Summer 1998

The Second International Conference on Women in Agriculture, Washington DC
Throughout the coming year we’ll try to share more information from this Conference for the benefit of all of those who would liked to have been there but couldn’t.
From June 28- July 2 approximately ten Vermont women had the opportunity to meet, network and learn from the 1,000 women attending the Second International Conference on Women in Agriculture. Representing 50 countries from around the world these women spent five days listening, talking, celebrating and planning. There were definite highlights-- the Australian contingent, 140 strong, who treated all of us to a wonderful lunch featuring Australian foods and wines. The luncheon opened with a video presentation, Gathering Strength--A Salute to Australia’s Agricultural Women, featuring the contributions of generations of Australian women to agriculture and rural life, and concluded with the handover of the Conference Bowl--beautifully hand-carved by the Women from Snowy River--which the US will hold until the next conference where the bowl will pass to the next host (currently it looks like that might be Spain).

There were several themes that emerged--the under-valuing (both social and economic) of work done by women; the need to improve profitability in almost every market, the need for more and better communication among existing networks; and the need for more women in leadership positions at every level.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the conference was the diversity of experiences, environments, lifestyles, and personal philosophies. Yet, in spite of these differences, participants at this conference seemed to quickly identify and focus on the common threads that we all shared--the desire to be recognized in the work we do and treated with respect; to have profitable businesses and vital communities; to produce safe, healthy food; and to have access to clean air, water and land.

WAgN Exhibit a Hit
The WAgN exhibit at the International Conference on Women in Agriculture was a hit!! The beautiful photographs lured them in but the product samples kept them busy until staff were available to answer their questions. Thanks so much to the WAgN producers that graciously (and quickly) provided products for this exhibit: Orb Weaver Farm (cheese), Ladybug Herbs (herb products), Robin’s Summer Kitchen Soaps (soaps), This and That Farm (fiber), and Ox Pasture Farm (maple).

Hotline Answers Food-Related Questions
Beginning June 15, 1998, residents of Vermont and New Hampshire may access a toll-free food safety and food preservation hotline operated by the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension.

The hotline is staffed by URI Extension professional staff and volunteers who will answer questions about proper handling and storage of foods from eggs and meats to garden vegetables; canning, freezing, and other food preservation techniques; food quality; and related topics.

The toll-free number is 1-888-793-1633. This number will be in operation until September 30, 1998. Hours are Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Summer Survival
Summer is here and the pressure is on. The list of tasks is always longer than the time available, equipment seems to break just when you need it most and many circumstances are beyond your control. In the midst of the chaos remember to be good to yourself and those around you:

  • Keep a sense of humor handy and use it often...
  • Protect yourself from the sun and drink lots of water...
  • Think before you criticize--learning requires mistakes...
  • The customer is always right...
  • Some days, taking a few hours off is the best business investment you can make...

A Woman to Remember: Rachel Carson
Best known for her 1962 novel, Silent Spring, Carson was not only an ecologist but was also a marine biologist and writer. During the Depression, the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries hired her to write radio scripts. She rose to become chief of all publications for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Her work in Silent Spring challenged the practices of agricultural scientists of the day and led many to question the impact of pesticide use in agriculture and natural resource management. Rachel Carson died in 1964. The 4,500-acre Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, near Wells, Maine, was established in 1966 and named after Rachel Carson in 1970. It is one of only 3 (of 508) refuges named for women.

Protection from Severe Weather
Stormy weather can be hazardous. High winds, heavy rain, flooding, lightning and hail are some examples of severe weather that can occur in our region. Here are some tips to help you reduce your risk:

  • Make sure everyone, family members and employees, knows where to seek shelter in the event of sudden weather hazards. A large building is the best option.
  • Be aware of weather changes and alert others if you notice that bad weather is approaching.
  • If you are in an open field and there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, shielding your head with your hands.
  • If you are surrounded by trees seek shelter under a thick growth of small trees.
  • Stay away from metal objects such as tractors, other farm machinery, metal pipes and wire fences.
  • Don’t seek shelter under an isolated tree in an open field, and don’t seek shelter in a small shed.
  • Stay off the telephone, except for emergency. Telephone wires do conduct electrical current. Lightning can be deadly.
  • Lightning injures more people in the US than hurricanes or tornadoes.
  • Lightning is a major cause of fires in agricultural structures. The plastic used in many greenhouses is highly toxic when burned. If you are in a greenhouse and it is struck by lightning, immediately get out and seek other shelter.
  • Lightning is unpredictable. It can strike even if it’s not raining.
  • If you hear thunder, you can assume that lightning is not far away.
  • Some of the ways lightning can hurt you are: by directly striking you; by striking the ground near you; or by striking an object you are touching.

Lightning Safety:

  • Avoid standing on a hilltop or under an isolated tall tree.
  • Stay away from metal objects. If you are wearing metal jewelry, etc. take it off.
  • Don’t use power tools or other electrical equipment.
  • If you are indoors, stay away from water and open windows.
  • If you are caught in an open field and lightning is about to strike, crouch down as close to the ground as possible. Put your hands on your knees, and your head between your knees. Don’t put your hands on the ground.

