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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20160208
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160210
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
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:20260607T072049
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:20260607T072049
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:20260607T072049
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:20260607T072049
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:20260607T072049
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/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160218T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160218T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
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:20260607T072049
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:20260607T072049
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:20260607T072049
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:20260607T072049
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:20260607T072049
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:20260607T072049
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:20260607T072049
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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160303T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160303T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20151203T211846Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151203T212013Z
UID:17228-1457017200-1457024400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Winter Farm Law Education Series: Sales 2 - Contracts for Planning Ahead of Production
DESCRIPTION:Some of the strongest\, most resilient farm businesses sell all their product before they drop a single seed in the ground. Does contracting for sales ahead of your production sound good to you? Attend this tutorial to learn the legal ins and outs of these relationships. We will explore the unique sales arrangements farmers are creating such as selling their labor or services\, as well as participating in priority systems for sales. These new structures require a new type of contract. In this tutorial\, we will go through the process of developing a contract for production services and how to build strong sales relationships that fall outside of the traditional buyer-seller format. \nRegister for the tutorial now!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/winter-farm-law-education-series-sales-2-contracts-for-planning-ahead-of-production/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160308T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160308T140000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20160302T160254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160302T160456Z
UID:18405-1457425800-1457445600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:SBN's Local Food Trade Shows
DESCRIPTION:The Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN) is offering our 5th 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. \nLocal Specialty Crop Trade Show \nExhibitors will include New England based farmers\, produce distributors and local specialty crop producers (products made with 50% or more specialty crops also qualify). Please view the USDA definition of specialty crops here. This Trade Show is sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Exhibition booths are free for specialty crop farmers and other specialty crop producers. \nLocal Food Trade Show\nThis trade show is open to all non-specialty crop food producers including meat and dairy farms\, fisheries\, baked goods and other added value producers. Exhibition booths are $125.00. *$25 Discount for SBN Members\nThe Specialty Crop Trade Show is made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MassGrown). \nWho should attend? Any wholesale buyers\, who are interested in purchasing Massachusetts or New England-produced food items. These buyers can be supermarkets\, co-ops\, restaurants\, hotels\, institutions\, schools\, food processors in search of ingredients\, distributors\, or anyone else interested in local purchasing options.*This event is intended for commercial buyers\, not individual consumers.* \nGetting There: The SBN Local Food Trade Show will take place in the Curry Student Center of Northeastern University. The building is located on the Main Campus. There are two visitor parking garages on the Northeastern University campus. \nFor more information and to register visit www.bostonlocalfood.com/our-events/buy-local-trade-show/
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/sbns-local-food-trade-shows/
LOCATION:Northeastern University Student Center
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20160309
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160311
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20160212T164620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160212T164620Z
UID:18206-1457481600-1457654399@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2016 Ecological Landscape Alliance Conference
