Organic Seed Production, Soil Health Academy May 17th

Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Come tour Slade Farms with third generation farmer and retired Virginia State University extension agent Clif Slade, who transitioned from a “big tractor” farmer to a Certified Organic grower with heirloom seed plots providing elephant garlic and sweet potato slips to Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance.

Learn more about managing weeds, selecting cover crops, and producing seed. We’ll also harvest garlic and discuss post harvest practices. FREE

Slade Farms: 1111 Mt Ray Dr, Surry, VA 23883

About Slade Farms

Clifton Slade is a third-generation farmer and retired Virginia State University extension agent. He started growing seeds in 2011 as part of his transition into organic farming. Until recently, Clif–like most of his agriculturally-focused neighbors in Surry, VA–was a “big tractor” farmer, cultivating acres of genetically modified corn and soy each year. 

Now, Clif has reduced his operation to two acres of organic produce and heirloom seed plots. He spends a great deal of time caring for those acres, intensively weeding, mulching and fertilizing. Slade Farm sells elephant garlic and sweet potato slips to Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance. Clif serves on Future Harvest Board of Directors.

Event Details

Please dress for your comfort and bring a water bottle and sunscreen.  Light refreshments will be provided.