A Farm Starts workshop will be held August 14 in Beatrice to provide growers in their first decade of farming information on organic crop production and business and marketing practices. The programs are free and those who have been farming less than 10 years may be eligible for $200 to cover farm leave and travel expenses, said Tim Ennis, program coordinator. Both organic and conventional growers are welcome.

The multi-state program consisting of 36 seminars is being offered by the National Farmers Organization, who received a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Beginning Farmer grant to conduct the trainings. The June 27 seminar will be held at the Beaumont Event Center, 2611 North Highway 15, in Wayne. It starts with registration at 9 and concludes at 3:30. Among the seven presenters are experienced organic producers, the executive director of OCIA, and a representative of the Center for Farm Financial Management at the University of Minnesota.

For more information, including specific topics and speakers, or to register, contact Ennis at (641) 322-4636 or view the website and register online at http://www.nfo.org/FarmStarts/.