New Farmer Calendar
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Fence Building Clinics
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Chesham NH
Description: Wellscroft will be holding its annual fence building clinic at Wellscroft Farm in Chesham, NH. Offered on two days, See May 5 for full description. For more information, call Wellscroft Fence at 603-827-3464 or visit www.wellscroft.com/fence/pagesGeneral/maFenceClinic.html.
Horse Driving Fundamentals
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Bridgewater NH
Description: May 5-6. For more information, to print a flyer or register, go to www.laddfarmllc.com/Ladd_Farm/Clinics_2012.html.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Addison County Homeopathy for Farm Animals Study Group
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Leicester VT
Description: Meeting on the first Monday of each month, free and open to all levels. Great peer support; learn how other farmers are applying homeopathy on their farms. Our discussions are relaxed and usually include some theory and case analysis. Bring your resources (if you have them) and a current or past case that you would like to discuss or share. More info: Annie Claghorn foxclag@gmavt.net 802-247-3979 or Bay Hammond bkhammond@shoreham.net 897-2121.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Brown Bag Weeds Webinar with Kathy Voth
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Description: Hundreds of Northeastern livestock farmers met Kathy through her visits to VT, NY and NH in the last year, becoming excited and hopeful about teaching their own livestock to become weed managers through her simple, quick process. Now that the weed season fast approaches, can you remember the tips and tricks? Are you ready to go out and try it? Kathy will hit the highlights of weed-eating success, show that it can be done and answer your questions. Visit www.livestockforlandscapes.com for more weed-eating resources.
Contact: Register online at www.uvm.edu/pasture, or contact Jenn Colby at jcolby@uvm.edu, 802-656-0858.
Adventures in Marketing: Art & Science of Customer Service
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Description: Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 2:00pm (ET); 1:00pm(CT); 12:00pm (MT); 11:00am (PT) we will be concluding our Adventures in Marketing series.
Our topic will feature the Art and Science of Customer Service with Mary Peabody, UVM Extension. This session will provide vendors with strategies, tips and best practices related to attracting and retaining your best customers. It is relatively easy to capture a customer the first time. To gain a loyal repeat customer is the key to success in the marketplace. The session is designed for vendors of all types selling direct to customers at farmers' markets, art fairs and trade shows. It will be useful to farmers and artisans with farmstands, studios or storefront spaces.
To join the session go to connect.extension.iastate.edu/etc-cop about 10 minutes prior to the start time. At the login screen use the "Enter as Guest" option and type your full name into the box and click "Enter Room" to join the conference.
Friday, May 11, 2012
No Gardener Left Behind Expo
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Bellows Falls VT
Description: Hosted by Post-Oil Solutions and the Bellows Falls Farmers Market, the No Gardener Left Behind Expo is intended to take one through the various stages of becoming food sufficient and food secure through a process that includes gardening, canning, storing, and cooking our own food. There will be a number of demonstrations and displays that will include seed starting, soil preparation, composting (including worm composting with kits for sale), self-watering containers, hoop house, cold frames, grow light, solar dehydrators (again, with kits for sale), mushroom tinctures, canning, and cooking demonstrations, PLUS a lot more. School gardens and community gardens will also be represented, as well as Master Gardeners. For further information, contact Tim Stevenson, info@postoilsolutions.org.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Creating Edible Ecosystems
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Plymoth State University
Description: This free public presentation is ideal for gardeners, landscapers and anyone interested in home-scale ecological food production. The information contained in Jacke’s lecture is suitable for gardeners ranging in experience from novice to master and the techniques are adaptable for large scale farms as well as container gardening applications. Contact: Permaculture D Acres at info@dacres.org or 786.2366.
Plymouth State University, Boyd Hall, Rm. 144
Creating Edible Ecosystems with David Jacke
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Plymouth NH
Description: This public presentation is ideal for gardeners, landscapers and anyone interested in home-scale ecological food production. The information contained in Jacke’s lecture is suitable for gardeners ranging in experience from novice to master and the techniques are adaptable for large scale farms as well as container gardening applications. This “free” public presentation will be held at Boyd Hall Room 144 on the campus of Plymouth State University. This event is made possible by generous donations from: The Office of Environmental Sustainability @ Plymouth State University, PSU Common Ground Club, PAREI and Thomas Roberts Salon. For more information please contact D Acres at info@dacres.org or 786.2366.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Home Gardens, Community Gardens & the Local Food System
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: UVM, Burlington VT
Description: Discussing the place of small-scale, home-based food production as an important element of a vibrant system of locally produced food. Center Fellow Jess Hyman will be joined by Julie Rubaud of the Intervale Center and owner of Red Wagon Plants, as well as a home gardener or two. Bring your lunch and come to the Waterman Memorial Lounge on the UVM campus. For more information, contact Cheryl Herrick, cheryl.herrick@uvm.edu.
Organic Weed Management on Livestock Pastures Webinar by eOrganic
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Location: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/736099969
Description: Weeds in the organic pasture can reduce the quantity and the stand life of desirable forage plants. These unwanted plants can be more aggressive than existing or desired forage species and compete for light, water, and nutrients. Weeds may also diminish the quality and palatability of the forage available for livestock grazing, and certain weed species are potentially poisonous to grazing animals. In this webinar, Dr. Sid Bosworth will address several approaches to organic weed management, including weed species identification and their lifecycles.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Jericho Settlers' Farm Vegetable Production & Marketing
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Jericho VT
Description: Jericho Settlers' Farm was founded in 2002, and has grown rapidly to 15 acres of vegetable crops, 8 high tunnels, and a year-round CSA with 150 members. They also produce livestock from 150 acres of pasture, annually providing 20,000 dozen eggs, 20,000 pounds of pasture-raised poultry and pork, and 13,000 pounds of grassfed beef and lamb. In addition to the CSA and a farmstand, they sell at farmers’ markets and natural food stores, schools, restaurants and a hospital in the greater Burlington area. Mark Fasching and Christa Alexander have focused not only on sustainable organic production, by implementing good rotation and soil fertility practices, but also packaging and storage for their year round markets and brand development. They will lead us through a tour of the farm and describe their production and marketing practices.
Sponsored by: University of Vermont Extension, the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association
and the USDA Risk Management Agency which provides sound risk management solutions for farmers, see: www.rma.usda.gov. Questions? Vern Grubinger, UVM Extension, vernon.grubinger@uvm.edu, 802-257-7967x303.
Rural VT Annual Celebration
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Wilder VT
Description: Celebrate Rural Vermont's recent progress towards Vermonters Feeding Vermonters over potluck food and drink with live local music.Following a social hour, farmer and author Ben Hewitt will take the stage and lead a lively presentation and conversation about Vermont's rapidly expanding movement that supports community-based food systems. The Future's in the Dirt digs into the challenges and potential inherent to fostering a culture of local nourishment for local people, in an era when the true costs of commodity foods are artificially depressed, creating unrealistic pricing expectations. For more information, visit www.ruralvermont.org,
802-223-7222
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Farm Tours with CAE
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Location: TBA
Description: Beginning and ending at the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE), join an all-day caravan to tour farms and food producers. Our first tour is May 17th and then the 3rd Thursday of every month until September. Hear the stories, tour the facilities and meet the people that help make this area so rich in community-based agricultural enterprises as well as the subject of countless news articles and a book. The tours will be informative, fast paced, fascinating and a fun way to experience the area. The tour costs $50 per person and is free to children 10 years and younger, accompanied by an adult.
