Rural Living Events - 2016

Barnyards & Backyards

Event Listings

Understanding the GMO Debate

January 30th, 2016
12:45 – 4:30 p.m.
Park County Library Grizzly Room
Cody, WY  

The purpose of this seminar is to provide understanding and knowledge of the GMO topic so individuals can make educated decisions when listening to the media, grocery shopping and political regulations.  This seminar will cover the history of GMOs, how GMOs are created, food safety aspects of GMOs, pesticide use in agriculture and the use with GMOs, and cover environmental concerns.  A national debate will also be shown to provide a balanced discussion to the topic at hand.  

There is a $25 registration fee for this seminar and space is limited to the first 50 people that register.  Registration is closed January 27th.

Contact for more information: Powell UW Extension at 754-8836 or Cody UW Extension at 527-8560

ProGreen Expo

February 9-12, 2016
Colorado Convention Center
Denver, CO

All info on speakers, schedule, registration fees, hotels, etc. can be found at http://www.progreenexpo.com/ 

Farm and Ranch Days

February 10 - 11, 2016
Fremont Center (Armory Building)
1010 Fairground Rd
Fremont County Fairgrounds
Riverton, WY

Alternative meat cuts, cold-climate fruit trees and legislation affecting raw milk sales give farmers, ranchers, and small-acreage owners ideas to chew on during the 32nd annual Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days in Riverton. Private applicator pesticide training is Wednesday.

For more information, contact UW Extension educator Chance Marshall at 307-332-2363 or cmarsha1@uwyo.edu.

Private Pesticide Applicator Training

February 17, 2016
1 - 4 pm 
First State Bank 
Wheatland, WY


For more information contact the Platte Co UW Extension office at 307-721-2571 or bsebade@uwyo.edu

WESTI Ag Days

Feb 19-20, 2016
Worland Community Center
Worland, WY

WESTI is a two-day educational event for farmers and ranchers in the big horn basin hosted by UW Extension. Topics will include pesticides, regulations, soil management, crop disease and pest updates, farm safety, and more. Friday will include topics for production agriculture, and Saturday will be more of interest to small acreage land owners and gardeners.

Brochure and Agenda

FREE, no RSVP required. For more info contact Washakie County University of Wyoming Extension, 347-3431; cyoungqu@uwyo.edu

3rd Annual High Plains Organic Farming Conference

February 23, 2016 (1 to 5 pm)
February 24, 2016 (8:00 am to 5:00 pm)
The Centennial Room
Laramie County Community College 
Cheyenne, WY

DAY 1 • Tuesday, February 23rd, 1 to 5 pm: Organic Certification Workshop 
Get an overview of the National Organic Program and regulations covering organic production, and then practice the certification process. We’ll use a made-up farm to discuss scope, land eligibility, buffers, seeds and planting stock, livestock, recordkeeping, and more 

DAY 2 • Wednesday, February 24th, 8 am to 5 pm: High Plains Organic Farming Conference
13 sessions by producers, researchers, and experts on USDA NOP updates, marketing, crop, soil, pest, and livestock management, and more, for:
• Dryland Cropping Systems • Irrigated Crops & Forage • Livestock Production

PLUS: Meet the Researchers poster gallery and vendor displays. Producers, researchers, and experts from Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska.
 
Registration is $50 for both days or $30 for one day (lunch provided). Seating is limited to 100 attendees.

Hosted by UW Extension, Colorado State University, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

For more information please contact: Jay Norton at jnorton4@uwyo.edu (307.766.5082) 
Erin Rooney at erooney1@uwyo.edu (970.217.3362)

Rocky Mountain Green Industry Conference

Sponsored by the Wyoming Groundskeepers and Growers Association
February 24-26, 2016
Best Western Ramkota
Casper, WY

All info on speakers, schedule, registration fees, hotel, etc. can be found at http://wgga.org/.

Also during the above RM Green Industry Conference, we are offering Certified Horticulturist testing:
Thursday, February 25, 2016
1:30-5:30 pm

Information on the exam, the CH program, and how to register for the exam can be found at: http://www.ashs.org/?page=CH

Private Pesticide Applicator Training

February 25, 2016 
1 to 4 pm 
Albany County Fair Grounds 
Laramie, Wyoming


For more information contact the Albany Co UW Extension office at 307-721-2571 or bsebade@uwyo.edu

Horticulture 101 Course

March 1 to April 28th (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
5:30p.m.-8:30p.m.
Powell, WY

This is a 40 hour course that is every Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting March 1 to April 28th.  This course costs $150 per person and must be registered by Feb. 12th.

For more information contact University of Wyoming Educator Jeremiah Vardiman at 307-754-8836.

Master Gardener Series

March 3rd to April 21st (Thursdays)
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 
Watt Ag. Center, Room 131 
3401 Coffeen Ave. 
Sheridan, WY

Improve your gardening knowledge and become a resource to your community -  become a Master Gardener!  

