Women in Farming- Weekend Intensive

Topics:
Basics in Tractor Work
Learn the basics of driving a tractor to do farm work, utilizing the front bucket and other implements. Participants will each have an opportunity to drive a tractor and practice techniques.

Basic Rough Carpentry and Power Tool Saavy for Women
Familiarize yourself and get comfortable with the most oft used farm and homestead power tools. Our focus will be on portable tools used around the land, and building with efficiency and frugality in mind. We’ll go over the range of power saws (circular saw; chop saw; table saw;sawzall) drills, discuss fasteners, wood basics, tool and material economics, and simple design and lay out rules. In the afternoon we’ll do a building project for Just Roots. This will be rough, gettin’ it done effectively and safely, carpentry- Joel Salatin’s: Good enough is perfect. Fine woodworkers may get a migraine. You can improve and expand in a million directions from here.

Demystifying Chainsaws for Women
Chainsaws are far and away the most dangerous farm/homestead tool. This workshop is designed to dispel myths and give you the confidence you need to begin respectfully learning to use a chainsaw. This is a beginner’s course, further practice or instruction will be needed before you can safely fell trees around the land. We will cover basic personal protective gear, chainsaw safety, and reactive forces- followed by hands on wood bucking, so everyone gets the chance to operate the saw. Felling basics will be demonstrated. In the afternoon we’ll cover basic saw mechanics and maintenance. Participants are encouraged to bring their own saws from home to get familiar with and troubleshoot for this portion.

The course runs Saturday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The course fee is $200 (registration opens 3/1/2015). Payment Plans are available (minimum of 50% due to reserve your spot with the remaining 50% due by 6/1/2015). Work Trade Options are also available on a limited and first-come, first-served basis. Contact education coordinator Annie Burdett for details. Lunch is not included. Please bring a bagged lunch, snack and water bottle. We recommend dressing in layers with appropriate foot-wear. Sunscreen is also advised.

For more information or to register, please visit our website.