North Country Network Attracts Heifer Project Funding
Congratulations to the North Country Farming Network as a recent recipient of a Heifer Project International (HPI) grant! A group of seven families from Lamoille County, the Network formed to find ways they could support each other in becoming more self-sufficient.

With the help of WAgN and Natural Resources Conservation Service staff, they sent a proposal to HPI, an organization that provides funds for livestock, equipment and training as a long-term strategy to encourage families around the world improve their standards of living and qualities of life.

Special kudos to the the group's leader, Lorraine Vissering, a Wolcott resident and 1997 graduate of "Growing Places." Lorraine has played a major role in organizing the group and pulling the proposal together.

The goals of the North Country Farming Network include helping to revive and maintain the agricultural base of small farms in Lamoille County, and support and encourage new agricultural enterprises; increasing the public awareness of local agriculture and the importance of buying locally grown and produced goods; and, helping break down the isolation that is often experienced by farmers, especially those just starting out.  The Network will use the grant to offer training and education to its members as well as providing a small revolving loan fund for equipment and supplies, and livestock to income eligible families.

As part of the training component, the group will provide scholarships for two members per year to attend WAgN's Growing Places course or other WAgN workshops. The network will provide education by buying agricultural books and magazines to be placed in local libraries to benefit the greater community as well as network members.

The North Country Farming Network is looking for folks in the Lamoille County area to become members. There is a small membership fee; interested families should contact Lorraine Vissering at 802-888-3572.

Upcoming Workshops Scheduled
Summer and Fall WAgN Workshops are being scheduled now. Again, thanks to a generous contribution from Kraft Foods, Inc., many of these offerings will feature low or no cost registration. Below we have listed the topics and locations:

  • “Let’s Talk Hay,” Wednesday July 22, 5:30 - 8:30 pm.  Dairy Classroom at the Vermont Technical Center Farm, Randolph Center, VT.
  • “Poisonous Plants and Livestock,” Wednesday August 19, 5:30 - 8:30, Pittsford.
  • “Tractor Safety/Driving Clinic,” TBA.

For more info, call the WAgN Program Office.

Previews of Coming Attractions...

Orientations:
July 23, Trinity College, 5:30 - 7:00
August 18, Trinity College.  6:00 - 7:30
September 4, BIC at KeyBank, 12:00 - 1:00

Getting Serious:
August 4, 6, 11 and 13, 5:30-8:30 pm

Growing Places:
Cycle 7 is scheduled for Fall of ‘98, in the Burlington area. Growing Places is designed for individuals considering a farm or ag-related business, especially for those who don’t have much experience in ag. Registration materials will be available in early September.

Start Up:
Applications for Fall ’98 Cycles of Start Up are now available!!  For more info, call the WSBP office nearest you.
Burlington: 802-658-0337, ext. 372
Rutland: 802-747-9941

Other Related and Interesting Events...

July 26 - Ewetopian Dreams of Going Organic!  Ewetopia Dairy Sheep Farm, Westminster West, VT.  Contact NOFA: 802-434-4122.

Aug 1 - Eco-Forestry Primer.  Bristol, VT.  Contact NOFA: 802-434-4122.

Aug 2 - Family Meals Fresh from the Garden: A Children’s Summer Celebration.  Seven Oaks Farm, West Topsham, VT.  Contact NOFA: 802-434-4122.

Aug 7-9 - 24th Annual Northeast Organic Farming Association Summer Conference. Amherst, MA. Wendell Berrywill be the keynote speaker. For more information call 978-355-2853.

Aug 12 - Horse Pasture Management and Fencing, Jericho, VT.  Contact 802-656-3834.

Aug 16 - Homesteading Workshop.  Sunrise Gardens,  Concord, VT. Contact NOFA:               802-434-4122.

Aug 22 - Organic Dairy Farming.  Barberledge Farm, Sudbury, VT.  Contact NOFA: 802-434-4122.

Aug 26 - On-Farm Composting Workshop and Tour.  Nordic Farm, Charlotte, VT.  Contact              802-425-5556.

Aug 30 - Backyard Organic Beekeeping for Beginners.  Stowe.  Contact NOFA: 802-434-4122.

Sep 5 - Introduction to Organic Seed Saving.  High Mowing Organic Seed Farm, Derby Line, VT.  Contact NOFA               802-434-4122.

Sep 12 - Creating a Farm Organism: Beginning Biodynamic Practices.  Flack Family Farm, Fairfield, VT.  Contact NOFA:  802-434-4122.

Sep 16 - Pasture Walk at Hill Farm of Vermont. Plainfield, VT.  Contact 802-656-3834.

Sep 25 - VT Wood Products Industry Conference: Cooperation for a Competitive Advantage, Today and Tomorrow.  White River Junction.  Mark Kaser of Kentucky will be the keynote speaker.  For more information call Linda Aines at 802-773-3349.

Sep 30 - Forgues Family Grass-Based Dairy Farm.  Alburg Springs, VT.  Contact 802-656-3834.

Oct 2-4 - Mid-Atlantic Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Conference, Charles Town, WV.  For further info, contact Allan Balliett 304-876-2373.




WAgN
Women's Agricultural Network
590 Main St., UVM
Burlington, VT  05405
(802) 656-3276
or wagn@zoo.uvm.edu

 University of Vermont Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, notional orgin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.