Saturday, July 5, 2008
Farm Forestry Field Days
2007 Farmers Union Farm Forestry Workshops
Workshops have taken place in Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota so far this year. Future farm forestry workshops are being planned to take place in Missouri and Minnesota in early 2008 and Pennsylvania later in 2008. Check this page for the latest updates on workshop times, locations and topics or call the host state Farmers Union office. 
Check out our Photo Gallery to see pictures from this year’s events.
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Minnesota: Tuesday, September 11
Minnesota Farmers Union Post-Field Day Press Release:
Seeds of Profit Take Root in Minnesota
ST. PAUL (September 13, 2007) - Forty-five individuals attended a farm forestry workshop sponsored by Minnesota Farmers Union, with cooperation from National Farmers Union (NFU) and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The workshop provided an overview to farmers on improving and managing woodlots, using timber as a renewable resource, cooperating with other landowners, and capturing and storing carbon for the marketplace.
“There are more than 16.5 million acres of forested land in Minnesota and 5.9 million acres are held in private-ownership,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. “This workshop was geared toward family farmers with information on how they can manage their forest acres and conserve natural resources, improve forest stand and gain additional income.”
Presenters were Ed Hayes, forest health specialist with the Minnesota DNR; Terry Helbig, district forester, Minnesota DNR; Jeff Moser, NFU Director of Economic and Cooperative Development; Guy Rusche with the NFU Carbon Credit Program; and Rob Sawinski, forester and commercial timber buyer.
Mr. Helbig said the workshop was the first he had ever attended that had not been put on by a government agency. He told participants, “a forest stewardship plan offers land ownership goals and management possibilities.” Helbig added that some landowners may also qualify for special property tax incentives.
Guy Rusche announced that trees planted or regenerated since January 1, 1990 are eligible for inclusion in the Farmers Union Carbon Credit Program. Minnesota landowners who sustainably manage their forest holdings and demonstrate long-term commitment to maintaining carbon stocks can garner more farm income.
“Trees are an agricultural commodity,” said Rob Sawinski. “The tree-standing dollar value changes over time and the lumber market cycles with the demand for different kinds of trees. There is always a good time and a better time to cut and not to cut your trees. Consulting with a forester is the first step to planning a successful harvest.”
The forestry field day was held September 11, 2007 at the Duane and Dori Klein farm near Zumbro Falls, and the theme was “Farming Your Woods for Profit.” The workshop was the third of six taking place across the United States and co-sponsored by the National Farmers Union. The forestry workshops have been promoted and conducted for Farmers Union members by the NFU and respective state FU organizations since 2003.
Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) is a nonprofit membership-based organization that works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Membership is open to farmers and non-farmers.
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Iowa: Friday, July 13
Iowa Farmers Union Post-Workshop Press Release:
Farm Forestry Workshop at Iowa Arboretum Draws Diverse Group
AMES - Eighteen people gathered July 13 at the Iowa Arboretum near Luther for the first Iowa Farmers Union Agroforestry Workshop.
Participants included farmers, land-owners and educators. They heard from Tom Wahl, owner of Red Fern Farm near Wapello and member of a successful nut-growers’ co-op in southern Iowa, who gave an overview of the income potential and basic mechanics of raising Chinese chestnutsan industry with huge growth potential. Guy Rusche represented the National Farmers Union Carbon Credit Program, explaining the carbon trading system where farmers can sell carbon credits on the Chicago Climate Exchange if they practice conservation methods.
Jeff Moser of National Farmers Union highlighted tips for woodlot profits and enjoyment and identified ways farmers can gain from involvement with other woodland owners and work together for mutual benefit. Brad Riphagen of Trees Forever reviewed how riparian buffers are effective at reducing non-point source pollution in streams, and he covered ways to manage and maintain windbreaks. Together with area landowner Stephen Hanson, Riphagen led a tour of buffer strips on Hanson’s farm to conclude the day. Iowa Farmers Union and Trees Forever co-sponsored the workshop with NFU.
For information from presenters or information on helping plan next year’s workshop, call (800)775-5227 or email iafu@isunet.net.
Iowa Farmers Union is a non-profit advocacy group representing family farmers across the state. IFU also collaborates on legislative work and educational programming with Women, Food and Agriculture Network, NFO-Iowa, United Steelworkers Local 9310, and the Iowa Renewable Energy Association. IFU is a chapter of National Farmers Union, a general farm organization representing a quarter of a million family farmers and ranchers nationwide. NFU serves its membership by providing educational opportunities, supporting farmer-owned cooperative development, and presenting the organization’s policies to lawmakers at the local, state and national levels.
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Michigan: Friday, June 29
NFU Post-Workshop Coverage:
Rotational grazing for dairy and livestock producers, no-till and grass carbon credits, and timber-stand improvement were among the topics at a June 29 forestry workshop near St. Johns, Mich.
The 26 attendees heard presentations and viewed demonstrations on carbon forestry offsets and conservation, chainsaw safety, and firewood and timber harvesting. They also toured Papa Bear’s Woodworks, a custom furniture-making business owned and operated by Farmers Union member Joe Mesh and his two sons.
Sponsored by the Michigan Farmers Union, Michigan Farmers Union Foundation and National Farmers Union, the workshop was the first in a series of NFU co-sponsored workshops scheduled in other states throughout the summer and fall.
