Organic Growers School

Apprentice Link

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:19:30 -0600

At the request of area farmers, the Organic Growers School has established a program to match farmers with prospective apprentices. As a corollary to our CRAFT-WNC farmer training initiaitve, this web page will act as a database of participating farms in North Carolina and neighboring states who are seeking dependable labor. As a farmer, you can create a profile for inclusion in this database. Prospective apprentices can fill out an application/interest form. Then, our office will match apprentice applications with farmer participants, and contact farmers to allow them to follow up with the apprenticeship applicants.

Click here to read more about apprentices and how to set up work programs on your farm

SCROLL DOWN TO START LOOKING AT FARMS!

Apprentices:Click here to fill out an application to work

Farmers:Click here to create your profile!

If you are seeking apprentices for the 2012 farming season , fill out a FREE profile.

If you are a farm member or associate farm member of the CRAFT-WNC farmer training initiative, your profile will be processed and included as part of your membership. For more information on CRAFT-WNC, click here. or contact Andrea Van Gunst at andrea@organicgrowersschool.org

Thinking about hiring interns but not sure of the legalities? Click here to view our publication Structuring Labor on the Small Farm, which details federal and state labor laws and exemptions as applied to small farm internship programs.

Join Apprentice Link as a Farmer

Apprentices: Start looking for farm work! We've got farms in NC, TN, and WV looking for you! Use the map to see geographical locations, and the table below to view farm profiles.

Click the map below to see where farms are located.

