A Department of Labor (DOL) Investigator will join us in the morning to clarify labor laws in Massachusetts pertaining to agricultural workers. After they leave, get an informative presentation and ask questions of Frank Diluna a seasoned agricultural lawyer, and finally, work with Kristen Wilmer from CISA to develop tools such as an Employee Handbook and improve communication strategies to fit the needs of your employees.
What is the Farmers’ Market Teach-In? The purpose of the day is two-fold. The “teach-in” element gets our students thinking about local food: how it’s produced, distributed, and valued within the community. Many of our faculty members devote the day to focusing on relevant topics in their area of study; from science to world languages, […]
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 […]
RESCHEDULED: This workshop has been moved to February 16th due to snow. Part 2, originally scheduled for Feb 16th, will be rescheduled. In this highly participative workshop, we will learn some foundations of leadership including what most impacts results, a powerful process for identifying core values, four stages of team development and how to clarify […]
This woodlot management workshop is meant to empower owners of small woodlots to start a management program of their own.
David Cantieni will share his personal experience of living in the woods for the last 30 years and his journey of forest stewardship. He’ll discuss and demonstrate how to do a forest assessment, with emphasis on species diversity, canopy openness, aesthetics, wildlife habitat, and timber quality. David will dive into economic considerations of forest management including regional timber markets, selling cordwood, and more. There will also be discussion of scale-appropriate tools and technology to aid you in your forestry work.
This workshop also includes a hands-on demonstration of some tools of the trade: chainsaws, chokers, peavies, and more. You’ll also get to watch David demonstrate how he bucks up his logs.
Looking for help exploring financing opportunities for your farm? This session will provide information on the range of loan programs and business assistance that farm lenders and service providers offer, how different lenders work together, and what they each look for in applicants. Participants will be invited to take part in brief “speed-dating” meetings with […]
Richard Wiswall's experience from farming full time for the last 35 years, coupled with his thirst for appropriate farm business strategies, gives a hard-to-find authenticity to his workshops. Richard will lead this full day workshop focused on making a profit, record keeping strategies, building budgets, and improved financial management for your farm. Beginning and seasoned farmers alike will benefit, and share in some eye opening results. Registration required.
Note: this workshop has been rescheduled for February 22nd. For most of us, conflict can be a loaded word; it’s something we shy away from. Disagreements will arise on the farm and, when handled well, can result in more effective communication and stronger relationships. During the height of a farm season, it is especially critical […]