Thursday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Mark McAfee

Taking Back the American Food Chain — Farmers Nourishing & Embracing Their Overjoyed, Healthy, Happy Consumers with Whole Foods

Mark McAfee has taken on some of the nation's most ardent regulators in his quest to provide healthy, raw milk to consumers. And he insists that consumers have the right to buy healthy food in retail stores, not sneaking around like criminals, calling it something else like pet food, or contributing to the farmer's arrest. McAfee holds that the solution to this and so many problems farmers face is to fix the food chain by repairing the missing consumer connection. He will explain how to educate consumers and build a full-on relationship with consumers, adding value along the way.

Friday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Ronnie Cummins


Organic Production —
a Matter of Survival

Farmers and consumers, both U.S. and worldwide, share the unique privilege and daunting responsibility of making sure that everyone is fed, and that the land, water, and climate are nurtured and protected so that we can feed and nourish the future generations. Despite the tremendous growth of organic production, there is twice as much "natural" food sold as organic, most of it just "greenwashed" conventional fare. This industrialized junk food system has not only polluted the environment, depleted aquifers, destroyed topsoil, and released enormous greenhouse and ozone-depleting gases, but has also engendered an epidemic of obesity, heart disease and cancer, as well as reproductive and hormone disorders — not to mention 86 million cases of food poisoning a year. It is the organic producers that have the 21st-century solution to the climate crisis, public health and rural development.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Michael Diamond

A Constitutional Roadmap to Environmental Security

The domestic violence clause of the U.S. Constitution requires that the federal government protect us from harms that we inflict upon ourselves, harms that threaten our health and our survival. Yet in the 20th and the 21st centuries, we have harmed ourselves greatly through massive chemical exposures, causing diseases and behavioral and educational deficits. This is the tool that the Founding Fathers gave us to reorder the priorities of the federal government, taking it from ways of waste and war to putting all available resources into regaining health and assuring survival. In this stirring presentation, Michael Diamond explains what we need to do to obtain the protection from harm entitled to all.

2-3 p.m.

Successful ecological farming is not just getting the soil fertility right or balancing the fertility elements. In this presentation, organic farmer/consultant Gary Zimmer will detail what it takes to make all of the pieces of a system work together. He will discuss a whole-farm system including equipment, planting, eco-inputs, problem solving, and how to get the "sloppiness" out of your operation. This is real-world advice from a working farmer who has consulted with top growers around the world.

2-3 p.m.

David Nelson, a Midwestern consultant has validated the information in Weeds, Control Without Poisons with matching soil and plant tissue tests. In the processhe has uncovered a wealth of knowledge about weeds, their matching mineral profile, and management techniques. He demonstrates why farmers need to move beyond the color plates in old books and learn a new process for understanding weeds and devising effective controls. Using photographs, tissue analyses and Albrecht-method soil tests, he will document the most common agricultural weeds both above and below the soil's surface and show control techniques for both sustainable and organic farms.

3-4 p.m.

This workshop will focus on how to use biochar to improve soils and increase crop productivity. The basics of what good biochar is, its historical development, how it’s made, and how it works in the soil to improve growing conditions will be covered. A special focus of the session will be how to work with biochar in soil conditions likely to be found in more temperate climate regions. The results of biochar trials conducted on a small farm located in a Maine coastal community where randomized, replicated research plots were established with varying types and amounts of biochar will be reviewed. In addition to its uses for soil improvement, biochar has a certain "moral beauty"; it also helps tackle waste management, energy production, and climate change issues. Is it a "silver bullet," another fad, or useful and worthwhile for eco-farmers? Attend this lecture and judge for yourself.

3-4 p.m.

Join forage specialist, Karl Dallefeld to learn both how to add diversity to your pasture and the benefits of doing so. Through adding in various plant species the grazier can gain soil fertility as well as produce health and productivity benefits for the herd. This presentation will help you to understand how to match maturities of added species with other grasses in the sward and let you pick up practical tips on what to look for in species selection to develop diversity. Also you will learn how to evaluate new varieties, what questions to ask, and what factors to consider for success in your fields. Dallefeld will also discuss how to avoid the problems of adaptability for your area, pests and diseases, and more.

Advanced Soil Ecology
& the Soil Food Web
Michael Martin Meléndrez

4-5 p.m.

