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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20160112
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160115
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151120T152229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160112T222822Z
UID:17141-1452556800-1452815999@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to HACCP
DESCRIPTION:Join us at UMass Amherst 102 Holdsworth Way\, 243 Chenoweth Laboratory. \nThis course covers the fundamentals of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) and is taught by certified International HACCP Alliance instructors. This particular course will have an emphasis on fresh-cut produce\, beverages (including juice and cider)\, baked goods\, and dairy products. The concepts will be reinforced by breakout group activities in which participants will have the opportunity to prepare a HACCP plan. \nAll participants will receive an International HACCP Alliance certificate issued through the University of Massachusetts upon successful completion of the course. Course topics will include: HACCP overview Perquisite Programs\, Overview of the Seven Principles\, Sanitations and SSOPs\, Biological\, Physical\, and Chemical Hazards\, Conducting a Hazard Analysis\, Determining Critical Control Points\, Establishing Corrective Actions\, Establishing Monitoring\, Establishing Verification & Validation Procedures\, Documentation Practices & Record Keeping\, Regulatory Issues\, Auditor Expectations. \nFind more information here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/introduction-to-haccp/
LOCATION:UMass Amherst\, Amherst\, MA\, 01003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160113T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160113T203000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151112T185858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160114T235530Z
UID:17027-1452706200-1452717000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop Series: Introduction to QuickBooks
DESCRIPTION:CISA will hold a ten-workshop series on Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making starting in January 2016. These workshops will provide tools for and examples of building decision making into the cycles of farm life to improve long-term profitability and sustainability. Participation in the whole series is encouraged\, and to be eligible for free one-on-one consultative support\, you must attend three workshops and be a cohort meeting participant. Dinner will be served at each session.  The cost to attend the series is $90 for Local Hero members\, or $18 for each individual workshop. The non-member fee is $110 for the series\, or $20 for each individual workshop. Contact Devon Whitney-Deal or call (413) 665-7100 x22 with any questions or register below. If cost is a barrier to your participation please feel free to contact Devon to discuss options as we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. \nThe first class of the series will be an Introduction to QuickBooks class taught by Debbe Dugan from Simply Computing.  She will provide a brief overview of your Chart of Accounts (a listing of all your assets\, liabilities\, income items\, costs of goods sold\, and expenses) and the Item list (what do you charge for?). This class will also cover the basics of accounts receivable and accounts payable. We will explore your customer lists and how the billings process affects your income. On the flip side\, we will explore paying bills and maintaining your vendor list\, including ‘specialty vendors’\, like contract labor. Accounts receivable versus accounts payable makes up your Profit and Loss statement. \nFunding for CISA’s Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making Series is provided by the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education  and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This series is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2012-49200-20031. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. \n \n\n\n\n\nLocal Hero member- $90Non-Local Hero member- $110   \n  \nLocal Hero member- $18Non-Local Hero member- $20
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/introduction-to-quickbooks/
LOCATION:Kittredge Center\, Holyoke Community College\, 303 Homestead Avenue\, Holyoke\, MA
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160114T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160114T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20160106T172121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160106T172121Z
UID:17795-1452772800-1452790800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: Making It Happen - Profitability and Success
DESCRIPTION:Making It Happen: Profitability and Success will help small farmers build sound financial systems and use those systems to make business decisions. Farmers will learn about effective financial management tools and how and when to use them to improve their farm business. The workshop will help farmers: improve productivity\, reduce costs\, increase net farm income\, and improve overall quality of life. Participants may also sign up for one-on-one financial planning assistance (see Ask the Experts below). \nLunch will be provided by Central Mass Grown! \nWorkshop Prerequisite: \nParticipants should have an understanding of basic farm accounting and three financial statements: the cash flow statement\, profit and loss statement\, and balance sheet. \nPrerequisites may be filled by viewing The Carrot Project’s webinars “Basic Accounting for Farmers I and II“. \nAsk the Experts: \nAsk the Experts is a time to sit down with specialists after the day’s workshop to work on financial planning critical to your farm’s success. Meet 1-on-1 with workshop presenters Noelle Fogg or Benneth Phelps. Meetings are spent reviewing year end financials\, cash flow budgets or business plans\, evaluation farm financing options\, decision making around financing or other financial management challenges. Please specifythe type of questions you have so that we can make sure we pair you with the right consultant. Send your questions for the session or documents you would like reviewed when you sign up with Evie Toland. Sessions will last 30 minutes each. \n\nBenneth Phelps is Loan and Business Assistance Manager at The Carrot Project\, a non-profit offering financing and assistance to both farms and food enterprises in the Northeast. Originally a fruit and vegetable farmer by training\, she has a decade of experience farming in New England and has worked with The Carrot Project since 2011. \nNoelle Fogg is the Farmland Matching Coordinator at New Entry Sustainable Farming Project\, a non-profit working with new farmers to build strong businesses\, expertise in the field\, and a resilient food system. She has worked with New Entry as the Farm Business Planning Course Teaching Assistant and previously worked as the Technical Assistance Coordinator at Julia Shanks Food Consulting where she provided clients with business planning and financial analysis tools. \n*General workshop questions and inquiries should go to Noelle Fogg \n**Free validated parking will be available at the garage at 217 Franklin St. \n*** In case of inclement weather\, snow date for the workshop will be Jan. 21 \n**** For more info on Making It Happen here \nRegister Here