Fee $75.00—Includes Master Gardener Notebook 
Fee $50.00—Without Master Gardener Notebook 

Register by calling the UW Extension Office at 674-2980 or e-mail Hininger@uwyo.edu or bgorzal1@uwyo.edu 

Schedule and topics

Growing Giant Pumpkins

March 5, 2016
2pm
Washakie County Extension Office
1200 Culbertson Ave, Suite G
Worland, WY

Come get your free seeds and learn everything you need to know to grow a Wyoming Giant Pumpkin! Jay Richards will share his advice for growing giant pumpkins, and share photos and videos of last year’s competition. 

Free. To register call the Washakie Co Extension Office at 307-347-3431. For more information see https://www.facebook.com/wyogiants 

Private Pesticide Applicator Course

(3rd & last for season at this location)
March 9, 2016
UW Extension Ag Research & Learning Center
2011 Fairgrounds Rd. 
Casper, WY 82604

Free. Register by calling the Natrona County UW Extension office at (307)235-9400 by March 5.

12th Annual University of Wyoming Entomology Short Course

March 15-17, 2016
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY

Agenda

For more information contact Scott @ 307-766-2508 or sschell@uwyo.edu 

Wyoming Bee College Conference

March 19 – 20, 2016
Laramie County Community College 
Cheyenne, WY

The 2016 Bee College once again has reached out to find new and inspirational speakers to take everyone to the next level of beekeeping, bring more people into the craft and help others make a business of beekeeping or just be better at keeping bees and helping native pollinating insects. Three dynamitic keynote speakers, vendors and much more.

Workshops: all day beginning beekeeping with Dr. Carolina Nyarady DVM.
Learn about Rocky Mountain Native Bees with Dr. Michael Dillon University of Wyoming.
Raising your own Queen Bees with U of Montana’s Scott Debnam.
Winter Bee Care and Behavior with Mehmet Ali Doke of Penn State.
Building native pollinator habitat with Dorothy Tuthill.
Intensive Bee Nutrition with Dr. Zachary Haung from Michigan State University.
Find out what the National and State of Wyoming pollinator action plan is. 

Cost is $75 and includes all meals, snacks and coffee/tea. Host hotel is “The Plains”. www.wyomingbeecollege.org 

For more information contact; Catherine Wissner at 307-633-4383.


Farm Food Safety Training with Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)

March 28- 29, 2016
9 AM to 5 PM first day; 9 AM to Noon Second
Park County Library Grizzly Room
Cody, WY 

The workshop is important for both small- and large-scale producers who are trying to meet current and proposed US FDA food safety requirements or are considering Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification.
Workshop topics include: Produce safety risk factors and impacts; Post-harvest produce handling; Water quality and testing; Creating a food safety plan; Auditing farms for GAPs/food safety; Soil management/manure management; Worker health and hygiene; Traceability, recall and liability issues.

Early registration by March 20th is $25 and $30 after. 

For more information contact University of Wyoming Specialist Jeff Edwards at 307-837-2956

High Plains Seed Library - Grand Opening

April 2, 2016
5:30-7:30 pm
Albany County Public Library
310 S 8th St
Laramie, WY

We will have a talk on starting your own seeds, register members, and open the library for
checkouts. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information contact: highplainsseedlibrary@gmail.com

“Habitat Hero” Presentation


April 9, 2016
Laramie County Community College
Cheyenne, WY

Laramie County Master Gardeners presenting "Habitat Hero" learn to design your landscape to support everything from pollinators, butterflies to birds.  

For more information contact Catherine Wissner, Laramie County UW Extension at 307-633-4348.

Fruit tree pruning workshop

April 9, 2016
10 am to 12 pm
Torrington, WY.

Exact location TBD – Check the link below for updates

Chris Hilgert, University of Wyoming Extension State Master Gardener Coordinator, will demonstrate and lead hands-on pruning for various fruit trees.

Registration is $10 per person and the workshop is limited to 20 people. For more information call Caleb Carter at the Goshen County Extension Office at (307) 532-2436, or ccarte13@uwyo.edu .

Worker Protection Standards Training

April 13, 2016
1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Powell Fairgrounds 
new exhibit hall
Powell, WY

Topics covered include pesticide exposure, pesticide safety, heat stroke, and more.

For more information contact Park County Extension Office, Jeremiah Vardiman, 307-754-8836.


Garden Expo

April 16, 2016
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Lander Valley High School 
(350 Baldwin Creek Road)
Lander, WY

This annual event features a trade show and educational workshops. Over 1500 people attend.  Vendor booths display the latest and greatest offering of information, products, and services.  Barnyard & Backyard workshops run throughout the day and are designed to address interests from  small acreage landowners to backyard gardeners to outdoor enthusiasts.   Attendees can enter a drawing for a balled and burlapped tree and gift baskets.  This family friendly event  also features a Kids Corner and concessionaires allowing families to make a day of it. 