CODE	COUNTY	REGION	# JOBS	DESCRIPTION	MORE INFO
YAN-001	YANCEY	MOUNTAINS	2	The Camp Celo Farm: providing a beautiful setting for a summer camp and producing much of our food, and providing campers with an opportunity to participate in a working farm. It includes 16 acres made up of woods, pasture, and a large organic vegetable and flower garden. We also keep goats, cows, ponies, rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens. Our garden produces berries, sweet corn, salad greens, asparagus, tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, peas, and more. The produce is grown for the summer camp kitchen and is also delivered to restaurants, grocery stores, and wholesalers in Asheville, NC, about a one hour drive from Celo.	THESE POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR 2011
MAD-001	MADISON	MOUNTAINS	3	Mountain Harvest Organics is a 130 acre farm located in the Spring Creek community of Madison County, which is northwest of Asheville. Our farm is nestled in a valley shadowed by beautiful Bluff Mountain over which the Appalachian Trail passes. Our location inspires us to use natural farming practices to preserve the beauty for future generations. We have 4 acres in production and we grow a wide variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs. We market through a 40 member CSA and sell at the North Asheville Tailgate Market and teh Waynesville Tailgate Market. We also have some livestock (chickens, goats, and horses)and attempt o live as self sufficiently as possible. Our apprenticeship programs offers positions of varying lengths throughout the season.	THESE POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR 2011
BUN-001	BUNCOMBE	MOUNTAINS	2+	We are looking for two or more interns this season. Work with an herbalist/farmer on a small Certified Naturally Grown Farm in West Asheville, NC. We are located on a beautiful 3 acre property, farming about 2/3 acre. We grow heirloom vegetables, berries, cut flowers, and culinary/medicinal herbs. Value-added products are made weekly including salves, massage oils, tea blends, and other hand made products. We sell our produce and other products at 2-3 farmers markets each Saturday that will require that interns commit to working most Fridays and some Saturday mornings during the season.One intern will focus on the fruit/veggie/flower section of the farm, and the other working more with the herbs and value-added products. This is a great opportunity for anyone living around the Asheville area that would like to learn more about sustainable farming and/or natural medicine.	Click here to view our full profile
MCD-001	MCDOWELL	MOUNTAINS	1.5	A partnership of three farms in Old Fort NC (Harvest Table Farm, Sweet Earth Flower Farm, and Foothills Pastured Meats) is seeking one full time and one part time apprentice. We are three farmers who are cooperatively growing and selling through retail and wholesale markets. More information available at www.foothillsfamilyfarms.org	Click here to view our full profile
POL-001	POLK	MOUNTAINS	1	Forest Creek Farm and Nursery is a small-scale, diversified, organic family farm. Our mission statement is to “care for the land in a sustainable way, provide food and a way of life for our family, and provide customers with the best-tasting produce and highest quality plants.” We raise vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, fresh cut flowers, small fruits, and transplants. We sell through direct markets such as local tailgate markets and a few restaurants. We are also starting a 5-member monthly CSA program for the 2010 season. We are looking for someone who can not only take initiative and work hard, but who is also interested in the learning about farming on a family scale. Position available April through October, possibly longer.	These positions are filled for 2011
JOH-001	JOHNSTON	PIEDMONT	1	TayLee Organics is a newly formed USDA certified organic farm providing CSA memberships to local residents. We offer a variety of fresh produce, along with free-range eggs and other food items. We are willing to teach someone our organic growing methods, as well as the business behind building an organic farm, i.e., marketing, accounting, delivering, customer service, etc. We are looking for someone who has a desire to learn the organic trade, has a strong work ethic, dependable, honest, punctual and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Laziness is not appreciated here nor will it be tolerated. We are fun-loving and enjoy our work, but because we have to answer to our members, we must work first and play later. Therefore, we need someone who is serious minded. If this description fits you, please feel free to apply.	Click here to view our full profile
HAW-001	TENNESSEE-HAWKINS CO.	TENNESSEE	1	Diversified organic farm, with livestock, birds and vegetables. Busy family with many foundling dogs, house cats and a seven year old farm hand. Join us in the mountains of East TN to meet about four hundred chickens out standing in their field, and a large variety of summer produce. Learn all you can handle about certified organic production. Sweat a lot and get dirty, but feel the satisfaction in making a difference.	Click here to view our full profile
BUN-002	BUNCOMBE	MOUNTAINS	2+	Seeking two full-season interns for The Lord's Acre garden. Our mission is: food for those in need, education for all, community through service.	Click here to view our full profile
IRE-001	IREDELL	PIEDMONT	1	We're looking for an apprentice to work with us (part- or full-time) this summer, possibly starting this spring or extending through the fall. What we primarily have to offer is the opportunity to experience/try out our kind of farm life and learn the things we do. We make our living farming, but we're also homesteaders, and our farm is highly diversified, so we can offer learning opportunities in lots of areas.	Now accepting applications
MAD-002	MADISON	MOUNTAINS	1	WANTED: A fun, responsible human being who is not afraid of hard work and bee stings and living close to the earth (literally) in exchange for very little pay and a first class whirlwind tornado, of beekeeping and homestead knowledge. WHEN: winter primer visit anytime IDEAL TIME OF NEED: mid-March through mid-October ABSOLUTE TIME OF NEED: April through August	These positions have been filled for 2011
