Register by September 27 and receive early-registration savings plus a $20 coupon to use at the conference bookstore!
EXPLORE MODERN ECO-AGRICULTURE
Join the most authentic and impactful agriculture conference in the world, and take practical, profitable and ecological growing techniques back to your farm. • ADVANCED WORKSHOPS • ECO-AG TEACHING SESSIONS • CONSULTING HALLS
• ECO-PRODUCTS TRADE SHOW • FILMS & BOOK SIGNINGS • MIXERS & NETWORKING
44TH ANNUAL
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
From the Soil Up
ECO-AG U WORKSHOPS DEC. 9-10 ECO-AG CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW DEC. 10-12 For more information visit: www.events.acresusa.com • #ecoagconf19
DEC 9-12 MINNEAPOLIS
44TH ANNUAL
M I N N E S O T A
From the Soil Up
WHAT 2019 WILL BRING 2019 IS THE TIME to join the modern ecoagriculture community and attend the annual Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show. The extinction of predictive weather patterns, the creation of new crop markets, and volatilities with international trade are forcing commercial and market growers to question convention. Helping the family farmer succeed by thinking differently is why Acres U.S.A. started in 1971, and why we continue our work today. In the last 49 years, learning from Acres U.S.A. has become the cornerstone experience for modern farmers, ranchers and growers. Joel Salatin says, “Everyone should go to an Acres U.S.A conference,” because there is no more trusted event in the world where you will learn about soil
health, plant diversity, livestock, human health, markets and business strategies.”
IN 2019, WE PROMISE YOU:
• Passionate speakers with expertise in building modern agricultural solutions; • Specific tactics with built-in ROIs you can start implementing immediately; • The largest-ever Eco-Ag Trade Show; • A dynamic city venue providing the perfect opportunity to network, think differently and explore! Now is the time to maximize your operation’s resilience to modern farming pressures and build a plan for the future.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
2 // Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show
HOW OUR CONFERENCE WORKS Our conference has two parts: All-day advanced learning seminars at Eco-Ag U give in-depth looks at specific farming tactics. Our conference & trade show provides shorter sessions, mixers, panels and access to our amazing trade show. Schedule is subject to change; for an up-to-date agenda, visit events.acresusa.com.
GUIDE
CONFERENCE
AT-A-GLANCE
ECO-AG U:
Monday, Tuesday, Dec. 9-10 These all-day, in-depth workshops provide unique opportunities for advanced learning on a variety of topics. Choose one or two days. (See pages 6-11)
MONDAY
DEC. 9
Eco-Ag U Check-In: 7 a.m. s Wo rkshop
Eco-Ag U Workshops: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Eco-Ag U Mixer: 5:15 p.m.-7 p.m.
CONFERENCE SESSIONS:
TUESDAY
Tuesday – Thursday, Dec. 10-12
DEC. 10
Eco-Ag U Check-In: 7 a.m.
Consultants and practitioners from around the globe provide you with tested, proven methods for healthy growing and living. (See pages 14-15)
Eco-Ag U Workshops: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Conference Registration and Bookstore Opens: 11 a.m.
ECO-AG TRADE SHOW:
Sessions/Classes: 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Learn about the latest innovations and connect with eco-farming businesses in one dynamic setting. (See page 16)
Keynote Speaker: 7:30 p.m.
Opening Reception on Trade Show Floor: 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday – Thursday, Dec. 10-12
WEDNESDAY
CONSULTING HALLS:
DEC. 11
Conference Registration Opens: 7 a.m.
Wednesday – Thursday, Dec. 11-12
Sessions/Classes: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Speak directly to the experts in small-group environments and have your most pressing questions answered. (See page 18)
Consulting Halls & Round Table Discussions: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bookstore and Trade Show: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Book Signings: Throughout the day
ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS:
Keynote Speaker: 7:30 p.m
Wednesday - Thursday, Dec 11-12
Create a dialog with fellow attendees around a shared interest in critically relevant topics to sustainable agriculture. (See page 18)
THURSDAY
FILM SCREENINGS:
Consulting Halls & Round Table Discussions: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
DEC. 12
Conference Registration Opens: 7 a.m. Sessions/Classes: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday – Thursday, Dec 10-12 Take a break and enjoy a movie... about eco-farming. We’ll screen some of the latest movies in the sustainable farming sector. (See page 18)
Bookstore and Trade Show: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Book Signings: Throughout the day Keynote Speaker: 6:00 p.m
Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show // 3
PRESENTERS You won’t want to miss this year’s incredible lineup of speakers! Expert consultants, researchers and farmers will gather to create a knowledge bank like no other.
Grounds for a Revolution: The Intersection of Soil and Human Health and a Path to Recovery
Dr. Zach Bush Physician 7:30 p.m. December 10
Unraveling Dependence on Chemical Agriculture
Building a Sustainable Agricultural Future
Carey Gillam
Kathleen Merrigan
Investigative Journalist Author, Whitewash
Former Deputy Secretary and COO of the USDA
7:30 p.m. December 11
6:30 p.m. December 12
Keynote Speakers Other Expert Speakers Include
Anne Biklé Author, biologist
Edwin Blosser Soil expert
Nichki Carangelo Farmer
Scott Denning Atmospheric science professor
Paul Dettloff Natural farming expert
Paul Dorrance Pastured livestock farmer
Sherri Dugger Journalist
Doug Fine Farmer, author
4 // Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show
Register by Sept. 27 for a $20 coupon to use at the conference bookstore!