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/workshop-making-it-happen-profitability-and-success/
LOCATION:Union Station\, 2 Washington Square\, Worcester\, MA\, 01604\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160114T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160114T200000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151222T152059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151222T152601Z
UID:17470-1452796200-1452801600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Northeast Beginning Farmers Project Online Course: Grazing Management
DESCRIPTION:Grazing means more than simply turning livestock out onto a green area and hoping for the best. With planning and basic grazing infrastructure\, you can reduce your workload\, keep your animals fat and happy\, and improve your soil health through grazing. In this course\, you’ll learn the key concepts of successful grazing operations. \nAt the end of this course you will: \n\nBe familiar with common grazing terminology\, systems and methodology\nComprehend the fundamental principles of every successful grazing system\nDevelop confidence in designing and implementing a grazing system for your farm\, or enhancing an existing grazing operation\nKnow how to monitor\, evaluate and refine the grazing system\n\nFor more information and to register\, visit the Northeast Beginning Farmers Project website.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/northeast-beginning-farmers-project-online-course-grazing-management/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160114T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160114T203000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151209T205219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151209T205219Z
UID:17325-1452798000-1452803400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Northeast Beginning Farmers Project Winter Course: Markets and Profits - Exploring the Feasibility of Your Farming Ideas
DESCRIPTION:Have an idea for a farm enterprise but not sure if it’s feasible? This course will get you started exploring the potential markets and profitability of your ideas. \nThis course will help you: \n\nIdentify farm goals and timelines for an enterprise\nBegin to develop enterprise budgets and understand the potential for profitability with selected agricultural products\nExplore marketing outlets and concepts important for successfully branding and selling your product\nUnderstand that everything in farming is interconnected\n\nMore Information and Registration
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/northeast-beginning-farmers-project-winter-course-markets-and-profits-exploring-the-feasibility-of-your-farming-ideas/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160115T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160115T140000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20160108T173911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160108T173911Z
UID:17844-1452859200-1452866400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2016 Dairy Outlook Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Northeast dairy producers are invited to participate in the annual dairy outlook webinar being hosted by Farm Credit East on Friday\, January 15\, at 12:00 noon. This webinar will look at the year ahead and what’s coming in dairy economics\, policies and regulations. Participation is free. \nClass III and IV milk prices have started to converge and the U.S. All Milk Price has begun to rise. Is this the start of better times to come\, or is this a “dead cat bounce?” Mark Stephenson\, University of Wisconsin-Madison\, will look at milk supply\, demand and export factors and provide a 2016 dairy economic outlook. \nFollowing\, Karl Czymmek\, Cornell University\, and Leah Ziemba\, from the Law Firm of Michael Best & Freidrich LLP\, will cover new developments in environmental compliance\, including the implications of recent court cases in Yakima Valley\, Washington\, and what they may mean for Northeast dairy producers. Additionally\, information will be provided on the new NYS CAFO Permit and winter manure application. \nJoin us on Friday\, January 15\, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM to learn more about the outlook for the dairy industry in the coming year. This webinar is free to participate. Click here to register \nFor more information:\nContact: Kristie Schmitt\nTelephone: 860.741.4380
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2016-dairy-outlook-webinar/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20160116
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160117
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20150615T212924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160107T202419Z
UID:14695-1452902400-1452988799@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2016 NOFA/Mass Winter Conference
DESCRIPTION:The Northeast Organic Farming Association\, Massachusetts Chapter (NOFA/Mass) invites you to their 29th Annual Winter Conference – with 70 workshops on topics like crop production\, farm management\, health\, homesteading\, livestock\, beekeeping\, policy\, skill building\, infrastructure\, soil\, urban/backyard gardening\, organic land care\, and more. \nBen Burkett\, family farmer and coordinator of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives\, leads the all-day seminar\, keynote\, and post-conference dinner. \nIt’s fun for the whole family! The teen and children’s conferences provide a lively\, interactive educational experience. Hands-on\, do-it-yourself workshops keep children and teens active and engaged. \nTo register and for information\, visit www.nofamass.org/events/wc
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2016-nofa-winter-conference/
LOCATION:Worcester State University\, 486 Chandler St.\, Worcester\, MA\, 01602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160119T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160119T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151203T211305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151203T211305Z
UID:17224-1453215600-1453222800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Winter Farm Law Education Series: Building a Legally Sound Intern and Volunteer Program for Farm Work
DESCRIPTION:By now\, most farmers are aware that doing farm work with interns and volunteers can be legally complicated\, and many farms have faced steep fines for doing it wrong. But\, all hope is not lost! Get ahead of the curve and learn ways to build a legally compliant intern or volunteer program for your farm. \nRegister for the tutorial now!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/winter-farm-law-education-series-building-a-legally-sound-intern-and-volunteer-program-for-farm-work/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160119T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160119T210000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20160105T182216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160105T182311Z