BUN-003	BUNCOMBE	MOUNTAINS	5	We are a ten acre family farm in Leicester, North Carolina, founded in1987. Since then we have grown certified organic produce as well as ornamentals, mushrooms, and Christmas trees. We grow about thirty varieties of seasonal produce. A main focus is early season tomatoes, lettuce, and greens. We are about 20 minutes from Asheville. We pay an hourly wage but most of our workers come to us to learn farming. We do not have housing on the farm. Karen, Liz and Tom operate the farm with the help of a small crew of farm apprentices that come to the farm two days a week for a total of about 12 hours. Training the next generation of farmers is one of our principal objectives. More detail is available at our site www.thatchmorefarm.wordpress.com.	Now hiring for 2012
YAN-002	YANCEY	MOUNTAINS	1	Mountain Farm is a 24-acre blueberry, lavender and dairy goat farm. Interns will learn how to milk/take care of dairy goats, care for our other farm animals, prune, weed, harvest, cultivate our plants, make our goat milk soap/other products, work on an agritourism farm [must be comfortable with the public], go to workshops/shows/other farms for 40 hrs/week in exchange for room and board in a cabin by the pond with 2 other interns and a $300/month food stipend + CSA portion. Must be 25 or older with own transportation	These positions have been filled for 2011
HEND-001	HENDERSON	MOUNTAINS	1+	Blue Meadow Farms is located between Mountain Home and Hendersonville off of 25. The farm is roughly 11 acres total of which we farm about 5 acres. We are a transitional organic farm that intends to sell at markets, to restaurants, and grocery stores. During our summer seasons we are growing and selling onions, tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, squash, peppers, and herbs. During our fall season we are growing and selling swiss chard, kale, collards, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, pak choi, and beets. Apprenticeships will include a variety of activities on the farm. Some of these are; planting, harvesting, weeding, and operating farmers markets.	Click here to view our full profile
MIT-001	MITCHELL	MOUNTAINS	1	The Gardening Intern is an important member of the facilities and grounds team at the Penland School of Crafts, a national center for craft education offering residential workshops, residencies, community education programs, and exhibitions. Located on 415 acres in the NC Mountains, Penland has 15 teaching studios and a total of 50 historic and contemporary buildings. The intern position available allows the intern a high level of responsibility for the day to day upkeep and harvesting of the vegetable and herb garden as well as support for the upkeep of perennial gardens on campus. The internship provides a unique opportunity to grow food for the dining hall and learn how to maintain a large campus while being surrounded by hundreds of artists in many different mediums from all around the country and the world.	These positions have been filled for 2011
JOH-002	JOHNSTON	PIEDMONT	1+	Our mission at Toad Song farm is to foster sustainable living through education; and by offering quality plants, farm products, and healing services to the community. We are constantly evolving and learning - about our environment, about living sustainably, and about ourselves. And, we have fun doing it! Those who join us as apprentices are as interested in herbs and sustainable living as we are. They enjoy getting their hands dirty and marvel in the natural world. Tough economic times mean that we can't pay our apprentices with money, but we do make sure that everyone is fed while they're here, and send home various 'treats' from the farm at the end of the day.	Click here to view our full profile
RUTH-001	RUTHERFORD	FOOTHILLS	1	We are looking for one more full season intern on our small, diverse organic farm for the 2012 season. We use a combination of practices including bio-intensive raised beds, keyline plowing, and cover cropping. and market through farmers' markets, CSAs, and restaurants. Please visit our website for basic information about our background and the farm operation, http://www.awayoflifefarm.com/.	Click here to view our full profile
BUN-004	BUNCOMBE	MOUNTAINS	5	Jake's Farm is a certified organic farm, no livestock, greenhouses producing year round. We grow people and vegetables. See our website for more information and pictures. www.jakesfarm.com	Click here to view our full profile
BUN-005	BUNCOMBE	MOUNTAINS	4	Ivy Creek Family Farm is now accepting applications for our 2012 apprenticeship positions. We are a diverse vegetable, flower, and mushroom farm who believe in building soils sustainably to raise great produce.	Click here to view our full profile
BUN-006	BUNCOMBE	MOUNTAINS	1	Mountain Meadows Farm & Nursery is in it's third year of growing vegetables, fruit and flowers. Very little of this has made it to the formal marketplace except for local restaurants. The scale and growth of Mountain Meadows must be sustainable and inspired by those who are attracted and committed to growing. This is a profound opportunity for learning and growing...and we will definitely, be doing this together. My Full-Time employment limits my capacity and this is where your collaborative contributions are key. Come visit if you are inspired!	Click here to view our full profile
MON-001	MONROE - WV	WEST VA	3	Calling all Fruit Nuts! Fresh Pearspective farm lies on the north side of the Knobs Mountain in rural Southeast West Virginia 15 minutes from Union. We are in the process of developing a diversified operation of fruit production (trees, berries and nuts), small market garden and contract seed production. We are looking for creative and self motivated people who want to participate in developing these projects this year. Permaculture Principles guide us in a way that works with the natural attributes of the site. We will be doing an equally diversified variety of work so no specific skills desired can be named. In general good health for hard work and good hand skills for finer work are desired. We are always creatively searching for new and innovative farm products to trial and market.	Click here to view our full profile
