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 Flavors of Northwest Iowa E-News - February 2013
In This Issue
Flavor Highlight
In the news...
Upcoming Events
Farm Energy News
Homegrown Lifestyle
IA Local Food Economy

Flavor Highlight

Becky's Garden
By: Becky Leach
In the news...
Source: Northwest Iowa Review
Upcoming Events
Feb 23
Seed Starting 
Workshop
Primghar, IA

Feb 26
Regional Pork 
Conference
Sheldon, IA

March 2
Sioux City, IA

Sioux City, IA

March 14 
Homegrown Lifestyle
Multiple locations

Ames, IA
Greetings!

We had a great turnout at the Northwest Iowa Local Food Summit last month! Fifty-one people gathered to make plans for the future of local and regional food systems in our region. Click here to download a summary of the summit.

Also, If you're a producer interested in Good Agricultural Practices On-Farm Food Safety training, we have some available! Register ASAP for Levels 1 and 2 if you are planning direct sales or sales to restaurants and institutions. Click here for more information.

Laura Kuennen
Regional Food Coordinator
ISU Extension and Outreach
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News from the Farm Energy Working Group

 

The Farm Energy Working Group housed at UNI's Center for Energy & Environmental Education is offering two mini-grants for 2013 thanks to funding from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Farmers interested in developing a project to incorporate energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy measures to reduce reliance on fossil fuels can submit an application by February 28, 2013.

Click here for more information.

 

The Working Group is also hosting a free webinar on February 21 for anyone interested in Iowa State Farm Service Agency's recently launched Microloan program.

Click here for more information.

Homegrown Lifestyle

 

Homegrown Lifestyle is a 12-week short course for people living on large lots or smaller acreages who wish to produce food for their own use in a way that sustains the natural environment. Weekly sessions consist of webinars and locally-coordinated activities and visits to local farms and gardens. Classes start March 14.

 

Dickinson and Woodbury County Extension Offices are 2013 course sites. For more information and to register click here.

Road Map for Resilience: Empowering Iowa's Local Food Economy, March 19-20
 
A conference for anyone interested in Iowa's local food economy! Featuring:
  • John O'Sullivan, North Carolina 10% Campaign
  • Anupama Joshi, National Farm to School Network
  • Diane Endicott, Good Natured Family Farms
  • Susan Futrell, Red Tomato (Boston)

Join us for workshops where you will have plenty of time to learn what's happening with local foods from three different avenues: business, food incentives (Farm to School and Farm to Institution) and beginning and minority farmers, and to share your own expertise. Visit the exhibits, network with others and enjoy locally sourced meals prepared by ISU Dining!

 

Click here to register.
Locally Grown Food & Culture,

Flavors of Northwest Iowa
Iowa State University Extension and Outrach programs are available to all without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, 3280 Beadshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.