AOSA Network Newsletter

AOSA NETWORK (76520.1734@compuserve.com)
25 May 93 01:37:07 EDT

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REDISTRIBUTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER IN ANY FORM IS ENCOURAGED!!!~
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WE WELCOME NEWS ITEMS APPROPRIATE TO OUR VISION AND MISSION!!!~
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Electronic transfer notes for systems receiving in ASCII: You know you've
received in ASCII if the page on your screen looks like one, long, odd-looking
paragraph. To get a friendlier looking document, copy this file to your
word-processing or text editing program with margins set at 5-left / 75-right
and enter a carriage return after every squiggly little ~ symbol (except the
previous example).~
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<<<<<<<<<<<< AOSA NETWORK ELECTRONIC DIGEST >>>>>>>>>>>>~
v.4 n.2 Compuserve E-mail ID# 76520,1734 Summer 1993~
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OUR VISION:~
"Farmers are successful economically, environmentally, socially, and
politically. Rural communities are revitalized; providers and users are on an
equal basis."~
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OUR MISSION:~
"The AOSA Network links farmers, consumers and organizations to encourage
farming practices that are economically, environmentally, and socially
sustainable."~
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********** MID-SUMMER MEMBERSHIP MEETING - SEE PAGE 2 & 3 **********~
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< IN THIS EDITION >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>~
AOSA NETWORK NEWS:~
* Options & Opportunities for Mutual Support ........... 2~
* "Growing Your Business," Conference and Open House .. 2 & 3~
* EXTRA! EXTRA! Read All About It! ..................... 3~
* On-Line .............................................. 3~
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RESOURCE DIRECTORY:~
* Arkansas Public Policy Panel ......................... 4~
* Directory of Expertise ............................... 4~
* Farmer-To-Farmer ..................................... 4~
* What Happens When You Cut Chemicals? ................. 4~
* Small Flows .......................................... 4~
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:~
* Forage Specialist Sought ............................. 4~
* Ag-Economist Sought .................................. 5~
* 1994 SAREP Enablement Offered ........................ 5~
* O.N.E. Seeks Implements & Connections ................ 5~
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS ......................................... 5 & 6~
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PUBLICATION INFORMATION ...................................... 6~
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< AOSA NETWORK NEWS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>~
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OPTIONS & OPPORTUNITIES FOR MUTUAL SUPPORT: Work in progress for proposed
farmer/rancher association in Arkansas.~
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The farmer and rancher members of the AOSA Network would like to know how much
interest there is to form an independent farmer & rancher association in
Arkansas. To begin to answer this question, a letter of introduction and
invitation was mailed to just under 100 farm and ranch families throughout
Arkansas during mid-April. This letter explained the overall idea of the
proposed organization, which is to serve as a support structure for those who
pursue agricultural livelihoods and meld economically sound practices with
respect for nature and human community.~
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Early in May, the folks who received these letters were contacted by phone for
their opinions and response. The results of these interviews are currently
being collated and will be discussed during an afternoon session of the AOSA
Network "Growing Your Business" Conference & Open House on June 5th (see page 2
& 3, "Growing Your Business," for details).~
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Funding for the AOSA Network to do this research work is being provided, in
part, by the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group.~
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GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: AOSA NETWORK CONFERENCE & OPEN HOUSE~
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Offered as "A Smorgasbord of Resource and Information for Experienced, Beginner,
and Want-To-Be Farmers and Ranchers, and Curious Consumers," The AOSA Network's
Mid-summer Membership Meeting will be held Saturday, June 5, 1993 at the Tyler
Bend Pavilion of the Buffalo National River Recreation Area off U.S. Highway 65
in northern Arkansas.~
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The 8:30am thru 4:30pm out-of-doors gathering combines a family-style picnic
atmosphere with three specialized information sharing sessions. George M.