To register or questions, contact Elena at: elena@hardwickagriculture.org
CSA Benchmkark Project: How well is my operation REALLY doing?
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Location: Online
Description: How is a farmer to know if their operation’s financial performance is adequate, or find out how they can improve their profitability?
With benchmarking, it’s as if farmers can peer into the financial results of many CSA farms in order to understand how their business financial performance compares to others. That data will help CSA farmers identify where they can improve business practices to increase profitability.This webinar will illustrate what you need to measure (the key evaluation factors), what expectations can be set from comparison to best practices (benchmarking), and what management strategies can help move financial performance to a higher level (implementation of leading edge practices).
Friday, May 18, 2012
Recipe to Market: workshop for Food Entrpreneurs
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Salem NY
Description: Located at the Battenkill Kitchen, Inc. is an educational kitchen facility located at the Historic Salem Courthouse in Salem, Washington County, New York. If you are considering launching a specialty food business, then this workshop is for you! This one day seminar will provide future food entrepreneurs with knowledge of critical issues needing consideration before launching a food manufacturing business. You will leave this seminar with a good grounding in food business basics, and a road map pointing to where you need to go before launching that business. For more information please call Steve Hadcock at 518-380-1497 or Trish Kozal (Mornings on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday) at 518-854-3032 with any questions about the workshops.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Holistic Orchard Workshop w/ Michael Phillips
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Langdon NH
Description: Offered by NOFA-NH at Maple Frost Farm. The core paradigm for this hands-on, day-long workshop centers on orchard health and the subtleties of a biodiverse ecosystem that make organic fruit-growing possible. Michael will share varietal and rootstock choices across the fruit spectrum – from apples to pears to peaches to cherries to berries – along with mulch and pruning instruction to manage them properly. The day will end with a celebration of the living orchard. This workshop is guaranteed to be informative, educational, fun and immediately applicable. Registration cost is $65 for NOFA members/$75 for non-members. For more information and to register, contact Jack Mastrianni at jamastrianni@yahoo.com or call 603-835-6488.
Spring Logging Bee
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Charlestown NH
Description: This social gathering will feature demonstrations working teams and singles skidding wood from forest to landing where is will be processed for firewood, using various techniques and implements. We hope to process enough wood to heat Ted and Nancy Walker's home next winter. Ted and Nancy are DAPNet member, Jay Fisher's elderly neighbors. Jay will be heading up the operation. Rough camping is available. Meals will be potluck. For more information email Ed Thayer at ethayer@gsinet.net or call him at 603-495-3554.
Recipe to Market: workshop for Food Entrpreneurs
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Salem NY
Description: Located at the Battenkill Kitchen, Inc. is an educational kitchen facility located at the Historic Salem Courthouse in Salem, Washington County, New York. If you are considering launching a specialty food business, then this workshop is for you! This one day seminar will provide future food entrepreneurs with knowledge of critical issues needing consideration before launching a food manufacturing business. You will leave this seminar with a good grounding in food business basics, and a road map pointing to where you need to go before launching that business. For more information please call Steve Hadcock at 518-380-1497 or Trish Kozal (Mornings on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday) at 518-854-3032 with any questions about the workshops.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Woodworking Unplugged: Tools for Growers
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Yestermorrow School, Warren VT
Description: May 20-25. Join studio arts professor, sculptor, and consummate reuser Rod Northcutt in his national Woodworking Unplugged Tour at Yestermorrow Design/Build School for a course in designing and making your own garden and food-production implements. Using wood and found materials and employing traditional techniques, Rod’s class will link makers with food culture, facilitating a perspective that is dear to both groups—creating from scratch to truly understand that which is made. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn hands-on skills for structuring up your garden or farm. For more information visit www.yestermorrow.org or call Yestermorrow Design/Build School at 802.496.5545.
Monday, May 21, 2012
New Farmer Meet-Up
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: 5 Olde Tavern, So Royalton VT
Description: Are you a new or aspiring farmer? Join Valley Food & Farm and BALE for a social get together and some inspiration! Chris Piana will give an informal talk on how he accessed land to start Fable Farm in Barnard. Meet and mingle with fellow farmers in the area and enjoy good food and drink. Valley Food & Farm and BALE will be there to share land access resources and hear your needs and interests for the next New Farmer Meet-up. This is the first in a series of Farmer meet-ups we will be holding this year. For questions or more information contact Becka Warren, Valley Food & Farm Program Director at becka@vitalcommunities.org
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Turning your Hobby Into a Business Workshop
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Randolph Center VT
Description: Come learn how to decide whether your hobby can be turned into a business. You’ll get information about what it takes to start a business, how to meet legal requirements, and how to decide whether you want to take the risk of starting your own business. Join other prospective business owners at the VT Tech Enterprise Center to learn about starting a business. For more information on this and other workshops: VTEC@VTC.EDU, 802 728-9101.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Intro to Food Safety in Meat Processing
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Mad River Food Hub - Waitsfield
Description: This half-day class will provide meat and poultry processors with an overview of the concepts involved with safety issues in meat and poultry processing. (Please note that this course is intended to be a brief introduction. The 3-day HACCP course for meat and poultry processors to be held in Berlin, VT from 18-20 June will provide much more in-depth training and experience for those processors needing to write a HACCP plan. More information on that workshop is also available from the UVM Extension Food Safety website.) The cost of the course ($25) includes lunch at noon.
More information on the course and how to register is available on the UVM Extension Food Safety website
For more information: www.uvm.edu/extension/food/?Page=food_safety.html
Introduction to Food Safety in Meat Processing
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Waitsfield VT
Description: At the Mad River Food Hub,this is an introductory--level food safety course for those making value--added meat products. The focus will be on value added beef products, but the principles will be applicable to all species. The cost of the course ($25) includes lunch at noon. More information on the course and how to register is available on the UVM Extension Food Safety website www.uvm.edu/extension/food/?Page=food_safety.html.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Successful Sheep Raising Workshop
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Waitsfield VT
Description: In this workshop, Helen Whybrow will go through a huge amount of information for raising sheep successfully in a pasture-based system. Our purebred Icelandic ewes live outside year-round, deliver their lambs in the field, and are a productive, low-maintenance asset to our farm. We started our grazing system on 20 acres of overgrazed and weed-ridden pasture 10 years ago and have seen a huge improvement in forage density, legume regrowth and soil organic matter over time - all without reseeding or fertilizing. Helen will talk about raising sheep in general, health and parasites, grazing management, and how to start a flock. Lambing difficulties and how to deal with them will be a focus of the workshop as well. Please bring your questions and experiences so that we can all learn from one another!