Noel Garcia Soil & crop advisor
PRESENTERS
Judith McGeary Lawyer, farmer, advocate
Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin Agricultural systems designer
Erin Heitkamp Agricultural public affairs expert
Dr. Don Huber Scientist
Meagan Perry Kaiser Soil scientist
John Kempf Crop health consultant
Neal Kinsey Soil fertility consultant
AndrĂŠ Leu Author, farmer
Steve Trotter Agronomist
David Montgomery Author, geomorphologist
Emmanuel Omondi, PhD Soil scientist
Bob Quinn Author, farmer
Glen Rabenberg Farmer, consultant
Mark Shepard Farmer, author, consultant
Andrew Smith Soil scientist
Dave Steinhaser Farmer
Marty Travis Farmer
Dr. Nasha Winters Physician
Gary Zimmer Farmer, author, soil expert
Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show // 5
ECO-AG U WORKSHOPS
s Wo rkshop
Our Eco-Ag U workshops require pre-registration for good reason. We pick some of the finest speakers and educators in the world, and offer our attendees a chance to learn from them in small classroom environments. If you are just getting started, or a veteran farmer looking for new ideas, selecting Eco-Ag U workshops will get you the fundamentals to take home with you. But make sure you sign up soon to get the class you want!
WHAT’S NEW FOR ECO-AG U 2019
Hemp! Develop your hemp market strategy and nontoxic hemp-growing methods by learning from commercial hemp growers and soil consultants. Led by Doug Fine, author of Hemp Bound, attendees in this all-day session will hear how Doug established his commercial hemp operations, and where he sees the commercial hemp market growing in the future. Joining Doug will be a panel of modern, large-scale hemp farmers and experienced soil scientists who have been helping international hemp growers for decades. This is your chance to enter this exciting new market with the knowledge you need to thrive.
Eco-Ag U Advanced Learning Workshops Monday, Dec. 9:
Tuesday, Dec. 10:
• Mineral Nutrition & Plant Disease Dr. Don Huber • Water Management Strategies Mark Shepard • Raising Animals Organically Dr. Paul Dettloff • Capturing the Hemp Opportunity on Your Farm Doug Fine
• Foundations for Soil Health Neal Kinsey • Farm-Scale Non-Chemical Weed Control Andrew Smith & Emmanuel Omondi, Rodale Institute • Connecting Our Health to the Food System Dr. Nasha Winters
Two-Day Workshop Dec. 9-10
The Principles and Science of Developing Regenerative Agriculture Ecosystems — John Kempf
THANK YOU to our Eco-Ag U Break Sponsors!
Eco-Ag U Registration:
Eco-Ag U workshops on December 9-10 require pre-registration. You may sign up for both days of Eco-Ag U by choosing one workshop from Monday AND one from Tuesday. Or, choose the two-day workshop with John Kempf. The one-day Eco-Ag U pass allows you to attend one all-day workshop Tuesday OR Wednesday. Both 1-day and 2-day Eco-Ag U Workshop registrations give you access to the Eco-Ag Conference and Trade Show December 10-12. See page 20 for registration information or go online events.acresusa.com
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Earn CEU credits at Eco-Ag U Workshops
ECO-AG U WORKSHOPS
s Wo rkshop
Monday, December 9, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mineral Nutrition & Plant Disease
Water Management Strategies
Presented by Dr. Don Huber World-famous speaker, author and soil scientist Dr. Don Huber will address critical soil management techniques involving mineral nutrition, and how balancing the right minerals in your soil will help decrease disease pressure, among other many benefits. Go deep with Dr. Huber as he explores both primary minerals, and the secondary minerals that really drive crop health. This session will be perfect for anyone who is looking for specific soil health techniques, is trying to crack the case on common plant diseases, and/or is need of an advanced education on soil minerals.
About the Instructor: Dr. Don Huber, Professor Emeritus, Purdue University, has researched the epidemiology and control of soilborne plant pathogens with emphasis on microbial ecology, cultural and biological controls, nutrient-disease interactions, pesticide-disease interactions, physiology of host-parasite relationships; impact of GMOs and pesticides on soil, crop, animal and human health; and techniques for rapid microbial identification for 55 years. He is author or co-author of over 300 journal articles, Experiment Station Bulletins, book chapters and review articles; 3 books, and 84 special invited publications as well as an active scientific reviewer; speaker; consultant to academia, industry, and government; and international research cooperator.
Register
Onlin
events. e! acresusa .com
Presented by Dr. Mark Shepard Knowing where the water goes once it falls on your farm is more than just a curiosity. It’s critical to ensuring you are making the most out of every drop Mother Nature gives you, not to mention other critical results like decreasing sloppy erosion and run-off challenges. Mark Shepard, author of Restoration Agriculture, and subject of the video Restoration Agriculture in Practice will lead this session. It will help farmers, ranchers and all landowners who want to think differently about their management techniques, including farm planning, flood controls and overall sustainability.
About the Instructor: Mark Shepard is a Wisconsin-based permaculture designer, agroforester and ecological farming consultant. He and his family transformed a typical 140-acre row-crop dairy farm into a permaculture-based perennial-agricultural ecosystem using oak savannah, successional brushland and Eastern woodlands as ecological models. In all, they have planted 100,000 trees on this property. The result is one of the first and finest farm-scale models of permaculture in the United States. New Forest Farm features chestnut, hazelnut and fruit trees, a variety of other fruits and vegetables, chickens, ducks, pigs and other animals. His new book on water management will be available in December 2019.