RUTH-002	RUTHERFORD	FOOTHILLS	1.5	Puzzle Peace Farm is a small scale sustainable produce farm. We grow vegetables for market but also milk goats, raise pastured pork, free range hens, and honey bees for our own consumption. We are looking for an apprentice who is interested in farming either as a career or a way of life. Little to no experience is required, just a thirst for knowledge, deep concern for our earth, and a sincere and strong work ethic.	Click here to view our full profile
SMI-001	SMITH CO.- TENNESSEE	TENNESSEE	4	Peaceful Pastures, a direct market, all natural, grass based meat business is seeking 2-4 sustainable ag interns for 3-12 month commitments on our 2,000+ acre livestock operation. Interns will be actively involved in day to day farm operations + farmers markets in Nashville. Housing is provided along with a weekly stipend and at least one meal per workday. Interns also manage, maintain and harvest the 1/3 acre organic garden and will be taught the basics of food preservation.	Click here to view our full profile
HEND-002	HENDERSON	MOUNTAINS	2-3	On-hands training from a 20 year sustainable farmer (have been certified). Ability to work without direct supervision and a take charge attitude. I have classes throughout the season that workers can come for free.	Click here to view our full profile
HEND-003	HENDERSON	MOUNTAINS	1-2	We are a small family owned diverse operation growing plants for the nursery industry, veggies, poultry, hogs, small fruits and flowers for local markets and our CSA. We operate in a laid back but efficient atmosphere. Looking for the right person to learn and grow with us.	These positions have been filled for 2011
MAD-003	MADISON	MOUNTAINS	2	Doubletree Farm is a draft horse powered farm in Madison County, NC. Our main crops are sweet sorghum (for syrup), vegetables, and forest products. All field and forest work is performed with animal power and hand labor. We are seeking helpers who are willing to work in exchange for room and board and have a desire to learn farming, forestry, and homesteading skills.	Click here to view our full profile
YAN-003	YANCEY	MOUNTAINS	3	Whispersholler Farms LLC is series of small family farms in the mountains of Western North Carolina. We have farms in Yancey and Buncombe counties specializing in organic vegetable production and organic plant sets. We also offer organic animal feed, organic seeds, fruits, berries, native plants, farming classes for young and old, a CSA, a blog, and a farm stand. We work in the greenhouse, work in the field, inoculate mushroom logs, tend to our ducks, sheep, goats, and chickens, run tractors and tillers, experiment with new techniques, and are soon to begin value added processing. We employee high tunnels, low tunnels, drip irrigation, plastic mulches, BMP's, IPM, follow NOP rules, Follow GAP rules, and work hard. We look forward to meeting new folks and working with anyone who is interested in organic farming and sustainable agriculture. Please visit our website.	Click here to view our full profile
POL-002	POLK	MOUNTAINS	3	We are part of an old southern plantation. Property is situated on the Green River and consists of wooded acrage,bottomland and pasture. There are several businesses and family homes here.We have lots of opportunity for experimenting and new ideas and lots of 'unique' enterprises to see in operation(other than farming). Our 2 yr old farm has chickens,turkeys and gardens. We sell free range eggs and poultry meat, plus garden produce and our own laundry detergent line. We are not certified organic but use organic practices. We are looking for 1-2 interns part-time(20-30 hrs per week) A $25.00 per week stipend is offered as well as housing in an old farmhouse that also functions as farm office and small farm store on back porch. Interns would be involved with daily poultry chores, garden cultivating,harvesting and prep for weekly farmers market(s). Some office work may be involved if this is something the individual(s) feel comfortable doing. It is a beautiful place to spend your summer! Swimming,fishing and kayaking are literally in the frontyard!	These positions have been filled for 2011.
HAY-001	HAYWOOD	MOUNTAINS	1-3	Now forming new farm with tremendous potential for profit and diversity of products. Moving towards self sufficient organic farm. Large barn for goat and chicken farming, Large workshop 6 acres of open pasture on southern gently sloping land. Pure spring water, 25 minutes west of Asheville.Well upwind of Mill.	Click here to view our full profile
BUN-008	BUNCOMBE	MOUNTAINS	1	Small mushroom farm needs part time assistance innoculating, force fruiting, picking, and packaging. Work will be on call. Farm located on hillside with logs weighing up to 50lbs.	Click here to view our full profile
MIT-002	MITCHELL	MOUNTAINS	2	I am an single woman coming from a nursing and ethnobotany background who has been farming alone for 16 years with part time help and family in Asheville making a conscious decision to live a sustainable simple lifesyle based on the conviction that continuation of traditional indigenous knowledge is crucial for planetary survival. I am looking for a mature person or couple interested in and/or experience in natural farming to share farm operations and profits eventually as I ease into retirement hopefully. this moutain homestead offers an unique setting to combine tradtional local knowledge with permaculture design and learning to live more simply using resources on farm as much as possible to provide food, fuel, fertility,water catchment, waste management and avoiding dependence on harmful non sustainable energies. nestled on a beautiful mountain, opportunities abound for hiking on nearby trails, swimming, fishing and rafting as well as Appalachian culture in music and crafts.	Click here to view our full profile
HAY-002	HAYWOOD	MOUNTAINS	2	We are in the renovation process of opening the new Frogs Leap Public House in downtown Waynesville. A neighbor has graciously given us an acre of tractor tenable land, in Canton, to plant and grow as we see fit. We would like to find someone to help us develop this land and basically care for the property in exchange for a share of the crop. Our goal is to begin a new relationship with a talented farmer that can lead into a long-term profitable arrangement. Please respond to this post with any interest or more questions.	Click here to view our full profile
MAD-004	MADISON	MOUNTAINS	5	We are a really unique farm. We don't do any animals, vegetables, etc. - we do an intensive amount of medicinal herbs and trees. If you want to learn how to grow them, we are the farm for you. We sell about 300 medicinal plants and trees - these are mostly native plants but we experiment with growing medicinals from other countries as well. I am hiring interns and farmworkers. Interns are expected to work 9-5, 5 days a week. Farm workers are expected to work 4 hours/ day, 7 days a week. Our farm is located in a remote part of Western North Carolina, in a beautiful hardwood cove with rivers surrounding us.	These positions have been filled for 2011
MAD-005	MADISON	MOUNTAINS	1	This organic farm is a small greenhouse operation and home garden situation in a small cove 15 miles from asheville nc housing can be available and rent is charged but wages are paid it is very seasonal feb. thru oct	Click here to view our full profile
JAC-001	JACKSON	MOUNTAINS	1-3	We are a small diversified farm producing mixed vegetables, poultry, and pork. We are a start up operation with limited land and resources on a slow growth trajectory. This is an excellent place to learn how to start from scratch and build a farm out of little but sweat and persistence.	Click here to view our full profile
BUN-009	BUNCOMBE	MOUNTAINS	1	We are a vegetable and cut flower farm outside of Asheville, NC. We have 15 years of experience successfully growing and selling produce and enjoy sharing what we know about farming. We are looking for people who are enthusiastic about working outside and learning about plants and farming.	THESE POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR 2011
JEF-001	JEFFERSON	MOUNTAINS	2	6 1/2 acre chemical free market farm transitioning to Biodynamics. Looking for individual, family, or group of any level of experience with a passion for creating a high quality sustainable lifestyle. Eventual partnership a possibility.	Click here to view our full profile
BUN-010	BUNCOMBE	MOUNTAINS	2	We are an almost self-sustaining farm just outside of Asheville, NC. We produce vegetables and we have our raise our own pork, beef, chickens, eggs and milk. We sell to restaurants, grocery stores, wholesale and we also have 2 farm stores of our own in Asheville. We're USDA inspected. This position is a permanent position - looking for someone to start now and stay with the farm. The main work to be done with this position is feeding laying hens and collecting, cleaning and packing eggs. There would be chances to be part of other aspects of the farm if interested.	Click here to view our full profile
GRE-001	GREENVILLE, SC	PIEDMONT	1	I am a one man operation micro farm. Season; I grow vegetables along with a small egg production. I sell at market and I'm expanding my CSA. I need help in the field as my growing process is by hand.	Click here to view our full profile
YAN-004	YANCEY	MOUNTAINS	1	MiLo Acres is a small, diverse, family run farm in Burnsville, NC. Our produce is Certified Natural and we will be certifying our apiary and poultry. We grow and harvest in a sustainable, natural manner with as little impact to the environment as possible.	Click here to view our full profile
MAD-006	MADISON	MOUNTAINS	1	Looking for a like minded hard working person that wants to work for "sweat equity". Needs to have a passion for living off the land and educating the community.	Click here to vierw our full profile
YAD-001	YADKIN	PIEDMONT	3	We are a small 3 acre burgeoning cottage farm featuring organic medicinal herbs, Chinese herbs, greenhouse, vegetables, and flowers. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our setting is picturesque with scenic surrounding vistas and 2 red barns. We are rural, but just a 30 minute drive from a major city. There are wineries and sky diving within just a few miles, and a lake, large rivers for rafting, state parks for rock climbing and hiking, and great mountain biking opportunities within a 30 mile distance.	Click here to view our full profile
GRE-001	GREENE	MOUNTAINS	1-4	We have a farmers market on the farm where we will sell any extra produce that we have from the garden. We also have a small retail store on the farm, where we make and sell, ceramics, pottery and goat milk soap, all made right here on the farm. Hands on learning of sustainable farming/homesteading skills! Interns will help with crop propagation, soil preparation, planting, weed management, irrigation, harvest, and with the canning, freezing and dehydrating what we don't sell. The farm is diverse, complex and interconnected. Therefore, all interns will get exposure to and experience with the other aspects of the farm, including our pasture-raised guineas and chickens for eggs, and for hatching, grass-fed goats, rotational grazing, making soap, making ceramics and hand thrown pottery. This year, we also rise and sell gourds, & luffas. We have a small vineyard and a small orchard this year. Come have fun with us, we love to meet new people and we want to learn from you as well.	Click here to view our full profile
MAD-007	MADISON	MOUNTAINS	2-3	Highgate Farm, a small Certified Narurally Grown market garden and off-grid homestead near Marshall, NC is seeking 2-3 interns for the 2012 season. A simple, shared cabin, small stipend, and fabulous food will be provided.	Click here to view our full profile
BUN-011	BUNCOMBE	MOUNTAINS	4	Ten Mile Farm is a diverse vegetable farm located in Candler, NC. We have one full time paid position and 3-4 intern positions open for the 2012 season. Please see our web page for details: tenmilefarm-nc.com.	Click here to view our full profile
BUN-012	BUNCOMBE	MOUNTAINS	1-2	Ostara Farm seeks one full-time and possibly one part-time apprentice for the 2012 season. Ostara is a small organic CSA farm practicing restorative agriculture in the Big Sandy Mush Valley.	Click here to view our full profile

