Small-scale Farmer's Colloquium, 2021

The Small-scale Farmer's Colloquium (SFC) is a free monthly meeting for small-scale farmers to discuss, connect, and learn from one another and expert faculty members who will guide them with science-based information. It's for seasoned farmers, beginner farmers, and those interested in going into small-scale commercial farming in the future. It is brought to you by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Commercial Horticulture and Small Acreage (CHSA) program in Yavapai and Coconino Counties.

March 1st

Topic: Hydroponic and aquaculture production: the professional and the farmer expertise
Presenter: Professor Justin Brereton (Yavapai College) and Coleman Anderson (Farmer)

April 5th

Topic: The stories of small farms in Yavapai County
Presenter: Whipstone, Schaffer, and Bloomingreed Farms, Shanti Rade, Joseph Schaffer and Juan Agua (Farmers),

May 3rd

Wild Heart Farm: Growing biodiversity, healthy soils, and resilience, presented by Kate Watters (Farmer)
How to be sustainable on your farm (A model of grapes, water, gees, fish, and vegetables), presented by Ignacio Mesa (Farmer)
Marketing and branding, presented by Samantha Zah at Local First Arizona

June 7th

Topic: An interactive section on site selection and soil health resources for small-scale farms
Presenters: Dr. Isaac Mpanga, University of Arizona and Dr. Kabir, Zahangir – NRCS Regional Soil Health Specialist

July 5th

Topic: Jean-Martin Fortier will share information about his farming path and strategies for small farm profitability
Presenter: Jean-Martin (JM) Fortier is a farmer, educator, and best-selling author specializing in organic and bio-intensive vegetable production.
JM Fortier Bio For more info about his work, please visit www.themarketgardener.com and www.growers.com

August 2nd

Topic: How we grow crops at a higher elevation- farmer's stories (Foodlink, Forestdale, Mountain top hop, Roots Micro Farm)
Presenters: Flagstaff farmers Caleb @ Refugia, Rylan @ Foresdale, and Eric at Root Micro Farms

September 6th