Workshop agenda

Forestry Best Management Practices Workshops

Monday, April 18 2016, 8:00AM – 2:00PM 
Uinta County Youth Camp 
11361 County Road 271 
Robertson, WY 82944 

Tuesday, April 19 2016, 8:00AM – 2:00PM 
Platte Valley Community Center 
210 W. Elm Street 
Saratoga, WY 82331 

Thursday, April 21 2016, 8:00AM – 2:00PM 
Wyoming State Forestry Division, District 1 Office 
431 Delaware Avenue 
Newcastle, WY 82701 

Friday, April 22 2016, 8:00AM – 2:00PM 
Worland Community Center Complex 
1200 Culbertson Avenue 
Worland, WY 82401

Forestry BMPs are a set of recommended practices designed to protect soil and water resources during resource management activities by limiting soil disturbance, preventing soil erosion and protecting sensitive areas. These workshops will consist of classroom presentations and a brief field visit nearby. Objectives are to acquaint participants with the Wyoming Best Management Practices and review implementation measures. Emphasis will be placed upon stream crossings, streamside management zones and road drainage structures and maintenance.

There is no cost to attend the workshop, but RSVP’s are requested as space is limited. Please RSVP via phone or email by Monday, April 11 2016. For information about the workshop or to submit your RSVP, please contact John Crisp, WY State Forestry Division, at john.crisp@wyo.gov  or call (307)777-6680. 

Flyer

Raised Bed Gardening

April 23, 2016
9am to 1pm
Washakie County Extension Office
1200 Culbertson Ave, Suite G
Worland, WY

Raised bed gardening is a great technique for the gardener with limited space.  Join us for this hands-on workshop and learn how to build raised garden beds.  After the beds are constructed, Caitlin Youngquist (UW Extension Educator), will discuss how to plant and care for your new garden. Participants will walk away with the experience and plans to build their own raised garden beds! We will be outside, dress for the weather and bring any water or snacks that you need.

Free. Presented in partnership with Northwest College. To register contact Sheri Averett at (307) 347-8541 

Cody’s Arbor Day /Lion’s Tree Give Away

April 23, 2016
9 am till 12
Cody Auditorium  
1240 Beck Ave
Cody WY
  
2,800 trees and shrubs of 14 different species  will be given away.  An indoor nature walk for children will start at 10, where children will learn about trees, leaves, weeds,  butterflies and bees.

For more information call the University of WY Extension office in Cody at 527-8560.

Powell Arbor Day

April 29, 2016
12:00
Powell Fairgrounds
Powell, WY
Topic(s) covered: Planting and care of trees. 10 variety of trees will be given away.

Contact Jeremiah Vardiman, University of WY Extension, at 754-8836 for more information.


Rock & Crevice Gardening for Wyoming & Beyond

Laramie County Master Gardener Lecture Series
May 1, 2016
1:30 pm
Cottonwood Room
1st floor of the Library
Laramie County Library
Cheyenne, WY

Mike Kintgen of the Denver Botanic Gardens will talk to us on Rock & Crevice Gardening. For more information call 307-637-6458

Big Horn Extravaganza

May 4, 2016
4:00 p.m.
Greybull, WY
Educational information provided with a variety of University of WY Extension booths.  Free meal.

For more information contact Gretty at the University of WY Big Horn Co Extension office at 307-765-2868

Season Extension Workshop

May 7, 2016
9 am to noon (Registration starts at 8 am)
Berry Center building (Auditorium and lower lobby)
University of Wyoming Campus (map)
Laramie, WY
(tour after presentations so you will need to have transportation available)

In this workshop we’ll cover:

Why season extension will help you extend your vegetable growing season (and chances for success in our challenging climate).
Examples of various season extension techniques which you can use
Pests and diseases that might affect your protected veggies

After visiting these topics we’ll head out on a tour to visit 3 locations around town to see season extension structures in action! If participants are interested and have lots of questions the tour may run past noon.

Please RSVP. 

Farm Food Safety Training with Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)

May 12-13, 2016
9 AM to 5 PM first day; 9 AM to Noon Second
Central Wyoming College
Wind River Room, Intertribal building rm 116
2660 Peck Ave
Riverton, WY

The workshop is important for both small- and large-scale producers who are trying to meet current and proposed US FDA food safety requirements or are considering Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification.
Workshop topics include: Produce safety risk factors and impacts; Post-harvest produce handling; Water quality and testing; Creating a food safety plan; Auditing farms for GAPs/food safety; Soil management/manure management; Worker health and hygiene; Traceability, recall and liability issues.

Early registration by May 11th is $25 and $30 after. 

For more information contact University of Wyoming Specialist Jeff Edwards at 307-837-2956

Laramie County Master Gardener annual Plant Sale

May 14, 2016
9am – 4pm 
Historic downtown train depot
Cheyenne, WY

Find locally grown plants from vegetables, annuals to perennials. 

For more information contact Catherine Wissner, Laramie County UW Extension at 307-633-4348.

Barnyards & Backyards Landowner Solutions – Fighting weeds

May 19, 2016
6 pm 
Glenrock Community Library
506 South 4th Street
Glenrock, WY

Monthly seminars to provide straight forward answers for busy people in central Wyoming. 

For pre-registration (needed for materials) contact UW Extension at (307)235-9400 and indicate which session you are attending.

Flyer

Barnyards & Backyards Landowner Solutions – Fighting weeds

May 20, 2016
9 am 
UW Extension office
2011 Fairgrounds Rd.
Casper, WY

Monthly seminars to provide straight forward answers for busy people in central Wyoming. 

For pre-registration (needed for materials) contact UW Extension at (307)235-9400 and indicate which session you are attending.