Conference Silent Auction

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:28:33 -0600

2012 Conference Silent Auction

The OGS Conference Silent Auction is a great way to showcase your business or products, all while supporting a good cause! We welcome all kinds of donations from seeds to books to gift certificates. Consider a tax-deductible donation to support sustaianable agriculture! Contact Meredith McKissick at 828.668.2127 or via email for details. See below for a list of generous businesses who have already committed donations to the auction.

2012 Silent Auction Donors

(list as of 12.15.11)

ABTech Biobusiness Center and Laboratory

Acres, USA

Corner Kitchen

Eastern Carolina Organics

Growing for Market

MACSAC

Malaprops Bookstore

Natures NOG

Patagonia

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange

Conference Sponsors & Exhibitors

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:23:02 -0600

The 19th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference

March 3-4, 2012 at UNC-Asheville

PLEASE NOTE: EXHIBITOR SPACE IS SOLD OUT for 2012

MANY THANKS TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS!

Please support them with your patronage!

Bountiful Sponsors

Harvest Sponsors

Soilbuilder Sponsors

Friend Sponsors

AgraQuest

French Broad Food Co-op

Exhibitors (as of 1.23.12)

Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism

Appalachian Seeds Farm & Nursery

Arctic, Inc.

Arthur Morgan School

Blue Ridge BioFuels

BackHome Magazine

Belle Terre

BioBusiness Center and Laboratory at ABTech

Blue Ridge Food Ventures

Bountiful Cities Project

Carolina Farm Stewardship Association

Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine

Corner Kitchen

Fifth Season Gardening Company & McGeary Organics

Firestorm Cafe & Books

Fred C. Gloeckner & Co.

Healing Innovations

High Mowing Organic Seeds

Johnny's Selected Seeds

Natural Forces, LLC

Natures NOG

NC Ginseng & Goldenseal Co.

Red Moon Herbs

Reems Creek Nursery & Landscaping

river island apothecary

Seven Springs Farm

Skeele Services

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange

Sow True Seed

The Lord's Acre

The Natural Way to Health

Useful Plants Nursery

Annual Spring Conference

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:28:40 -0600

19th Annual OGS Spring Conference

March 3 & 4, 2012

University of North Carolina at Asheville

Registration is OPEN! View Class Schedule first, then Go Register!

For just $40 a day you can have access to an amazing line up of sustainable living classes! Mark your calenders green thumbs!

Check out the speaker handouts and presentations we've uploaded from past events by entering our Spring Conference Library.

