Kneading Conference 2024: Full Schedule

We envision a world where local grain economies that are
good for people and good for the planet can thrive.

4:00pm EDT

Heritage Grain Seed Restoration

Thursday July 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

The most widely grown grain varieties in the modern day were bred for pesticide tolerance, unwavering uniformity, and boosting yields at any cost. In a world full of flavorful, nutritious, and resilient grains, this approach is not quite as “conventional” as it may seem. Join the Project Director of MGA’s Heritage Seed Center, Paul Pollaro, to discuss how organic farmers can stay competitive with heritage grains, learn how to select the best varieties to achieve your goals, and peek behind the scenes into the day-to-day work of a heritage seed restorationist.

Speakers

Paul Pollaro

Transition to Organic Partnership Program Project Manager, Maine Grain Alliance

Thursday July 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Joe's Flat Iron Cafe 65 Water St, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA

Organic Farmer Track

9:00am EDT

Strategies and Opportunities for Growing Organic Grain

Friday July 26, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

Joe's Flat Iron Cafe

A peer-to-peer learning session for those who grow organic grain or aspire to. Hear from a panel of organic grain farmers about their challenges and successes as well as from MOFGA about mentorship support to transition to organic (TOPP). Learn about funding available from NRCS, market opportunities and operational considerations for organic grain growing.

Speakers

Sean O'Donnell

Rusted Rooster Farm

Sean was born in CO and moved to Maine when he was 9 months old. His family moved around a couple of times and finally settled in Parkman, Maine. He was inspired by Grandpa O’Donnell who showed up every spring to help the family plant a garden. Grandpa O’Donnell was a retired... Read More →

Meg Mitchell

Climate Smart and Organic Transition Specialist, MOFGA

Meg Mitchell began as an apprentice on an organic vegetable farm in 2005 and has been raising produce ever since, working with local markets, planning for financial and climate resilience as well as participating in a network of mutual aid organizations. She is well-versed in the... Read More →

Sara Flewelling

Aurora Mills and Farm

Aurora Mills and Farm is an authentic, hands-on, family-owned business devoted to providing the very best in local & USDA certified organic grains, legumes and cover crop seed.We are the Williams & Flewelling families, 1st & 2nd generation organic farmers, where father and daughter... Read More →

Marcus Flewelling

Aurora Mills and Farm

Friday July 26, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Joe's Flat Iron Cafe 65 Water St, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA

Organic Farmer Track

11:00am EDT

Leading the Way: Three women’s journeys with local grain

Friday July 26, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Joe's Flat Iron Cafe

More details on the way soon!

Speakers

Elise Neidecker

PROJECT MANAGER, NH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE STRATEGIC PLAN, NH Food Alliance

Elise studied Environmental Sociology and Modern Languages at Kenyon College, and is completing her Master’s in Agricultural Sciences and Food Systems at the University of New Hampshire. In her thesis research and graduate research assistantship, she has studied farm viability in... Read More →

Friday July 26, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Joe's Flat Iron Cafe 65 Water St, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA