Jonathan Ebba is a Field Specialist with UNH Extension, with a focus on Commercial Horticulture. Prior to joining Extension, he taught horticulture, greenhouse management and crop production as well as managing the ornamental and hydroponic greenhouses at UNH’s Thompson School. He had 15 years’ experience in the greenhouse industry in NH prior to joining UNH.

Production of Ornamentals: Considerations for Farmers. Production of ornamentals for sale or use on farm can look different than the production and acquisition methods we are accustomed to. Join us as we discuss navigating the supply chain, production methods and proven approaches employed at various times of year for these (often) lucrative crops.

Mary grew up on a small farm in central NH where her family had horses, goats, chickens, rabbits and an assortment of house pets.  She was a member of 4-H as a child, participating in the dog, horse and poultry projects plus many non-animal projects.  She has degrees in Animal Science and Management. Mary is an animal “nerd” – interested in domestic animals and wildlife and always enjoys learning more about animals and sharing what she knows with others. Mary is the NH State 4-H Animal Science Field Specialist.

She'll spend time out by the animals talking about “Lessons From Working With Animals”. The benefits of spending time with animals, the additional lessons to be learned from farm work and seeing the short- and long-term rewards.

Rob Werner is the New Hampshire State Director for the League of Conservation Voters, a national advocacy organization that works to turn environmental values into national, state, and local priorities. Rob formerly served as the National Field Director of Americans for Campaign Reform. He's active in the Greater Concord, NH Chamber of Commerce and serves on the State Government Affairs Committee. Rob serves on the Board of Directors for the Harvard Kennedy School New England Alumni Association and the Harvard Club of New Hampshire. Rob is a graduate of Leadership New Hampshire and a member of the Bow, NH Rotary Club.

A public policy analyst and advocate, Rob has organized successful advocacy and legislative campaigns for the American Heart Association, Smoke-Free NH Alliance, and the American Cancer Society. Rob has extensive experience in the health care sector, working in the private, government, and non-profit areas.

Rob is a graduate of Northfield Mount Hermon School and the University of Vermont.  He earned a Master of Business Administration from Suffolk University as well as two certificates from the Harvard Kennedy School, Senior Managers in State and Local Government and Climate Change and Energy Policy.  Rob served for seven terms on the Concord City Council and chairs the Concord Energy and Environment Advisory Committee.  Rob is a Global Affiliate to the Gund Institute for Environment at the University of Vermont.

Kyle Jacoby is currently the Education Program Coordinator for the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH). He also farms at Stout Oak Farm in Brentwood, NH. Kyle is dedicated to connecting people with nature and improving our food systems. He has been working with reputable organizations across the country including The National Park Service, MA Audubon, and The Trustees of Reservations for the past 15 year. Kyle loves sharing his wealth of knowledge by creating memorable learning experiences. He is located in the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire.

Composting is one of the best and easiest ways to reduce waste. This is especially important considering 30-40 percent of food is wasted in our food system with no beneficial outcome. One beneficial outcome is taking the food and turning it into useful compost. This workshop will cover composting basics and discuss the science of how a compost pile works (or doesnt work) and how to perfect your home system. This workshop is geared towards smaller home composts, not industrial farm composts. Information will be useful for those who have a compost already or want to start one for the first time.