In this advanced presentation, Meléndrez will look at properly observing nature's mechanisms, and then replicating them; in that way, true sustainability can be achieved. He will discuss mycorrhizae, the humic acids, and tying them together. Learn how to create the environment for a healthy and balanced soil ecology, how to utilize inoculants, and how to "prime the pedogenesis pump" for the genesis of humus, the creation of soil. Understand how a highly populated and balanced soil food web will: create humus, improve soil structure, protect roots, retain nitrogen and other nutrients, slowly release retained nutrients, produce enzymes and hormones, and decompose pollutants.

4-5 p.m.

In addition to rebuilding soil through appropriate soil testing, amendment and balancing, the lab offers generally underused tools for the grower in foreseeing nutritional needs of crops through leaf and petiole testing. Tucker will explain the value of inoculating soil with microlife, proper fertilization, and then following up with foliar and drip feeding for ultimate production and quality. Learn to analyze your farm both from the soil's point of view and the plant's point of view.

9-10:30 a.m.

Stressing the importance of dietary variety, Fred Provenza brings to light that providing animals with a variety of foods and habitats enhances their productivity and health, be they fed in confinement or foraging on pastures and rangelands. Biodiversity is the foundation for production and health. And choice and ability to choose enhances individuality, which further enhances performance and health, plus the flavor and quality of meat for human consumption. It is clear there is an inherent "nutritional wisdom" within animals. In order to farm and ranch more sustainably, we must learn to appreciate diversity, live in an evolutionary spirit, and develop agricultural management strategies that enable us to adapt quickly to change.

9-10:30 a.m.

This workshop will focus on the nuts and bolts of making a conversion to biodynamics on large scale acreage using the biodynamic preparations without manure or compost. Dewane will discuss crop rotations, fertility management, and equipment needed. He will explain how he achieves visible results from biodynamics — improved topsoil structure and depth, drought resistance, resistance to plant diseases, adaptability to climate change, and improved yields.

10:30 a.m. - 12 noon

Biological systems are responsible for making the wealth that we call the soil. Eco-farmers tend to fixate on the quantifiable subjects of mineral balance, levels of biological activity, etc. But there are large numbers of species of microlife with unknown roles in the soil. When isolated for study, they lose their functionality. Likewise, we can quantify the mineral levels in soil, plants and animals, but do not understand how they function in combination with the biology of the soil. Ecosystems are much larger than we can conceive, and they spawn the alchemical magic that we can only witness. Drawing from the wisdom of Kervran and others, Brunetti will explore and pay homage to the superorganism that we call soil.

10:30 a.m. - 12 noon

In order to get the most from an Acres U.S.A. conference, it is necessary to understand the soil food web, the natural, biological processes in and on soils that feed and protect plants. This body of science explains "organic" and "biodynamic" farming. It has its own vocabulary and participants ranging from bacteria and fungi to worms and dung beetles. With this session you will be up to speed and ready to explore all the advancements in science and technology presented by other speakers. This is a highly entertaining and equally informative presentation that not only introduces the subject of the soil food web and the value of biodiversity, but is also a great review for the more experienced.

2-3 p.m.

Through innovative, up-to-date techniques, and reviving the farming methods of his father, Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens are achieving yields as high or higher than any chemical farm in the area, and with a quality that surpasses all. After diversifying their farm and implementing organic techniques, they have increased production, improved soil, and lessened weed and insect problems. But techniques have had to evolve as the farm moves further from its chemical years and deeper into organic production. In this session they will explain their next generation of knowledge and experiences in fertility management, weed control, and continual farm improvement. The Martens farm 1,300 acres organically in the Finger Lakes area of New York state.

2-3 p.m.

The U.S. government and many states don't want Americans to have access to raw milk. The result has been a tough enforcement campaign against raw dairies over the last four years — conducted in the form of raids and questionable pathogen testing. The government's crackdown on raw milk has important implications for consumers who value nutrient-dense foods of all types. In this workshop, David Gumpert traces the government's anti-raw milk campaign, and connects it to other anti-small farm government initiatives that threaten our rights to the foods of our choice.

3-4 p.m.

Neal Kinsey, a true soil fertility authority, will explain how to build the stage for soil biology to thrive and act. He will explain how many purchased inputs — humates, compost tea, micronized dusts, clay dusts, rockdusts — are in fact a shotgun approach at repairing and stimulating the soil. These materials at times can work terrifically; and they also can fail to produce a response. If the goal in farming is to achieve optimum response in terms of yield and nutritional value, a more studied approach is in order. He'll explain how.