UID:17780-1453226400-1453237200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Funding the Farm: Grant and Loan Opportunities Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Looking for help exploring funding opportunities for your farm? The first half of this workshop will help you learn which grants might be a good fit for your farm\, navigate grant application processes\, and write successful grant proposals that speak to funders’ priorities and make a strong case for their support. The second half of the workshop will provide information on the range of loan programs and business assistance that farm lenders offer\, how different lenders work together\, and what they each look for in applicants. Presenters will discuss a range of grant opportunities available through the MA Department of Agricultural Resources\, USDA-NRCS\, USDA-SARE\, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation\, and other funders; as well as the financing and technical assistance available through Farm Credit East\, the Farm Service Agency\, the PVGrows Investment Fund\, and The Carrot Project. Dinner will be served. Cost to attend is $10 for Local Hero members or $15 for non-members. Please RSVP by January 15th to Kristen Wilmer at kristen@buylocalfood.org or 413-665-7100\, ext. 12.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/funding-the-farm-grant-and-loan-opportunities/
LOCATION:Holyoke Community College Kittredge Center Room 301\, 303 Homestead Ave\, Holyoke\, 01040
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160120T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160120T203000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151112T185836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160120T195338Z
UID:17040-1453311000-1453321800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop Series: Advanced QuickBooks
DESCRIPTION:CISA will hold a ten-workshop series on Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making starting in January 2016. These workshops will provide tools for and examples of building decision making into the cycles of farm life to improve long-term profitability and sustainability. Participation in the whole series is encouraged\, and to be eligible for free one-on-one consultative support\, you must attend three workshops and be a cohort meeting participant. Dinner will be served at each session.  The cost to attend the series is $90 for Local Hero members\, or $18 for each individual workshop. The non-member fee is $110 for the series\, or $20 for each individual workshop. Contact Devon Whitney-Deal or call (413) 665-7100 x22 with any questions or register below. If cost is a barrier to your participation please feel free to contact Devon to discuss options as we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. \nThis is the second workshop of CISA’s Winter workshop series.  This advanced workshop\, led by Amy Grabowski will start with a review of the Profit & Loss report and how to locate possible errors. We will then review other reports available in QuickBooks with an emphasis on analyzing reports important to farmers. Other topics covered will include using QuickBooks to budget income and expenses\, the reason for classes and understanding journal entries. Participants should come prepared with specific QuickBooks concerns and the instructor will answer as many questions as possible. You are encouraged to bring a backup version of your QuickBooks file\, or your laptop\, so that you may work on your company file during the class. \nLocal Hero member- $90Non-Local Hero member- $110   \n  \nLocal Hero member- $18Non-Local Hero member- $20  \n   \n\n \n\n\nFunding for CISA’s Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making Series is provided by the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This series is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2012-49200-20031. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/advanced-quickbooks/
LOCATION:Kittredge Center\, Holyoke Community College\, 303 Homestead Avenue\, Holyoke\, MA
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160120T203000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151209T210255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151209T210255Z
UID:17327-1453316400-1453321800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Northeast Beginning Farmers Project Winter Course: Holistic Financial Planning - Building Farm Profit into the Picture
DESCRIPTION:If you’ve been struggling to make your farm operation profitable without driving yourself into the ground\, this financial planning course is for you. Ultimately it will help you with the delicate balancing act that all farmers must succeed in:  balancing healthy profits with healthy land and a healthy farm family and personal life.  You will learn how to make financial decisions toward farm & family values and goals\, and how to build profit into your plans up front\, rather than hoping there is something left once expenses are subtracted from income. If you have been struggling with the financial statements in your business plan\, this is a great course to help you focus in on these and get clear on your numbers. \nIf you complete this course you will: \n\nHave a written statement of your family’s values and vision and know how to use it to guide financial and overall farm decision-making\nHave a written Annual Financial Plan mapping out your planned profit\, income streams\, and expenses (this plan doubles as a cash-flow statement in your business plan and is one of the main documents a lender will want to see)\nUnderstand that all expenses are not created equally\, and now how to prioritize and cut them\nKnow how to monitor your plan so that you can correct your course when you start to go off-plan\n\nRegistration and More information
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/northeast-beginning-farmers-project-winter-course-holistic-financial-planning-building-farm-profit-into-the-picture/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160121T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160121T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151203T212302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151203T212302Z
UID:17230-1453388400-1453395600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Winter Farm Law Education Series: Financing Farmland Roundtable - Discover and Reveal Creative Options for Purchasing Land
DESCRIPTION:This roundtable session builds off the information in our recorded tutorial. It is appropriate for farmers who are seeking farmland and don’t necessarily want to go through a traditional bank. This session is also appropriate for farmers who have used unconventional or creative ways to buy land and want to share pitfalls or success stories with other farmers. Participants must have attended last year’s financing tutorial or have watched the recording in advance of the roundtable session. \nRegister for the roundtable now!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/winter-farm-law-education-series-financing-farmland-roundtable-discover-and-reveal-creative-options-for-purchasing-land/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160126T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160126T203000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151120T172238Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160120T195650Z