DESCRIPTION:Immerse yourself in a two-day exploration of ecological concepts that support living landscapes!\nOur 2016 Annual Conference brings together well-known experts for a lively exchange of information and experiences and exhibitors showcase the newest ecological products and services at the Eco-Marketplace. On Wednesday\, choose from two daylong Focus Sessions: An in-depth look at protecting and building soils and how to incorporate permaculture principles into the conventional landscape. Thursday’s topics include restoring the urban forest\, the best use of native cultivars\, designing with plant communities\, and the latest in energy efficient technology to light up your landscape. Join us as we look at strategies to create and maintain healthy ecosystems. \nMarch 9th \nTwo Focus Sessions\, Keynote Lunch\, and Keynote Dinner\nBuilding and Managing Soils from the Top Down \nSoil supports plants\, and in turn\, plants and organic matter are essential to protecting and building soil. As designers and managers of the land\, we need to understand these individual components as well as how they function as part of a larger system. Our speakers will share strategies for remediating compromised soils and stabilizing slopes\, discuss plant design and selection for poor soil conditions\, and illustrate ways to support the natural cycling of nutrients and water. Join us for a comprehensive look at how our designs and landscape practices can provide maximum protection and restoration of soil. \nPermaculture Applied to Conventional Landscapes \nAs stewards of the land\, we need to ask ourselves how we can improve on traditional practices to ensure that the landscapes we create and manage are more resilient against pests\, diseases\, and climate changes. As resources become scarcer\, we need to ask how we can reduce our dependence on inputs and maintenance. Permaculture\, based on mimicking natural processes\, offers some solutions. Presenters for this session will introduce principles and practices of permaculture\, demonstrate how these techniques can be incorporated into conventional landscapes\, and show examples of successful application in the traditional landscape settings. \nKeynote Luncheon\, Philip Korman 12:30-2:00pm \nGrowing Local\, Buying Local: Community Support Makes a Difference!\nCommunity support can make a difference! Mr. Korman will discuss how Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) has changed the local farming and food economy. He will show what is unique to Western Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley and what others have done to inspire local farming. \nPhilip Korman is the Executive Director of Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture (CISA). Started in 1993\, CISA is the longest running “buy local” organization in the nation. Their mission is to strengthen local agriculture by building connections between farmers and the community. \nKeynote Dinner\, Tradd Cotter 6:30-8:30pm \nMycoremediation: Healing Compromised Ecosystems with Fungi\nMany species of fungi sweat powerful enzymes capable of molecular disassembly of complex molecules such as hydrocarbons and pesticides. A few species of fungi are also well adapted to filter\, stun and destroy pathogenic bacteria. Learn how fungi perform these tasks and how to develop a filtration system that is customized to fit your needs. Mr. Cotter will focus on biomass expansion\, site engineering\, and species of fungi that can be used for mycoremediation projects. He will also discuss using fungi for pest management\, habitat restoration\, and how to incorporate fungi into bioswales to capture pollutants from site runoff. \nTradd Cotter is a microbiologist\, professional mycologist\, and author of Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation\, a best-selling mushroom cultivation guide. In 1996 he founded Mushroom Mountain\, focusing his interests on the use of native plants and fungi to create urban ecosystems that are more functional and compatible with the local plant and wildlife communities. He currently maintains more than 200 species of fungi for food production\, for mycoremediation of environmental pollutants\, and as natural alternatives to chemical pesticides. Mr. Cotter’s current research focuses on the development of target-specific mycopesticides that could replace conventional chemical products for agriculture. \nMarch 10th \nOne Demonstration\, Eight Sessions\, Plus Four Idea Exchange Panel Discussions\nDemonstration \n\nLandscape Lighting Demonstration\nLukas Sturm – Lumen Studio\, Inc.\n\nSessions \n\nLight Up Your Landscape\nLukas Sturm – Lumen Studio\, Inc.\nTree Filter Systems for Stormwater Management\nPaul Iorio – StormTree\nDesigning with Plant Communities in Mind\nClaudia West – North Creek Nurseries\nRestoring the Urban Forest\nMatthew Stephens – New York City Parks\nCreating an Urban Refuge: Mt. Auburn’s Wildlife Action Plan\nPaul Kwiatkowski – Mount Auburn Cemetery\nWhat Role Do Native Cultivars Have in an Ecological Landscape?\nKeith Nevison – Fellow in the Longwood Gardens Graduate Program in Public Horticulture\nCreating Ecological Landscapes in Maine: Challenges & Opportunities\nArek Galle – BETA Group\, Inc.\nEmily Goodwin – Back Meadow Farm\nNative Shrubs up to the Challenge\nDr. Jessica Lubell – UConn\n\nIdea Exchange Panels \n\nManaging Challenging Landscapes: Tips from the Experts\nRuss Hopping – Trustees of Reservations\nAnthony Ruggiero – Greenway Conservancy\nTheresa Sprague – BlueFlax Design\nELA Moderator: Sue Storer – Horticultural Services\nCost-effective Landscape Management Strategies\nBenjamin Crouch – Land of Plenty Gardens\nNate McCullin – LaFrance Hospitality Company\nMark Richardson – New England Wild Flower Society\nELA Moderator:  Dan Jaffe – New England Wild Flower Society\nBattling the Bugs: Strategies for Insect Management\nCarl Brodeur – Arborcare with Ropes ‘n Saddles\nJennifer Forman Orth\, PhD – Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources\nJoe Magazzi – Green Earth Ag & Turf\nELA Moderator: Rebecca McMackin– Brooklyn Bridge Park\nBuying Quality Nursery Stock: Asking the Right Questions\nDavid Anderson –Hartney Gremont \nJohn Kinchila – Amherst Nurseries\nNave Strauss– New York City Parks\nELA Moderator: Chris Roddick – Brooklyn Botanic Garden
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2016-ecological-landscape-alliance-conference/
LOCATION:UMass Amherst\, Amherst\, MA\, 01003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160309T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160309T203000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20151112T225118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160120T194928Z