Apply Today, Change the World Tomorrow
NEW! Online M.S. Degree in Sustainable Food Systems LEARN MORE Visit Booth 78
Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show // 7
s Wo rkshop
ECO-AG U WORKSHOPS
Monday, December 9, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Raising Animals Organically Presented by Dr. Paul Dettloff Dr. Paul Dettloff just released his lifetime work, Dr. Paul Dettloff’s Complete Guide to Raising Animals Organically, which captures lessons and expertise from his half-century of work treating animals. Dr. Paul will expand on his book with an all-day session that teaches systems for managing all ruminant animals holistically and without dangerous toxins or unnecessary antibiotics or medicine. His lessons are guaranteed to be a breath of fresh air for an industry challenged by too much overhead and animal mistreatment. How farmers treat animals is more important to consumers than ever before, so this session will give farmers and ranchers the tools to ensure they can compete in this new and exploding holistic livestock market.
About the Instructor: Paul Dettloff, DVM, was raised on a farm in Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine in 1967. Though he began as a
conventional practitioner, he moved into the sustainable and organic/biological treatment of dairy and beef cows, sheep and goats using natural remedies, botanicals, homeopathy and holistic management of the soil and entire farm. He is an international authority on natural farming and consults and lectures widely.
Capturing the Hemp Opportunity on Your Farm Presented by Doug Fine This Monday workshop will feature a panel of hemp experts who will help you navigate the emerging hemp market and build a hemp business on your farm. Led by Doug Fine, author of Hemp Bound, our panel of growers and agronomists will help you not only understand the hemp opportunity, but actual techniques for growing hemp, building a hemp business and scaling up appropriately. Now is the time to get ahead in this huge new opportunity for farmers, and this session will provide a rare combination of soil science and management techniques needed to drive your hemp business.
About the Instructor:
Organic & Non-GMO Farm Seed Corn & Soybeans • Cover Crops • Grains • Forage
www.alseed.com
800.370.7979 blueriverorgseed.com
8 // Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show
Doug Fine is a pioneer voice in cannabis/hemp and regenerative farming. In the hemp/cannabis sphere, Doug is a farmer, author and well-regarded researcher and consultant for projects all over the world. He has been a hemp seed development researcher with the University of Hawaii. He is marketing an organic farm-totable hemp product that he helped grow in Vermont (called Hemp in Hemp). In addition to his hemp work, Doug is an award-winning culture and climate correspondent on five continents (for NPR, the New York Times, and the Washington Post), and a repeat Conan and Tonight Show guest. Doug is also a solar-powered goat herder and a bestselling author.
ECO-AG U WORKSHOPS
s Wo rkshop
Tuesday, December 10, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Foundations for Soil Health Presented by Neal Kinsey Neal Kinsey returns to Eco-Ag U with an update to his timeless talks on foundations of soil health. Join Kinsey, an author and expert in soil and agronomy, as he instructs you on what healthy soil is, how minerals like calcium and magnesium affect your plant health, and how tactics like careful biodiversity and soil testing will help you lower your overall soil management costs, and build a strong foundation for any type of crop.
About the Instructor: Neal Kinsey is a leading soil fertility consultant for both standard and specialty crops. He grew up Southeast Missouri working on the farm for his father. After obtaining his BS degree, Neal enrolled in a master’s degree program in Food Industry Logistics in Agricultural Economics at the University of Missouri, Columbia. There he met the renowned Dr. William A. Albrecht, who later provided the technical training in soil fertility required by Neal’s profession. In 1977 he established Kinsey Agricultural Services based in Southeastern Missouri. The publication of his methods in the book Hands-On Agronomy, Neal began sharing his methods with growers and consultants around the world.
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#ecoagconf19
Farm-Scale Non-Chemical Weed Control Presented by Andrew Smith & Emmanuel Omondi, Rodale Institute Learn how to let the soil work for you, from the experts from Rodale Institute, Andrew Smith & Emmanuel Omondo, as they explain tactics and strategies for non-chemical weed control on large acreages. As more and more farmers are looking for ways to decrease their usage of RoundUp and other costly herbicides, Smith and Omondi provide proven methods that answer the call. This session is a must for a farmer transitioning to organic, or just looking for ways to decrease their overall costs on their farm.
About the Instructors: Dr. Andrew Smith, Chief Scientist, Rodale Institute. Andrew earned a Bachelor of Science in agronomy at Cornell University and a Master of Science in entomology at the University of Maryland. After two years in the Peace Corp and ten years farming organically in Pennsylvania, Andrew attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, where he earned his PhD in environmental science with a concentration in molecular and population ecology. He formerly held the position of Research Director for the Vegetable Systems Trial. His work has been mostly centered around organic pest management strategies. Dr. Emmanuel Omondi, Director of Farming Systems Trial, Rodale Institute. Emmanuel, grew up on a farm in Kenya and has been involved in sustainable agriculture work since 1992. Emmanuel’s expertise is in soil-plant nutrient dynamics as well as evaluating cover crop options, crop spacing, and weed tolerance dynamics to reduce tillage in organic farming. He holds a BS in General Agriculture from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, and MS and PhD degrees in Agronomy from the University of Wyoming.
Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show // 9
s Wo rkshop
ECO-AG U WORKSHOPS Tuesday, December 10 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Connecting Our Health to the Food System
Plant-available Calcium, amino acids and fish oil in liquid organic fertilizer, screened 150 mesh
Presented by Dr. Nasha Winters Quickly becoming an annual favorite speaker, Dr. Nasha Winters will connect the dots between soil health, food health and human health with a fascinating all-day session. Winters, the co-author of The Metabolical Approach to Cancer, has spent decades working with alternative health professionals and conventional doctors to determine proven methods to create the most healthy, disease-resistant environment in our bodies. Anyone looking to improve their health and their diets, or looking to make major changes, will learn what they need to start a better, healthier lifestyle.
About the Instructor: Dr. Nasha Winters is a sought-after luminary and a global healthcare authority in integrative cancer research and consults with physicians around the world. She bridges ancient therapies with advancements in modern medicine in the digital era. Dr. Nasha consults with some of the most prestigious cancer centers in the U.S. and has created robust educational programs for both healthcare institutions and the public. She is also completing a second forthcoming book on therapeutic diets for cancer with her co-author Jess Higgins Kelley, MNT.
! Online r e t s i Reg ents.
ev sa.com acresu
10 // Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show
ECO-AG U WORKSHOPS
s Wo rkshop
Monday & Tuesday, December 9-10, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Principles and Science of Developing Regenerative Agriculture Ecosystems
About the Instructor:
Presented by John Kempf In this workshop, John will describe the principles and science of regenerative farming ecosystems that harness much more of the energy coming into the system, and produce Olympic athlete-level performance. When a truly regenerative ecosystem is functioning well, the need of external inputs becomes less and less. In order to develop regenerative agriculture ecosystems in which soil health is quickly regenerated, crop yields and quality constantly improve, pest pressure becomes less of a challenge, and crops are much more resilient to climate extremes, we simply need to implement what is already known. With these farming strategies we can increase soil and crop performance by several levels of magnitude and reduce the need for external inputs. In this discussion attendees will learn: • The science of soil-plant synergy; • How to manage specific aspects of plant development and yield components; • How to increase fruit or seed size, or how to increase the number of seed or fruit; • How plants get energy from sources other than photosynthesis; • How to prioritize cultural management practices and product applications to produce the greatest ecosystem response; • How to develop disease suppressive soil by managing crop and cover crop rotations; • How to monitor a crop’s nutritional integrity through the growing season; and • Why insects and diseases are attracted to crops with specific nutritional profiles, and how to prevent them. This is not an entry-level workshop. Attendees should possess a foundational understanding of managing soil fertility and crop health. In this course, John will be describing how to achieve a much higher plateau of soil and plant performance. This workshop will provide an explanation of the science needed to grow 500-bushel corn, and 20-60% yield increases of many fruit and vegetable crops.
John Kempf is a leading crop health consultant and designer of innovative soil and plant management systems. John is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture, a leading crop nutrition consulting company, and a managing partner at Zeno Capital Partners — an investment fund working in the areas of agriculture, food production, medicine and clean energy. John Kempf grew up on a fruit and vegetable farm in northeastern Ohio and experienced first-hand the challenges faced by crop producers everywhere. Growing fresh market vegetables since 1994, he witnessed intensifying disease and insect pressure on crops that did not respond to the usual pesticide treatments. He began seeking to understand the underlying causes of disease and insect pressure on crops and learned how to prevent pest damage to plants by enhancing natural plant immunity with nutrition. Learning from many leaders in the field of crop consulting and plant health, John began building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition, solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology. Today, John is an internationally-recognized teacher on the topic of biological agriculture and plant immunity. Since 2006, Advancing Eco Agriculture has been a leader in the area of soil and plant nutrition, working with farmers internationally. John is a member of the Amish community and lives in Middlefield, Ohio.
Register by Sept. 27 for a $20 coupon to use at the conference bookstore!
Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show // 11
Keynote Speakers On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, we invite all attendees to hear our passionate and inspiring keynote speakers.
Grounds For A Revolution: The Intersection of Soil and Human Health and a Path to Recovery
DR. ZACH BUSH Physician
Tuesday, December 10, 7:30 p.m. Zach Bush, MD, is a triple board-certified physician and internationally recognized educator on the intersection of the microbiome, human health and disease, and our food production systems. His work is giving new insights into root-cause problems and their solutions in the sectors of big farming, big pharma, and western medicine at large. Zach’s work in for-profit and non-profit arenas is creating avenues for collaborative action for all stakeholders in our global community for a regenerative future of health for the planet and our children.
Unraveling Dependence on Chemical Agriculture
CAREY GILLAM
Investigative Journalist Wednesday, December 11, 7:30 p.m. Carey Gillam is a veteran reporter who has been covering corporate America for 25 years. A former senior correspondent for Reuters’ international news service, and current research director for consumer group U.S. Right to Know, her areas of expertise include biotech crop technology, agrichemicals and pesticide product development, and the environmental impacts of American food production. Carey has been recognized as one of the top journalists in the country covering these issues. She wrote a book called Whitewash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer & the Corruption of Science, published by Island Press, in 2017. This year, she’s been busy covering the Monsanto trials, suing agencies under the Freedom of Information Act, and discovering an amazing array of corruption that is fueling the more than 11,000 lawsuits against the company.