Dawson, author of "Borrowing For Your Business," heads the program with a
key-note presentation titled: "Financing Growth." Mr. Dawson's emphasis is on
taking personal control of cash flow by putting borrowing needs in perspective.~
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Next on the program is a two and one-half hour "Smorgasbord of Resource and
Information." During this interactive presentation, those attending the
conference will self-select the topics and people they choose to peruse from a
long list of Host Team members, including representatives from such
organizations as The Arkansas Pork Producers Association, The Kerr Center for
Sustainable Agriculture, ATTRA, Arkansas Fish & Game, the Agri-Economics
Department of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Winrock International,
the Arkansas State Sheep Council, FORGE, Ames' Orchard & Nursery, OrganiGro,
Reynolds' Fluorescent Lighting Campaign, and the Ozark Area Community Congress.~
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After a "Bring Your Own Basket Picnic Lunch," the program will explore "Options
and Opportunities For Mutual Support" during an open forum~
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---- page 2 ----~
discussion about the potential for forming an independent farmer and rancher
association in Arkansas (see page 2, "Options & Opportunities," for details).~
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Though the conference and open house has been designed to connect farmer and
rancher families with each other and link them with valuable agricultural and
business management resource, it is hoped that many members of the general
public will attend to broaden their understanding of the problems, practices and
needs of those who grow our food and produce other life-sustaining or
life-enhancing products.~
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The Tyler Bend site was selected because of its multiple significance as Native
American habitation, pioneer homestead and agricultural community, vivid Civil
War history, beautiful scenery, pleasant campground facilities, and family
recreational opportunities. ~
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A donation of $7.00 per person or $10.00 per family is requested. Advance
registration is strongly encouraged. For details on the "Growing Your Business"
conference and open house, contact: LUANE SCHROEDER, POBox 125, Dogpatch, AR
72648; (501) 446-5410.~
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For information about camping and recreational opportunities, contact: BUFFALO
NATIONAL RIVER, Middle District - Tyler Bend, Route 1 Box 46, St. Joe, AR 72675;
(501) 439-2502. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!!~
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EXTRA!!! EXTRA!!! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!~
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Many thanks to those who have mailed-in the $5.00 "hard-copy" subscription fee
for this newsletter. Also much appreciated are the steady stream of
announcements, calendar items, and updates. Your support, in these two most
essential ways, is what makes this publication interesting, topical, and
possible. Please continue to address all news items and subscription payments
to: AOSA Network Digest, POBox 211, Shirley, AR 72153. Thanks!!!~
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ON-LINE!!!~
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Favorable comments about our electronic newsletter keep coming in from on-line
readers. We're highly complimented by these and the several requests received
for "back-issues" of this publication in electronic form. Sounds like you're
saying we're doing something right...~
Yes [ ] No [ ] Maybe [ ] (Please check one!)~
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PLEASE, tell us what you'd like to see more or less of. Let us know how to
serve you best. And remember that voluntary contributions to our Network's
telecommunications fund are the only way we stay on-line.~
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For more information contact us via: CompuServe E-mail ID# 76520,1734 -or-
phone (501) 723-4322 for voice contact and modem to modem connect route -or-
address hard-copy correspondence to: AOSA Network, POBox 211, Shirley, AR 72153.
THANKS!!!~
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<< RESOURCE DIRECTORY >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>~
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ARKANSAS PUBLIC POLICY PANEL (APPP), is a 20-year-of-age nonprofit agency
committed to involving citizens in the development of public policy. The APPP
facilitates workshops for organizational growth and development, works with
initiative groups, and publishes factoids pertinent to topical issues. For more
information, contact: APPP, 103 W. Capitol, Suite 1115, Little Rock, AR 72201;
(501) 376-7913.~
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The 1993 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE DIRECTORY OF EXPERTISE puts you in touch with
people and groups who have information to share on soil health, pest-control,
diversification, cash flow, management methods, and more! Send $14.95 (includes
shipping and handling) to: Sustainable Agricultural Publications, Hills
Building, Room 12, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405.~
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FARMER-TO-FARMER is a publication of the Ozark Small Farm Viability Project
(OSFVP). The Winter 1992-93 edition contained articles on Aqua-Vegeculture,
Subscription Marketing, Biological Pest Control, Organic Mutants, and the
results of a regional marketing study. The OSFVP also facilitates an Organic
Certification Program. For subscription rates or more information, contact:
Farmer-To-Farmer, POBox 99, Mt. Judea, AR 72655.~
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WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN YOU CUT CHEMICALS? This new book features farmers
around the country who have adopted low-chemical cropping and livestock
production methods in order to increase profitability. Published by the Rodale
Institute, $21.95 includes shipping and handling. Order from New Farm Library,
222 Main St., Emmaus, PA 18098.~
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SMALL FLOWS is a publication about wastewater purification. The 27 tabloid-size
pages of the April 1993 edition contained articles on the use of greenhouse
technology to treat wastewater naturally; how to choose the right toilet paper
for septic tanks (minimized use of thin, white paper was rated "best");
alternative toilets (like solar- composters and electric incinerators); and
wastewater recycling for conservation and economy. The newsletter, along with
many, many educational, research, design, case study, management, regulatory,
maintenance, operation, alternative technology, and computer search documents,
is available from West Virginia University National Small Flows Clearinghouse.
Contact: 1-800-624-8301.~
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ANNOUNCEMENTS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>~
CANDIDATES SOUGHT FOR FORAGE SYSTEM SPECIALIST. Qualified applicants will have
a strong background in soil science and soil fertility with appropriate academic
degree(s), supervisory ability, good communication in writing and public
speaking, knowledge of livestock production and enthusiasm. Contact (by June 1,
1993): Judy Foy, Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, POBox 588, Poteau, OK
74953; (918) 647-9123.~
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CANDIDATES SOUGHT FOR AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIST. Qualified applicants will have
strong background in agricultural economics and marketing with appropriate
academic degree(s), desire and ability to work~
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(continued from previous page)~
directly with farmers, knowledge of sustainable agriculture, experience in
planning and managing projects, good written and public speaking communication
skills and interest in environmental economics. Contact (by July 1, 1993): Judy
Foy, Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, POBox 588, Poteau, OK 74953; (918)
647-9123.~
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NOW IS THE TIME to begin preparing your 1994 SAREP grant pre-proposal! All
farmers and ranchers with ideas about how-to increase the effectiveness of
sustainable practices are encouraged to apply for research funding. For
specifics, contact: Michael Sligh, (803) 297-8562 -or- Jim Wostell, (606)
623-7250.~
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ODESSA NATURAL ENTERPRISES (O.N.E.) seeks to purchase small scale farm
implements (ie: single row crop harvester, transplanter, seeder, etc.) suitable
for use with an 18hp diesel tractor; seeks printed and illustrated information
on "plain old dirt farming techniques," and would like to connect with other
sustainable agriculture groups in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.