3-4 p.m.

Greg and Jan Judy of Clark, Mo., run a grazing operation on 1,400 acres of leased land made up of 10 farms. Holistic high-density planned grazing is used to graze cows, cow/calf pairs, bred heifers, horses, and stockers. Sometimes called "mob grazing," the technique has proven itself in productivity, profit, and rapid healing of the land. They also own a 250-head grass-genetics cow herd, a 300-head hair sheep flock, a goat herd, and graze Tamworth pigs. They direct market grass-fed beef, lamb and pork. Greg has authored the book Comeback Farms, Rejuvenating Soils, Pastures and Profits with Livestock Grazing Management.

4-5 p.m.

Conventional no-till farming is good in some ways, however, weed management depends upon herbicides, which are prohibited in organic farming, and the crop is fertilized with chemical forms of nitrogen that burn up the organic matter and lower the carbon sequestration potential, all of which cost money and can harm the environment. Jeff Moyer, farm manager at The Rodale Institute, teamed up with a neighboring farmer to build a front-mounted roller-crimper that can kill cover crops mechanically, eliminating the need for both herbicides and nitrogen fertilizer. To provide organic farmers with a giant step forward, Rodale Institute is focusing on a one-pass system doing the rolling and planting at the same time. In addition to this remarkable innovation, Rodale Institute's ongoing research into non-toxic no-till farming is producing new tools and encouraging results. Moyer will detail the state of the art of this emerging science.

4-5 p.m.

Amending soils to meet deficiencies under pasture-based dairy production systems can be profitable. While every farming situation is unique, this presentation will feature preliminary results from an ongoing study to assess the full economic benefit of amending soils to meet nutrient deficiencies under managed intensive grazing. Data will be presented on forage productivity, forage quality and species compositional changes occurring after the first year of amendment application as compared to control paddocks. The next two years of the study will be outlined and discussed.

7:30 p.m.

Filmmaker Gene Rosow will introduce his new documentary, Dirt! The Movie, which will screen during the noon break on Saturday.

9-10 a.m.

Building plant proteins is a multi-step process with each step requiring enzymes which are activated by cofactors. These cofactors are often trace minerals. By looking at supplying not only the building blocks of healthy plants, but also the needed keys for biological activity, the grower can produce crops of superior nutritional value. John Kempf will help you understand the roles of microbes, biologically available fertilizers, nutrient balancing, and how to use micronized trace elements in production agriculture.

9-10 a.m.

This advanced grazing seminar presented by Cody Holmes will focus on grazing tall residual forages. Through shifting the primary focus away from feeding livestock to building soil (and feeding the animals in the process), a dramatic change in soil quality results. Learn specifics on the heights of forages that livestock are turned into, the amount to leave behind, and the required long resting periods. This is not New Zealand-style high-input rotational grazing. It is highly profitable, can work with beef and dairy herds as well as other animals, and produces increases in soil quality and soil life as well as a meat high in omega 3s, CLAs, vitamin E and beta carotene.

10-11 a.m.

Often profits are sacrificed to prevent damage from a host of fungal rascals. Not all fungal players are destructive, though — opportunities also exist to harness beneficial fungi as remedies for these costly agricultural rascals. The many well-documented benefits of mycorrhizal fungi include improving crop nutrients, water uptake, disease resistance, carbon content and soil structure. These fungi can also improve crop yields and decrease costs for fertilizer and water. Join this soil microbiology consultant to learn the state of the art of beneficial inoculants and how to utilize them in production agriculture.

10-11 a.m.

Record-high grain prices and a state of milk oversupply calls for significant changes to the way we think about organic milk production practices. New Zealand data suggests that each pound of additional grain provides 0.5 to 1 lb. more milk under intensive grazing management. Do these New Zealand principles apply in the U.S.? In tough economic times, does grain supplementation pay? Over the course of this presentation, she will share information from two successive years of data on the impact of reducing grain consumption under managed intensive grazing, including BCS, health, reproductive rates and net return/cow.

11 a.m. - 12 noon

Growing 1,300 acres of mixed grains organically forces Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens to be specific and scientific in their management of fertility inputs. Klaas will explain his take on Albrecht and cation exchange capacity, other fertility balancing systems, and seek to resolve the apparent contradictions. They have achieved increasing success through combining various tools, techniques and methodologies of soil fertility management. He will pass along real-world advice about soil systems that are scalable for any size of farming operation.