Flyer

Basic Chicken Care 101 Program

May 24, 2016
6-9 pm
Laramie County Community College
1400 East College Drive
Conferences Building Centennial Room
Cheyenne, WY

The Cheyenne City Council has approved 5 backyard chickens for Cheyenne residents with some restrictions.  Please join us to learn basic chicken care from health issues, feeding, water, housing, winter requirements and what breeds will do best in Cheyenne along with the city's requirements and much more. Hosted by UW Laramie CO Extension and the Cheyenne Urban Chicken Keepers.

A modest $5 (+site fees) registration fee.

For more information Catherine Wissner, UW Laramie CO Extension at 307-633-4383.

Spring Plant Tour

June 6, 2016
Two tours - one begins at 1:30 pm, the other at 5:30 pm
Begins at Weed & Pest office
365 Whippoorwill Drive
Baggs, WY

Join us to welcome spring, learn to recognize local flora, discover some tidbits about which plants are edible.

Sign up early, bus seats fill up fast! For more information and sign up call the Ed. Center at 307-383-2228 or J Sheehan at 383-2228.

Flyer

Vegetable Garden Troubleshooting

June 9 -10, 2016
9:00 am to 4:30 pm each day
Platte Country Fair Grounds
Wheatland, WY

Dig into troubleshooting vegetable garden problems before they turn your garden from a joy into a nightmare.

Registration required – Space is limited.  Cost for both days is $25 per person (includes handouts and refreshments.  Lunches are on your own.) Registration deadline is June 3rd close of business.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the UW Platte County Extension office at 307-322-3667, email c.jons2@uwyo.edu or mmckin12@uwyo.edu. Registration can also be completed by stopping by the Extension Office located at 57 Antelope Gap Rd, Wheatland, WY 82201

Flyer with full agenda

Wyoming Forage Field Day 2016

June 14, 2016
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sheridan Research and Extension Center (ShREC) at Sheridan College
Sheridan,WY

Event is farmer-focused, “especially for those who want alfalfa and improved forages in their cropping/animal production systems and improve yield, quality and profitability.” There are more than 13 presentations, ranging from 10 to 40 minutes. A panel of producers is in the afternoon and machinery and equipment demonstrations end the day.

Register by calling ShREC at 307-673-2856 or at shrec@uwyo.edu , or contact Islam at 307-766-4151 or mislam@uwyo.edu

Mini Field Day

June 23, 2016
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Powell R&E Center
747 Road 9
Powell, WY

This mini field day will be focusing on Soil Health and Fertilizer Recommendation trial at the Powell R&E Center.  This trial is looking at adjusting nitrogen and phosphorus recommendations for pivot irrigation and limited water irrigation for sugar beet-dry bean- barley rotations.  This trial also has some insights to reduce tillage and barley on barley rotations.

Agenda for this field day is 30 minutes overview of trial, 30 minutes Q&A

Contact Jeremiah Vardiman, University of WY Extension, at 754-8836 for more information.

Native Plant Walk in the Snowies

July 16, 2016
9:00 am to 11:00 am
Green Rock Picnic Area
Snowy Range, Medicine Bow Rott NF
Near Centennial, WY

Flyer

Powell R&E Center Field Day

July 19, 2016
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Powell R&E Center
747 Road 9
Powell, WY
Presenting various research projects at the Research and Extension (R&E) Center. Please RSVP for your spot at dinner.

For more information contact Samantha Fulton at 754-2223 or uwprec@uwyo.edu 

Let’s Grow Young Wool/Sheep Producers Seminar

August 9, 2016
9am – 12noon 
Ramkota Hotel
Casper, WY
 
Young sheep producers will learn about startup challenges, marketing lambs, using leased land and feed cost analysis software. Sponsored by Wyoming Woolgrowers and UW Extension. More info at http://wyowool.com/

Register at WWGA at (307)265-5250 as soon as possible. Call Scott Cotton at (307)235-9400 for information.

Mini Field Day - Biofertilizer

August 9, 2016
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Shoshone River Farm 
5002 Powell Highway
Cody WY

This field day is exploring the research project of the practical application of using cyanobacteria as a bio-fertilizer for commercial vegetable production.  Cyanobacteria has the potential to be a sustainable and biological source of nitrogen fertilizer.  There will also be a tour of the entire organic production system at Shoshone River Farm.  

Contact UW Extension educator Jeremiah Vardiman for more information at 307-754-8836.

Mini lecture series at the Laramie County Fair

August 10, 2016
6 to 8:30 pm
Frontier Park
Cheyenne, WY

Laramie County Extension office Horticulturist will be hosting a mini lecture series at the Laramie County Fair.  Topics include:

Basic Home Canning Methods (6 pm), 
Chickens in Cheyenne Basic Care (6:30), 
Wild Birds of Cheyenne (7 pm) and 
What Flowers to Grow in Laramie County (7:30pm).

For more information contact Catherine Wissner, Laramie County Extension office Horticulturist, at 307-633-4383.

