“Agritourism” attractions are increasingly popular to tourists and locals alike.  Have an interest in becoming part of the growing “Agritourism” trend in Massachusetts? Join us for the first in a series of workshops with successful agritourism businesses and tourism professionals on how to plan for and promote tourism at your farm. These free, half-day workshops will […]

Ag Day at the State House is an event where MA farmers basically take over the State House. There are booths and local food in the Great Hall. FFA and 4H students take over Nurse’s Hall, the Grand Staircase is turned into a podium for farm organizations, and virtually every hallway will have farmers in […]

The goal of this class, taught by Zach Wolf,  is to have participants work through the process of drafting soil management plans.  We will look at example soil tests and go through the process of calculating amendment application rates.  The latter part will cover how to integrate soil mineral amendments with the management of cover […]

Stabilize and Expand your Business This workshop is geared toward established businesses seeking to increase their revenue. Topics presented by Amy Shapiro, Director of Business Development, and a panel of experts will include operational efficiencies, financial management tools, employee hiring guidelines and sales and marketing strategies. Course materials will be provided. Registration for this seminar […]

Food Product Development Considerations: Beyond the Concept Do you want help better understanding the food safety principles behind your process? Do you need help with product development for a current or future product? Propel your food business to the next level by delving into product development and food safety with Amanda Kinchla, of the UMASS Food […]

This workshop will be an interactive lecture and discussion about some foundational topics in plant science relevant to growing fruits and vegetables.  The main topics will be (1) plant form and patterns of growth, (2) plant reproduction, and (3) plant nutrition.  Although the emphasis will be on basic plant science, we will make frequent cross-references […]

We will explore the various Composting Systems in place at Stone Barns and discuss the science, experience and insight necessary to produce premium quality compost for a range of agricultural and horticultural applications. This class will be held outdoors and will be hands on, focusing on active windrow and static aerated composting methods for all […]

Workshop on Health Care Practices for our Food Animals: Maintaining and Enhancing Protocols to Treat Sick Animals Katherine Beltaire, DVM, DACT Case Study: Management of Anthelmintic Resistance on the Farm Craig Jones, Field Representative Agrimark FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Contact Jean King for further questions or to register. jean.king@uconn.edu 860-916-7367 These workshops are part of […]

Kick off the growing season with hands-on scouting, identifying and even forecasting landscape pests and abiotic problems. Join Randy Prostak, Extension Weed Specialist, Nick Brazee, Extension Plant Pathologist, and Rick Harper, Extension Assistant Professor in Urban & Community Forestry, for a walk through the landscape as they discuss and demonstrate how to put IPM practices […]

PA Worker Protection Standard Train-the-Trainer Courses for Organic and Non-Certified Pesticide Users All farmworkers must be trained under the EPA Worker Protection Standard (WPS) if your farm uses any pesticides, including those approved for organic production and other general use pesticides. The agricultural worker employer is responsible for complying with all components of WPS including […]

Do you want help better understanding the food safety principles behind your process? Do you need help with product development for a current or future product? Propel your food business to the next level by delving into product development and food safety with Amanda Kinchla, of the UMASS Food Science Department, an expert on HACCP and product […]

This workshop will take students into the field (weather permitting) for hands-on land assessment. We will conduct a soil sample, measure compaction, assess biological systems, and discuss methods of improving or degrading the existing system. For more information visit the Stone Barns Center website. Workshops are free and open to the public. To register, contact […]

Are you having difficulty finding time for regular financial tasks? Is your farm business running as smoothly as possible?   This webinar is designed to give you the tools to stay on track during the growing season. Join New Entry Sustainable Farming Project and The Carrot Project for a webinar overview of a new Financial […]

  Heading for the Exit: The Realities and Process of Transitioning the Ownership of your Business Presenter Michael Vann, of the Vann Group has been assisting businesses for over 30 years develop business succession plans.  One of the largest challenges facing business owners today is how to solve the question of “how do I get out […]

Game of Logging teaches chainsaw skills.  Each level builds upon the one before.  By listening to explanations, watching demonstrations, and then practicing techniques, participants come away with better work habits and greater confidence in their ability to safely fell trees and work in the woods. Level I provides an overview of chain saw safety and […]