UID:17067-1457544600-1457555400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop Series: Business Decisions You Can Live With
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. \nWhen farms assess new enterprises\, investments\, markets\, or products\, they need to consider many factors\, including how the new activity will impact personnel needs\, family life\, seasonal schedule\, and existing enterprises. In addition\, farmers also need to assess and plan for new risks that may arise as a result of the new activity. This workshop will discuss the broader context of business decision-making and include a panel of farmers\, Wally Czajkowski– Plainville Farm\, Allison Landale– The Bars Farm\, and Sorrel Hatch– Upinngil Farm\, that have extensive experience making a great number of business decisions throughout their years of operation. They will share the broad implications of business decisions they have made\, giving participants examples of how they identified and weighted risks\, challenges\, and opportunities on their farm. \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-decisions-you-can-live-with/
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:20160312T074500
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160312T173000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20151223T195656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151223T195716Z
UID:17565-1457768700-1457803800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:4th Annual Massachusetts Urban Farming Conference
DESCRIPTION:The annual Massachusetts Urban Farming Conference (UFC) is designed to advance the opportunities and address the barriers involved in cultivating a resilient and thriving Urban Farming sector. The UFC is a multi-sector stakeholder forum designed to share information regarding what is currently happening in Massachusetts. The UFC fosters solutions\, sustainable networks and business relationships. \nThe UFC brings together participants representing all aspects of Urban Farming including\, but not limited to\, farmers (including roof top\, chicken\, bees\, etc.)\, land trust managers\, policy makers\, commercial buyers\, foundations\, investors and all others. The 4th Annual Massachusetts UFC is comprised of interactive panels\, demonstration workshops\, expert discussions on diverse and relevant topics with distinguished Conversation Leaders and a networking reception. \nA sample of our sessions: \n\nLand Tenure: Land Trusts and Ground Leases\nGreenhouse Development and Management\nGoal Setting and Business Planning for Your Commercial Urban Agriculture Enterprise\nWhat You Need To Know: Food Safety and GAP\nCommunity Organizing: It’s Role in Food Sovereignty and Urban Farming\nPlanning\, Production and Profits: Building a Viable City Farm\n\nFor more info and to register\, click here.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/17565/
LOCATION:Northeastern University Student Center
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160314T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160314T160000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20160304T144331Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160304T144331Z
UID:18425-1457947800-1457971200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: Improved High Tunnel Management
DESCRIPTION:Northeast farmers who want to maximize production in the shoulder season and serve their markets year round are increasingly relying on high tunnels to extend the growing season. The techniques for successful long term high tunnel production differ greatly from field crops. In this day-long workshop we will discuss common high tunnel production challenges and how to address them. \n\nJudson Reid\, Senior Extension Associate with the Cornell Vegetable Program\, will share results from intensive sampling of high tunnel soil and crop nutrient levels. He will discuss management practices that have an impact on soil and crop nutrient levels\, such as crop choice\, variety selection\, rotation and cultural management. This session will be informed by Judson’s work over several years with over twenty high tunnel tomato growers in New York looking at nutrient profiles over time/seasons.\n\nEd Person\, of Ledgewood Farm Greenhouse Frames\, will be joining us to share best practices for siting\, planning and installing a high tunnel\, as well as how to improve the infrastructure of an already installed high tunnel.  Ed has many years of experience and is extremely knowledgeable; his Q&A session is sure to be extremely informative.\nWe will also be joined by independent farm consultant and educator\, Mark Fulford.  Mark consults with many high tunnel growers. He will share his insight into improved long term nutrient management practices\, discussing soil amendments\, crop timing\, pest management\, PH levels\, Nitrogen management\, reading high tunnel soil tests\, compost use and management\, and much more. \n\nA panel of growers will also share some of their high tunnel growing experiences. \nMore Info:\nLunch will be potluck style from 12:15pm – 1:15pm. Bring a dish to share. Coffee and tea will be available during the workshop.\nWe anticipate the workshop to fill up\, pre-registration is recommended.  For more information contact Dan Bensonoff\, Education Events Organizer\, at dan@nofamass.org or 860-716-5122. \nCost:\nNOFA/Mass Member – $60 & Non-member – $75\n\nPre-Registration is highly recommended. Click here to sign up now! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n 
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/workshop-improved-high-tunnel-management/
LOCATION:Guiding Star Grange\, 401 Chapman St\, Greenfield\, MA\, 01760\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160315T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160315T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20160217T184947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160217T192951Z
