Our Projects
“THE FLU PUT THE BAN ON UNION MEETINGS”: Farmers Union History with Tom Giessel
National Farmers Union Amateur Historian Tom Giessel has finally answered requests, demands, and widespread pleas to begin sharing his deep research into Farmers Union history and publications. In his inaugural post, Tom explores how a pandemic affects the organization.
Read the post.
LOCAL FOOD SAFETY COLLABORATIVE
Navigating the Food Safety Modernization Act can be daunting without assistance.
Produce Safety Rule — the first mandatory federal standard for growing, harvesting, packing and holding of fresh produce — is one of seven that comprise the Food Safety Modernization Act, the most sweeping reform of the nation’s food safety laws in over 70 years.
To assist producers in understanding how the rule will affect them as well as providing a basic outline on good agricultural practices (GAPS) for post-harvest handling, harvesting, washing, storage and packaging produce for safety and quality, Kansas Farmers Union and the Kansas Beginning Farmers Coalition has partnered with K-State Extension, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture to bring a series of training sessions throughout the state.
SUMMER FUN FARM TOUR SERIES
CRISIS DEFERRED:
Urban farming and second-generation farm diversification promise new models for small farm success
Urban farming and second-generation farm diversification promise new models for small farm success
Learn from the three farms featured on the first Summer Fun Farm Tour
RETURNING TO THE LAND:
Diversification, family, and community
lay foundation for success
Diversification, family, and community
lay foundation for success
Learn from the three farms featured on the second Summer Fun Farm Tour
SOLDIER’S RETURN:
Reintegrating with society
through farming
Reintegrating with society
through farming
Learn from the three farms featured on the third Summer Fun Farm Tour
About Kansas Beginning Farmers Coalition
Kansas Beginning Farmers Coalition is an affiliate of the National Young Farmers Coalition and the Kansas Farmers Union. Founded in 2012, KBFC is a statewide, grassroots (soon to be) not-for-profit organization working to engage, encourage, and empower beginning farmers of all ages.
The first ever KBFC state meeting was held in November 2012 and things really took off from there. Regular e-newsletters, Facebook page, and list serve help to keep farmers connected and allow for the opportunity to share information and ask questions. A 2014 Farm Aid grant will fund a website, farm tours and field days, and advocacy training in the coming year.
Get Engaged
Don’t Miss It!
You’re busy; we get it. Let us sift out the chaff for you. Only the most relevant workshops, webinars and resources. Delivered to your inbox. Do yourself–and us– a favor & Subscribe Today!
Got Questions? Answers?
KBFC has a listserv just for you! Whatever your experience level, our Google Group provides a forum for questions, research, events, stories and more. Contributions by all farmers are valuable so click on over and JOIN US TODAY!
Catch Up!
Be in the know about beginning farmer events, issues and efforts statewide. Mixers, farm tours, policy efforts, profiles…you’ll find it all in the KBFC Monthly Harvest. Sign-up today!
About Amazing Grazing
The Amazing Grazing III project brought seventeen educational opportunities to Kansas producers between May 2015 and February 2016. We turned our focus onto healthy soils and farm/ranch profitability…just in time to celebrate International Year of Soils in 2015.
Topics included agroforestry, mycorrhizal fungi, economics of the livestock industry, grazing, cover crops, pasture soil health, fencing and water development, as well as livestock handling for women. Nationally-recognized presenters included: Dr. Christine Jones, Gabe Brown, Jim Gerrish, Bill Helming, Wes Jackson, Courtney White, and Larry Simpson. Amazing regional educators – Dr. Dale Kirkham, Dale Strickler, Lucinda Stuenkel, Gary Kilgore, Keith Harmoney, Mark Green, Charles Barden, and Shibu Jose – brought a local perspective.
Amazing Grazing is a collaboration of the Kansas Farmers Union and the Kansas Graziers Association with funding from the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Contact Mary Howell with project or event questions.