Dealing with pest and disease outbreaks can be a real head-scratcher, especially for farmers relying on natural methods. In this session, we will learn the science behind pest and disease cycles and share some diagnostic tips along with illustrative farm case studies from real farmers. We’ll break down how to take this knowledge and apply it in your own context through record keeping, prevention, and CNG-compliant interventions.

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Session Instructors

Chad Gard- Hole in the Woods Farm (IN)

Chad and his wife, Xenia Czifrik, founded Hole in the Woods Farm, an exceptionally diverse, 35 acre, regenerative, Certified Naturally Grown small farm located in Culver, Indiana, in 2010.  There, he grows over 450 varieties of vegetables, as well as rare fruits, native nuts, and microgreens.  He also raises 100% grass-fed lamb, alpacas, geese, and honeybees.  Always working towards providing a full diet of authentic food, Chad bakes rustic artisan breads and hand-makes fine chocolates for market.  Chad actively supports his local food movement, acting as a mentor to beginning farmers, serving as market master of the Culver Farmers’ Market, and instigating what has become the Marshall County Food Council.  The farm’s food can be found at several local markets, via home delivery, and on the menus of area restaurants.

Brad Tonnessen – Colorado State University

Dr. Brad Tonnessen is the Research Scientist at the CSU Organic Agriculture Research Station – Rogers Mesa (OARS-RM). He grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, received his BS in Biology at the University of New Mexico, and earned a PhD at Colorado State University in genetics and plant pathology.  Before coming to Hotchkiss, he spent time as an organic farmer and teacher at a non-profit in Sacramento, California, and was the program manager for Vegetable Extension at New Mexico State University.  Brad pursued projects in chile pepper breeding and mixed vegetable production, giving demonstrations and talks on seed-saving, sustainable agriculture, and genetics.  At OARS-RM, Brad is working to sustain and build the community presence of this station and produce ground-breaking research to benefit farmers.  Research areas include organic treatments of Cytospora canker disease in peach, strategies to increase soil health, holistic apple pest management, vegetable variety trials, alternative crops, and local seed production.