P1: Wednesday, November 6 (webinar)
7:00 – 9:00pm
Introduction to Small Grain and Specialty Crop Production (webinar) the essentials of growing small grains and specialty crops with experts Mike Baki and Elizabeth Dyck. Learn about sustainable practices, diverse crops like ancient wheats, rye, and buckwheat, and the Foodshed Alliance Highlands Grains Project.
Ideal for those passionate about local and sustainable agriculture.
P2: Wednesday, November 13 (webinar)
7:00 – 9:00pm
Ready to start your farming journey? This workshop covers everything you need to know for planting your first crop with Tom Zeng, Ryan & Liz Lasz, and Elizabeth Dyck. We will cover soil preparation, seed selection, effective planting techniques, and needed equipment.
Perfect for beginners and anyone looking to refine their grain management skills.
**December 7** P3: (in person at Marksboro Mills)
3:00 – 5:00pm
Join us at Marksboro Mills for a practical session on operating combines and handling crops post-harvest. Learn the fundamentals of combine use, maintenance tips, and best practices for managing your harvest efficiently from Thor Oechsner.
A must-attend for those involved in grain production.
Presenters
Mike Baki, leading field crop production at Community Supported Garden at Genesis Farm in Blairstown, NJ, brings extensive expertise to the Foodshed Alliance Highlands Grains Project. His passion for cultivating diverse small grains and commitment to organic, sustainable farming make him a vital contributor to advancing local grain systems and community resilience.
Tom Zeng, who holds degrees in agricultural economics and animal husbandry, is an experienced organic grain farmer, specializing in corn, soybeans, and small grains since 1999. He is actively involved in the Princeton Agricultural Association, Raritan Township Agricultural Advisory Board, and has held significant roles with the New Jersey Farm Bureau and Hunterdon County Board of Agriculture, including serving as president.
Ryan and Liz Lasz have spent the last decade farming organically in northwest New Jersey. They raise chickens, turkeys, ducks, laying hens, and pigs, on their farm, Four Fields Farm , and are now growing mushrooms and wheat for their on-site bakery. Using regenerative practices, they rotate their animals to maintain soil health and control parasites.
Thor Oechsner, founder of Oechsner Farms, grew up in Croton-On-Hudson, NY, and developed a passion for farming from visits to his uncle’s dairy farm. He bought a 15-acre farm in 1991 and launched Oechsner Farms in 1998. Transitioning from a Volkswagen shop and teaching diesel mechanics, he expanded to 400 acres by 2005 and now manages 1,200 acres for organic food-grade and craft beverage markets. Thor is also a partner in Farmer Ground Flour, a grain mill in Trumansburg, NY.
Dr. Elizabeth Dyck is the founder and coordinator of the not-for-profit Organic Growers’ Research and Information-Sharing Network (OGRIN). For the last 15 years she has worked with Northeastern growers to incorporate high value small grain and specialty crops on their farms.
