My First Farming Conference

Attending a farming conference for the first time can be an enlightening experience, mainly when it's the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) conference held in Newark, Ohio. The OEFFA conference is a convergence point for individuals passionate about organic farming and sustainable living. This post reflects my experience of attending the OEFFA conference for the first time, aiming to share insights, learnings, and the overall atmosphere of this event for those who felt a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out)!

Arrival and First Impressions

Arriving in Newark, Ohio, the sense of community was immediate. The conference attracted diverse individuals, from seasoned farmers to those just beginning their journey into sustainable agriculture. The welcoming atmosphere made it easy to engage, ask questions, and share experiences right from the start!

Learning and Networking

The heart of the conference experience was the array of workshops and sessions. Each provided valuable insights into various aspects of organic farming. Topics covered included soil health, crop rotation, pest management, and the economics of running a sustainable farm. The sessions were not only informative but also interactive, encouraging questions and discussions among participants.

Keynote speakers brought inspiring stories and critical perspectives on the future of farming to environmental sustainability and social justice. Their expertise and passion for agriculture added depth to the conference, bridging the gap between practice and policy.

Here is one of the keynotes I found especially interesting:

Korean Natural Farming Techniques for Powdery Mildew by Donetta Boykin

Boykin's keynote introduction

Boykin introduced both the KNF (Korean Natural Farming) fungicide and JADAM (Jayonul Damun Saramdul) to prevent powdery mildew based on her research and testing supported through a grant by SARE.

KNF and JADAM are two agricultural methodologies that emphasize natural, sustainable practices, focusing on the health of the soil and the ecosystem to promote plant growth and resilience. Both methodologies can be particularly effective in preventing powdery mildew, a common fungal disease affecting a wide range of plants. Here’s how each approach can help in managing and preventing this disease

Various DIY JADAM methods

based on what I took away from Boykin's presentation:

KNF

• Enhanced Plant Health: KNF boosts overall plant health through natural inputs like Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO), Fermented Plant Juices (FPJ), and Oriental Herbal Nutrients (OHN). Healthier plants are more resilient to diseases, including powdery mildew.

• Beneficial Microorganisms: The use of IMOs helps create a balanced soil microbiome that supports plant health and can suppress pathogenic fungi responsible for diseases like powdery mildew.

• Natural Fungicides: Certain KNF preparations, such as OHN, contain natural antifungal properties that can directly inhibit the growth of powdery mildew spores on plant surfaces.

• Improved Soil Conditions: By improving soil health and structure, KNF helps plants develop stronger root systems, enhancing their ability to absorb nutrients and water, thereby increasing their resistance to stress and diseases.

JADAM

• Low-cost Organic Pesticides: JADAM emphasizes the DIY production of organic pesticides that are effective against a variety of pests and diseases, including powdery mildew. These pesticides can be made from natural ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, and fermented fruits, which possess antifungal properties.

• Soil Health and Biodiversity: Similar to KNF, JADAM focuses on improving soil health through the use of organic matter and beneficial microorganisms. A healthy soil ecosystem can suppress disease-causing organisms and support plant health.

• Ultra-Low-Cost Farming: By reducing the cost of inputs and relying on homemade organic solutions, JADAM enables farmers to apply preventive and treatment measures more liberally and frequently, enhancing the effectiveness of disease management strategies.

• Empowerment through Knowledge: Both KNF and JADAM empower farmers with the knowledge to create their own inputs and manage diseases through natural means, reducing dependency on chemical fungicides that can harm the environment and human health.

KNF and JADAM can help prevent powdery mildew through a combination of enhanced plant health, beneficial microorganisms, natural fungicides, and improved soil conditions

One simple, yet effective treatment recommended in JADAM that Boykin preferred involves the use of diluted milk. Milk has been found to have fungicidal properties that can help manage powdery mildew on plants. Here is a basic recipe for a JADAM-style diluted milk spray for powdery mildew:

Ingredients

• Milk: Any type of milk can be used, including whole, skim, or even expired milk, as the fungicidal effect is believed to come from the proteins and other compounds in the milk, not the fat content.

• Water: Clean water is used to dilute the milk to an appropriate concentration.