UID:17052-1453829400-1453840200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop Series: Legal Requirements for Farm Businesses
DESCRIPTION:CISA will hold a ten-workshop series on Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making starting in January 2016. These workshops will provide tools for and examples of building decision making into the cycles of farm life to improve long-term profitability and sustainability. Participation in the whole series is encouraged\, and to be eligible for free one-on-one consultative support\, you must attend three workshops and be a cohort meeting participant. Dinner will be served at each session.  The cost to attend the series is $90 for Local Hero members\, or $18 for each individual workshop. The non-member fee is $110 for the series\, or $20 for each individual workshop. Contact Devon Whitney-Deal or call (413) 665-7100 x22 with any questions or register below. If cost is a barrier to your participation please feel free to contact Devon to discuss options as we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. \nThis is the third workshop in the series. Do you have a legal structure for your business? Have you been thinking about what option to choose? The legal structure of farm businesses impacts the outcomes available to farmers as they make decisions related to personnel\, enterprises\, markets\, and all aspects of running a business. Attorneys Ryan Barry and Scott Foster from Bulkley Richardson of Springfield will review basic legal requirements for farm businesses\, including business structures\, filing obligations\, and the pros and cons of each type to help you determine what is best for your business. Attorney Rebecca Thibault from Doherty\, Wallace\, Pillsbury & Murphy\, P.C. will talk about legal requirements for leases and employment law. \n \nLocal Hero member- $90Non-Local Hero member- $110   \n  \nLocal Hero member- $18Non-Local Hero member- $20  \n   \n\n\n\nFunding for CISA’s Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making Series is provided by the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This series is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2012-49200-20031. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/legal-requirements-for-farm-businesses/
LOCATION:Kittredge Center\, Holyoke Community College\, 303 Homestead Ave\, Holyoke
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160126T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160126T200000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20160120T214836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160120T214836Z
UID:17965-1453834800-1453838400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Online Workshop: Balancing Life and Farming with Holistic Goal Setting
DESCRIPTION:Your well-being is as important as the success of your farm business. Learn about creating a vision for your farm\, and your life\, that includes goals for profitability\, effective resource use and quality of life. \nMissy Bahret started Old Friends Farm in Amherst\, with her business partner\, Casey Steinberg\, with the goal of providing fresh\, organically grown flowers and produce to her community.  Bahret participated in the Beginning Women Farmers Holistic Management Training Course\, created by Holist Management International\, sponsored by the USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program and coordinated by Communities Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA).  Through the course\, Bahret\, along with other key stakeholders in her farm business\, created a Holistic Goal\, which has helped them make farm management decisions that balance profitability and quality of life. \nFor Old Friends Farm\, a Holistic Goal gives their business direction.  “Our Holistic Goal has kept us on track for many business decisions and purchases\, and helps our crew understand what we stand for and how they are an integral part of our business’s integrity and future\, “ says Bahret. \nJoin us on the last Tuesday of each month of 2016 for “Inspiring Ideas from Experts in the Field.” Visit our website to learn more.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/online-workshop-balancing-life-and-farming-with-holistic-goal-setting/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160203T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160203T203000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151112T215559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160120T195211Z
UID:17053-1454520600-1454531400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop Series: Goal Setting and Long-Term Planning
DESCRIPTION:CISA will hold a ten-workshop series on Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making starting in January 2016. These workshops will provide tools for and examples of building decision making into the cycles of farm life to improve long-term profitability and sustainability. Participation in the whole series is encouraged\, and to be eligible for free one-on-one consultative support\, you must attend three workshops and be a cohort meeting participant. Dinner will be served at each session.  The cost to attend the series is $90 for Local Hero members\, or $18 for each individual workshop. The non-member fee is $110 for the series\, or $20 for each individual workshop. Contact Devon Whitney-Deal or call (413) 665-7100 x22 with any questions and register below. If cost is a barrier to your participation please feel free to contact Devon to discuss options as we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. \nThis is the fourth workshop of CISA’s Winter workshop series. Farmer Missy Bahret from Old Friends Farm will advise on the importance of having goals for your farm operation. A clearly articulated vision allows farmers to make business decisions that help them reach their goals. Business decisions made without thought to the short and long-term goals of the farm run the risk of providing misled results or being harmful to the long-term vision of the farmers. It isn’t easy to clearly identify goals. Learn techniques to help you create your goals for: retirement or farm transfer\, inclusion of grown children\, financial sustainability\, quality of life\, and much more. A portion of this meeting will also be devoted to the initial meeting of cohort groups\, focused on getting to know each other and identifying goals for the cohort group meetings. \n \nLocal Hero member- $90Non-Local Hero member- $110   \n  \nLocal Hero member- $18Non-Local Hero member- $20  \n   \n\n \n\n\nFunding for CISA’s Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making Series is provided by the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This series is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2012-49200-20031. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/goal-setting-and-long-term-planning/
