Booths #504 & #506! |
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9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Backyard Hog Hale A casual introduction to the practical aspects of raising pork for the family table. Facilities, management, feed and and expense will all be addressed with additional time for questions. Presented by Jason Harris, Territory Sales Manager for Blue Seal Feeds/Kent Nutrition Group. |
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9 a.m. to 12 noon Equine Challenge Dartmouth Horse loving youth under age 12
(as of January 1) are welcome to join the fun in a friendly, novice level quiz
bowl event designed to showcase their horse knowledge. Questions will be given verbally or visually
for youth to answer using a buzzer board. This is a non-competitive low key event
designed to introduce participants to quiz bowl similar to the 4-H format
(membership NOT required). Focus will be on a comfortable, child-friendly environment
to learn about horses with prizes for all. Please register on or before January 31, 2012
by contacting Mary Davis at (603)742-3712 or via email. |
| 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Basic Veterinary Practices & Hoof Care New Hampshire Dairy Goat Seminar Frost 9:30 ADGA District #1 Meeting (Phil Cassette, ADGA Director & regional directors) 10:00 Basic Veterinary Practices & Hook Care with Dr. Steve Crawford, State Veterinarian and Dorothy Perkins, Education Program Coordinator, Ag Resources, UNH Cooperative Extension, Merrimack County 12:00 Discussion and Questions 12:30 Adjourn Registration, at the door, is $5 per family and anyone 4-H age is free. The proceeds go toward the conference and 4-H dairy goat activities. Contact John Porter, UNHCE, with questions. |
| 9:15 a.m. to NH Coverts Project 11:15 a.m. Stark An annual meeting with the Project's advisory committee to review practices, brainstorm ideas, and plan for the next year. All Coverts Project volunteers welcome. For more information, contact UNHCE Project Coordinator Malin Clyde. Backyard Maple Sugaring Pierce The sap will be running soon! Have you thought about making your own maple syrup? This workshop is for you if you want to learn the steps, from the tree to the table. This special workshop is geared to first-timers and beginner "maplers" having less than 150 taps. All aspects of maple sugaring will be covered, including tree identification and tagging, 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. Questions? Call (603)352-4550. |
| 9:30 a.m. to NH Voluntary Cover Crop Research Network 11:30 a.m. Hawthorne This workshop will present the efforts of the collaborative work of farmers and gardeners across the state to trial covercrops, such as tillage radish and hairy vetch. The goals of this research are to reduce weed pressure, increase nutrient retention, improve overall soil health and more. This session presents initial results, solicits feedback, and identifies additional trial participants. Speakers will include current study participants, Dorn Cox (Director of GreenStart), Dick Lutz (Director of NHACD), and Brandon Smith (state Agronomist for NRCS). Master Gardner Q & A Webster Get your questions answered! Whether you're a curious beginner or a long-time gardener. Join us and our panel of certified Master Gardener experts for this informative question & answer session. Questions? Contact Rachel Maccini, UNHCE Education Center Coordinator. |
| 11:30 a.m. Equine Physical Therapy & Other Alternative Approaches to Equine Injuries, Disease Recovery & to 1:30 p.m. Prevention Methods Hale Jennifer Brooks, a Equine Physical Therapist with Equine Rehabilitation Services presents this session. Physical therapy has much to offer horses and riders, as recovery treatments for injuries and disease. Learn how physical therapy can facilitate your horse's rehab and recovery from a variety of ailments and lameness seen regularly. Exotic Plants & Wildlife Hawthorne Fruits, seeds, and insects produced on shrubs and vines provide wildlife with the energy they need to breed, raise young, migrate, and survive winter. These plants also provide wildlife with cover they require for breeding and avoiding predators. Interestingly, many species of wildlife readily use non-native, invasive plants as habitat; but do wildlife select these plants out of choice or necessity, and do these plants provide the same habitat value and function as the native plants they’ve replaced? This presentation will explain and provide examples for how invasive plants compare to native plants in their ability to provide wildlife habitat. Contact Matt Tarr, UNHCE, with questions. |
| 12 noon to 2 p.m. Farm Poetry & Art - A Historical Appreciation Pierce Explore and appreciate the art, images and poetry of rural New England with presenter Dr. Amanda Eason. A historical perspective of the spirit and poetry of farming as well as recollections through period diaries, letters and narrative. Growing a Better Beer in the Granite State: From Field to Kettle Webster Building on last year’s Growing a Better Beer in the Granite State
program, this year features a more in depth look at what farmers and local
brewers are working together. We are looking to follow a beer from the soil to
the bottle by featuring everyone involved in its creation, from producers who
grow grain and hops, to the brewers that use those grains for their products.
Each will discuss why they focus on local markets, and both the challenges and
opportunities associated with these ventures. Questions? Contact Carl Majewski of UNH Cooperative Extension. |
| 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Annual Meeting of NH's Agriculture Commissions Frost 2011 was a banner year for the creation of local Agricultural Commissions! Join us for the first Annual Meeting of NH's Agricultural Commissions to discuss the activities of your Ag Comm completed in 2011 and items on your To Do list for 2012. Folks interested in establishing an Ag Comm in their community are welcome to join us to learn more from the representatives of over two dozen Ag Comms from across the state. Questions? Contact Theresa Walker, Rockingham Planning Commission & Chair of the Durham Agricultural Commission. |
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2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Grant Programs for Agricultural & Small Business Operations Hale ALL NEW FOR 2012: QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION WITH NH FARMERS WHO RECEIVED FUNDING Rural Energy for America Program: can pay for up to 25% of costs to purchase and install renewable or efficiency energy systems with a grant. Examples of eligible projects: wind turbines; biomass boiler systems; geothermal heating systems; hydro power; solar hot water, solar electric systems, heating systems; lighting; upgrading insulation, refrigeration and motor (direct drive to variable drive) upgrades. Value Added Producer Grant Program: help agricultural producers create marketing opportunities for value added products through Planning Grants to identify the market opportunity and Working Capital Grants to implement the market opportunity. New Hampshire Horse Council Annual MeetingHawthorne Open to the public. For more information, please contact Marilyn Stuller, NHHC President. |
