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This is a great learning opportunity, but don't just take our word for it...
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"I have been attending agricultural conferences for 30 years. This was by far the best farmer meeting I have ever attended! Only wished I could have been in more than one place to hear all the conference presenters."
-- 2016 conference attendee
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"I'm a beginner farmer and I've attended a number of similarly themed conferences and conventions, mostly for their workshop offerings. But this year's SSAWG (my first) was by far the most informative, and the trade show was peopled by some of the most eager-to-help vendors who seemed genuinely interested in helping small and beginning farmers, and in promoting organic/sustainable values."
-- 2016 conference attendee
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General Conference Info: Fri & Sat - Jan. 27-28
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 The general conference, running all day Friday and Saturday, offers 56 educational sessions on a broad range of topics, plus networking sessions. We have sessions for those with years of experience and for those who are new to the field. The session topics include organic and sustainable vegetable, livestock and specialty crop production; unique marketing strategies; business and finance management; beginning farming; farm to cafeteria; student farms; community food systems; federal farm programs; agriculture policy developments; and more.
We have a very exciting slate of "field-tested" presenters this year. They are successful farmers and ranchers, along with well-respected educators and local food organizers. All 90 presenters have extensive knowledge and most importantly, practical experience.
To see the full description of sessions on this year's program, click here. |
Pre-conference Info: Wed & Thu - Jan. 25-26
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Our popular 1½ day pre-conference short courses are intensive learning experiences that provide comprehensive information. Click to learn more about the short courses. - Start-Up Organic Vegetable Production and Marketing
- Mixing and Matching Cattle, Sheep and Goats on Pasture
- Permaculture for Commercial Vegetable Production
- Student Farms: Maximizing Learning Opportunities on College Farms
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Our ½ day mini courses cover specific topics in greater depth than is possible in our regular conference sessions. To learn more about mini courses, click here.
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The Organic Agriculture Research Symposium (OARS) will bring together researchers, farmers, ranchers, extension agents, educators, agricultural professionals, and other beneficiaries of organic agriculture and farming systems research to learn about and advance organic farming research. To learn more about this symposium, click here.
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Load up on the bus and check out the farming going on around Lexington, Ky. If you who learn best by getting out in the field, we offer six outstanding ½ day field trips this year.
- Feeding Students: A Collegiate Ag Program Nourishing Mind and Body at Berea College
- Permanent Culture: Creating a Commercial Permaculture Farm
- Fertile Land: Growing Organic Vegetables and High Yield Soil
- Veggies and Herbs: Ways to Extend Season, Control Pests, and Grow a Superior Product
- Work Smarter: Equipment, Machines and Structures for Increasing Efficiency
- Full Circle: Building a Food System from Field to Freezer--Livestock
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The Southern SAWG conference is always a great bargain, given the quality of the information to be gained. Your farming operation or local foods organization can't afford to miss this event. Click here to learn more about registration fees and register by December 21st for the best rate.
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These funds help make it possible for limited-resource farmers to participate in this event. While many of the application deadlines have already passed, check the web page for up-to-date news about any new fee waivers or scholarships listed and how to apply.
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Lodging Deadline:
January 3, 2017
Hotel rooms fill up fast with our conference attendees every year. After you register for the conference, be sure to book your lodging. The Southern SAWG group lodging rate is just $110.00 this year at the Hyatt Regency Lexington Hotel and at our overflow hotel, the Hilton Lexington Hotel. Parking and airport shuttle are free! Remember, this excellent rate is only guaranteed before January 3, 2017 and you must state you are with the "Southern Sustainable Agriculture" group. Click here for lodging information.
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It's never too late to show your support of sustainable agriculture. As a sponsor you will be helping hundreds of farmers, community food advocates, educators and researchers across the South, and with the visibility this event affords, it will distinguish you as a critical supporter of the sustainable agriculture movement. Click here to learn more. |
