Hobby Farms Calendar
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Find trade shows, conferences, workshops, festivals and more for hobby farmers and rural enthusiasts. You'll find them all listed on our calendar of events from around the country.
February 2012
February 1-4
State College, Pa. The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture’s 21st annual Farming for the Future Conference brings together farmers, processors, consumers, students and environmentalists for lectures, tracks and workshops on how to build a more sustainable future; 814-349-9856; Website Information »
February 3-4
St. Paul, Minn. Planned with the needs of immigrant farmers in mind, the 7th Annual Immigrant and Minority Farmers Conference provides education and connections to resources for small-scale farmers and beginning growers. In addition to seminars and exhibits, lunchtime "story telling" has become a highlight of the event: Over lunch from a local Thai restaurant, conference attendees talk about where they are from, prior and present farming experiences, and the challenges of a farming life in the U.S.; 651-433-3676; Website Information »
February 4-5
Delray Beach, Fla. Escape the cold at the Delray Beach Antiques Show, a show and sale of fine antiques and art featuring more than 30 national exhibitors. Many antiques are displayed in room settings; 239-877-2830; Website Information »
February 8
Breese, Ill. Stay up to date with this Certified Livestock Manager Training Workshop. Topics covered will include winter manure storage and management, feed-storage runoff control, manure application in no-till systems, carcass composting and nitrogen management. This workshop has a beef/dairy emphasis, but is open to all producers; 800-345-6087; Website Information »
February 8-March 4
Waltham, Mass. Visit a celebrated collection of camellias in the 1820 Camellia House at the Lyman Estate Greenhouses; 781-891-1985; Website Information »
February 9
Rogue River, Ore. Learn the secret of making artisan, aged cheeses in a Beginning Pressed Cheese class. You’ll learn the science and the art needed to make truly great aged cheese, from any kind of milk; 541-582-8883; Website Information »
February 9
Effingham, Ill. Stay up to date with this Certified Livestock Manager Training Workshop. Topics covered will include winter manure storage and management, feed-storage runoff control, manure application in no-till systems, carcass composting and nitrogen management. This workshop has a beef/dairy emphasis, but is open to all producers; 800-345-6087; Website Information »
February 9-11
Northampton, Mass. Deepen your sustainable-farming knowledge at Soil and Nutrition: An Education and Coalition-building Conference. This conference, which features a seminar with John Kempf, a soil-management symposium and a strategic action working conference, aims to grow the movement for soil fertility as a basis for the long-term ecological and economic sustainability of farming, the environment and society; Website Information »
February 10-12
Columbia, S.C. See hundreds of blooms and get expert orchid-growing information at Orchids on the Riverbanks Festival; 803-779-8717; Website Information »
February 11-19
Denver. Plan for warmer days at the Colorado Garden and Home Show, which showcases the latest ideas and trends in landscaping, gardening and home improvement; 303-932-8100; Website Information »
February 12-17
Monterey, Calif. A creative retreat for fiber artists, the Monterey Fiber Jam is a week of inspirations, exploration and exchange. With classes, discussions, challenges and lectures, there are activities and events for every fiber enthusiast; 707-762-2595; Website Information »
February 13
Philadelphia, Pa. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, learn how to take chocolate beyond the dessert course and into your savory dishes and mixed drinks with Cocoa Culinary and Cocktails; 215-222-4200; Website Information »
February 14-16
Tulare, Calif. “Growing World Agriculture” is the theme for this year’s World Ag Expo. Add items to your hobby farm’s wish list at the 1,600-exhibitor trade show, study up at any one of the Expo’s free seminars, and learn how to take your bounty from farm to table at cooking demos hosted by some of California’s top chefs; 800-999-9186; Website Information »
February 15-18
Louisville, Ky. The National Farm Machinery Show rolls back into town with product and service displays, hands-on demos, and a variety of free seminars; 502-367-5004; Website Information »
February 17