Building a Sustainable Agricultural Future
KATHLEEN MERRIGAN
Former Deputy Secretary and COO of the USDA Thursday, December 12, 6:30 p.m. Kathleen Merrigan is an expert in food and agriculture, celebrated by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2010. Currently she serves as the Kelly and Brian Swette Professor in the School of Sustainability and executive director of the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University. From 2009 to 2013, Merrigan was deputy secretary and COO of the United States Department of Agriculture. She is a board member of FoodCorps, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) and the World Agroforestry Centre. She is a partner in Astanor Ventures and an advisor to S2G Ventures, two firms investing in ag-tech innovation. Merrigan holds a PhD in Public Policy and Environmental Planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a masters in Public Affairs from University of Texas at Austin, and a bachelor’s degree from Williams College. 12 // Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show
Do Do you you want want to to transition transition your your farm farm to to a a regenerative regenerative system? system? We We specialize specialize in in helping helping growers growers transition transition large-scale, large-scale, commercial commercial operations operations to to regenerative regenerative systems systems while while increasing increasing profitability profitability and and resilience resilience to to climate climate stress. stress. Our Our expertise expertise in in crop crop health health analysis analysis and and targeted targeted nutrient nutrient recommendations recommendations can can help help you you get get your your farm farm to to aa regenerative regenerative and and profitable profitable state. state. Call Call to to schedule schedule aa consultation consultation at at the the EcoAg EcoAg Conference. Conference. (800) (800) 495-6603 495-6603 •• advancingecoag.com advancingecoag.com ••Advancing Advancing Eco EcoAgriculture Agriculture Meet Meet us us at at the the EcoAg EcoAg Conference Conference in in Minneapolis Minneapolis in in Dec. Dec.2019! 2019! Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show // 13
DEC 9-12 MINNEAPOLIS
44TH ANNUAL
M I N N E S O T A
From the Soil Up
Conference Sessions at a Glance Conference attendees can attend a variety of classes starting on Wednesday and ending on Friday. Here’s the list*:
Tuesday, December 10 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show Registration
1:00-2:30 P.M. Using Precision Sampling Data to Balance Soils and Stimulate Soil Health Meagan Kaiser Rotational Grazing 101: Leveraging Your Animals’ Movement Paul Dorrance
3:00-5:00 P.M. The Truth About GMOs Dr. Don Huber Managing Soil Nutrition 101 Glen Rabenberg
5:00-6:30 P.M. Welcome Reception on the Trade Show Floor
7:30-9:00 P.M. Evening Keynote: Grounds For A Revolution -The Intersection of Soil and Human Health and a Path to Recovery Dr. Zach Bush
Wednesday, December 11 7:00-8:00 A.M. Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show Registration
8:30-9:30 A.M. Building Humus in Your Soil Edwin Blosser *schedule subject to change; go to www.events.acresusa.com for an up-to-date schedule and description of individual sessions.
Regenerative Poultry Production Protocols: Scaling Up with Integrity Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin Fermenting for Health Nick Barnard Unearth your OWN Blind Spots to Radically Improve Your Soil Vail Dixon
10:30-11:30 A.M. The Critical Role of Magnesium in Our Soil Neal Kinsey Using Multi-Species Synergies To Your Advantage Paul Dorrance Vitalism: Farmaceutical Prescriptions to Optimize the Terrain Dr. Nasha Winters Foliar Sprays: The Best Tool to Regenerate Agriculture John Kempf
1:00-2:00 P.M. Soil Health: The Foundation of Farm Success Gary Zimmer Pastured Pork Simplified Dave Steinhauser Soil and the Human Microbiome Anne Biklé Maximizing Photosynthesis to Power High Yielding Regenerative Agriculture André Leu
2:30-3:30 P.M. Understanding Soil Health Challenges That Limit Your Operation Glen Rabenberg
14 // Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show
Diversifying Dairy with A2A2 Milk Dr. Paul Dettloff Plant Stress Test: Biotic and Abiotic Stress Mitigation Through Plant Nutrition Noel Garcia
Decolonizing Agriculture: Building a Multi-Sector Regenerative Supply Chain
Panel: Deep Connections: Soil & Human Health
How Rodale’s Field Trials Can Inform Your Farm’s Transition Dr. Emmanuel Omondi The Hemp Opportunity
Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin
3:00-4:00 P.M.
4:30-5:30 P.M. Featured Presentation: Lessons in Changing the Future of Our Food System Bob Quinn Managing Nutrition in Declining Soil and Water Conditions Ryan McCoon Pastured Rabbits Nichki Carrangelo
7:30-9:00 P.M. Evening Keynote: Unraveling Dependence on Chemical Agriculture Carey Gillam
Thursday, December 12 7:00-8:00 A.M. Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show Registration
Growing a Coop Business Model Marty Travis Using Nature As Mentor and Building a Mycorrhizal Movement Vail Dixon
4:15-5:15 P.M. Innovative Water Management for Any Farm Mark Shepard Farm Services for Transition Anders Gurda & Erin Heitkamp FEATURED PANEL: Women Leading Eco-Agriculture
6:30-8:00 P.M. Evening Keynote: Building a Sustainable Agricultural Future Kathleen Merrigan
8:30-10:00 A.M. FEATURED PRESENTATION: Soil Revolution David Montgomery
11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Lessons in Organic No-Till Dr. Andrew Smith Restorative Farming Systems Mark Shepard Agriculture in the National Political Spotlight…And What it Means for You Judith McGeary Why Advocacy Matters and How to Make it Work for You Sherry Dugger
88 Forrest Keeling Lane Elsberry, MO 63343 800-356-2401 ForrestKeeling.com
Farmers & Ranchers for a
Green New Deal
1:00-2:00 P.M. Understanding Weather & Climate Data for Your Operation Scott Denning Building a Silvopasture System Carbon Farming Markets
JOIN & BE HEARD.
