Interested in learning how to produce your own food or start a diversified agriculture business on your acreage or in your backyard? UNL Extension will be hosting the third installment of "Small Spaces, Big Potential": a Small Scale Farming Workshop on Saturday, November 8 in Nebraska City. The event will be at the Kimmel Education and Research Center (5985 G Road) beginning at 8:45 am and ending at 4:30 pm.

The workshop will feature presentations by local farmers and UNL Extension personnel. Breakout session topics and presenters will include:

• The Basics of Backyard Poultry and Rabbits with Brett Kreifels, UNL Extension;
• Aquaponics with Gregg Fripp, Whispering Roots;
• Growing Hops with Shad Reynolds, Nebraska Hop Growers;
• Raising Bees in Urban Areas with Tony Sandoval, Omaha Beekeepers;
• Operating a Pumpkin Patch Enterprise with Teresa Lorensen, Bloom Where You're Planted Farm; and
• Xeric Gardening with Nicole Stoner and John Fech, UNL Extension.

The day also will include a general session on ag restoration with Brad Kindler entitled "Cows, Oaks, & Art." Kindler, who recently returned from the Peace Corps, has been actively involved in sustainable agriculture since 2003 and is currently working at Branched Oak Farm to develop an orchard and market garden.  The day will conclude with a presentation on FSA programs for Small and Beginning Farmers by Wes Finkner, Farm Service Agency.

Pre-registration costs are $35 per individual, $50 per couple, and $10 per youth. Registration at the door will be: $45 per individual, $60 per couple, and $20 per youth. For questions or to pre-register contact the Nemaha County Extension Office (402-274-4755) or see program flyer.

Gary Lesoing
Extension Educator, Nemaha County