Cost is $15; includes handouts on sheep health, pasture health and parasites. Bring clean boots; no dogs please. For more information, contact Mary Lake, C: (802) 338-2250, watchthesheep.tumblr.com.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Natural Beekeeping
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Jeffersonville, VT
Description: Prospect Rock Permaculture Presents: Natural Beekeeping
We will discuss the current plight of the bees, and present solution-oriented information about renewing and reshaping this ancient relationship. We discuss bees within larger pollinator complexes, the natural ecology of bees and their roles in their native habitats, non-traditional products and medicines of the hive, planting for pollinator support, top-bar hive beekeeping, and other techniques- new and old from near and far- inspiring renewed health of honeybees and pollinators in general.Most importantly, we'll spend time in the hives (weather permitting- looks nice!), looking at Langstroth, Top Bar, and Warre hives HANDS ON and comparing their advantages for different goals in beekeeping.
Pre-Registration is required, space is limited!
$60 suggested donation, sliding scale includes honey and mead tasting, and light farm sourced lunch. no one will be refused for lack of funds, but you must still pre-register.
Please send a check to ensure your space:
Prospect Rock Permaculture
PO Box 426
Jeffersonville, VT 05464
Pale Blue Dot-- Food for Thought
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Grafton VT
Description: The Pale Blue Dot is a series of public programs hosted by The Nature Museum in Grafton, Vermont. Pale Blue Dot events are curated by the Museum's Program Coordinator, Carrie Roy King. Join them for an engaging symposium exploring food systems that nourish producers, consumers, communities, and the earth. For more information, visit their facebook page www.facebook.com/pbdot or email carrie@nature-museum.org.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Farming for Life Webinar
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Description: Taking care of your body can ensure a future of doing what you love—farming, gardening, or simply living. In this webinar, Ann Adams & Liz Brensinger, from Green Heron tools, share secrets from the field of body mechanics -- how to minimize injuries & pain by how you move, lift & shovel—as well as explore the ergonomics of tools andhow to choose the right ones for you, answer your questions, & offer exercises to help you stay healthy, longer. Ann Adams & Liz Brensinger were organic market growers for 15+ years and have been avid gardeners even longer. With backgrounds in nursing & public health, they co-own Green Heron Tools, the first company in the world dedicated to scientifically designing agricultural tools for women.
On the last Tuesday of each month, at 7 pm, the UVM Extension New Farmer Project offers an online webinar on topics of interest to new farmers. You can find hte latest listing of upcoming webinars at www.uvm.edu/newfarmer/?Page=webinars/upcoming_webinars.html&SM=webinars/sub-menu.html
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Slow Living Summit
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Brattleboro VT
Description: May 30 - June 1. The second annual Strolling of the Heifers Slow Living Summit is a world-changing (and life-changing) effort at cross-sector, sustainable transformation. In scheduled as well as open space sessions organized into three major themes —Slow Economics, Slow Communities and Slow Policies — we’ll examine sustainable, resilient approaches to food, energy, money, health care, relationships – and the impact that catastrophic weather may have on all of them. The Slow Living Summit is a unique, flexible gathering designed to foster cross-sector solutions for high-quality sustainable living — solutions for our planet in which common good is just as important as private gain. For more information, visit www.slowlivingsummit.org/the-2012-summit/.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Slow Living Summit
Time: 8:15 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Brattleboro VT
Description: May 30 - June 1. See May 30 for full description. For more information, visit www.slowlivingsummit.org/the-2012-summit/.
Deadline-- Scholarships to National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Online.
Description: The National Farm to Cafeteria Conference will take place in Burlington, Vermont August 2-5, 2012. The conference will bring together 900 food service professionals, farmers, educators, policy makers, representatives from government agencies and non-profits, entrepreneurs, students and others who are breaking down barriers and expanding the impact of Farm to Cafeteria. The conference is hosted by the National Farm to School Network in collaboration with the local host, Vermont Food Education Every Day (VT FEED), which is a partnership between Food Works, Shelburne Farms and the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont.
The Scholarship and Volunteer Application is online: farmtocafeteriaconference.org/6/scholarships/
Applications will be accepted until May 31. Conference Registration opens May 7.
The One Page Business Plan and One Page Financial Plan
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Location: Webinar
Description: Presented by the Wallace Center ngfn.org/
No matter what type of farm or food enterprise you envision, a business plan will serve you well. In this webinar, we will introduce the One-Page Business Plan and the One-Page Financial Plan that goes with it. These tools are designed to get you started on formalizing your thoughts about your enterprise, and are the first step in clearly articulating your business to partners, employees, or lenders. They’ll take you through the documents, including examples and hints, give you a sense of what your next steps will be after the One-Page documents, and then open the floor to your questions.
Free
Register at: wallacecenter.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f6e853d37c1ed4db967a79125&id=338e03da21&e=4bbcad91f5
Friday, June 1, 2012
Slow Living Summit
Time: 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Brattleboro VT
Description: May 30 - June 1. See May 30 for full description. For more information, visit www.slowlivingsummit.org/the-2012-summit/.
Full-Day Grazing School
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Knoll Farm - Fayston, VT
Description: A hands-on workshop with essential information to start up or improve your grazing system. Hosted by Helen Whybrow at Knoll Farm with presenters from the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture's Pasture Program and VT NRCS. Participants will learn about grazing basics, fencing infrastructure, how to design and install a pasture watering system, pasture parasite management, NRCS assistance programs, and understanding animal behavior. We will take a walk around Knoll Farm to see their systems and grazing plan in action with their sheep flock, and dedicate the afternoon to the hands-on installation of a farm-wide watering system. Bring your lunch, clean footwear, gloves, and an empty thermos (you'll learn why!). Sponsored by a VT Agency of Natural Resources 319 Water Quality grant. COST: $20 CONTACT: Register online at www.uvm.edu/pasture or Jenn Colby at jcolby@uvm.edu, 802-656-0858.
Strolling of the Heifers
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Description: June 1-3. Stroll Weekend is filled with fun and education for the whole family, built around the world-famous agriculturally-themed Strolling of the Heifers Parade — Saturday, June 2 at 10 a.m. sharp on Brattleboro’s historic Main Street. Watch scores of lovable heifer calves led by future farmers, followed by many other farm animals, bands, tractors, floats, clowns and much more. When it’s over, follow the crowd to our all-day 11-acre Live Green Expo for food, music, dance, demonstrations, exhibits and fun, all related to our mission of sustaining family farms by connecting people with healthy local food. And that’s not all . . . Stroll Weekend starts Friday night, June 1 with Gallery Walk — open studios and art gallery openings throughout Brattleboro — along with a culinary competition and a downtown street fair with food, entertainment and fun. Stroll Weekend continues Sunday, June 3 with our Royal Farmers Breakfast, the cycling Tour de Heifer and the Farm, Food and Fiber Tour; plus many other related events during the weekend. For more information, visit www.strollingoftheheifers.com/parade-a-weekend-2012.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Farm First Aid & CPR for Teens
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Middlebury, VT
Description: First Aid and CPR Certification Class for teens with a focus on farm-specific scenarios and concerns at the Hannaford Career and Technical Center, 61 Charles Avenue, Middlebury, VT
A grant from the National Institute for Food and Agriculture enables us to offer this full day class at $10 per participant. Lunch is included. Scholarships are available.