Contact: Tom Goldsworthy, O.N.E., POBox 537, Odessa, FL 33556-0537; (813)
920-4477.~
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<< CALENDAR OF EVENTS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>~
GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: AOSA NETWORK MID-SUMMER GRASSROOTS GET-TOGETHER,
CONFERENCE & OPEN HOUSE, June 5, St. Joe, Arkansas. Agricultural information
exchange in family-fun setting. Features George M. Dawson, author of "Borrowing
For Your Business," along with a Host Team of farmers, ranchers, researchers and
business people sharing practical innovative ways for creating new wealth while
respecting the environment. Campsites available. Contact: Luane Schroeder,
POBox 125, Dogpatch, AR 72648; (501) 446-5410.~
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PERSIMMON HILL FARM FIELD DAY & BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL, June 12, Lampe, Missouri.
Tour blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry fields, plum and apple orchards,
shiitake mushroom production. Information on herbs, natural landscaping, and
value-added processing of farm products. Ozark Raspberry, Blackberry and
Blueberry Cobbler Championships! Live Music! Gate fee: $4.00 adults, $2.00
children. Lunch: $6.00 (advance luncheon reservations requested). Contact:
Earnie Bohner, Rt 1 Box 220, Lampe, MO 65681; (417) 779-5443.~
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INTENSIVE GARDENING SKILLS WORKSHOP, June 13, Huntsville, Arkansas. Learn about
summer watering and weed control, pest and beneficial insect identification and
control, and fall garden planting. Held at Dripping Springs Gardens, $15 per
person includes vegetarian lunch. Contact: Mark Cain, Rt. 4 Box 158,
Huntsville, AR 72740; (501) 545-3658.~
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1993 ARKANSAS RURAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE, June 27-29, Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Contact: (501) 682-6011~
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PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE, July 2-16, Washburn, Tennessee. A two-week
intensive design and certification course for creating sustainable human
environments that are ecologically sound and economically viable in rural,
farming, and urban settings. $625 per~
(continued on next page)~
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(continued from previous page)~
person includes "rustic accommodations and quality vegetarian meals" at Narrow
Ridge Earth Literacy Center. Contact: Narrow Ridge, RR2 Box 125, Washburn, TN
37888; (615) 497-3521 or -2753.~
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SOLAR HOT WATER, July 24, Fox, Arkansas. Learn how to construct your own low
cost solar hot water heater. $5.00 per person. Contact: Meadowcreek Project,
POBox 100, Fox, AR 72051; (501) 363-4500.~
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COLDFRAMES, September 25, Fox, Arkansas. Learn how to extend your growing
season by building a mini-greenhouse. $5.00 per person. Contact: Meadowcreek
Project, POBox 100, Fox, AR 72051; (501) 363-4500.~
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NEW ENGLAND ECO-EXPO and GREEN BUSINESS CONFERENCE, October 1-3, Boston,
Massachusetts. Now being organized. Contact: Eco-Expo, 14260 Ventura
Boulevard, Suite 201, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423; (818) 906-2700.~
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<<<<<<<<<<<<< PUBLICATION INFORMATION >>>>>>>>>>>>>>~
The AOSA Digest is published quarterly by The Arkansas Oklahoma Sustainable
Agriculture (AOSA) Network, an unincorporated, member directed, voluntary
association of organizational representatives, individuals and constituency
groups who support the Vision and Mission statements published at the beginning
of this document. For more information contact:~
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* Jim Lukens, Chair, c/o ATTRA, POBox 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72701~
* Luane Schroeder, Past-Chair, POBox 125, Dogpatch, AR 72648~
* Larry Williams, Vice-Chair, Rt.1 Bx. 51, Bee Branch, AR 72013~
* Christine Weiss, Secretary, POBox 211, Shirley, AR 72153~
* Sue Floyd, Treasurer, Rt. 6 Box 134-1, Tahlequah, OK 74464~
* Fee Busby, Director, c/o Winrock, Rt 3 Box 376, Morrilton, AR 72110~
* Keith Patterson, Director, 316 Plant Sci. Bldg., Fytvle, AR 72701~
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The opinions expressed and projects or products reported in this publication are
NOT necessarily supported or endorsed by the whole of our membership. Our
unifying links with each other are respect for individual uniqueness and
celebration of organized diversity.~
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Reproduction of this publication, both electronically and in hard- copy, is
encouraged and appreciated. We publish this newsletter with KindWords on an
Amiga 500, 1 meg RAM. Thanks!!!!!~
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