11 a.m. - 12 noon

Greg and Jan Judy of Clark, Mo., run a grazing operation on 1,400 acres of leased land made up of 10 farms. Greg and Jan went from near bankruptcy in 1999 to paying off a 200 acre farm and house in three years with custom grazing on leased land and are completely debt free. Today they own three farms and lease seven farms. They have used other people’s cattle and other people’s land to build their finances so that they're able to afford their own cattle herd — and they are now debt free. Custom grazing has also afforded the Judys to have cattle handling equipment and a flock of sheep. Greg has authored a book on the system, No Risk Ranching, Custom Grazing On Leased Land.

2-3 p.m.

As consumers demand fresher and locally-supplied food, people all across the country are looking to meet this demand through various forms of market gardens. One way to rapidly tap into this market is by putting up a greenhouse. When done right greenhouses can be a real money-maker. If poorly managed they can be a fast way to lose a lot of money. In this talk, market garden consultant Jon Frank hands off 10 valuable tips to keep you smiling — all the way to the bank.

3-4 p.m.

Much has been written about the concept of food being a medicine and the best medicine being food. But it's usually coming from the point of view of plant vitality and soil fertility. Cattle breeding authority Gearld Fry will explain how to select and produce the kind of cow that will have the proper glandular function, grass harvesting ability, body type, and other factors to truly yield "medicinal" food and milk. In addition, learn how that same animal will also be your most profitable beef producer or milk cow.

2-5 p.m.

With the price of fertilizers linked to escalating energy costs, whether in production or transportation, farmers are forced to prioritize their use. Learn how to consider the price of the fertilizer in conjunction with the crop/soil need and find the minimum-cost fertility plan. Often when an optimal plan can't be followed, a "feed the plant" philosophy is assumed, something this fertility consultant feels is the worst thing that can happen to a farmer. Learn how to identify your critical fertility elements from a soil balancing, plant nutrition, and economic return perspective. Practical, real-world advice from one of the best.

9 a.m. - 12 noon

To find lasting success in farming — and an accompanying quality of life — it is increasingly important for farmers to embrace the complexity of biodiversity. Learn how to evaluate what's naturally available as resources on your farm. Understand how to evaluate inputs, cropping systems and rotations, management of livestock and crops, and the factors of weather extremes in farming and following a whole-farm plan. But most of all, see that to be successful in profit, lifestyle issues do not have to be shoved to the back. This longtime organic farmer/inspector/consultant will explain that while conventional agriculture has tried to reduce complexity, it can be fun to think through the complexities on your farm.

2-5 p.m.

Touching on all farm species, holistic veterinarian Glen Dupree will explain homeopathy both in conceptual and practical ways. Participants will leave with an understanding of how to utilize the top homeopathic remedies for acute, crisis situations. More important, learn how to utilize this powerful non-toxic form of medicine to subtly improve the health of your animals when they're not in crisis, increasing the health of the entire farm. Learn how to move beyond a "cookbook" approach to homeopathic prescribing. The case reports he presents will include beef and dairy cows, chickens, pigs, sheep, turkeys and more.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009

9-11 a.m.

Farmers who grow organic wheat and grains have a special opportunity to produce from their bins and bushels, whether for personal enjoyment or as a value-added product to sell. Mary-Howell Martens, who with her husband Klaas farms 1,300 acres organically in New York, will demonstrate how to grind flour, make pasta, and a number of other farm kitchen treats using organic grains, ancient and heritage grains, and more. In addition to learning how to work with these crops in the kitchen, attendees will learn why they are of superior nutritional quality when compared to commercially available fare.

2-4 p.m., lecture
4-5 p.m., questions & answers

Learn how the digestive system — the "gut" — is of primary importance in all health maintenance and healing. All health starts in the gut, that amazing organ of digestion and immunity that is the body's internal connection with the outside world. Everyone who is sick has compromised digestion. If the gut is not healed, health and healing will not be achieved. The gut is the body's primary immune organ, producing immunity for the body. Also, unknown to many, the gut is the primary neurological organ and carries more neurological tissue than even the spinal cord. This workshop will emphasize the need for and present an overview of the methods for improving digestion and healing and soothing the gut with diet, supplements, medications, and other natural practices.