For more information or to register go to: 4-H Events or contact Kristen at (802) 656-2034 or kristen.mullins@uvm.edu. Register soon – space is limited
Mushrooms Wild & Cultivated
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Shelburne Farms, VT
Description:
Friends and fellow mushroom enthusiasts Steve Gabriel and Ari-Rockland Miller are teaming up to offer two upcoming classes in Vermont to explore the best practices and future potential for both mushroom cultivation as well as wild foraging.
For more info: agroforestrysolutions.blogspot.com/2012/05/mushrooms-wild-cultivated.html
NOFA-NH Spring Herb & Garden Day
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Concord NH
Description: Organized annually, this year's event includes a wonderful group of workshops on herbal medicine, wilderness survival, gardening, herbal food and wine and plant identification and will be held at McLane Audubon Center, 284 Silk Farm Road, in Concord. For more information contact Bob Minnocci (617) 236-4893, (857) 222-4149, bminnocci@aol.com.
Strolling of the Heifers
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Description: June 1-3. See June 1 for full description. For more information, visit www.strollingoftheheifers.com/parade-a-weekend-2012.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Strolling of the Heifers
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Brattleboro VT
Description: June 1-3. See June 1 for full description. For more information, visit www.strollingoftheheifers.com/parade-a-weekend-2012.
Mushrooms Wild & Cultivated
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Brookfield VT
Description: Workshops are facilitated by Steve Gabriel, who has been cultivating and experimenting with forest grown mushrooms, maple sugaring, and other agroforestry practices since 2006. Participants will learn several cultivation methods for multiple species (shiitake, lions mane, oyster, and stropharia) that are practical on both a home and small commercial scale and appropriate for all experience levels. Cost of workshop is $65. For more full class descriptions and registration info visit www.workwithnaturedesign.com or call (607) 342-2825. Visitors to the website can also sign up for a weekly blog with mushroom stories, research, and recipes.
Monday, June 4, 2012
GeoBiology Workshops for Farms and Farmers
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Shelburne, VT
Description: Modern uses of Ancient Wisdom to enhance resilience and fertility in soils, crops and livestock.
Dr. Patrick MacManaway is a second generation holistic therapist and Past-President of the British Society of Dowsers, who has refined the use of subtle-energies and extended sensory awareness to connect with elemental consciousness and the Spirit of Place, to enhance fertility, frost and pest resistance, and improve yields in both crops and livestock.
Learn the philosophy and techniques and how to apply them on your own farm.
New Village Farm
Cost $85
700 Harbor Rd Mailing:PO Box 130
Website:
www.NewVillageFarm.com
Contact:
Michaela Ryan
Contact Email:
michaela@newvillagefarm.com
Contact Phone:
802-338-0116
Shelburne, VT, 05482
Addison County Homeopathy for Farm Animals Study Group
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Leicester VT
Description: Meeting on the first Monday of each month, free and open to all levels. Great peer support; learn how other farmers are applying homeopathy on their farms. Our discussions are relaxed and usually include some theory and case analysis. Bring your resources (if you have them) and a current or past case that you would like to discuss or share. More info: Annie Claghorn foxclag@gmavt.net 802-247-3979 or Bay Hammond bkhammond@shoreham.net 897-2121.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
SBA Loan Clinics
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Online.
Description: After preparing a business plan, the next step for many small business is obtaining financing. Join the VT Small Business Administration to learn about SBA’s lending role and how an SBA loan can benefit your business. The clinics will help you prepare a loan application, learn lender credit requirements for loan approval, find sources of capital to start or grow your business, understand loan interest rates, terms, amounts, and collateral requirements, and how to approach a lender to improve your chances for approval by knowing what they are looking for. You can join from 9;:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. To learn how to participate, go to www.sba.gov/content/montpelier-sba-loan-clinics-0. For more information, call (802) 828-4422 or email Vallerie.Morse@sba.gov or visit www.sba.gov/vt.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Masonry for Farm and Garden
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Location: Jeffersonville, VT
Description: At Prospect Rock Permaculture with Dan Bermingham and Anthony McCarthy
Pature Walk at Green Heron Growers Farm
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Sherman NY
Description: Guest speakers Troy Bishopp (aka The Grass Whisperer) from Madison Co. Soil and Water Conservation District and Jerry Brunetti from Agri-Dynamics will speak on forage quality and herd health. This pasture walk is intended to be a learning experience for all participants, including the host.
CONTACT: Steve Rockcastle 585-615-7438, x 3360.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Risks and Returns on Rewnewable Energy
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Webinar
Description: Participants will learn how to find local resources to help with their renewable-energy buying decisions and equipment selection, as well as how to work with renewable-energy equipment suppliers. Participants also will get valuable information about available sources of funding: grants, loan guarantees, and tax credits available for installation of renewable-energy systems.
Common renewable energy technologies will be discussed along with information about how to decide whether a renewable energy system will benefit your farm. You will be able to post questions to the presenters to make this an interactive and informative webinar.
Follow the link to register for the webinar:
attra.ncat.org/riskreturn
Cornell Extension-Beginning Farmer Learning Group Meeting
Time: 7:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: 99 County Route 52 Greenwich, NY
Friday, June 15, 2012
Low Energy Farming Systems: Replacing Fossil Fuels with Human andAnimal Power
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Green Mountain College - Poultney, VT\n
Description: Many farmers and consumers are concerned about the reliance of our agricultural systems upon fossil fuel resources. This workshop will include a presentation and discussion on the need for and feasibility of fossil-fuel-free farming systems as well as field demonstrations of human and draft animal powered appropriate technologies for haying and vegetable production.
Contact: Lynda Prim, NOFA Vermont 802-434-4122 lynda@nofavt.org
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Earth Oven Building for Bread and Pizza
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Jeffersonville, VT
Description: At Prospect Rock Permaculturewith Simha Bode and Mark Krawczyk
Bovine Social Club
Time: 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: White River Junction
Description: Tupelo Music Hall, White River Junction, VT
The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) presents New York Area Americana band Bovine Social Club and special guest Patrick Fitzsimmons in concert. Tickets are $25.00 in advance. This concert will benefit the Vermont Farm Share Program, which provides subsidized CSA shares to limited-income Vermont families.
Contact: Tupelo Music Hall by phone at 603-437-5100 or online at tickets.tupelohallvermont.com.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
THE GREAT VERMONT WEEDS TOUR WITH KATHY VOTH
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: TBA
Description: Hundreds of Northeastern livestock farmers met Kathy through her visits to VT, NY and NH in the last year, becoming excited and hopeful about teaching their own livestock to become weed managers through her simple, quick process. Live presentations and weed eating demonstrations, at multiple Vermont locations to be determined.
