Attention Growers! Leave winter school ready for a Commonwealth Quality Program (CQP) audit and the peace of mind that you are prepared to handle the requirements of: the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), EPA Worker Protection Standards (WPS), Nutrient Management Regulations, and changes in Employment Law. Get up to date on research and IPM practices […]
Farmer Events
Events
Calendar of Events
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2 events,
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This course helps aspiring and beginning farmers assess and manage a variety of risks that a farmer will face as they operate their enterprise. Throughout the six-week period, topics essential for operating a viable farm business will be discussed, including insurance coverage, types of business structures, and tax information.
$250
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2 events,
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Are you considering starting an agricultural enterprise in Massachusetts? The “Explorer” courses are intended for those considering farming as a (small) business. Its purpose is to help pre-venture, aspiring farmers learn what it will take to start and manage their own agricultural enterprise. Explorer makes use of four, guided group sessions and a farmer panel […] |
6 events,
Adding weeks to either end of your growing season can mean attaining a premium for having products available well before (or long after) other local growers. But the structures that make this possible–(unheated plastic-covered “high tunnels” or “hoop houses”) can cost a lot of money, and they bring special management considerations that need to be understood in order to be profitable additions to your farm.
$250
Completion of this online course will enable you to better understand how to price your products, position yourself in the “buy local”, direct sales or wholesale marketplace, and understand low-cost “guerrilla” marketing tactics to get the best bang for your buck and make your farm operation financially sustainable. If you complete the activities in this course, you will possess a marketing plan to guide decisions for which market channels to enter, branding and crisis management plans and pricing guidelines for your farm products
$250
This course continues where BF120 ends and covers vegetable production from transplanting to harvest, including information on in-season fertility, integrated pest management, weed control options, harvesting strategies, and tips for marketing your products. Be prepared to create an in-season fertility and pest/weed control plan as part of this course.
$250
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The Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN) is offering their 6th Local Food Trade Shows. The 2016 Local Food Trade Shows are designed to facilitate connections and stimulate business relationships between producers and wholesale buyers of local food, with a focus on specialty crop food products in Massachusetts. This event is ideal for restaurants, retailers […]
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Market fluctuation due to over saturation of farms, unforeseen weather issues, and changes in consumer demands all affect how farmers determine what to grow, where to sell it, and how to price their product. This workshop is for farmers who are interested in market diversification as a path to farm sustainability and profitability. We will […]
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USDA has continued funding through May 2017 to assist direct marketing farmers and farmers markets join the SNAP program by providing free equipment to qualified farmers and farmers markets. The National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP) has created MarketLink, an online solution to an expedited application process, nationally negotiated rates for SNAP, debit […] |
3 events,
Whether you intend to borrow money or not, heading into a farm venture without a business plan is like setting out on a long-distance journey without a map. Arm yourself with a business plan and you will have a guide to aid your farm decision-making and demonstrate to yourself and your family that your ideas are feasible. This steady-paced course is designed to help you build your plan, including developing financial statements.
$250
An A to Z plan starting with understanding the difference between a drone, queen and nurse bee, siting your apiary, a plan for Varroa mites, and effective winterizing techniques will help ensure your hive(s) make it through the winter so you can harvest honey the following season. This course, taught by experienced beekeepers and the NYS Honey Bee Extension Associate will give you real-world experiences paired with academic concepts.
$250
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In this follow up webinar, Lindsay will be joined by Jeff Stoltzfus, Food Safety Educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension. They will look at two contrasting farming scenarios and discuss the steps they are taking to comply with customer and FDA requirements and will take questions on GAP Food Safety and FSMA. |
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1 event,
The New England State Departments of Agriculture, in cooperation with agricultural organizations across the region, graciously invite you to participate as an exhibitor in the upcoming Harvest New England Agricultural Marketing Conference and Trade Show. Whether you provide a product or service to farmers in New England or have a unique product for a roadside […] |
2 events,
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Want to get paid to manage your hayfields for bobolinks and other grassland birds? If you own or manage a hayfield that is 10 acres or more and is habitat for breeding bobolinks, you may be eligible to participate in a workshop organized by University of Connecticut researchers. |
1 event,
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0 events,
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2 events,
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Many people do not realize that all apple varieties are reproduced by grafting - they are not grown from seed. For horticultural enthusiasts, one of the most satisfying techniques to master is grafting. Wes Autio will present a hands-on workshop on ‘bench grafting’ and ‘cleft grafting’ of apple trees. Other grafting techniques will also be discussed. Proper tools and sharpening will be included. All participants in the workshop will graft several of their own apples trees to take home.