LOCATION:The Food Bank of Western MA\, 97 North Hatfield Road\, Hatfield\, MA\, 01038
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160204T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160204T193000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151209T210530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151209T210530Z
UID:17328-1454608800-1454614200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Northeast Beginning Farmers Project Winter Course: Planning to Stay in Business - Writing Your Business Plan
DESCRIPTION:Whether you intend to borrow money or not\, heading into a farm venture without a business plan is like setting sail across the ocean without a map. Either way\, you’re likely to run into bumps and twists that can derail your venture. 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 intensive\, fast-paced course is designed to help you build your plan quickly. \nUpon completing this course\, you will have a full business plan in a format ready to be implemented on the farm. The business plan may be used to guide you in decision-making in the course of running the farm business. Additionally\, the business plan will be in a form ready to submit to a banker\, private investor or grantor\, in the event you are seeking outside funding. \nGraduates of BF 202 have obtained equipment and operating loans\, and mortgages\, for start-up and expanding farms. \nRegistration and More Information
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/northeast-beginning-farmers-project-winter-course-planning-to-stay-in-business-writing-your-business-plan/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20160208
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160210
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151223T200209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160113T174714Z
UID:17566-1454889600-1455062399@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:5th Annual Soil and Nutrition Conference
DESCRIPTION:Many of us readily accept this oft-repeated statement\, but if we unravel it\, how much is actually known about the interrelationships and dependencies between soil health\, crop health and human health? \nThe 5th Annual 2016 Soil & Nutrition Conference will gather farmers\, researchers\, nutritionists and food system advocates for a multidisciplinary conversation exploring the potential to improve food quality through regenerative agriculture that builds soil\, crop and ecosystem health. We will explore how soil health and crop quality are interrelated\, and how a renewed focus on the food qualities that industrial agriculture forgot – flavor and nutrition – can help drive transformation with important societal benefits. \nThere are 10 plenary sessions and 16 workshops\, over two jam-packed days of February 8 & 9\, 2016\, with a pre-conference on February 7\, 2016. \nHighlights at the 2016 Soil & Nutrition Conference include: \n\nFarmer as Healer: High Quality Food as a Game Changer in Healthcare\n• Mid-Season “Corrections”: A Guide to Foliar Spraying\n• Epigenetics and the Science of Nutrition and Lifestyle Change\n• Regenerative Biological Farming on a Shoestring Budget\n• The Pre-Harvest Quality Equation: The Roles of Genetics\, Environment & Management\n• Flavor as Nutritional Guide – What Your Body Knows That You Don’t!\n• A Phytochemical Primer: Role of Plant Secondary Compounds in Plant and Human Health\n• Optimizing Nutrient Intake Through Cultivation of the Gut Microbiome\n\nTo learn more and register\, please visit the Soil and Nutrition Conference webpage.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/5th-annual-soil-and-nutrition-conference/
LOCATION:Kripalu Center\, 57 Interlaken Road\, Stockbridge\, MA\, 01262\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160210T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160210T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20160106T172602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160106T172602Z
UID:17798-1455105600-1455123600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: Making It Happen - Profitability and Success
DESCRIPTION:Making It Happen: Profitability and Success will help small farmers build sound financial systems and use those systems to make business decisions. Farmers will learn about effective financial management tools and how and when to use them to improve their farm business. The workshop will help farmers: improve productivity\, reduce costs\, increase net farm income\, and improve overall quality of life. Participants may also sign up for one-on-one financial planning assistance (see Ask the Experts below). \nLunch will be provided! \nWorkshop Prerequisite: \nParticipants should have an understanding of basic farm accounting and three financial statements: the cash flow statement\, profit and loss statement\, and balance sheet. \nPrerequisites may be filled by viewing The Carrot Project’s webinars “Basic Accounting for Farmers I and II“. \nAsk the Experts: \nAsk the Experts is a time to sit down with specialists after the day’s workshop to work on financial planning critical to your farm’s success. Meet 1-on-1 with workshop presenters Noelle Fogg or Benneth Phelps. Meetings are spent reviewing year end financials\, cash flow budgets or business plans\, evaluation farm financing options\, decision making around financing or other financial management challenges. Please specifythe type of questions you have so that we can make sure we pair you with the right consultant. Send your questions for the session or documents you would like reviewed when you sign up with Evie Toland. Sessions will last 30 minutes each. \nBenneth Phelps is Loan and Business Assistance Manager at The Carrot Project\, a non-profit offering financing and assistance to both farms and food enterprises in the Northeast. Originally a fruit and vegetable farmer by training\, she has a decade of experience farming in New England and has worked with The Carrot Project since 2011. \nNoelle Fogg is the Farmland Matching Coordinator at New Entry Sustainable Farming Project\, a non-profit working with new farmers to build strong businesses\, expertise in the field\, and a resilient food system. She has worked with New Entry as the Farm Business Planning Course Teaching Assistant and previously worked as the Technical Assistance Coordinator at Julia Shanks Food Consulting where she provided clients with business planning and financial analysis tools. \n*General workshop questions and inquiries should go to Noelle Fogg \n**Scholarships provided by Berkshire Grown. Please contact Kate Bailey for scholarship info. \n*** In case of inclement weather\, snow date for the workshop will be Feb. 17 \n**** For more info on Making It Happen here \nRegister Here
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/workshop-making-it-happen-profitability-and-success-2/