High Tunnel Build Workshop

August 11 – 13, 2016
Starts at 3 pm and finishes when high tunnel is complete
Wyoming Food for Thought
900 Saint John Street
Casper, WY

Learn by doing.  Come to this workshop where we will build a high tunnel. Information you can apply!  Please RSVP by August 5th! For more information contact Jeff Edwards, University of Wyoming Extension at 307-837-2956.

Wyoming Farm to School, Powell Regional Workshop

August 18, 2016
4:30p.m. – 8:00p.m.
Exhibit Hall, 
Park County Fairgrounds
Powell, WY
This is an opportunity to meet with food service personnel, area producers, farmers market vendors, school districts and anyone interested in putting money back into the community.

Free event. Contact Brook Brockman, brook.brockman1@wyo.gov , 307-777-2579 for more information. 

Food Preservation Introduction

August 22 & 23, 2016
10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 2:00-4:00 both days        
5:30-7:30 on August 22 only
Carbon Building
215 West Buffalo
Rawlins, WY 
                
Each 2 hour class will be an overview of food preservation.  Topics to include dehydration, steam canning, jam and jelly making, and freezing.  Participants will sample preserved foods and class participants will be able to take home some foods preserved in class.  There is a $10.00 fee to cover the cost of food and canning jars. For more information contact the Carbon County University of Wyoming Extension Office at 307-328-2642.

DART (Detect Assess Respond Training) Tree Pest Workshop

August 25, 2016
9am-3pm
Sublette County Weed and Pest Office 
12 South Bench Road
Pinedale, WY

Planned agenda will cover Exotic Tree Pests, Insect update and most asked pests, and Common Diseases of Wyoming Trees. There will be a field trip in the afternoon.

PLEASE RSVP to 307-367-4728 Sublette County Weed and Pest Office by August 10th
Lunch will be provided

Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC)
combined field day and family farm day

August 27, 2016
9:00 am – registration
9:45 am – Research presentations    
University of Wyoming research greenhouse 
Southwest corner of 30th and Harney streets
Laramie, WY

Haflinger draft horse team Pistol and Pete sporting brown and gold, children’s games and activities, and scientists presenting research are part of the Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC) combined field day and family farm day Saturday in Laramie.

Activities are at two locations. Registration and refreshments begin at 9 a.m. at the University of Wyoming research greenhouse at the southwest corner of 30th and Harney streets. Research presentations are at 9:45 a.m. with a tour at 11:20 a.m. 

Events then move to the Cliff and Martha Hansen Teaching Arena west of town on Highway 230 with lunch from noon to 1 p.m. 

RSVPs are encouraged. Call 307-766-3665. The farm day program is 1-4 p.m.

High Tunnel Build Workshop

September 7-9, 2016
Starts at 3 pm and finishes when high tunnel is complete
Meeteetse Community Center
Meeteetse, WY

Learn by doing.  Come to this workshop where we will build a high tunnel. Information you can apply!  For more information contact Jeff Edwards, University of Wyoming Extension at 307-837-2956.


Agriculture Tour/Fall Horticulture Trip

September 13, 2016
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Eastern Wyoming College

Join us for our Fall Horticulture Trip. This year we are planning a return trip to Citrus in the Snow in Alliance, Nebraska. Citrus in the Snow is a year round greenhouse that makes use of the constant temperature just few feet under the ground. Our next stop on this trip will be to the Western Potatoes operation, also in Alliance. Western Potatoes harvests 2,000 acres of potatoes, which is about 1,599 semi-truck loads. 

This trip will include a scrumptious lunch at Newberry’s Common Grounds in Alliance. Our final tour before returning to EWC’s campus will be at the Brown Sheep Company, a family owned and operated yarn spinning mill in operation since the 1980’s and located in Mitchell.

Registration through Eastern Wyoming College. PAID REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 9. Cost is $40. For more information contact Donna White at Eastern Wyoming College https://ewc.wy.edu/communityed/community-education-staff/   307-532-8323.

Weed Management Workshop       

September 15, 2016
9 am to 3 pm
Archer Complex 
11453 Thunder Ridge Rd.
Cheyenne, WY 

This workshop will cover common weeds in Laramie County, effective monitoring and management techniques as well as proper pesticide use and safety. Lunch will be provided. 

For more information on the agenda call Abby Perry at the Carbon County Extension Office at (307) 328-2642. This event is free but we do ask that you RSVP to the Laramie County Extension Office (307) 633-4383.


Mini Field Day - soil moisture monitoring sensors

September 15, 2016
3:00-4:30 p.m.
Powell Research and Extension Center
747 Road 9
Powell WY

For this field day, we will be focusing on soil moisture monitoring sensors and how they can be used to determine irrigation scheduling.  Vivek Sharma, who is an irrigation specialist with the University of Wyoming, will be briefly discussing his research at the Powell Research and Extension Center and demonstrating how to install soil moisture sensors in a field.  So come join in the discussion and install a soil moisture sensor yourself.

Free event. For more information contact University of WY Extension educator Jeremiah Vardiman, 307-754-8836.