Champaign, Ill. Business leaders, media, nonprofit organizations and scholars will come together for “Food & Agricultural Communications: The Next Frontier,” a symposium marking the 50th year of University of Illinois’ agricultural communications program. With a food-security focus, the event will give communications professionals, students and faculty the opportunity to explore the needs and opportunities posed by the future of global communication and social networking; Website Information »
February 18-19
Granville, Ohio. “Sowing the Seeds of Our Food Sovereignty” is the theme of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association 33rd Annual Conference. Keynote speakers will include Woody Tasch, founder and chairman of the Slow Money Alliance, and Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of the Center for Food Safety; 614-421-2022 x205
February 19
Boston, Mass. Mark your calendar for the third annual Boston Lamb Jam. Join fellow fans of lamb at the Charles Hotel for an event featuring 16 local chefs, eight Boston-area breweries, a selection of West Coast wines and all sorts of tasty entertainment; Website Information »
February 20
Sycamore, Ill. Stay up to date with this Certified Livestock Manager Training Workshop. Topics covered will include winter manure storage and management, feed-storage runoff control, manure application in no-till systems, carcass composting and nitrogen management; 800-345-6087; Website Information »
February 21
Mt. Carroll, Ill. Stay up to date with this Certified Livestock Manager Training Workshop. Topics covered will include winter manure storage and management, feed-storage runoff control, manure application in no-till systems, carcass composting and nitrogen management. This workshop has a swine emphasis, but is open to all producers; 800-345-6087; Website Information »
February 29-March 1
Shipshewana, Ind. Network with other women farmers and empower yourself to play a role in your family farm's profitability at the 2012 Midwest Women in Agriculture Conference. Workshop sessions will cover topics including marketing, farm safety, apiculture and forest management; 888-398-4636; Website Information »
March 2012
March 3-4
Medora, Ind. Celebrate the sweet taste of maple syrup at the National Maple Syrup Festival, where producers from every maple syrup-producing state are invited to share their renditions of pure maple syrup; 812-966-2168; Website Information »
March 4-11
Philadelphia, Pa. Say “aloha” to spring at the 2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show. This year’s theme, “Hawaii: Islands of Aloha,” sets the stage for a tropical theme, including displays that highlight the state’s beauty and culture. Other show highlights will include the world’s largest lettuce wall, an expanded Designer’s Studio, and workshops on topics including lei-making and green roofs; Website Information »
March 7
Springfield, Ill. Stay up to date with this Certified Livestock Manager Training Workshop. Topics covered will include winter manure storage and management, feed-storage runoff control, manure application in no-till systems, carcass composting and nitrogen management; 800-345-6087; Website Information »
March 10-11
Medora, Ind. Celebrate the sweet taste of maple syrup at the National Maple Syrup Festival, where producers from every maple syrup-producing state are invited to share their renditions of pure maple syrup; 812-966-2168; Website Information »
March 16-17
Pleasanton, Calif. Learn the newest and hottest scrapbooking techniques at the Scrapbook EXPO. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned scrapper, there’s something for every skill level and area of interest, with workshops on design, color, layout, embellishment and the use of unconventional materials; 888-252-3976; Website Information »
March 16-18
Oaks, Pa. The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival hosts artisans in sculpture, jewelry, glass, pottery, home and garden items, photography, and more. This year’s demonstrations include paper-making, wheel-thrown pottery, stone-carving and metal-spinning; 800-210-9900; Website Information »
March 17
Caledonia, Ill. Curious about starting a backyard flock? The Count Your Chickens workshop will address everything you need to know before buying your birds: breeds, feeding, health, housing, protection from predators, eggs, raising chicks and more; 815-389-8455; Website Information »
March 24
Columbia, S.C. Dig up inspiration for a successful gardening season at the Springtime at the Garden Festival. Clemson University Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening and pest-control questions; 803-779-8717; Website Information »
March 30-31
Atlantic City, N.J. The 2012 Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival is a “celebration of the suds,” with more than 70 brewers and breweries from around the world; Website Information »