New Farmer Calendar
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Making Simple Cheeses
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Foxborourgh, MA
Description: Go to NOFA-MA for more information!
Oake Knoll Ayrshires at Lawton's Family Farm, Foxborough
$65 NOFA members; $70 non-members
This workshop provides a general understanding of how milk is made into cheese and what to look for when selecting milk for cheese-making. The workshop is primarily hands-on, demonstrating what the milk and curds and cheese look like at each step of the process. Learn to diagnose and fix problems during the process to produce delicious cheeses, even if things don't come out precisely as intended.
NOFA-MA: Managing a Horse-Powered CSA
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Conway, MA
Description: Natural Roots Farm relies exclusively on horse-power to run a 200-member CSA and to harvest hay and timber. Participants will see live horse-power demonstrations on a variety of traditional and recently innovated horse-drawn implements and will learn how these practices are used in the farm’s vegetable production systems.
Instructor: David Fisher runs a 200-member horse-powered CSA and has been farming for 15 years. Natural Roots Farm 888 Shelburne Falls Road Conway, MA
For more info: www.nofamass.org/events/managing-horse-powered-csa#.UTTldWfm55c
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Fences for Multi-Species Grazing
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Webinar
Description: Fencing for Multi-Species Grazing with Colin Kennard, of Wellscroft Fencing.
Colin Kennard's experience has given him great insight on how animals interact and respect - or don't respect fences. A second generation Wellscroft Fencing retailer and livestock farmer, his experience with agricultural fencing products continues to evolve along with innovations in the industry. He is passionate about giving people the knowledge and tools to allow their operations, from small backyard gardens to large commercial livestock farms, to thrive. Join this webinar to learn about fencing for multi-species grazing from an expert!
Newcomers to online learning are welcome. All you need to participate is internet access and a computer that you can hear sound through. To participate, please go to go.uvm.edu/aemon at about 6:45 pm EST on May 28, 2013 and click on the webinar title. For more information, contact newfarmer@uvm.edu or call 802-223-2389x203.
If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please let Jessie Schmidt know by May 21 19, 2013 at 802-223-2389 or 1-866-860-1382 (toll-free in VT) or newfarmer@uvm.edu so we may assist you. If you have not participated in a webinar before, we recommend you download the necessary software for free the day before the webinar is scheduled at tiny.cc/UVMWebinarCheck.
UVM Extension helps individuals and communities put research-based knowledge to work.
University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Growing Places Early Registration Deadline
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Location: White River Jct, VT
Description: This four session course introduces new and aspiring farmers to important topics, resources and services integral to getting their farm started off right. Participants will learn about the cornerstones of farm business development—goal setting and decision making, accessing capital and financial management, exploring markets, and learning about the resources and services available to support beginning farmers.
The in-person classes are scheduled for Monday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., beginning June 24. The course fee is $100 if received by May 31, and then $135 until June 10. Course information and online registration can be found at www.uvm.edu/newfarmer/ . Click on "Classes" then "Growing Places." For questions and additional information, email newfarmer@uvm.edu. Offered by the UVM Extension New Farmer Project in collaboration with Vital Communities and co-sponsored by the Women's Ag Network.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
NOFA-MA: Chickens and the Sustainable Farm
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Hatfield, MA
Description: Participants will learn to select breeds; set up a brooder; raise day-old chicks; deal with predator pressure; improve pasture grass and forbs; and provide adequate housing, feed, and supplementation. Farm systems covered include waterers and feeders; deep litter; chicken tractors; the Salatin pen; the mobile coop; fencing; rotational grazing; and butchering. Discussion will include how the animals are integral to the farm and how all parts of the farm depend on the others. Hand-outs provided.
Instructors: Pam Raymond and David Turner raise 50 pastured broilers and 18 layers as well as pastured pigs, grass-fed beef, and vegetables. Golden Oak Farm 44 Plain Road Hatfield, MA
For more info: www.nofamass.org/events/chickens-and-sustainable-farm-0#.UTTmC2fm55c
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Food Safety Workshop Deadline
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Location: Rutland, VT
Description: Location: RAFFL conference room (3rd floor), 67 Merchants Row, Rutland, VTRegistration fee: $10/ participant. Includes course materials and light refreshments. Selling value-added or processed foods can be very rewarding, but it also requires a great deal of planning and attention to details, including meeting food safety regulations. This workshop will provide information to help small-scale food processors understand how to meet current Federal (FDA and USDA) and State of Vermont food regulations, as well as some information on the proposed FDA Food Safety Modernization Act rules. This workshop will also help clarify state and FDA regulations regarding low acid, acidified, and high acid foods; explain the process of getting a scheduled process; and provide information on filling out the necessary forms for approval.