Mini Field Day - soil moisture monitoring sensors

September 16, 2016
10:00- 11:00 a.m.
Corner of Lane 12 and Road 11
Worland, WY

For this field day, we will be focusing on soil moisture monitoring sensors and how they can be used to determine irrigation scheduling.  Vivek Sharma, who is an irrigation specialist with the University of Wyoming, will be briefly discussing his research at the Powell Research and Extension Center and demonstrating how to install soil moisture sensors in a field.  So come join in the discussion and install a soil moisture sensor yourself.

Free event. For more information contact University of WY Extension educator Jeremiah Vardiman, 307-754-8836.

Solar 101 Online Course

Sept. 6 – Sept. 30, 2016
Virtual presentations 1:00 p.m. on sept. 6th, 13th, 20th and 26th.
Location: From your own computer


Wondering if a move to solar energy might be a good choice for you or your business? This FREE four-week online course is designed to help you answer that question! Extension Educator Jeremiah Vardiman will share information about Wyoming’s utility structure, financial incentive programs, and how to do a cost analysis for solar installation. Class discussions will also help your understanding of electric monopolies and co-ops, energy efficiency, and what it means to “go off the grid.” This is the perfect introductory course for anyone wondering, “Is a move to solar energy right for me?”


Free event. For more information contact University of WY Extension educator Jeremiah Vardiman, 307-754-8836

Wyoming Native Tree and Shrub Walk

September 24, 2016 
9:00 to 11:00 am
Meet at the parking lot for the Happy Jack Trailhead on Pole Mountain 

Directions: From Laramie, take Interstate 80 east 9.5 miles to WY 210 (Exit 323). Turn onto Exit 323 and go left at stop sign onto WY 210/ Happy Jack Rd, then 1 mile to Happy Jack Recreation Area sign, turn right and drive to parking area.

Join folks from UW and the Forest Service to learn how to identify common native trees, and shrubs in the Medicine Bow National Forest. The group will also discuss forest health and ecology.  Participants should expect light to moderate walking. Please bring your own food and water, and dress for cool weather.

Flyer

Edible Mushrooms:  Species and Cultivation

(Laramie Garden Club September meeting)
September 27, 2016
7:00 pm
United Presbyterian Church
11th & Grand Ave.
Laramie, WY

Presentation: Edible Mushrooms:  Species and Cultivation by Lindsay Olson and Jeff Hubbell. Club meeting will follow.

Cattle Parasite Management Workshop

September 29th, 2016 
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Albany County Extension Office
3520 South 3rd St. Suite A.
Laramie, WY


Experts from the University of Wyoming will hold a workshop to discuss livestock parasite issues.

Schedule of Topics:

Integrated pest management for parasite control
Understanding cattle body condition scores and herd health
Cattle lice management
Horn fly management

RSVP Albany County Extension Office (307) 721-2571 by Monday September 26th

Flyer

High Tunnel Build Workshop

October 3 and 4, 2016
Starts at 8:30 am and finishes when high tunnel is complete
Build site is on the South side of the Niobrara Fairgrounds property
Lusk, WY

Learn by doing.  Come to this workshop where we will build a high tunnel. Information you can apply!  For more information contact Jeff Edwards, University of Wyoming Extension at 307-837-2956.

Rangeland Soils & Health

October 5, 2016
1:00 pm  
Reese Ranch
Shawnee, WY

RSVP and get driving directions by calling the Converse County Extension Office at 307-358-2417

Have you ever wondered what goes on below ground? The soil is the foundation of the grassland on which our animals graze. Join friends and neighbors for an interesting afternoon investigating rangeland soil properties and health. Participants will be able to see the surface and subsoil up close. Investigate root systems, learn texturing techniques, discuss responses of soil properties to grazing, and much more!

Sponsored by University of Wyoming Extension and Converse County Conservation District.

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Food Preservation 101 Workshops

September 1 through Oct 20, 2016
5:30-8:00 p.m
Lusk, WY

Are you a first time canner or do you need a refresher course on food preservation?  If you are in either situation, please join us for Food Preservation 101- a series of hands-on workshops for the new home canner or a great refresher course for the experienced canner.  The workshops will be taught by University of Wyoming Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator, Denise Smith.

The schedule for the workshops will be:

September 1st- Freezing and Drying
September 8th- Water Bath Canning
September 22nd- Jams and Jellies
September 29th- Pressure Canning
October 20th- Gifts from the Kitchen


Sponsored by University of Wyoming Extension. Cost is $10.00 per workshop. Class participants must pre-register for each workshop by calling: Niobrara County Extension Office at 307-334-3534.


Food Preservation Series in Laramie

Shrink it or freeze it! - September 30, 2016, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Come learn how to dehydrate & freeze foods such as parsley, chives, cilantro, mint, apples and fruit, salsa & yogurt leather. Also learn how to use your dehydrated foods in recipes. We will also discuss freezer pickles, freezing in general – peaches and corn are excellent frozen. We will discuss blanching and packaging foods to be frozen.

Steam Canning - October 1, 2016, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM 
Come learn about using a steam canner to make: jelly, jam, preserves, conserves, and marmalade. We will make 3 varieties and learn about the differences in each. We will discuss types of pectin and principles of making jelly, jams and preserves.

Fermenting, the Ancient Preserver - October 7, 2016, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM 
Come learn about making your own yogurt, keifer and kombucha. We will discuss the health benefits of fermented foods and food safety for fermenting.

