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Midwest CSA Conference Dec. 7-8 in Wisconsin Dells
Iowa Ag Connection - 11/17/2017

Wisconsin Farmers Union, working in partnership with a range of Midwest organizations, including Minnesota Farmers Union and the Land Stewardship Project, will convene the Midwest CSA Conference Dec. 7-8 in Wisconsin Dells at Chula Vista Resort.

The conference will feature three general sessions, providing space for CSA farmers and advocates to discuss, in both small-group and large-group settings, the important issues facing the CSA movement today. We will discuss how to build community among CSA farms and in our larger communities.

Workshops will feature CSA farmer presenters along with experts and advocates with key resources and knowledge. Here's a sample of the workshops you'll be able to attend:

Beginning CSA Farming- Workshops to guide you through some of the tough questions - What kind of farm is right for me? and what key decision points do you need to consider when planning your business. There will also be a workshop looking closely at the origin of the CSA movement and how next generation CSA farmers can weave community resiliency into their farms.

Building Community- Workshops featuring new survey and research results on CSA member preferences and retention and also social media best practices for member communication. There will also be a workshop including CSA member presenters, sharing their unique view on the relationships of CSA. There will also be a session looking at CSA access for low-income members and populations new to CSA.

Production and Logistics- Workshops will look at risk management strategies both in variety selection but importantly in building a culture of shared risk with your members. CSA farmers will discuss how to work with members when the hail storm comes or the pest wipes out a whole crop or more. There will also be a session sharing "cool tools" and one providing guidance on what you need to know to build a culture of food safety on your farm and how FSMA may or may not impact your farm.

Financial Management and Business Planning- Workshops will cover strategic diversification strategy, skill building in financial management to measure performance and chart cash flow. Sessions will also cover labor issues, looking at how to build fair labor practices on your farm, as well as looking at CSA Apprenticeship and labor pool models under development.

"We are at a critical time in the history of CSA. By gathering together we hope to build community among CSA farmers in the region and strengthen the CSA movement. The conference is specifically set at the end of the growing season so that farmers can take time to reflect on lessons learned from their last season as they begin to start thinking about planning for the next," said conference organizers,

CSA farmers from across the Midwest are invited to join in for this important gathering of the movement. Child Care will be available. Registration fees include all meals.

For more information contact Sarah Lloyd, slloyd@wisconsinfarmersunion.com, 608-844-3758 or go to www.midwestcsa.com.


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