Recipe

• Dilution Ratio: Mix 1 part milk with 9 parts water. This 10% milk solution has been found effective in various studies and practical applications. For a smaller batch, you could use 100 ml of milk mixed with 900 ml of water, for example.

• Application: Pour the diluted milk solution into a spray bottle or garden sprayer.

• Timing: Apply the milk solution to the affected plants early in the morning. The UV rays in sunlight are believed to interact with the milk, producing free radicals that are harmful to the fungus.

• Frequency: Apply the solution every 7-10 days or after heavy rains. The frequency may need to be adjusted based on the severity of the powdery mildew infestation and the weather conditions.

• Coverage: Ensure that you spray both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, as powdery mildew can affect all parts of the plant exposed to the air.

Using milk as a treatment for powdery mildew is an example of how JADAM promotes simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solutions for common agricultural challenges that I can't wait to explore myself!

The Expo Hall

The expo hall was another highlight, featuring various exhibitors, from organic seed companies to sustainable farming equipment suppliers. It was an awesome opportunity to learn about the latest innovations in sustainable agriculture, gather resources, and discover new products that support organic farming practices.

In particular, I enjoyed connecting with Earth Tools, Inc. and exploring the various tools they sold, getting a better idea of what we'll need in the future for our farm!

Earth Tools, Inc. specializes in walk-behind tractors and professional garden tools, offering high-quality, durable equipment for small-scale agricultural, horticultural, industrial, and landscaping use. In fact, they are the largest walk-behind tractor dealership in North America, located in Owenton, KY. We chatted with them and checked out one of the BCS two-wheel tractors that was engineered and built in Italy. This tool was amazing!

Here is the famous Jean-Martin Fortier - a farmer, author, and educator who is recognized for his expertise in small-scale organic farming, aka "market gardening", demonstrating the BCS tool my partner and I were in awe of:

Another farming tool company we learned about that I'd suggest others check out is Neversink Tools. I particularly admired their long-handle tools, and their dynamic ability to swap tool heads on the handle, while simply leveraging a carabiner to hold them all on your hip while on the field. Super cool!

Reflections

After the OEFFA conference concluded, there was a strong sense of inspiration and motivation among attendees. The event served as a reminder of the vibrant community dedicated to sustainable farming practices. The knowledge gained, connections made, and stories heard were all invaluable experiences. It reaffirmed the importance of ecological farming practices and their impact on the environment and communities.

This image is part of Jim Embry's keynote which I found inspirational.

One story I particularly enjoyed was Jim Embry's keynote on Pathways to a Caring and Sustainable Future. Embry's keynote emphasized the urgent need for humanity to choose a sustainable future, highlighting our interconnectedness and the transformative potential within our food systems. Acknowledging the problematic roots of national agriculture, he champions a radical rethinking of human roles and relationships in the 21st century.

With a rich social justice and sustainability background, Embry advocates for innovative, inclusive actions towards a caring, sustainable future, leveraging his extensive experience and recognition in promoting sustainable living practices and rights for Black and Indigenous communities.

I also enjoyed connecting with David Morckel from Morckel Meadows. I had been Instagram friends with David for some time and finally met him in person at the conference. David and his wife run a small-scale farm and CSA in central Ohio, specializing in vegetables, eggs, and flowers. David shared his perspective on pursuing farm life, which resonated with our reasons for leaning towards farming: a sense of community, a connection to nature, and the satisfaction of hard work both mentally and physically. If you live near the Newark, Ohio area make sure to sign up for Morckel Meadows CSA!

Looking Ahead

Attending the OEFFA conference was an incredibly enriching experience that went beyond the limits of the event itself. It offered a solid foundation for ongoing education and a supportive community for anyone interested in sustainable farming, whether you're just starting your farming journey or a multi-generational farmer. The conference highlighted both the challenges and opportunities within organic farming, emphasizing the importance of community, education, and advocacy in advancing the movement toward a more sustainable and equitable food system.

This event is a powerful starting point for anyone considering attending the OEFFA conference or exploring the world of sustainable agriculture. It offers a glimpse into the potential of organic farming to transform our relationship with the land, our food, and our communities.

While the journey into sustainable agriculture can be challenging, the OEFFA conference provides hope and inspiration for a more sustainable future.