The Organic Growers School Spring Conference is a one-of-a-kind event that brings people of all walks of life together for a weekend of learning and networking near Asheville, North Carolina. Since 1994, the OGS Spring Conference has been the best way to kick-off the season, with over 70 classes and hands on workshops on a variety of topics, from starting your first vegetable garden, baking bread, and saving on home energy costs, to raising your own goat herd. The mission of OGS is to provide down-to-earth, practical advice on growing and sustainable living, while remaining affordable and accessible to anyone wanting to participate.

Need more info? Contact us.

19th Annual Conference March 3 & 4, 2012 at UNC-Asheville

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:13:14 -0600

Be sure to VIEW THE CLASS SCHEDULE BEFORE YOU SIGN UP!

Please note our REFUND POLICY

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: YOUTH or ADULT

VOLUNTEER Opportunities

PRINT A REGISTRATION FORM (if you prefer to mail it in).

REGISTER!

Conference FAQ

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 04:50:29 -0600

Read on for Frequently Asked Questions regarding the 19th Annual Spring Conference. If you still have questions after reading this, contact us.

What is the Conference and where will it be held?

The Conference will be hosted in downtown Asheville, North Carolina at the University of North Carolina. More information about the event can be found here.

When Can I Register?

Early Bird Registration will open December 15th and close February 15th at 5pm. Be an early bird and save money! Only $40/day to attend! The Class Schedule will be released when registration opens.

The Class Schedule is confusing. Can you please explain?

Packing so many classes onto two pages has proven tricky over the years, hence the birth, and continued use of our famous (or infamous) "class grid". Before you get frustrated, please read the whole document, as class descriptions and class times occur on different pages. There simply isn't room to list them all in the same place!

TRACKS are categories or suites of classes of the same type. (example: the All About Poultry track will feature classes about poultry.) Tracks are given letter codes A-O.

SESSIONS are classes within tracks. (example: backyard chickens would be a session within the All About Poultry track). Sessions, or classes, are given number codes 1-4.

TIMES: There are four time slots throughout each conference day. All of the sessions with code #1 happen from 9:00am- 10:30 am. session #2 is 11:00am-12:30pm. Session #3 is 2:00pm-3:30pm. Session #4 is 4:00pm-5:30pm. Therefore, all the sessions with number code 1 are happening at the same time, and so and so forth with sessions labeled 2-4. Ultimately, you can pick up to four classes to attend in one day. You do not have to attend all your classes in a single track. You are free to switch around from track to track throughout the day.

Most classes are REPEATED on day two of the event, to give you a better chance of getting to all the awesome classes you want to see.

What About Lunch?

In the past, we have offered you the option to purchase a $10 catered lunch when you register. This is no longer an option. However, we are excited to be welcoming Asheville restaurants to the event this year, and they will be selling yummy food made with local and organic ingredients between 12:30 and 2:00 each day. Join us in celebrating fresh food from local businesses by supporting Chai Pani, Feel Good Foods, Rosetta's Kitchen, and others. Be sure to bring some 5's and 10's to spend on lunch, as many vendors are unable to accept plastic.

What is a half day hands-on workshop and when does it happen?

Half day hands on workshops cover topics that warrant a more in-depth look. These classes are three hours as opposed to the usual 1.5 hour sessions, and occur at the same time as usual classes. They cost $5 extra because they are hands on in nature, and usually you learn by doing, and get to take your work home. These workshops are some of the most popular offerings at the event, so make sure to register early to get a spot!

Can I register for just a class or two, and not the whole day?

Because we try to keep things both affordable ($40 for an entire day-long conference!) and simple, we regret that we cannot offer partial registrations.

My kid isn't yet 7, but s/he is super duper mature. Can you make an exception to the 7-12 age limit in the kids program?

We have no doubt that your kid is the most special child in the world, however, our kids program is run entirely by volunteers, and the line has to be drawn somewhere! The age limits of 7-12 are set for a reason and we appreciate your respect for the heroic volunteers that head that program. Pending funding, we would love to develop programs for younger tots as well as older teens at future events. Let us know if you would like to help make that happen. In the meantime, leave the younger ones (7 and under) with a sitter, and feel free to sign em up when they reach 7!

I have a hard time registering online. Can I register by phone?

We regret that our staff is too slim to allow phone registration, but you can register by mail. Simply print a registration form (after December 15th) and send it off with a check! You can find a link to the form on our home page starting Dec. 15th, 2011.