CONTACT: www.uvm.edu/pasture or Jenn Colby at jcolby@uvm.edu, 802-656-0858.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Biological IPM Strategies (in Spanish & English)
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Location: Gonzalez Farm - Pine Island, NY
Description: Come tour Gonzalez Farm with Cornell University’s Vegetable IPM Coordinator, Abby Seaman. The rich muck soil on Gonzalez Farm presents unique soil, weed and pest management challenges, including issues with cutworms, brassica flea beetles and phytophthora blight. This workshop will focus on understanding the life cycles of these pests. Abby will present research-based IPM strategies, including biological and cultural control methods, as well as organic pesticides. This presentation will be conducted in Spanish with English translation.
Registration: Please register by calling Stephanie Backer-Bertsch at NOFA-NY at 585-271-1979 x 509, or by registering online at www.tinyurl.com/nofanyevents. Registration is FREE for NOFA-NY members and $15/ non-members.
HACCP Course for Meat & Poultry Processors
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: UVM Extension, Berlin VT
Description: June 18-20. This course covers the fundamentals of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) and the application in meat and poultry slaughter and processing operations. It provides the participant with hands-on experience in developing a HACCP plan, which is required for state or USDA inspection of meat and poultry products. This course meets USDA requirements for HACCP training. Participants will receive an International HACCP Alliance certificate upon successful completion of the course.
Registration:Pre-registration is required. The cost of registration is $325 per person and covers some program costs, lunch on Monday and Tuesday, continental breakfast on Tuesday and Wednesday and breaks. There is a limit of 20 participants, so register early. For information regarding the program and registration, please contact: Londa Nwadike at (802) 223 2389 or londa.nwadike@uvm.edu.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
HACCP Course for Meat & Poultry Processors
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: UVM Extension, Berlin VT
Description: June 18-20. See June 18 for full description. For information regarding the program and registration, please contact: Londa Nwadike at (802) 223 2389 or londa.nwadike@uvm.edu.
Connecting Business. Sharing Experience. Growing Vermon's Economy- Startup Vermont Partnership Conference
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: IBM campus, Essex Junction, VT
Description: Startup Vermont Partnership Conference
"Connecting Business. Sharing Experience. Growing Vermont's Economy"
This conference is designed for Vermont entrepreneurs and small business owner/operators who are starting or operating companies in one of three industries: Technology, Consumer Products, or Food Systems/Farm to Plate.
• Intellectual property management: I have a fabulous business idea, but how can I protect it?
• Finding capital: I’ve maxed out my borrowing capacity – how can I source additional capital?
• Business development best practices: I know there are clients who would use my product, but I can’t find them!
• Sourcing and hiring talent: Vermont has a great talent pool, so I’ve heard; but how do I find the right person for this position I need to fill?
• Understanding and implementing social media strategies: To tweet or not to tweet?
To register:
www.cvent.com/events/startup-vermont-partnership-conference/registration-27cce49ccb42467eb86f9de079cbcbbb.aspx
Entrepreneurs/Small Business: $50
Service Provider $75
BREEDING AND GENETICS: CONSIDERATIONS FOR ORGANIC DAIRY FARMS
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Description: In this webinar, Dr. Brad Heins, University of Minnesota, will address breeding and genetic considerations on organic dairies, including an evaluation of breeds common to organic dairy farms (calving, production, components, and economic performance), the latest research on cross breeding, and considerations for your farm.
For more information or to register: www.extension.org/pages/25242
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
HACCP Course for Meat & Poultry Processors
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: UVM Extension, Berlin VT
Description: June 18-20. See June 18 for full description. For information regarding the program and registration, please contact: Londa Nwadike at (802) 223 2389 or londa.nwadike@uvm.edu.
Alternative Meat Markets and Halal Production
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Norwich Meadows Farm - Norwich, NY
Description: During this workshop, Zaid Kurdieh will explain how Norwich Meadows Farm has expanded their farm to include on-farm Halal Processing. Attendees will learn the basics of Halal processing, discuss strategies for securing alternative meat markets, and will go home with an understanding of the regulations associated with adding on-farm processing to a farm business, as well as the challenges that produces may encounter when first entering an alternative market.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Grass-Based Beef: The Business Case
Time: 3:30 a.m. to 4:45 a.m.
Location: Webinar
Description: The domestic production of pastured beef is far lower than the domestic demand. This webinar will make the business case for pasture raised beef, present a case study of a highly successful operation, and point you to resources for learning how to transition to farming and ranching techniques that are higher value, environmentally positive and increase animal welfare.
Panelists:
Allen Williams, Livestock Management Consultants, LLC
Greg Nowicki, Wisconsin Grass-Fed Beef Cooperative
Free. Register at: www2.gotomeeting.com/register/984591002
Friday, June 22, 2012
Village Gathering
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Brookfield VT
Description: June 22-24. The Village Gathering is a Skill Share Convergence for people of all ages working to create resilient and regenerative communities. Over 35 WORKSHOPS will be offered. Bring Your Own Tent, Food, Instruments, and whatever you need for the weekend and to contribute to the Village experience. Go to www.vbc-vt.org for more info.
Certified Hay and Grain Rotations for a Successful Organic Farm Plan
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Mitchell Farms - Avoca, NY
Description: This on-farm field day will feature Jeff and Denise Mitchell at they give a tour of their 200-acre farm. Jeff and Denise will also discuss the on-farm trials that they have been conducting, including the use of farm-harvested red clover seed and frost seeding experiments, as well as trials of food grade wheat, oats, buckwheat, and hay. Weed control, natural re-seeding vs. frost seeding, and other on-farm experiments will be observed prior to grain harvest.
Restoring Landrace Wheat
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: MOFGA - Unity, Maine
Description: This seminar will establish working groups to restore landrace wheat biodiversity, and share practical skills for evolutionary conservation, trialing and seed-saving of landrace wheats. Participants will receive elite landrace population from the Heritage Grain Conservancy, the outcome of three years of on-farm organic breeding funded by SARE.
Cost: Free
Contact Email: growseed@yahoo.com
nofavt.org/events/restoring-landrace-wheat
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Hands-On Cheesemaking for Beginners wth Peter Dixon
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Westminster West, VT
Description: Learn the basics of cheesemaking in this two-day workshop designed specifically for those looking to start an artisan cheese business.
Cost: $400
Contact: Peter Dixon westminsterartisan@gmail.com 802.387.4041
www.dairyfoodsconsulting.com/training.shtml
Village Gathering
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Brookfield VT
Description: June 22-24. See June 22 for full description. Go to www.vbc-vt.org for more info.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Village Gathering
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Brookfield VT
Description: June 22-24. See June 22 for full description. Go to www.vbc-vt.org for more info.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Dyeing to Felt 3-Session Workshop Series: From raw wool to plant-dyed felted art!
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Twin Pond Retreat - Brookfield, VT
Description: Class one: Skirting & Scouring & touring the Dye Gardens
Class Two: Learn about Carding, the cultivation and harvesting of Dye plants, and the process of Natural Plant Dyeing
Class Three: Natural Plant Dyeing and Felting Project which you get to take home.
