July 25, 2017—Dr. Chip Fletcher from the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa will discuss several aspects of climate change in an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session with the community.
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.
Thursday, August 24, 2017—Deepen your connection with the ‘āina! Join The Kohala Center's Kohala Watershed Partnership crew for a morning of removing invasive Himalayan ginger at Pu‘u Pili to give our native forest a chance to breathe, rejuvenate, and retain moisture.
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.
Friday, September 8, 2017—Deepen your connection with the ‘āina! Join The Kohala Center's Kohala Watershed Partnership crew for a morning of planting native trees such as hō‘awa, wiliwili, koai‘a, ‘a‘ali‘i, and ‘iliahi to reestablish and expand Kohala Mountain’s native forests.
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.