UID:18236-1458046800-1458061200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:RecyclingWorks Compost Workshop
DESCRIPTION:RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is hosting a no-cost workshop for compost site operators in Massachusetts. The half-day workshop will focus on operator competency in compost management and regulatory compliance\, with focus on composting food materials. \nThis workshop is geared towards: \n\nFood materials composting operations registered with MDAR or MassDEP\nMunicipal operators\nSmall scale site operators\nOther interested parties considering starting a compost site\n\nThe workshop will be led by James McSweeney of Compost Technical Services. All interested parties are encouraged to register but priority will be given to current and future compost site operators. \nTo register\, please contact RecyclingWorks at (888) 254-5525 or email info@recyclingworksma.com. Please provide your name\, title\, business name\, email\, and phone number.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/recyclingworks-compost-workshop/
LOCATION:MassDEP Central Regional Office\, 8 New Bond Street\, Worcester\, MA\, 01606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160316T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160316T120000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20160222T165206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160222T165206Z
UID:18270-1458122400-1458129600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Anne Correia of the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide an overview of REAP grant guidelines and application requirements for farms interested in applying for assistance with installing energy efficient and renewable energy improvements. There will also be a walk-through of a sample application\, to give specific guidance ahead of the April 30th deadline. \nMassachusetts Farm Energy Program representatives will also be available at the MTC Weiss Center in Westboro viewing the webinar\, for those who would like in-person assistance. The MFEP recently received a grant to help farms prepare their REAP applications\, at no cost. \nWe hope to see you there! The workshop will be held on Wednesday\, March 16th from 10:00am to 12:00pm via webinar. Call-in details to follow. To pre-register\, or for more information\, please contact Megan Denardo at the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program at 413-727-3090.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/rural-energy-for-america-program-reap-webinar/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20160319
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160321
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20160120T221834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160120T221853Z
UID:17968-1458345600-1458518399@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Poultry School at Stone Barns Center
DESCRIPTION:REGISTRATION INFORMATION \n\nPoultry School is a two-day program running March 19 and 20.\nRegistration opens at 9:00am on February 17.\nProgram cost is $150.\nStay tuned for more information and a registration link.\nA block of rooms has been set aside for a reduced rate at the Sheraton Tarrytown\, located at 600 White Plains Road\, Tarrytown\, NY 10591. Please follow this link to reserve a room or contact the Sheraton directly at (914) 332-7900.   A complimentary shuttle will be available to transfer Sheraton hotel guests to and from the conference in the mornings and evenings.  This special rate will end on March 2.\nFor questions\, please write to laurief@stonebarnscenter.org.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/poultry-school-at-stone-barns-center/
LOCATION:Stone Barns Center\, Pocantico Hills\, NY\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160322T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160322T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20160302T160938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160302T163005Z
UID:18406-1458633600-1458666000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: Agritourism
DESCRIPTION:“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 offer practical resources and first steps for those interested in entering this growing market. This workshop will focus on value-added products and pick-your-own. \nFor more information and to register visit www.massvacation.com/focus-on-agritourism/ \nHosted by Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources\, the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism\, and the Massachusetts Office on Disability
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/workshop-agritourism/
LOCATION:Red Apple Farm\, 455 Highland Avenue\, Phillipston\, MA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160323T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160323T180000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20160318T132343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160318T132343Z
UID:18603-1458748800-1458756000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Listening Session for the Pollinator Protection Plan
DESCRIPTION:The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is seeking public comment on the state\n Pollinator Protection Plan - Draft. Please note that this document is a draft and will be finalized after a comment review period. Comments can be sent to the following email address: Kim.Skyrm@state.ma.us  with the subject line "Pollinator Plan Comments." \nThe deadline to submit comments is March 31\, 2016.\n\nListening sessions have been planned throughout the state for stakeholders who wish to provide public comments in person on the Pollinator Protection Plan draft. A listening session will be held in Amherst on Wednesday March\, 23rd at the MDAR Office at 4:00 pm.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/listening-session-for-the-pollinator-protection-plan/