Corporate agribusiness has too much power over farm policies. It's time to level the playing field for family farms.
SIGN YOUR FARM ON TODAY!
https://orgcns.org/gndfarms
Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show // 15
44TH ANNUAL
DEC 9-12 MINNEAPOLIS
M I N N E S O T A
From the Soil Up
TRADE SHOW Perhaps the most valuable time at the Acres U.S.A. Conference & Trade Show occurs when growers meet suppliers at the trade show. This year meet diverse innovators with no shortage of strategies to share. Advanced Biological Concepts AEA Agri-Dynamics Agri-Energy Agro Research International Agroplasma Albert Lea Seed All Star Trading Ambrosia Technology Azomite Back Forty Creative Bay Shore Sales BCS America Bish Enterprises / Hemp Harvest Works Blue River Organic Seed Bluestem Farm Supply LLC Boyd Station Brandt Chelsea Green Dr Pauls Dramm Corporation Environotics Essentially Hemp Everbest Organics, Inc. F.W. Cobs Company FARFA FarmMatch Fertigold Fertrell Forrest Keeling Nursery Global Poultry Initiative Grass Farmer Supply Great Harvest Organics High Mowing Organic Seeds Humic Trade Association International Ag Labs Johnny’s Selected Seeds Logan Labs LLC Man@Machine Midwest Bio-Systems
Midwest Laboratories Midwestern Bioag MOSES Nature Safe Fertilzers Nature’s Organic Grist Neptunes Harvest North American Kelp Nuest Inc. Nuvia Technologies, Inc. OCIA International Inc. Ohio Earth Food OMRI Organic Ag Products Organic Gem Owl Creek Organics Pacific Gro Patagonia Perma-Guard Pharo Cattle Company Prescott College Redmond Minerals Regeneration International River Hills Harvest Rodale SeaAgri Soil Works LLC Stonebridge Ltd. SureSource Commodities Sustainable Poultry Network SPNUSA Tainio Biologicals, Inc. Terramerra The Andersons Thorvin Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed TPS Lab True Organic Products USDA Risk Management Agency World Tree Young Living
16 // Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show
TRADE SHOW HOURS TUESDAY
Welcome Kick-off Reception on the Trade Show Floor from 5-6:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
THURSDAY
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thank you to our Welcome Reception Sponsors!
Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show // 17
Consulting Halls, Round Table Discussions & Films CONSULTING HALLS In between sessions, join your instructor for a small-group Q&A hour on the topic at hand. This is your chance to get expert insight on the questions facing your operation. These sessions will run throughout the day on Wednesday and Thursday.
ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS We’ll have opportunities for you to engage with your fellow attendees in a small group setting with facilitated discussions on a variety of topics important to the eco-
farming community. These sessions will run throughout the day on Wednesday and Thursday.
BOOK SIGNINGS In between classes and the trade show, get your favorite books signed by the author, and even talk to them about the book in person. Marty Travis, Mark Shepard, Dr. Dettloff, Doug Fine, David Montgomery, Dr. Nasha Winters and Carey Gillam are all graciously making time to sign books and meet their readers! Look for the schedule of book signings on site.
FILM SCREENINGS Modified In the award-winning documentary Modified, filmmaker Aube Giroux and her mother embark on a very personal and poignant investigative journey to find out why genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not labeled on food products in the United States and Canada, despite being labeled in 64 countries around the world. Shot over a span of ten years, the film explores the impacts of genetically engineering our food, exposing the cozy relationship between the agribusiness industry and our governments. The film is anchored in the intimate story of the filmmaker’s relationship to her mom, a gardener, seed saver, and food activist who battled cancer while the film’s production was underway. Interweaving the personal and the political, the film uses family video, animations, and mouthwatering vignettes from the filmmaker’s award-winning PBS cooking show to create a visual celebration of homegrown food and family legacy. www.modifiedthefilm.com
Farmer’s Footprint Brought to you by Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show keynoter, Dr. Zach Bush, this film features the trials, learnings and victories of the four generation Breitkreutz family from Stoney Creek Farm transitioning from conventional farming to regenerative agriculture in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. Using conventional methods they saw their soils degrade and their input costs rise every year. Transitioning to regenerative practices has helped their row-cropping operation and significantly reduced the input cost for their cattle. This film tells the story of how they did it. https://farmersfootprint.us 18 // Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show
MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US AT OUR OTHER ACRES U.S.A. AND PARTNER EVENTS!
SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 1 OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA WHERE IMPACTFUL CAPITAL MEETS REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE! The first-of-its-kind RFSI Forum will gather all the major stakeholders in regenerative and organic investment with the entrepreneurs and farmers who are leading the transition of our food system. Come to learn and connect, leave with the tools to impact real change.
www.RFSI-Forum.com A Breaking Ground Institute event
NOVEMBER 4-5 DENVER, COLORADO TRAINING, CONNECTING, AND HONORING UP-AND-COMING LEADERS IN THE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECTORS! This jam-packed event will feature an all-day industry tour, a second full day of learning and networking, and the Emerging Leaders in Food & Ag Awards Ceremony. Nominations for the Top 20 Emerging Leaders in Food & Ag are open through September 13. Visit www.EmergingLeadersFA.com/contest to make your nomination today!
www.EmergingLeadersFA.com A Breaking Ground Institute event
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE SECOND ANNUAL ACRES U.S.A.