LOCATION:Hilton Garden Inn\, 1032 South Street\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160212T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160212T163000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20160128T155031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160203T213257Z
UID:18018-1455278400-1455294600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Farm Succession Planning Workshop
DESCRIPTION:It’s never too early – or too late – to plan for your future and the future of your farm. Join us for this free workshop for information on how to transition your farm to the next generation or owner. Learn about estate planning\, lease arrangements\, preservation options\, and more. Hear first-hand from a Northern Connecticut farmer\, Susan Hastings\, about her transfer planning efforts for Hastings Farm. A light lunch will be provided. \nSpace is limited! Established farmers and farmland owners of any age\, as well as junior generation and beginning farmers are invited to attend. There will be time for individual assistance from professional advisors. More details can be found here. \nCome meet\, eat & learn with your fellow farmers and farmland owners. Workshop is limited to 40 attendees. Registration is required by February 8th. Register here or by calling 603-357-1600. \nCo-sponsored by the Working Lands Alliance\, Land for Good\, Town of Suffield\, Connecticut Department of Agriculture\, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, and Northeast Extension Risk Management Education.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/farm-succession-planning-workshop/
LOCATION:Suffield Regional Agriscience Center\, 1060 Sheldon Street\, Suffield\, CT\, 06078\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160216T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160216T210000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151112T220243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160120T195135Z
UID:17057-1455643800-1455656400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop Series: Structured Decision Making for Sustainable Agriculture
DESCRIPTION:CISA will hold a ten-workshop series on Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making starting in January 2016. These workshops will provide tools for and examples of building decision making into the cycles of farm life to improve long-term profitability and sustainability. Participation in the whole series is encouraged\, and to be eligible for free one-on-one consultative support\, you must attend three workshops and be a cohort meeting participant. Dinner will be served at each session.  The cost to attend the series is $90 for Local Hero members\, or $18 for each individual workshop. The non-member fee is $110 for the series\, or $20 for each individual workshop. Contact Devon Whitney-Deal or call (413) 665-7100 x22 with any questions or register below. If cost is a barrier to your participation please feel free to contact Devon to discuss options as we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. \nThis is the fifth class in the winter workshop series. Structured Decision Making (SDM) is a decision making process that integrates empirical and on-the-ground data with values-based objectives. SDM provides outcomes that are grounded in reality and represent the ethics\, values\, and desires of those individuals involved in decision making. SDM is the standard decision making process used by the US Fish and Wildlife Service\, and this workshop transfers the steps of SDM from the field of wildlife conservation to the field of sustainable agriculture. During the workshop you will learn about\, practice\, and apply the steps of SDM to specific on-farm decisions thanks to Assistant Professor\, Curt Gervich from SUNY Plattsburgh. At the end of the session you will have the skills you need to implement and adapt this process to your specific farm. Farmer\, Marco Turco from Manzini Farm will share his experiences using this tool for decision making. \n \nLocal Hero member- $90Non-Local Hero member- $110  \n  \nLocal Hero member- $18Non-Local Hero member- $20  \n   \n\n \n\n\nFunding for CISA’s Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making Series is provided by the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This series is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2012-49200-20031. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/structured-decision-making-for-sustainable-agriculture/
LOCATION:Kittredge Center\, Holyoke Community College\, 303 Homestead Avenue\, Holyoke\, MA
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160217T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160217T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151203T211439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151203T211518Z
UID:17226-1455721200-1455728400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Winter Farm Law Education Series: Food Safety Liability and Regulations - FSMA and Beyond
DESCRIPTION:The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has been the talk of the town these past few years. The final regulations are out\, so join us as we dive in and figure out what they mean for your farm business. We will also be discussing food safety beyond FSMA\, including how food safety incidents play out and how to protect yourself. \nRegister for the tutorial now!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/winter-farm-law-education-series-food-safety-liability-and-regulations-fsma-and-beyond/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160218T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160218T123000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20160209T200424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160209T200424Z
UID:18170-1455789600-1455798600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Contract Production: Adding Value to Farm Produce Info Session
DESCRIPTION:Sauces\, pickles and jams…Exploring contract production to add value to your fruit and vegetables!  CommonWealth Kitchen\, a licensed commercial kitchen in Boston\, can make value-added products for you from your excess farm produce or seconds\, to be sold at farmers markets\, farmstands\, retail stores or foodservice customers including colleges. Come learn what we offer and what you need to know about costs\, labeling and licensing. \nAn overview of the agenda for the info session:\nOverview and sales options \nProduct possibilities and costs \nLicensing\, labels and marketing \nQuestion and Answer \nTour of CommonWealth Kitchen Facilities \nMore Information and Registration
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/contract-production-adding-value-to-farm-produce-info-session/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160218T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160218T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151203T211657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151203T211706Z
UID:17227-1455807600-1455814800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Winter Farm Law Education Series: Sales 1 - Availability\, Invoicing\, and Dispute Resolution with Food Buyers