Cost:
Sliding scale $225-$125 for 3 class series
Contact:
jennifer@twinpondretreat.com
802-276-3839
www.twinpondretreat.com
High-Quality Forage Production Field Day
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Beidler Family Farm - Randolph, VT
Description: Presented by:
UVM Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Team
For more information about this event, and all other NW C&S events:
www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/
Season Extension & Food Safety: Year Round Production
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Pleasant Valley Farm, Argyle NY
Description: Paul and Sandy Arnold of Pleasant Valley Farm are doing a NOFA-NY field day on Season Extension and Food Safety. The field day will also focus on the Arnold's newly renovated washing and packing facilities in anticipation of the GAP food safety guidelines. More info and Registration:
www.nofany.org/events/field-days/season-extension-food-safety-year-round-production-pleasant-valley-farm
Common Insect Pests & Management on the VT Produce Farm Webinar
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Description: The growing season is upon us, and so are the bugs! Learn how to recognize common Vermont insect pests of vegetables and local natural enemies from UVM Extension Entomologist Margaret Skinner. She will focus on how to use an integrated approach to managing pests. Skinner combines research on biological control with outreach to growers and the public on IPM education and awareness for many key insect pests of the Northeast. She coordinates educational programs for growers on greenhouse IPM in ME, NH and VT, and identifies insects for the UVM Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, the Mastergardener program, and the public. She provides a vital link between growers and the latest entomology research. She will share information to help you develop strategies for identifying and managing your pest problems and will take your questions in our interactive webinar.
You can find the latest listing of upcoming webinars and join the webinars at www.uvm.edu/newfarmer/?Page=webinars/upcoming_webinars.html&SM=webinars/sub-menu.html
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tile Drainage and Reduced Tillage Systems
Tile Drainage and Reduced Tillage Systems
Tile Drainage and Reduced Tillage Systems
Time: 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Location: Windfall Acres Farm - Highgate, VT
Description: UVM Extension Crops and Soils Team and Friends of Northern Lake Champlain, Farmer’s Watershed Alliance Present:
Local farmers will describe reduced tillage systems that have worked best in the area. Learn how to convert a corn planter for no-till. See a variety of reduced tillage equipment available in the area, including no-till, strip-till, zone-till planters; aerators; and a no-till drill. Join us for a walk to observe zone-till corn, strip cropping and no-till into alfalfa. Lunch from Pie in the Sky. This is collaboratively being presented by Friends of Northern Lake Champlain, Farmer’s Watershed Alliance and UVM Extension. There is no charge.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Sustainable Food Systems Conference
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: UVM, Burlington VT
Description: Influential thinkers and positive change makers will exchange their best ideas to inspire, focus, and strengthen individual and collective action for a sustainable food system. This one day event will shine a spotlight on and amplify the most important ideas, initiatives, and voices for the necessary food systems revolution. The power of this day and the hundreds gathered together will awaken some, re-energize others, help advance a shared vision for the future of food we desire, fortify the movement, and make clear specific ways each person can help transform the system. For more information and to register, visit www.uvm.edu/foodsystems/?Page=conference.html&SM=submenus/summitsubmenu.html.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Vermont Wool Pool
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Vermont Technical College - Randolph, VT
Description: Stanley Strode of Mid-States Wool Growers Cooperative Association will be sorting through all our wool Friday morning. Producers will drop off their wool at VTC's Vet Tech Barn at the end of Water Street in Randolph and work with volunteers to appropriately bag and label the wool. The wool will be weighed and a check will be sent to the producer within a month of drop off. Wool prices are constantly shifting and prices depend on the quality of wool submitted. Each producers’ wool will be graded individually. Prices range roughly from fine wool being worth $1.00-1.15/lb., medium wool near $.45, coarser white wool $.30 to black face/colored wool at $.25. Tags can also be sold for about $.07/lb.
If you have a large load of wool (like more than a few hundred pounds) give me a call, (802) 338-2250.
If you'd like to bring wool or have questions about the event, contact me, Mary Lake at mary.m.lake@gmail.com.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Addison County Homeopathy for Farm Animals Study Group
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Leicester VT
Description: Meeting on the first Monday of each month, free and open to all levels. Great peer support; learn how other farmers are applying homeopathy on their farms. Our discussions are relaxed and usually include some theory and case analysis. Bring your resources (if you have them) and a current or past case that you would like to discuss or share. More info: Annie Claghorn foxclag@gmavt.net 802-247-3979 or Bay Hammond bkhammond@shoreham.net 897-2121.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
SBA Loan Clinics
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Online.
Description: After preparing a business plan, the next step for many small business is obtaining financing. Join the VT Small Business Administration to learn about SBA’s lending role and how an SBA loan can benefit your business. The clinics will help you prepare a loan application, learn lender credit requirements for loan approval, find sources of capital to start or grow your business, understand loan interest rates, terms, amounts, and collateral requirements, and how to approach a lender to improve your chances for approval by knowing what they are looking for. You can join from 9;:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. To learn how to participate, go to www.sba.gov/content/montpelier-sba-loan-clinics-0. For more information, call (802) 828-4422 or email Vallerie.Morse@sba.gov or visit www.sba.gov/vt.
Dyeing to Felt 3-Session Workshop Series: From raw wool to plant-dyed felted art!
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Twin Pond Retreat - Brookfield, VT
Description: Class one: Skirting & Scouring & touring the Dye Gardens
Class Two: Learn about Carding, the cultivation and harvesting of Dye plants, and the process of Natural Plant Dyeing
Class Three: Natural Plant Dyeing and Felting Project which you get to take home.
Cost:
Sliding scale $225-$125 for 3 class series
Contact:
jennifer@twinpondretreat.com
802-276-3839
www.twinpondretreat.com
Saturday, July 7, 2012
The Woolly Challenges of Producing Organic Fiber in Vermont
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Kind Horn Farm - S. Duxbury, VT
Description: Join this workshop as Kathy Boyden of Kind Horn Farm and Kim Hagen of Osprey Hill Farm explain how to keep fiber animals healthy while abiding by organic standards, using their many years of experience to answer: what has worked, what hasn’t, and where do we go from here? They will share firsthand stories regarding nutrition and parasite management, and then explore management practices to produce high quality fleeces. Dave Ritchie, wool buyer and general manager of Green Mountain Spinnery, will be on hand to answer questions regarding processing issues and options in Vermont. Directions: Follow signs from Route #100 in Duxbury or use Google Map.