COMING BACK TO DAVIS, CALIFORNIA IN AUGUST 2020 In 2020, the Healthy Soil Summit will expand to two full days of content, followed by a full-day farm and industry tour. Plan to join us in California for unmatched soil health strategies to grow your operation’s productivity and resilience.
www.AcresUSA.com/healthy-soil-summit Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show // 19
LODGING AND REGISTRATION The conference will be held in downtown Minneapolis.
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis 1300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Phone +1.612.370.1234 Book online to get special Acres U.S.A. Rate! https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/ group-booking/MSPRM/G-ACRE
NEW THIS YEAR! Every room comes with COMPLIMETARY SELF-PARKING for one car INCLUSIVITY Acres U.S.A. actively promotes and recognizes principles of fairness, equity, and social justice in relation to, and across, intersections of race, age, color, disability, faith, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, social class, economic class, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, and all other identities represented among our diverse community. By appreciating the importance of inclusion, we acknowledge that the collective and individual talents, skills, and perspectives of our employees, customers and contributors are building a culture of belonging, collaborative practice, innovation, and mutual respect.
Register for the Eco-Ag Conference and Trade Show and Eco-Ag U Workshops by calling 1-800-355-5313 or online at www.events.acresusa.com
Eco-Ag Conference and Trade Show • Pre-registration for Eco-Ag Conference and Trade Show through December 2: $215 • Registration for Eco-Ag Conference and Trade Show from December 3 and onsite: $240 • One-day Registration for Eco-Ag Conference and Trade Show (must choose Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday): $150 Conference Registration includes access to general conference seminars and consultant halls, Eco-Ag Trade Show, films, author book signings, round table discussions and more! This registration does not include access to Monday and Tuesday Eco-Ag U workshops.
Eco-Ag U Workshops • Eco-Ag U Workshop Registration also includes access to all the Eco-Ag sessions, activities, and trade show. • Eco-Ag U 2-day: $575 • Eco-Ag U 1-day: $450
REFUND POLICY Eco-Ag University (2-Day Eco-Ag U or 1-Day Eco-Ag U passes) cancellations received through November 8, 2019, are entitled to an 80% credit to be applied to Acres U.S.A. subscriptions, books, DVDs, audio CDs or future conference fees. Since Eco-Ag U classroom sizes are strictly limited and sessions sell out, your cancellation prevents others from attending. Accordingly, no credit is given for Eco-Ag U cancellations after December 2, 2019, and no-shows. Your registration can be transferred to someone else’s name if you cannot attend; please contact our office. Main Conference cancellations received through, November 29, 2019, are entitled to an 80% credit to be applied to Acres U.S.A. subscriptions, books, DVDs, audio CDs or future conference fees.
We grow because
We believe in the power of seed.
Main Conference cancellations/no-shows received November 29 – December 31, 2019, can receive a 50% credit.
We want to know: Why do you grow? #WhyWeGrow Join the conversation!
Always Organic. Always Independent. 20 // Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show
CONFERENCE PRE-REGISTRATION ECO-AG U | DEC. 9-10 2-DAY ECO-AG U AND CONFERENCE $575 $ Includes two days of Eco-Ag U advanced learning and access to 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show. Choose ONE Monday session and ONE Tuesday session OR choose the 2-Day Seminar Monday & Tuesday:
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Mineral Nutrition & Plant Disease - Dr. Don Huber Water Management Strategies - Mark Shepard Raising Animals Organically - Dr. Paul Dettloff Capturing the Hemp Opportunity on Your Farm - Doug Fine
Foundations for Soil Health - Neal Kinsey Farm-Scale Non-Chemical Weed Control - Dr. Andrew Smith & Dr. Emmanuel Omondi, Rodale Institute Connecting Our Health to the Food System - Dr. Nasha Winters
2-DAY SEMINAR MONDAY & TUESDAY The Principles and Science of Developing Regenerative Agriculture Ecosystems - John Kempf
1-DAY ECO-AG U AND CONFERENCE $450 $ Includes one day of Eco-Ag U advanced learning and access to the rest of the Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag U Conference & Trade Show. Pre-registration required. Choose ONE from either Monday OR Tuesday:
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Mineral Nutrition & Plant Disease - Dr. Don Huber Water Management Strategies - Mark Shepard Raising Animals Organically - Dr. Paul Dettloff Capturing the Hemp Opportunity on Your Farm - Doug Fine
Foundations for Soil Health - Neal Kinsey Farm-Scale Non-Chemical Weed Control - Dr. Andrew Smith & Dr. Emmanuel Omondi, Rodale Institute Connecting Our Health to the Food System - Dr. Nasha Winters
CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW | DEC. 10-12
Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show - $215 ($240 after Dec. 1) Conference Student Pass - $150 Tuesday only (includes Welcome Reception) - $150 Wednesday only - $150 Thursday only - $150 Children (14 & under) - FREE Card #
PAYMENT: $ $ $ $ $
Check/ Money Order
Total $ Exp. Date
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Signature Billing Name Billing Address City/State/Zip Phone/Email Badge #1 Name
Hometown
Badge #2 Name
Hometown
Badge #3 Name
Hometown
Mail to: Acres U.S.A. | P.O. Box 1690, Greeley, Colorado 80632 U.S.A. info@acresusa.com | Outside the U.S. call 1.970.392.4464 Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show // 21
Study Before You Go
Books & Videos Acres U.S.A.