For more information: raffl.wordpress.com/2013/04/12/two-food-safety-workshops-announced-for-rutland-june-11/
Monday, June 10, 2013
Growing Places Registration Deadline
Time: 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Description: 
Registration Deadline: June 10; early discounts available for registrations by May 31. This four session course introduces new and aspiring farmers to important topics, resources and services integral to getting their farm started off right. Participants will learn about the cornerstones of farm business development—goal setting and decision making, accessing capital and financial management, exploring markets, and learning about the resources and services available to support beginning farmers. Location: Vital Communities offices, White River Junction, VT. Dates and times: 5:30 - 8:30 pm on June 24, July 8, July 22, & August 5. Fee: $100-$135. For more information: www.uvm.edu/newfarmer/?Page=classes/growing_places.html&SM=classes/sub-menu.html
Thursday, June 13, 2013
The Vermont Traditional Foods and Health Symposium
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Burlington & Shelburne, VT
Friday, June 14, 2013
The Vermont Traditional Foods and Health Symposium
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Burlington & Shelburne, VT
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Metta Earth Leadership Training: Generation Now
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Lincoln, VT
Description: Where: Metta Earth Institute in Lincoln, VT
When: June 15th-30th, July 6th-21st, July 29th-Aug 4th
Credits: You may be able to earn credits through your university. Assistance is available.
Cost: Two Week Course $1500, One Week Course: $800
(Program tuition, meals, housing, and materials are included.)
*Alternative financial arrangements and fundraising assistance may be available.
The Metta Earth Leadership Trainings are one and two week trainings for young people that take a holistic approach to combating the rampant environmental and social justice issues facing society today by providing young people with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to be effective leaders back in their communities. Participants will build their inner and outer leadership abilities through experiential learning opportunities in topics such as: organic farming & permaculture, ecovillage planning, primitive skills, yoga, meditation, and social change organizing.
For more information: www.mettaearth.org/gennow.html
The Vermont Traditional Foods and Health Symposium
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Burlington & Shelburne, VT
Description: Come learn the core principles of traditional diets, inspired by the teachings of the Weston A. Price Foundation, and explore how embracing this lifestyle can contribute to one’s health, wellness and longevity.
For more information: shelburnefarms.org/sites/default/files/vttraditionalfoodshealthy_moreinfo.pdf
MERCK FOREST & FARMLAND CTR. HAY DAYS, DEMONSTRATING DRAFT POWER
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Rupert, VT
Description: Merck Forest & Farmland Ctr., 3270 Route 315, Rupert, VT
This two-day farm festival is a collaboration with Green Mountain Draft Horse Association and will showcase the importance of draft power within the working landscape. Members of the GMDHA will demonstrate how horses can be used for plowing, tilling, raking, tedding, and more. Much of the work will be based on the haying season. This event is open to everyone interested in learning about draft power for farming. MFFC staff will lead children’s activities related to draft power, our horses, and farm. (Rain dates 6/22 & 6/23) CONTACT: 802.394.7836 or visit www.merckforest.org
Cost: free
Saturday, June 22, 2013
NOFA-MA: Raising Grazers with Grain-fed Animals
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: North Amherst, MA
Description: This workshop helps producers plan how to integrate multiple livestock species into a whole farm system. While the primary focus of this farm is vegetable production, livestock make crucial contributions to the whole of the farm. This workshop willcover scale thresholds that make animal operations an appropriate size relative to labor input, market potential, and husbandry needs. Each species will be considered for its needs, its economic value, as well as its contribution to overall farm functioning. The presentation focuses on synergies between grazing animals (cattle and sheep) and grain-fed animals (chickens and pigs), using annual cover crops as forage, creating a farm budget, managing production, and scheduling slaughter dates. Marketing discussion will present combined approach to CSA, direct retail, farmers’ market, and restaurants.
Instructor: Dave Tepfer is co-owner of Simple Gifts Farm where he manages the livestock using a pasture-based system for 15 beefers, 30 sheep, 50 pigs, and 200 laying hens.
1089 N. Pleasant Street North Amherst, MA
For more info: www.nofamass.org/events/raising-grazers-grain-fed-animals#.UTTmfGfm55c
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Caring for Your Family Milk Cow & Calf
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Bethel, VT
Description: Interested in having a milk cow? Wondering how to get started? Interested in managing your livestock organically? Join us and learn some important points for your new adventure.
At Earthwise Farm and Forest www.earthwisefarmandforest.com/
Saturday, July 27, 2013
NOFA-MA: Certified Organic Poultry, Pigs, Steer, and Worms
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Barre, MA
Description: In this workshop, Julie will discuss and participants will see two sizes of meat birds, layers, brand new turkeys, pigs, cows, and worms. Participants will learn about the management of all these species and their relationships to each other on this tightly organized and rotated farm system, which includes 2 ½ acres of vegetables and 1 acre of orchard. The workshop covers feeds, housing, pasturing, woods management, rotations with crops, sprouted grains, brooding, marketing, and finances. Participants have the opportunity to help slaughter some chickens.
Instructor: Julie Rawson is a life-long farmer who has been raising livestock organically for almost 30 years.
Many Hands Organic Farm
411 Sheldon Road
Barre, MA
For more info: www.nofamass.org/events/certified-organic-poultry-pigs-steer-and-worms#.UTTnNWfm55c