Whole grains with veggies - October 8, 2016,  9:00 AM - 11:30 AM 
Come learn about cooking with whole grains, their nutritional benefits and the impact on bread baking. We will discuss blender whole wheat waffles, yeast breads (with veggies), your pancakes with shredded carrot, zucchini and onion. 

Taught by Julie Balzan, UW Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator. The classes will be held in the UW Extension kitchen at the Albany County Fairgrounds. Cost is $5 per class to cover the food provided. Pre-register by contacting Sue at the Extension office, 721-2571. There is limited space!

Tillage and Cover Crops Field Day

October 12, 2016
10:30 am -1:00 pm
902 W. Sunnyside Lane
Thermopolis WY

Includes Lunch. Farm tour and discussion about no-till barley and corn under flood irrigation, multi-species cover crops for winter grazing, and weed management with cover crops. All attendees will receive a set of soil and cover crop management books. 
Call the Washakie Co UW Extension office at 347-3431 or Hot Springs Co UW Extension office at 864-3421 to pre-register.

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Fall Hoop House Tour

October 12, 2016
3:45 p.m. 
Fremont County Extension Office 
130 Eugene St
Lander, WY

If you’re tired of harvesting green tomatoes before the frost, if you wish you could extend your growing season, then you won’t want to miss this tour. See what is possible under the protection of a hoop house. Hear first hand about lessons learned and what crops work best. See different designs and construction materials used. Handouts will provide cost-share information plus more. 

We will meet at the Fremont County Extension Office (130 Eugene St). We will car pool to three different locations (rural and urban). 
Sponsored by Pop Agie Conservation District and UW Extension Fremont County. For more information call Popo Agie Conservation District at 332-3114.

Irrigation Solutions for Your Small Acreage

October 19, 2016
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Mountain Time Zone)
On-line webinar

Are you new to your small acreage, or considering the purchase of a small acreage with irrigation? Join us for a discussion on some unique options as well as some important considerations for irrigating your pasture, hay field, crops, etc. Presented by Caleb Carter, University of Wyoming Extension.

Safe Pesticide Use on Your Small Acreage

October 21, 2016
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Mountain Time Zone)
On-line webinar

Proper pesticide use is not only better for the environment, it’s also safer for you. Join us as we discuss important considerations, including pollinator safety, proper pesticide use, and how to keep yourself, your family and others safe when applying pesticides. And how proper use can also mean more effective use.  Presented by Caleb Carter and Caitlin Youngquist, University of Wyoming Extension.


Disaster Resilience Tips For Rural Residents

October 24, 2016 
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Mountain Time Zone)
On-line webinar

Take advantage of what others have learned about surviving disasters as part of country living. Family, pet and livestock tips can make a difference in your survival. Presented by Scott Cotton, University of Wyoming Extension. 


2nd Annual Small Flock & Fiber Symposium

October 28 & 29, 2016
UW ARLEC
2011 Fairgrounds Road
Casper, WY

Come learn flock and fiber management. Lots of topics!

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Pre‐register at (307)235‐9400 no later than 4pm on 25, 2016. Fee is $20 (includes lunch on Friday and materials). For more information contact Scott Cotton at (307)235‐9400 or Scotton1@uwyo.edu 

Laramie County Master Gardener Annual Meeting and Graduation

October 29, 2016
Doors open at 11:00 
Laramie County Community College
Cheyenne, WY

Guest speaker Chris Hilgert on his strawberry research. Doors open at 11:00, pot luck lunch at noon and speaker at 12:30. Everyone is welcome. 

For more information contact Laramie County UW Extension Horticulture Educator Catherine Wissner at 307-633-4383.

Farm Food Safety Training with Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)

Nov 3, 2016, 8:00 AM –
Nov 4, 2016, 12:00 PM
Laramie County Community College Room 123
1400 E College Dr 
Cheyenne, WY 82007 

The Wyoming Department of Agriculture and University of Wyoming Extension will be conducting a food safety training workshop – If you are a food producer/processor you might find the event useful as you work with produce and fruit since it will provide information on how producers can reduce the risk of foodborne pathogens such as salmonella and listeria.

The workshop is important for both small- and large-scale producers who are trying to meet current and proposed US FDA food safety requirements or are considering Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification.

Workshop topics include:

Produce safety risk factors and impacts
Post-harvest produce handling
Water quality and testing
Creating a food safety plan
Auditing farms for GAPs/food safety
Soil management/manure management
Worker health and hygiene
Traceability, recall and liability issues


Sessions start at 9 am both days and we will wrap up by noon the second. Snacks and Lunch will be provided. Registration is $25.

Lamb 300 Workshop

November 3-5, 2016, 
with the option of Lamb Plant tours (Superior Farms plant in Denver, CO and Mountain States - Rosen plant in Greeley, CO the day prior - November 2, 2016)
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY

LAMB 300 is a three-day, intensive workshop focusing on lamb as a consumer product along with aspects to improve flock productivity and profitability. Participants in LAMB 300 will receive approximately 30-hours of hands-on instruction addressing practices that affect the consistency, quality, wholesomeness, and marketability of lamb. Regardless of the size of your operation, marketing system or your role in lamb production or marketing, the ultimate goal is to increase the consumption of lamb. Participants in LAMB 300 will learn the various aspects of delivering a high quality product to the consumer. 