Cost: $10 for NOFA-VT members; $20 non-members
Website: nofavt.org/sws
Contact Email: info@nofavt.org
Contact Phone: (802) 434-4122
Windsor County Agricultural Fair
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Springfield VT
Description: July 7-8. A focus on local foods, interactive/educational exhibits, more animals and even a children's activity tent. For more information, contact Jaynie Smith, 591-0163.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Windsor County Agricultural Fair
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Springfield VT
Description: July 7-8. A focus on local foods, interactive/educational exhibits, more animals and even a children's activity tent. For more information, contact Jaynie Smith, 591-0163.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Growing Great Garlic: A Tutorial for Commercial Producers
Time: 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Location: High Meadows Farm - Westminster, VT
Description: Come learn how High Meadows Farm grows over 35,000 heads of premium garlic per year. Tour the farm with owner Howard Prussack and learn his techniques and methods for growing large amounts of organic garlic. He’ll discuss the techniques and equipment used for planting and harvesting, weed control, fertilization, varietal selection, and addressing curing, cleaning and storage needs. High Meadows Farm is Vermont’s oldest certified organic farm, comprising 65 acres of rolling upland soils in historic Westminster. The NOFAvore social to follow will feature products from High Meadows Farm (including roasted garlic). Come and share a feast and provide input on the Vermont Organic Farmers marketing plan. Registration is requested for the free social to follow so we know how much food to prepare. Please register via the link below or call (802) 434-4122. Directions: 4-1/2 miles from Putney on Westminster West Rd.
High Meadows Farm
742 Westminster West Rd
Putney, VT
Cost: $10 for NOFA-VT members; $20 non-members
Register: www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012NOFASummerWorkshops
Contact Email: info@nofavt.org
Contact Phone: (802) 434-4122
Land Access: Options and Strategies
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Webinar
Description: This first of a two-part webinar on land access focuses on the basics. We’ll start with values and concepts around farmland tenure: what goes into land acquisition planning? Participants will learn about land access options and their advantages and disadvantages. We’ll cover types of leases, what’s in a good lease, determining the rent, and more. We’ll discuss landlords–who they are and working with them. We’ll talk about looking for and assessing farms, and end with suggested resources.
Questions can be directed to ben.waterman@uvm.edu
Register:
docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?pli=1&formkey=dFEzNk9XRGplRVdKZy1CM2ZxVC01Y1E6MQ#gid=0
Part 2 will take place on July 23- see our calendar for details.
MECHANICAL CULTIVATION & PRODUCE PACKING PROCESS
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Red Fire Farm - Granby, MA
Description: 85 acres of organic vegetable crops can be a challenge to keep weeded, and even more of a challenge to get picked, packed and delivered! During this tour of Red Fire Farm we will look at strategies that we use to get these jobs done. In the first half of the tour we will look at mechanical cultivation tools and strategies that are used to minimize weeds while also minimizing expensive and time consuming hand labor. In the second half of the tour we will go over produce harvest and packing strategies that can be used to help reduce the grunt work and improve the pace of getting crops picked and washed. We will have a tour of the packing barn and winter storage chambers that we recently spent $250,000 to renovate and expand in our farm's quest to become more efficient and easier to work on. One feature of interest is the geothermal refrigeration system that is in place for cooling the storage chambers.
Please Note: this CRAFT meeting will be held at Red Fire Farm's Montague MA farm location at 184 Meadow Road, Montague MA 01351. Please park by the tobacco barn which is nearest the road. We will start the meeting near this barn.
Contact: 413-467-7645
info@redfirefarm.com
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Traditional Italian Butchery.***The July 11 workshop is currentlyfull and a waitlist has been started***
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Cate Farm/VT Salumi - Plainfield, VT
Description: Carlo and Gigia run Cal Bianchino, an internationally recognized farm in central Italy where they raise Cinta Senese pigs along with other livestock and crops. Their primary enterprise is butchering pigs and making traditionally-cured meat products. These two skilled and charismatic farmer-butchers will be coming to Vermont for a special two-day workshop series focusing on traditional meat slaughter, processing, and cooking. You may attend one or both days.
Day 1: The Norcino: Traditional pig slaughter and harvest day specialties including roasted coppa, blood sausage and more.
Day 2: Advanced Salumi: Old world techniques for making fresh sausage and cured meat products including salami, prosciutto, and other delicacies.
***As of June 28th, the July 11 workshop is full. To get on the waitlist, please call (802) 434-4122 or e-mail info@nofavt.org.
Cost: $100 per day for NOFA-VT members; $150 per day non-members.
Register here: www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012NOFASummerWorkshops
Contact Email: info@nofavt.org
Contact Phone: (802) 434-4122
Dyeing to Felt 3-Session Workshop Series: From raw wool to plant-dyed felted art!
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Twin Pond Retreat - Brookfield, VT
Description: Class one: Skirting & Scouring & touring the Dye Gardens
Class Two: Learn about Carding, the cultivation and harvesting of Dye plants, and the process of Natural Plant Dyeing
Class Three: Natural Plant Dyeing and Felting Project which you get to take home.
Cost:
Sliding scale $225-$125 for 3 class series
Contact:
jennifer@twinpondretreat.com
802-276-3839
www.twinpondretreat.com
DFA Grazing Field Day
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Choiniers' Farm - Gore Rd. Highgate Ctr, VT
Description: DFA Grazing will visit two grazing dairies to show how pasture-based dairying can help reduce feed cost and protect your profit margin. DFA grazing consultant Mike Lamborn will discuss these issues and answer your questions about incorporating grazing in your operation. Lunch will be provided.
CONTACT: For information or reservations
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Understanding Food Regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Department of Health Conference Room, Burlington, VT
Description: More information, including registration details, on the course, is available from the UVM Extension Food Safety webpage: www.uvm.edu/extension/
Email Londa Vanderwal Nwadike for more information:
londa.nwadike@uvm.edu
DFA Grazing Field Day
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Fromm's Farm - Center Bar Rd. Irasburg, VT
Description: DFA Grazing will visit two grazing dairies to show how pasture-based dairying can help reduce feed cost and protect your profit margin. DFA grazing consultant Mike Lamborn will discuss these issues and answer your questions about incorporating grazing in your operation. Lunch will be provided.
CONTACT: For information or reservations Karen Hawkins at 1-800-582-2552, ext. 5405 or khawkins@dfamilk.com by July 8.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Value-Added Grains Field Day
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Olivia's Croutons - New Haven, VT
Description: Presented by:
UVM Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Team
For more information about this event, and all other NW C&S events:
www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/
Rural Vermont's Getting to Know Farm Fresh Meats
RURAL VERMONT'S GETTING TO KNOW FARM FRESH MEATS
RURAL VERMONT'S GETTING TO KNOW FARM FRESH MEATS
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Chandler Pond Farm - S. Wheelock, VT
Description: From 1 – 4pm, Meghan Stotko teaches “How to Cut, Cook, and Extend Poultry” where a small group will be introduced to pastured, farm-slaughtered poultry and learn to break down a whole bird, and cook butter-garlic roasted legs, citrus-marinated grilled breasts, and barbeque wings, plus a rich bone stock. The class will be followed by a "Meat & Greet Picnic Potluck" from 6 – 8pm that will feature the chicken cooked at the workshop. Bring the family, a blanket, and a dish to share. Rain or shine. Cooking class is $20-$40 sliding scale with advance registration required. The potluck is free. Come to one or both events
CONTACT: Sign up for the class or RSVP for the potluck with Shelby at shelby@ruralvermont.org or (802) 223-7222.
