July 22, 2017—Learn how to write a business plan for a farm operation including production planning, marketing and farm financial statements, part 2. Taught by Diana Duff, Business Specialist, Farm Works.
July 30, 2017—In this free workshop led by Greg Smith, participants will take home various seedlings/starters for their home production systems. Greg will model bed prep and seedling transplanting into beds. Participants will start their own seedlings in peat pot trays and take home a sampling of planted seeds of their choice and cuttings from the farm. The workshop will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. and be followed by talk story and a potluck. Pre-registration is not required; call Raina Whiting at 808-721-6977 for more information.
August 3, 2017—This training will provide an overview of federally subsidized crop insurance offerings available to Hawai‘i agricultural producers. All agricultural industry personnel who wish to learn more about crop insurance are encouraged to attend. Topics to be covered include crop insurance programs available, eligibility, deadlines, coverage levels, subsidies, and next steps for purchasing crop insurance.
August 13, 2017—In this free workshop led by Kyle Studer, participants will learn about different composting methods, layering greens and browns, what makes a healthy composting system, and help build a compost pile. Hands-on activities and educational materials will support participants in starting their own composting systems. The workshop will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. and be followed by talk story and a potluck. Pre-registration is not required; call Raina Whiting at 808-721-6977 for more information.
August 21, 23, 25, and 28, 2017—This QuickBooks Desktop Workshop is designed for commercial farmers who want to increase their accounting skills by using QuickBooks Desktop software for farm financial recordkeeping. To be eligible for this workshop, attendees must already use QuickBooks and have some accounting experience. During this four-day, in-lab session, instructor Gail Oberg, CPA, will cover chart of accounts set-up, cash receipts and accounts receivable, cash disbursements and accounts payable, Hawai‘i excise tax reporting, and customizing invoices for your farm.
August 25–27, 2017—Big Island ‘Ohana Fest is a drug/alcohol free, family-friendly 3-day music festival focusing on local musicians, small local businesses, education, and family. Big Island ‘Ohana Fest is proudly being presented by KWXX. Aside from having 28 different acts on the main stage, there will be a plethora of food and craft vendors, an area dedicated to educational entities and social services, a secondary stage with cultural and educational speakers/activities, and an area dedicated to childrens games and activities. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Kohala Center and PARENTS, Inc.
Tuesday, September 12—A presentation by Dr. Ted Kornecki, Agricultural Engineer, USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Lab Research Unit and Adjunct Professor of Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University. Dr. Kornecki will cover the following topics in his presentation followed by a question-and-answer session with the community:
Thursday, September 14, 2017—Interested in learning more about the GoFarm Hawai‘i Farmer Training program? Attend this free two-hour session to gain an overview of Hawai‘i’s agricultural industry and its importance. Learn about what’s involved in farming—both as a farmer and farm worker—including how to get started, challenges and opportunities, costs and benefits, and lifestyle. Prospective students wishing to enroll in the full GoFarm program must attend this session. Contact derrick@gofarmhawaii.org or 808-220-2312 to register.
September 23, 2017—Come be part of local community conversations on the hows and whys of growing seeds specifically adapted for Hawai‘i.
September 23, 2017—A field day at The Kohala Center’s Demonstration Farm in Honoka‘a will include a tour, hands-on training, and planting of an agroforestry system that’s designed to diversify crops, control weeds naturally, and improve soil health. This event is open to the public; high school students and teachers are especially encouraged to come learn about the upcoming fall High School Sustainable Agriculture Program. Contact Dave Sansone at dsansone@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411 for more information.