 

Farm to Market Conference

November 11-12, 2016 
Laramie County Community College
Cheyenne, Wyoming 

Taking specialty crop growers to the next level of production, food safety, processing and marketing. Workshops on Food Acidification, Seed Saving, GAP, Market Manager and general programs.

The conference will start off with 4 day long workshops that include a certification course to satisfy FDA regulations on how to safely produce acidified foods like pickles and salsa, a 101 course on seed breeding, production and saving, a build your own hands on hoop house workshop, and a course for market managers on marketing, conflict resolution and management. 

On day two this information packed conference includes  topics on  grape growing for northern climates,  how to effectively manage a hoop house, best soil management practices, hop production, fruit tree production, branding and marketing your products, what grants are out there, selling wholesale using third part certification, how to safely ferment food, and what's new on FSMA.

Registration is $75. For more information contact Laramie County UW Extension Horticulture Educator Catherine Wissner at 307-633-4383.

2016 Southeast Wyoming Beef Production Convention

November 22, 2016
9:30 am to 5 pm
Rendezvous Center, Goshen County Fair Grounds
Torrington, WY

We will have a presentation from the State Veterinary Office on the new veterinary feed directive (VFD), a long term weather forecast, as well as presentations on Ag leases, mentoring the next generation, low stress livestock handling, cattle parasite management and much more. We will end with a market update from Jim Robb from the Livestock Marketing Information Center. Cost is $20, and includes lunch. For more information or to RSVP, call Caleb Carter at the Goshen County Extension Office at (307) 532-2436, or email ccarte13@uwyo.edu

3rd annual conference of the Southern Rockies Seed Network

December 7, 2016
8am - 5pm
The Ranch Events Complex, 
Loveland, Colorado

The 2016 conference will include three tracks: Science, Practice, and Policy. Each track will include a regional or national topic presenter, followed by 2-3 local experts in their field. Each track will end with a panel discussion, where participants have an opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions with the presenters.

Revitalizing Tired Cropland

Dec. 7th, 2016
1-5 pm
Ramkota Hotel
800 N. Poplar 
Casper WY

Would you like to reduce your fertilizer use? Or find a way to rejuvenate pastures without the risk and expense of planting a new one? 
Dr. Jill Clapperton, world renowned researcher, soil biologist, and ecologist will relate her experience around the world renewing tired pastures and fields. She will show us how to improve the function and health of our soils so that the “below ground livestock” keep the pasture productive and the above ground livestock happy. 

Hosted by USDA-NRCS and the Plank Stewardship Initiative.

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For more information contact Roger Stockton, WY NRCS,307-233-6767. roger.stockton@wy.usda.gov

Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) workshop

December 7 & 8, 2016
Laramie County Community College
Conferences Bldg. Room 121 
1400 E College Dr 
Cheyenne, WY 82007 

Wyoming Extension will be conducting a food safety training workshop – If you are a food producer/processor you might find the event useful as you work with produce and fruit since it will provide information on how producers can reduce the risk of foodborne pathogens such as salmonella and listeria.

The workshop is important for both small- and large-scale producers who are trying to meet current and proposed US FDA food safety requirements or are considering Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification.
Workshop materials will be presented by Mr. David Lott and Dr. Connie Fisk, On-farm Food Safety Educators with Nebraska Extension. Topics will include:
•    Produce safety risk factors and impacts

Workshop topics include:

Produce safety risk factors and impacts
Post-harvest produce handling
Water quality and testing
Creating a food safety plan
Auditing farms for GAPs/food safety
Soil management/manure management
Worker health and hygiene
Traceability, recall and liability issues

Sessions start at 9 am both days and we will wrap up by noon the second. Snacks and Lunch will be provided. Registration is $25.


Artificial Insemination School

December 8, 12, 15 & 19, 2016
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fremont County Fairgrounds - Armory

Cost: $100 or $80 High School College Students

For more information or to sign up call 307-332-2363 (Chance Marshall, UW Extension Educator; Kim Collins, Fremont County Extension Office)


Soil Health and Cover Crop Roundtable

December 12, 2016
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Crook County Community Room
309 Cleveland St.
Sundance, WY

Agronomist Kate Vogel of North 40 Ag will be in Sundance, WY for an interactive roundtable workshop to share her extensive knowledge in soil health and cover cropping systems.  Topics that will be covered include:  principles of crop rotation and soil health, how to integrate grazing into crop rotations, feed value in cover crops, how animals/forage/soil interact, how to calculate intensity/diversity of a crop rotation, and any other questions producers might have on implementing soil health practices.

For more information contact Kate Vogel at (406) 600-5205, kvogel@north40ag.com  or Blake Hauptman at (307) 283-1192, bhauptma@uwyo.edu      

 
Contact Us

Barnyards & Backyards
University of Wyoming Extension
1000 E. University Ave, Department #3354
Laramie, WY 82071
Email: barnyardsbackyards@uwyo.edu


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