DESCRIPTION:Around the country\, local food is picking up steam. As consumers\, restaurants\, grocery stores and schools buy more and more product\, farmers need clear information on their obligations and expectations. In this tutorial\, learn how to build a strong relationship with your buyers to ensure that they become life-long customers and advocates of your farm. Don’t like the idea of using formal contracts? No problem – this tutorial emphasizes more informal sales through basic availability sheets and invoices. Attend to learn how you can use the documents and ordering system you likely already use to develop clear communication with your buyers. We will also go over how to make sure you get paid\, and what to do if things go wrong. \nRegister for the tutorial now!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/winter-farm-law-education-series-sales-1-availability-invoicing-and-dispute-resolution-with-food-buyers/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160218T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160218T200000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151112T220556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160211T211345Z
UID:17059-1455816600-1455825600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop Series: Business Decision Making Cohort Meeting #1
DESCRIPTION:CISA will hold a ten-workshop series on Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making starting in January 2016. These workshops will provide tools for and examples of building decision making into the cycles of farm life to improve long-term profitability and sustainability. Participation in the whole series is encouraged\, and to be eligible for free one-on-one consultative support\, you must attend three workshops and be a cohort meeting participant. Dinner will be served at each session.  The cost to attend the series is $90 for Local Hero members\, or $18 for each individual workshop. The non-member fee is $110 for the series\, or $20 for each individual workshop. Contact Devon Whitney-Deal or call (413) 665-7100 x22 with any questions or register below. If cost is a barrier to your participation please feel free to contact Devon to discuss options as we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. \nThese meetings will give winter workshop participants the opportunity to network with one another and also provide additional time to discuss and consider their own individual farm needs as it relates to the workshop topics. Each session will have a CISA staff facilitator and a farmer expert (Missy Bahret–Old Friends Farm\, Pete Solis– Hampshire College Farm\, and Gary Gemme– Harvest Farm of Whately). The topics for the meeting will be determined based on participant interest and determined as the class date gets closer. \n \nLocal Hero member- $90Non-Local Hero member- $110   \n  \nLocal Hero member- $18Non-Local Hero member- $20  \n   \n\nFunding for CISA’s Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making Series is provided by the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This series is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2012-49200-20031. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/business-decision-making-cohort-meeting-1/
LOCATION:The Food Bank of Western MA\, 97 North Hatfield Road\, Hatfield\, MA\, 01038
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160223T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160223T210000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151112T220852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160223T223606Z
UID:17060-1456246800-1456261200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:*CONTINUING AS SCHEDULED* CISA Winter Workshop Series: Metrics Worth Looking at to Measure Profitability & Success
DESCRIPTION:*TONIGHT’S WORKSHOP IS CONTINUING AS SCHEDULED* \nCISA will hold a ten-workshop series on Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making starting in January 2016. These workshops will provide tools for and examples of building decision making into the cycles of farm life to improve long-term profitability and sustainability. Participation in the whole series is encouraged\, and to be eligible for free one-on-one consultative support\, you must attend three workshops and be a cohort meeting participant. Dinner will be served at each session.  The cost to attend the series is $90 for Local Hero members\, or $18 for each individual workshop. The non-member fee is $110 for the series\, or $20 for each individual workshop. Contact Devon Whitney-Deal or call (413) 665-7100 x22 with any questions or register below. If cost is a barrier to your participation please feel free to contact Devon to discuss options as we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. \nBenneth Phelps from The Carrot Project will provide farmers with applicable and effective financial management tools that can be used to make business decisions during this seventh workshop in the series. These tools can be easily used by farmers to implement into farm business operations\, to improve productivity\, reduce costs\, increase net farm income\, and improve overall quality of life. This class will use real-world experience of farmers and their service providers to describe farm operation experiences\, provide insight into what has worked\, what hasn’t\, and why. The class will also review the concept of benchmarking\, both against your own farm and against others. \nLocal Hero member- $90Non-Local Hero member- $110   \n  \nLocal Hero member- $18Non-Local Hero member- $20  \n   \n\nFunding for CISA’s Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making Series is provided by the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This series is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2012-49200-20031. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/metrics-worth-looking-at-to-measure-profitability-success/
LOCATION:Kittredge Center\, Holyoke Community College\, 303 Homestead Avenue\, Holyoke\, MA
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160223T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160223T200000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20160222T214720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160222T214720Z
UID:18286-1456254000-1456257600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Integrating Beef Cattle into a Vegetable Farm
DESCRIPTION:The second installment of the free webinar series offered by NOFA/Mass is happening Tuesday February\, 23 at 7:00pm with Tevis Roberston-Goldberg of Crabapple Farm in Chesterfield\, MA. Tevis will go through the benefits of having a beef herd on his diversified farm and give management tips for balancing the management and labor demands of the animal and vegetable operations.\n\n\nJoin Through WebEx: Click Here\nMeeting number: 736 832 347\nMeeting password: IIEinF1602\n\n\nJoin By Phone\nCall: 1-617-627-6767\nAccess code: 736 832 347\n\n\nThis is a free educational event.\n\n\nIf you can’t make it\, we will be recording the webinar for future viewings\, but it does take a while to get the recording online.  And it’s great to be able to participate!\n\n\nPlease email or call if you have any questions.  
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/webinar-integrating-beef-cattle-into-a-vegetable-farm/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160224T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160224T151500
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20160120T214303Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160120T214303Z
UID:17964-1456308000-1456326900@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:UMass Extension Dairy Event
DESCRIPTION:This full day event focuses on farmers and industry perspectives on robotic milking. We will discuss if robotic milking is a viable option for your farm. Come and speak with farmers who have the system in place to get the facts. Also\, presenters from a multi state collaboration will discuss some options for improving productivity and profitability of forage production. \n\nPros and cons of robotic milking systems\nAlternative forage systems\nExtending grazing season\n\nAttendees with enjoy interactive presentations\, panel discussions\, lunch and refreshements with presenters from UMass\, UVM\, and UMain faculty and Extension educators. \nRegistration fee is $20 per person; including lunch \nPre-register by 2/19 \n\n\n\n\nContact’s name:\n\nKelly Kraemer\n\n\n\nContact’s phone:\n\n413-545-5221\n\n\n\nContact’s email:\n\nkkraemer@umass.edu
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/umass-extension-dairy-event/
LOCATION:UMass Crop & Livestock Research & Education Farm\, 89 River Rd\, South Deerfield\, MA\, 01373\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20160227
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160228
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20160120T220520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160211T171453Z
UID:17966-1456531200-1456617599@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Statewide Agricultural Fairs Judging Workshop
DESCRIPTION:The Department of Agricultural Resources is pleased to present three Agricultural Fair Judging Workshops this winter to be held in the western\, eastern and northeastern area of the State.  In order to be a Certified Judge for Fruits\, Vegetables\, Canning and Community/ Grange Exhibits\, a judge candidate needs to attend instructional training as well as take a test based on the information presented at instructional training.  Information covered is based on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs Blue Book.  To become a Class One Certified Judge\, the judge candidate will be required to pass the test with a score of 80% or higher. To become a Class Two Certified Judge\, the judge candidate will be required to pass the test with a score of 80% or higher as well as mentor a Massachusetts Certified Agricultural Fair Judge(s) to at least 3 agricultural fairs held in Massachusetts within the next 18 month from the date of passing the test. \nTo Register: Fax or email registration form  to Mary Jordan\, fax: 617-626-1850. Questions\, 617-626-1750.  Deadline for registering is the Wednesday prior to the Saturday meeting location. In case of cancellation the workshop will be made up on the following Sunday.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/statewide-agricultural-fairs-judging-workshopsmeetings/
LOCATION:Eastern States Exposition\, West Springfield\, MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160302T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160302T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20160107T184520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160107T184520Z
UID:17826-1456909200-1456938000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: Wholesale Success - Wholesale Marketing and On-Farm Food Safety
DESCRIPTION:Register now \nThis is a full day\, interactive workshop where you will learn about best practices for: \n\nWorking with Wholesale Buyers\nPost-Harvest Handling\nOn-Farm Food Safety\n\nOur trainer\, Atina Diffley\, is an organic farmer and author of the 2012 award-winning memoir\, Turn Here Sweetcorn\, Organic Farming Works. Atina draws on her decades of experience in vegetable production and marketing to provide operators of produce farms of any size with useful\, practical\, profit-making guidance on how to achieve the highest quality produce for sale! \nParticipating farmers will receive a free copy of the Wholesale Success manual. Normally a $70 value\, this 316 page manual is newly updated and in its fourth printing. Wholesale Success covers up-to-date best practices information on food safety\, postharvest handling\, packing\, business management\, marketing\, and crop-specific profiles for over 100 crops. \n(Please arrive between 8:30 and 9 am to register) \nThis workshop is brought to you by New Entry Sustainable Farming Project\, FamilyFarmed\, and USDA. \n\nCost: $25* (includes snacks\, drinks\, lunch) \nRegistration \nEvent page \nQuestions? Contact: Nora Saks // 978-654-6745\nNew Entry Sustainable Farming Project\n*Limited scholarships available. Please email for more info.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/workshop-wholesale-success-wholesale-marketing-and-on-farm-food-safety/
LOCATION:Brigham Hill Community Farm\, 37 Wheeler Road\, North Grafton\, MA\, 01536\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160302T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160302T200000
DTSTAMP:20260607T050313
CREATED:20151112T224905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160120T194952Z
UID:17063-1456939800-1456948800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop Series: Business Decision Making Cohort Meeting #2
DESCRIPTION:CISA will hold a ten-workshop series on Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making starting in January 2016. These workshops will provide tools for and examples of building decision making into the cycles of farm life to improve long-term profitability and sustainability. Participation in the whole series is encouraged\, and to be eligible for free one-on-one consultative support\, you must attend three workshops and be a cohort meeting participant. Dinner will be served at each session.  The cost to attend the series is $90 for Local Hero members\, or $18 for each individual workshop. The non-member fee is $110 for the series\, or $20 for each individual workshop. Contact Devon Whitney-Deal or call (413) 665-7100 x22 with any questions or register below. If cost is a barrier to your participation please feel free to contact Devon to discuss options as we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. \nThese meeting will give winter workshop participants the opportunity to network with one another and also provide additional time to discuss and consider their own individual farm needs as it relates to the workshop topics. Each session will have a CISA staff facilitator and a farmer Expert (Missy Bahret–Old Friends Farm\, Pete Solis– Hampshire College Farm\, and Gary Gemme– Harvest Farm of Whately). The topics for the meeting will be determined based on participant interest and determined as the class date gets closer. \n \nLocal Hero member- $90Non-Local Hero member- $110  \n  \nLocal Hero member- $18Non-Local Hero member- $20  \n   \n\n \n\n\nFunding for CISA’s Reducing Risk & Increasing Profitability with Sound Decision Making Series is provided by the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This series is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2012-49200-20031. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/business-decision-making-cohort-meeting-2/
LOCATION:TBD
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR