New Hampshire’s family farms are a valued source of local food, land preservation and other natural resources for future generations.

Through two upcoming workshops, UNH Cooperative Extension hopes to strengthen the long-term viability of our state’s family farms.

NH Small Farm Conference

First up is the New Hampshire Small Family Farm Conference Jan. 5 at the Holiday Inn in Concord. The conference focus is on energy efficiency and alternatives. Greenhouse growers who attend will learn more about how to save energy, and farmers will discover new ways to make their farms more energy efficient.

Other topics of interest include how to secure funds for on-farm efficiency and alternative energy, on-farm alternative energy practices and experiences, and electricity, retail versus wholesale – why should you pay more?

Women in Agriculture Conference

Next up on Feb. 3 is the 2012 NH Women in Agriculture conference at the Farm and Forest Expo in Manchester, with a focus on empowering women in agri-business today.

Guest speaker Dafna Michaelson, founder and president of JourneyWomen for the 50 in 52 Journey, a project for which she traveled across America to find America’s problem solvers and idea “generators,” is the featured speaker.

Michaelson will share her stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their communities throughout the country, with the goal of “changing the mirror we use that reflects who we are as a society” and inspiring others to action.

Farm Panel

A panel of New Hampshire farm women will share their experiences starting and operating their businesses, and a panel of women who operate value-added businesses, also takes place.

UNH Cooperative Extension, partnering with the USDA Risk Management Agency, the N.H. Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Food and the USDA Farm Service Agency, will provide tools and techniques important to agriculture today at these workshops.

Adjusted Gross Revenue Deadline

Don’t forget the Jan. 31 deadline to purchase an Adjusted Gross Revenue policy that insures the entire farm rather than individual crops or enterprises. Jan 31 is also the due date for the Apple acreage and production reports.

Financial support from the USDA Risk Management Agency to UNH Extension makes these programs possible at minimal cost to participants. To learn more, go to extension.unh.edu or call 603-862-3234.

Learn more about these two conferences at the following websites:

NH Small Farm Conference

Women in Agriculture