CLRFS Webinars and Open Forums

Zia Mehrabi partnered with Earth Genome to develop a proof of concept digital twin model of the US food system. In this webinar Zia and Cameron Kruse, Creative Technologist at Earth Genome, will share more about how the model was built and the important role a food system digital twin could have for decision makers and the general public. Ahead of the webinar, you can explore the tool for yourself here.

Friday, February 16, 2024 | 12 p.m. EST

Register here.

Community, Local and Regional Food Systems is hosting its Spring Open Forum, April 6, 2023, 12-2 p.m. EST. The topic for this online event is Farm Finance.

The presenters for this open forum are:

Josh Tjosaas, Farm Business Management Instructor, Northland Community & Technical College (member of Minnesota State). “What does an annual calendar of farm business look like for an enrolled farmer student?”

Bruce Fowler, Farm Business Management Analysis Specialist, University of Missouri. “How to use FINBIN to maximize farmer student education to benchmark your farm.”

Delray Lecy, FBM Special Projects, Central Lakes College (member of Minnesota State). “70 years of Farm Business Management in Minnesota.”

Curtis Mahnken, Extension Economist | Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota. “Market Channel Analysis.”

“Using FBM database to determine impact on profitability of environmental enhancements on the farm.” Keith Olander, Dean of Agriculture Studies, Central Lakes College (member of Minnesota State).

Registration is required: https://ncat.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vceqgqjgpHNRUuxtj-w-PAfbxa_Zrzo8p

Recordings will be available after the event.

Community, Local and Regional Food Systems hosted its Fall Open Forum, January 12, 2023, 12-2 p.m. EST. The topic for this online event was Food Safety and Conservation: Innovative Programs Assisting Farmers to Make Improvements, Find Balance and Increase Farm Viability.

The presenters for this open forum were:

Amanda Philyaw Perez, University of Arkansas Extension, presenting “Arkansas Local, Regional, & Safe Foods Program”

Micah Hutchison, Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, presenting “Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety & Produce Safety Technicians: On-Farm Technical Assistance for Michigan’s Produce Growers”

Kristin Woods, Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program, presenting “Experiential Learning Opportunities for Limited Resource Growers through Mobile Farm Innovation in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia”

Video recording

Presentation slides

Community, Local and Regional Food Systems hosted its Fall Open Forum, September 30, 12-2 p.m. EST. The topic for this online event was Direct Marketing Models for Local Farm Products Linking Wellness Initiatives.

The presenters for this open forum were:

Londa Nwadike, Kansas State University and University of Missouri, presenting “Double Up Food Bucks Heartland: linking low-income consumers with farmers markets”

Theresa Nartea, Virginia State University, presenting “Live for Life: Duke University Medical Center – creating lasting connections with small farmers and healthcare workers”

Tim Woods, University of Kentucky, presenting “CSA to Workplace: the University as an anchor employer”

Webinar recording

Open Forum September 2022