$100
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Author of The Farmer’s Office, Julia Shanks, leads a practical, hands-on QuickBooks workshop. Learn how to set up a suitable chart of accounts, enter transactions, track enterprise-specific data, and generate and interpret farm financial statements.
$12 – $17
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0 events,
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0 events,
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1 event,
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USDA has continued funding through May 2017 to assist direct marketing farmers and farmers markets join the SNAP program by providing free equipment to qualified farmers and farmers markets. The National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP) has created MarketLink, an online solution to an expedited application process, nationally negotiated rates for SNAP, debit […] |
0 events,
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0 events,
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0 events,
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1 event,
Poultry School is back for it’s third year! The two-day conference is on March 18 and 19 at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, New York.
$65 – $150
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1 event,
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1 event,
The deadline for the APR program SARA grant (Round 3) is Monday, March 20. Funding up to $25,000 may be used to conduct a survey to resolve an APR boundary issue that is of concern to the Department, restore inactive farmland for active commercial agricultural use, or project implementation costs associated with resource restoration for […] |
0 events,
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2 events,
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Presented by the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Register here Informational webinar on the Healthy Incentives Program for farmers and market managers. Join the meeting: https://join.me/425-587-159 On a computer, use any browser. Nothing to download. On a phone or tablet, launch the join.me app and enter meeting code: 425-587-159 […]
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Grants are great for exploring and expanding new markets, building alt-energy structures, and exploring farm viability. Determine if a grant is the right source for you. This presentation will help you understand, develop, and submit successful grant applications. We will discuss a wide range of grants as well as a more detailed presentation of SARE […] |
3 events,
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Instructors: Lisa McKeag, UMass Extension Educator & Michael Botelho, MDAR Commonwealth Quality Program Director Co-sponsored by UMass Extension, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and Wegman’s. Cost is $35 REGISTER HERE: https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/?eventid=1968514 Please contact Lisa McKeag at lmckeag@umass.edu or 413-577-3976 for more information Price includes the required PSA Grower Manual ($50 value), a Certificate of Course […]
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USDA has continued funding through May 2017 to assist direct marketing farmers and farmers markets join the SNAP program by providing free equipment to qualified farmers and farmers markets. The National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP) has created MarketLink, an online solution to an expedited application process, nationally negotiated rates for SNAP, debit […]
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Growing the Local Food Market: a mini-conference for Farms, CSAs and Farmers’ Markets |
0 events,
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1 event,
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Raspberries are among the favorite fruits grown in home gardens and offer some of the most challenges to gardeners. There are many types of ‘bramble’ fruit including summer red, yellow or black raspberries, blackberries, and fall bearing types of all colors. Each has a somewhat unique growth habit and requires specialized pruning to be most successful. This workshop will provide information on all types of raspberries and an opportunity for hands-on pruning for participants to gain confidence in pruning their own plants at home. You’ll learn about tool maintenance and sharpening, too. Bring your own tools or use theirs. Led by Ms. Sonia Schloemann.
$35
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0 events,
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1 event,
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Presented by the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, who will be holding several informational webinars over the coming weeks, so you can learn more about the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), how your business may benefit from participating, and get answers to questions about the new benefit program. Register here […] |
0 events,
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2 events,
Farm Share Fair 2017 is now accepting vendor and sponsor applications for farms and food companies. The Farm Share Fair is the Boston area’s direct-to-consumer marketing event for food producers across Massachusetts. Consumers want to meet their farmers and have the opportunity to compare options. Vendors - get to know your target market one-on-one, and […]
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Presented by the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, who will be holding several informational webinars over the coming weeks, so you can learn more about the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), how your business may benefit from participating, and get answers to questions about the new benefit program. Register here […] |
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0 events,
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0 events,
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