Can I register at the event?

Yes, but it's more expensive, and you may miss out on limited seating in cooking classes or half day hands on workshops. Registrations postmarked or submitted after 5pm on February 15th will cost an additional $15. Save money by planning ahead! Register by February 15th!

Something's come up. Can I get a refund?

Registration for the 2012 OGS Spring Conference is non-refundable. The event will be held rain, snow, or shine. Click here for the full refund policy. If you are interested in transferring your tickets to someone else, that's just fine! Contact the registrar at 828. 342.1849 or earthstarnc@earthlink.net to initiate a transfer.

Conference Lodging

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:19:46 -0600

Asheville Area Bed & Breakfasts: http://www.ashevillebba.com/

Air Bed & Breakfast: http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/284022 and http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/284063

Asheville Area Hotels: PLEASE NOTE: The Southern Conference Basketball Tournament is happening in Asheville the same weekend as OGS. As a result, hotel availability is limited so book early!

CRAFT Farmer Roundtable - Record Keeping and Labor Tracking on 1/12/2012

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:50:54 -0600

CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) is a member based group organized by the Organic Growers School (OGS). Members are from western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Membership is $20 – $30/year: this gives you access to farm tours, workshops and trainings throughout the year. To join, please visit http://organicgrowersschool.org/content/1874.

For more information on this event, please contact Andrea at andrea@organicgrowersschool.org/ 828.338.9508

In this roundtable, farmers will compare methods of record keeping, and learn valuable tips to gain efficiency in the farm office. Farmers will also evaluate methods for tracking labor on the farm, and learn how effective records of their own labor, as well as hired help, impacts the profitability of each farm enterprise and the farm as a whole. Farmers will receive templates for tracking labor on the farm, and discover ways to become more efficient in overall record keeping.

Jobs

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 07:25:04 -0600

*Job Announcement - January 1, 2012*

Organic Growers School Farmer Programs Assistant

Based in: western North Carolina with outreach to eastern Tennessee

The Organic Growers School is a 501c3 non profit organization that seeks to support sustainable agriculture in the Southern Appalachians through educational programs and outreach.

Application Deadline: February 1, 2012

The Organic Growers School invites applicants for a Farmer Programs Assistant who will report to the organization’s Director. Specific responsibilities include:

Organize and carry out Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) events in WNC and TN. Attend all tours in Western North Carolina and in Tennessee.
Facilitate communication within client member groups via internet and social media.
Explore video, photo and other visual media to promote farmer education.
Collect and compile program evaluations
Continue outreach efforts to increase presence and familiarity with OGS’ Farmers Programs in the region
Maintain OGS contacts with farm partners and recruit new farmer members.
Monitor OGS Farmer Programs website
Perform administrative, marketing and other support duties.
Solicit sponsors and other funding to sustain OGS farmer programming in accordance with OGS fundraising priorities.

We are particularly eager to find organized, hard-working candidates who possess the following skills/experience

Enthusiastic self-starter with an eye for problem solving and good follow-through
strong written and oral communication skills, including public speaking
knowledge pertaining to organic and/or sustainable agriculture businesses
knowledge pertaining to existing regional agriculture education
fundraising and event experience
ability to work both independently and in teams

Work will be contracted, from home, part time (10-20 hours/week estimate), and compensated at a rate comparable to $12-$15 hourly . Funding for this position exists for 2 years beginning in 2012, and comes from a USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Grant. There exists the potential for longer term employment after the initial two years of funding.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and 3 references to jobs@organicgrowersschool.org. We will not accept phone calls regarding this position.

The Organic Growers School is a 501c3 non profit organization that does not discriminate with respect to race, sexual orientation, religion, or other personal factors.

For Conference Speakers

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:41:52 -0600

Greetings 2012 Organic Growers School Conference Speaker! The purpose of this page is to allow you online access to speaker information for our upcoming event on March 3-4, 2012. You should have received hard copies of all this in the mail, but if it is more convenient for you to access files and submit info to us online, this is the place to do it! Below you'll find several links that will answer your questions or allow you to communicate with us. Thanks again for your participation at the 2012 Conference. We look forward to seeing you in March!

View 2012 Speaker Information Sheet

View the Class Schedule

Fill out and submit your 2012 Speaker Form (required by February 6th, 2012!!)

View Presentation Tips