Register
Onlin
events. e! acresusa .com
Here are just some of the books by authors who will be speaking this year. You can order online at www.acresusa. com, or by calling 1-800-355-5313 (U.S. and Canada), or (970) 392-4464. There is a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with any purchase.
Whitewash: The story of a Weed Killer, Cancer and the Corruption of Science
20% OFF SAVINGS Hands-On Agronomy NEAL KINSEY Neal Kinsey demonstrates that working with the soil produces healthier crops with a higher yield. To that end, he provides an understanding of ecoagriculture as a viable enterprise that is both naturally and commercially sustainable. This work offers advice that is both highly valuable and applicable to the farmer of any level and promotes an ecological understanding of the farm from the ground up.
#4120 • Softcover • 391 pages • $35.00
New! Dr. Dettloff’s Complete Guide to Raising Animals Organically DR. PAUL DETTLOFF Dr. Paul Dettloff’s Complete Guide to Raising Animals Organically is a hands-on reference for anyone at any level of experience who is interested in helping ruminants achieve optimal health naturally. During the course of the author’s half-century career he has watched as the natural care of ruminants was lost to the high-tech methods of the modern industrial farm.
#7537 • Hardcover • 446 pages • $35.00
Restoration Agriculture
CAREY GILLAM In Whitewash, veteran journalist Carey Gillam uncovers one of the most controversial stories in the history of food and agriculture, exposing new evidence of corporate influence. Gillam introduces readers to farm families devastated by cancers which they believe are caused by the chemical, and to scientists whose reputations have been smeared for publishing research that contradicted business interests. Readers learn about the arm-twisting of regulators who signed off on the chemical, echoing company assurances of safety even as they permitted higher residues of the herbicide in food and skipped compliance tests.
#7491 • Hardcover • 320 pages • $30.00
The Metabolic Approach to Cancer DR. NASHA WINTERS & JESS HIGGINS KELLEY The Metabolic Approach to Cancer is the first book to offer a comprehensive, nutrition-focused protocol to managing cancer. Naturopathic, integrative oncologist and cancer survivor Dr. Nasha Winters and nutrition therapist Jess Higgins Kelley identify the ten key elements of a person’s terrain — including the microbiome, the immune system, and blood sugar balance — as they relate to the cancer process, and they prescribe a heavily researched, tested, and nontoxic metabolic therapeutic approach that encompasses the ketogenic diet, fasting, specific phytonutrients, herbal treatments, and more.
#7444 • Hardcover • 400 pages • $29.95
MARK SHEPARD Around the globe most people get their calories from “annual” agriculture — plants that grow fast for one season, produce lots of seeds, then die. Every single human society that has relied on annual crops for staple foods has collapsed. Restoration Agriculture explains how we can have all of the benefits of natural, perennial ecosystems and create agricultural systems that imitate nature in form and function while still providing for our food, building, fuel and many other needs — in your own backyard, farm or ranch.
#7170 • Softcover • 344 pages • $30.00
Hemp Bound Doug Fine The stat sheet on hemp sounds almost too good to be true: its fibers are among the planet’s strongest, its seed oil the most nutritious, and its potential as an energy source vast and untapped. For nearly a century, it’s been illegal to grow industrial cannabis in the United States even though Betsy Ross wove the nation’s first flag out of hemp fabric, Thomas Jefferson composed the Declaration of Independence on it, and colonists could pay their taxes with it. But as the prohibition on hemp’s psychoactive cousin winds down, one of humanity’s longest-utilized plants is about to be reincorporated into the American economy.
#7312 • Softcover • 192 pages • $14.95
22 // Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show
AN ECO-AG CONFERENCE IN YOUR MAILBOX Founded in 1971, Acres U.S.A. magazine has been covering issues that matter most to small, family farmers. A subscription connects you to thought leaders, scientists and modern farmers who are bucking convention and growing healthy foods, without toxins. For less than $3 an issue, you will have a lifetime of ROI potential in just one year of magazines.
We invite you to start subscribing today, and learn about the following topics: • Build healthy soils with the right nutrients; • Grow nutrient-dense foods; • Keep your livestock healthy and happy; • Control weeds and insects without exposing yourself to toxic chemicals; • Expand your CSA; • Raise poultry with homegrown grain; • Shift your farm toward sustainability;
• Treat livestock problems naturally; • Turn farming dreams into reality; • Boost your farm’s bottom line; • Develop successful marketing plans; • Connect with buyers and sellers of organic goods; • Help save the soil for future generations; • And more!
Subscribe to Acres U.S.A., The Voice of Eco-Agriculture starting at $29/year.
1-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION FOR JUST $29
See page # to order, go online to acresusa.com/subscribe or call us at 1-800-355-5313
Acres U.S.A. 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show // 23
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Learn more at events.acresusa.com, or contact us at 1-800-355-5313.
Exhibit your business at the 2019 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show and reach more than 1,000 active growers.
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P.O. Box 1690, Greeley, CO 80632 U.S.A.