Introduction to HACCP (geared for non-meat products)
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Vermont Food Venture Center, Hardwick, VT
Description: More information, including registration details, on the course, is available from the UVM Extension Food Safety webpage: www.uvm.edu/extension/
Email Londa Vanderwal Nwadike for more information:
londa.nwadike@uvm.edu
Friday, July 13, 2012
Northeast Permaculture Convergence
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Massachusetts
Description: July 13-15. This is the 8th annual gathering of permaculturist from throughout the Northeast. For more information, visit:
northeastconvergence.wordpress.com/
twitter.com/#!/NEConvergence
www.facebook.com/pages/Northeastern-Permaculture-Convergence/190816097619717.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Northeast Permaculture Convergence
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Massachusetts
Description: July 13-15. This is the 8th annual gathering of permaculturist from throughout the Northeast. For more information, visit:
northeastconvergence.wordpress.com/
twitter.com/#!/NEConvergence
www.facebook.com/pages/Northeastern-Permaculture-Convergence/190816097619717.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
5th Annual Permaculture Design Certification Course
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Location: Jeffersonville, VT
Description: At Prospect Rock Permaculture
More info: www.prospectrock.org/
Northeast Permaculture Convergence
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Massachusetts
Description: July 13-15. This is the 8th annual gathering of permaculturist from throughout the Northeast. For more information, visit:
northeastconvergence.wordpress.com/
twitter.com/#!/NEConvergence
www.facebook.com/pages/Northeastern-Permaculture-Convergence/190816097619717.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Meat and Poultry Processors HACCP Training Course
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: 617 Comstock Rd. Berlin, VT
Description: More information, including registration details, on the course, is available from the UVM Extension Food Safety webpage: www.uvm.edu/extension/
Email Londa Vanderwal Nwadike for more information:
londa.nwadike@uvm.edu
Your Organic Dairy Herd Health Toolbox
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Location: Webinar
Description: What's in your herd health tool box? In this webinar, Dr. Hubert Karreman will discuss organic dairy herd health considerations, approaches to organic dairy cattle treatment currently allowed by the National Organic Program, and how best to work with your local veterinarian.
Find out more information and register at: www.extension.org/pages/64442.
Diversified CSA Management and Marketing
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Groundworks Farm - Pittsford, VT
Description: Margaret Evans and Kevin Brown own and operate Groundworks Farm CSA in Pittsford. They produce about 10 acres of diversified organically grown vegetables; raise pastured pigs, pasture-raised chicken and pasture-raised eggs. They market all of their products almost exclusively through summer and winter CSAs. The workshop will include a general tour of the farm and Margaret and Kevin will talk about marketing for CSA and setting up efficient systems in order to manage a diversity of enterprises with minimal infrastructure or labor. The farm will host a potluck after the workshop, open to the community. Come and share the harvest!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Teaching Livestock to Eat Weeds (The Great Vermont Weeds Tour with Kathy Voth)
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Maple Wind Farm - Huntington, VT
Description: Hundreds of Northeastern livestock farmers met Kathy through her visits to VT, NY and NH in the last year, becoming excited and hopeful about teaching their own livestock to become weed managers through her simple, quick process. Live presentations and weed eating demonstrations, at multiple Vermont locations to be determined.
CONTACT: www.uvm.edu/pasture or Jenn Colby at jcolby@uvm.edu, 802-656-0858.
Currant Production & Processing
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Cherry Hill Farm - Springfield, VT
Description: Peter Hingston and family have been growing small fruits at Cherry Hill Farm since 1995. They have five acres of currants, raspberries and gooseberries, which they sell retail and as value-added products. They produce their own line of preserves and process and freeze fruits on-site in their on-farm processing facility. Peter will describe his production and harvesting methods, including his custom-built currant harvester, and give a tour of the processing kitchen. He will talk about the challenges and rewards of on-farm processing and developing markets for value-added specialty fruit products. Vern Grubinger, Vegetable and Berry Specialist with UVM Extension, will be on hand to provide additional information and answer questions. Presented in cooperation with UVM Extension, the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association, and USDA Risk Management Agency.
Cost: Free for all farmers and VVBGA members; $10 NOFA-VT members; $20 non-members
Contact: info@nofavt.org
Contact Phone: (802) 434-4122
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Teaching Livestock to Eat Weeds (The Great Vermont Weeds Tour!)
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: VT Technical College - Randolph
Description: Hundreds of Northeastern livestock farmers have met Kathy Voth of Livestock for Landscapes through her visits to VT, NY and NH in the last year, becoming excited and hopeful about teaching their own livestock to become weed managers through her simple, quick process. We will start in the barn for a background presentation on animal behavior, learning processes and biological feedback, with a pasture walk to show the farm utilizing the process to teach their own animals to address weed problems. Eating weeds (or any new foods) has never been this much fun! Produced with support by a USDA NRCS Conservation Innovations Grant. Bring your own brown bag lunch, refreshments provided.
Cost: $10 for VGFA members, $20 for non-members.
Register for any of these dates here www.eventbrite.com/rss/user_list_events/34410948222 or contact us directly at (802) 656-5459.
Organic Weed Control
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Hurricane Flats - 975 S. Windsor St., S. Royalton, VT
Description: In this workshop and on farm demonstration, vegetable grower Geo Honingford will present his approach to developing a weed management strategy on his farm, including how to tailor cultivation equipment to production needs, budget, and labor constraints. Hurricane Flats is a diversified, certified organic produce farm located on 37 beautiful acres nestled along the banks of the White River in South Royalton, Vermont. They have eight acres in cultivation each growing season, operate three greenhouses, and grow a mix of about 50 different fruits, vegetables, herbs, berries, popcorn, and hay.
Cost: $10 for NOFA-VT members; $20 non-members
Contact Email: info@nofavt.org
Contact Phone: (802) 434-4122
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Teaching Livestock to Eat Weeds (The Great Vermont Weeds Tour!)
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Green Winds Farm - Enosburg Falls, VT
Description: Hundreds of Northeastern livestock farmers have met Kathy Voth of Livestock for Landscapes through her visits to VT, NY and NH in the last year, becoming excited and hopeful about teaching their own livestock to become weed managers through her simple, quick process. We will start in the barn for a background presentation on animal behavior, learning processes and biological feedback, with a pasture walk to show the farm utilizing the process to teach their own animals to address weed problems. Eating weeds (or any new foods) has never been this much fun! Produced with support by a USDA NRCS Conservation Innovations Grant. Bring your own brown bag lunch, refreshments provided.
Cost: $10 for VGFA members, $20 for non-members.
Register for any of these dates here www.eventbrite.com/rss/user_list_events/34410948222 or contact us directly at (802) 656-5459.
Grass-Based Dairy
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Location: Webinar
Description: National Good Food Network Presents:
Managed grazing can be a highly profitable business - with low inputs, and high margins, even adding more value to your land as your soil gets deeper. After an overview of the farming techniques, hear a case study of a very successful business, and learn about a new apprenticeship program, and how it works.
Panelists:
Laura Paine, Grazing and Organic Agriculture Specialist, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection
Joe Tomandl, Dairy Farmer and Grass Works Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program Director
Free. Register at: www2.gotomeeting.com/register/584267858