LOCATION:MDAR Amherst Office\, 101 University Drive\, Suite C4\, Amherst\, MA\, 01002
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160324T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160324T210000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20160302T161601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160302T161601Z
UID:18409-1458842400-1458853200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Massachusetts Poultry Enhancement Council Meeting
DESCRIPTION:This meeting of the Massachusetts Poultry Enhancement Council will focus on the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). \nAgenda: \n1. Why was the Indiana Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak different from the 2014-2015 HPAI outbreak? \n2. The importance of a Biosecurity plan to indemnity payments for HPAI. \n3. Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) role in a HPAI. \n4. Antibiotics and vaccines for poultry. What's available?\n\nThis is an open meeting\, anyone who may have an interest in poultry is encouraged to attend\n\n Directions to the location can be found at www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/about-masswildlife/field-headquarters.html
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/massachusetts-poultry-enhancement-council-meeting-2/
LOCATION:MA Fish and Wildlife Office\, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd\, Westborough\, MA\, 01581\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160329T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160329T150000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20160224T150732Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160224T150732Z
UID:18324-1459242000-1459263600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Northeast Harvest Agricultural Conference
DESCRIPTION:Northeast Harvest will host the Annual Northeast Harvest Agricultural Conference at Topsfield fairgrounds. \nYou will have the opportunity to receive three SPRAY credits. For more information and to register\, please CLICK HERE.\n\nThe $20 Pre-Registration Fee Includes: \n\nMorning Coffee and Afternoon Lunch\nWorker Protection Standards by Laurie A Rocco – SPRAY Credit\nAvian Flu Update and More about Backyard Poultry by Megan Megrath\nFinancing for Farmers by Mike Mcphail & Dorothy Suput\nAgritourism and Agritainment by Dale Johnson\nReview of the 2015 Growing Season by George Hamilton – SPRAY Credit\nProtect yourself from TICKS by Dr. Alan Eaton – SPRAY Credit\n\nThis event is open to the public.\n  Day of registration is $25
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/northeast-harvest-agricultural-conference/
LOCATION:Coolidge Hall\, Topsfield Fairgrounds\, Topsfield\, MA\, 01983\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160330T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160330T200000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20151112T225330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160120T194832Z
UID:17068-1459359000-1459368000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop Series: Business Decision Making Cohort Meeting #3
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. \nLocal Hero member- $90Non-Local Hero member- $110   \n  \nLocal Hero member- $18Non-Local Hero member- $20  \n\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-3/
LOCATION:TBD
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160331T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160331T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20160302T161050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160302T162915Z
UID:18408-1459411200-1459443600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: Agritourism
DESCRIPTION:“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 offer practical resources and first steps for those interested in entering this growing market. This workshop will focus on being a special event’s venue and farm-to-table dinners.  \nFor more information and to register visit www.massvacation.com/focus-on-agritourism/ \nHosted by Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources\, the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism\, and the Massachusetts Office on Disability
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/workshop-agritourism-2/
LOCATION:Smolak Farms\, 315 South Bradford Street\, North Andover\, MA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20160402T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20160402T123000
DTSTAMP:20260607T072049
CREATED:20160330T130939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160330T131023Z
UID:18720-1459591200-1459600200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: Beecentric Methods of Beekeeping
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by the UMass Amherst Beekeeping Club\, Michael Joshin Thiele\, of Gaia Bees\, will help us redefine our relationship with bees and create a new paradigm of caring for bees. Participants will learn about a biodynamic approach to apiculture\, the unique matrix of life of honeybees and their intricate inner organization. How can we heal the earth through healing the life of bees? Michael will speak about biodynamic apiculture and a treatment free\, bee-centered approach. Topics may include alternative hive designs\, working with natural comb\, biodynamic management techniques\, the examination of core principles of their instinctual needs\, self sustaining apiaries & design\, health and more. \nThis workshop will take place on Saturday April 2nd in Fernald Auditorium Room 11 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. \nThis event is FREE for UMass Students. $20 for public. \nCheck out the facebook page and come join us for a fun day!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/workshop-beecentric-methods-of-beekeeping/
LOCATION:Fernald Hall\, UMASS Amherst Campus
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR