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DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170312T123000
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DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20161024T141434Z
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UID:21326-1489321800-1489325400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Seminar: Why Buy Local?
DESCRIPTION:Why Shop Local is the brainchild of Jasper Lapienski\, a Northampton resident who has no affiliation with Serio’s Market other than as a customer. Jasper grew up in Amherst and has lived in Northampton since 2009. Jasper has been bringing our community together for a cause ever since\, organizing for peace with the Northampton Committee to Stop the Wars\, the Western Mass Coalition for Palestine\, and Jewish Voice for Peace; supporting (mostly losing) political campaigns as Visibility Coordinator for the Bardsley Campaign Committee and Campaign Manager for the Committee to Elect Blue DuVal; and promoting public transportation as a rider representative on the Franklin Regional Transit Advisory Committee. \nParticipants will be treated to loads of free samples\, demo products\, and special deals and will have the opportunity to participate in raffles and win prizes. Serio’s deli will be open for business and all seminar participants will be offered the Sandwich of the Day for 50% off as well as a menu of various options for lunch\, which will be served in-store after the presentation. For more information on the Why Shop Local seminars or to speak or feature your business at one\, email jasper (insert @ if you’re human) whyshoplocal.org. You may also CLICK HERE to join the seminar series email list. \nMarch 12\nInvesting In Neighbors: REIMAGINING FINANCE
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/seminar-why-buy-local-5/
LOCATION:Serio’s Market\, 65 State Street\, Northampton
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T150000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170223T152313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170223T152313Z
UID:22526-1489237200-1489244400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:SEMAP First Grain Gathering
DESCRIPTION:Where: Plimoth Grist Mill\, 6 Spring Ln\, Plymouth\, MA 02360\nWhen: Saturday\, March 11\, 1-3pm \n\nPlease join us on Saturday\, March 11 from 1-3pm at the Grist Mill in Plymouth\, MA for the first state-wide grain gathering in the 21st Century! \nFarmers\, Millers\, Bakers\, Chefs\, Maltsters\, Brewers and Distillers\, you are invited to the first state-wide grain gathering in the 21st Century! \nThere are already half a dozen producers\, processors and value-adding food visionaries out there\, from the Cape to the Berkshires\, harvesting and offering wheat\, rye\, spelt\, corn and oats. Come hear presentations from them and meet others who want to join in. We are calling on you to support\, bolster\, enlarge\, propagate and otherwise help grow the resurgent local grain economy in Massachusetts. \nTour the Plimoth Grist Mill\, sample 100% locally-grown bread and other goodies\, and help to place a worthy bread basket on the Farm-to-table food movement. \nKeynote: Tristan Noyes\, Executive Director\, The Maine Grain Alliance \nFarmers: Noah Kellerman\, Alprilla Farm\, Essex\, MA; Bill Braun\, Ivory Silo Farm and Seed Project\, Westport\, MA; Ben Wolbach\, Skinny Dip Farm\, Westport\, MA \nMillers: Kim VanWormer and Matt Tavares\, Plimoth Grist Mill\, Plymouth\, MA \nUsers: Jonathan Stevens\, Baker\, Hungry Ghost Bread\, Northampton\, MA; Brenton Mackechnie\, Distiller\, Dirty Water Distillery\, Plymouth\, MA; Paul Nixon\, Brewer\, Independent Fermentations\, Plymouth\, MA; Michael Morway\, Executive Chef\, Granite Links Golf Club\, Quincy\, MA \nThis project is a collaboration between Plimoth Plantation and the Plimoth Grist Mill\, SEMAP\, and Hungry Ghost Bread. \n\nQuestions? Contact Kendra at kmurray@semaponline.org \nClick here to sign up online!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/semap-first-grain-gathering/
LOCATION:Plimoth Grist Mill\, 6 Spring Lane\, Plymouth\, 02360\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T153000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170306T210432Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170306T210432Z
UID:22690-1489235400-1489246200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Backyard Goat Dairy Workshop
DESCRIPTION:“Backyard Goat Dairy”\nSaturday\, March 11th\, 12:30-3:30 PM\nLaughing Dog Farm\, Gill\, MA \nThis is an introductory level class on keeping and managing a small herd of dairy goats for milk\, cheese\, yogurt and educational purposes\, on small acreage farms\, or even a tiny backyard… Participants will experience “barn life”\, socialize with the herd\, handle goat kids\, milk\, and learn the basics of keeping and breeding dairy goats. We’ll cover different goat breeds\, housing\, fencing\, nutrition\, hoof trimming\, worming\, and breeding/birthing basics. Together we will make and sample fresh chèvre with greenhouse greens. Suggested donation: $25-$35. No one turned away. RSVP requested… 413-863-8696
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/backyard-goat-dairy-workshop/
LOCATION:Laughing Dog Farm\, 398 Main Road\, Gill\, MA\, 01354
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T140000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170203T160613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170203T160613Z
UID:22242-1489226400-1489240800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: QuickBooks for Farmers
DESCRIPTION:Join New Entry and Julia Shanks for a practical\, hands-on QuickBooks workshop for farmers! Learn how to: set up a chart of accounts that suits your business\, enter transactions\, track enterprise-specific data\, and generate and interpret farm financial statements. This workshop will be 4 hours long with plenty of brain breaks and time for one-on-one coaching. All participants will be provided with a computer\, QuickBooks software (for workshop use only)\, and snacks. Registration required. Space is limited so reserve your seat now! \nEarly bird tickets available through Feb. 10\, 2017: $12/each \nRegular tickets available starting Feb. 11\, 2017: $17/each \n*Please note that scholarships are available. Please email janel.wright@tufts.edu to inquire. \n\nAbout the teacher: Julia Shanks – chef and entrepreneur — is the Principal at Julia Shanks Food Consulting\, consulting with food businesses and farms\, helping them maximize profits and streamline operations through business planning\, feasibility studies and operational audits. She lectures on sustainable food systems and restaurant accounting\, sits on the advisory board of Future Chefs\, and is the regional leader of Slow Money Boston. Julia has authored two books: The Farmers Market Cookbook and The Farmer’s Office\, both published by New Society. She received her professional training as a chef at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco\, her BA from Hampshire College and an MBA Magna Cum Laude from Babson College.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/workshop-quickbooks-for-farmers/
LOCATION:Sackler Building\,  145 Harrison Avenue\, Boston\, MA\, 02111\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T120000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170111T184000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170111T184000Z
UID:22035-1489226400-1489233600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Spring Hive Management for Beekeepers
DESCRIPTION:An in-depth lecture the on spring care of honeybee hives. Focus on managing spring hive population build-up\, feeding\, dividing\, monitoring pests\, protecting the hive\, and\, most importantly\, learning approaches to prevent swarming. Berkshire Botanical Gardens Members $15; Nonmembers $20 \nBerkshire Botanical Garden\n5 West Stockbridge Road\nStockbridge\, MA 01262 \nFor more information visit our website: berkshirebotanical.org \nOr Phone: 413-298-3926 \nOr Email: info@berkshirebotanical.org
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/spring-hive-management-for-beekeepers/
LOCATION:Berkshire Botanical Garden\, 5 West Stockbridge Road\, Stockbridge\, MA 01262
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T150000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170227T205934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170227T205934Z
UID:22613-1489222800-1489244400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Apple Tree Grafting Workshop: Mass Aggie
DESCRIPTION:Mass Aggie Seminars 2017: A Home Garden Series \nApple Tree Grafting – a Hands-on Workshop\nSaturday\, March 11\, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. led by Dr. Wesley Autio\nUMass Cold Spring Orchard\, 391 Sabin St.\, Belchertown\, MA \nMany people do not realize that all apple varieties are reproduced by grafting – they are not grown from seed. For horticultural enthusiasts\, one of the most satisfying techniques to master is grafting. Wes Autio will present a hands-on workshop on ‘bench grafting’ and ‘cleft grafting’ of apple trees. Other grafting techniques will also be discussed. Proper tools and sharpening will be included. All participants in the workshop will graft several of their own apples trees to take home. \nThere will be a break for participants to enjoy a BYO lunch.\nThis workshop will be partially out of doors\, so please dress appropriately for potentially wet\, cold\, and muddy conditions. \nFee: $100. To register\, go to: UMassGarden.com. or mail a check payable to: Mass Aggie Seminars. Attn: Doreen York\, UMass\, 101 French Hall\, Amherst\, MA 1003-9294\nSponsored by: Nourse Farms\, OESCO\,Inc.\, and Adams County Nursery.\nTo view the entire Mass Aggie series\, go to: UMassGarden.com
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/apple-tree-grafting-workshop-mass-aggie/
LOCATION:UMass Cold Spring Orchard\, 391 Sabin St\, Belchertown
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170311T170000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170210T162628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170210T162628Z
UID:22283-1489219200-1489251600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to Cheese-Making: Making Soft Cheeses
DESCRIPTION:Cost:\nNOFA/MOFGA Member – $100 General Public – $130 \n*add $10 for walk-ins \nDescription: \nThis all-day\, hands-on workshop is ideal for the beginning cheesemaker. Using fresh grass-fed pastured milk from Upinngil farm\, Cliff Hatch\, veteran farmer and cheese artisan\, will guide you through the process of making a number of simple cheese such as Camembert\, Chevre\, Brie\, and Blue cheese. Along the way\, we’ll talk about the process and history of cheese making and how different cheeses are made. With your palette sharpened and techniques honed\, you’ll be ready to make your own artisan cheese. \nWorkshop space is very limited. Please register ahead of time to secure your space! \nAbout the Instructor: \nClifford Hatch comes from a tradition of New England family farming that reaches back to the early seventeenth century. Cliff grew up on his family’s farm in Granby\, MA. After college\, he obtained culinary training and embarked on a career as Chef de Cuisine\, first at the Deerfield Inn and later at the Rhode Island Country Club. He has been farming in Gill since 1988. \nRegister Online Now or Mail In This Registration Form \nMore Info: \nThe farm will provide a simple lunch of bread and cheese. You are welcome to bring something to share (or a bag lunch for yourself if you prefer). \nWear clean\, non-fuzzy clothing and practical footwear that can get wet. Consider wearing layers\, as the cheese room can get quite hot \nFor information on our refund and inclement weather policy\, click here. \nFor questions contact Dan Bensonoff\, education events organizer\, at dan@nofamass.org or 860-716-5122
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/introduction-to-cheese-making-making-soft-cheeses/
LOCATION:Unnamed Venue\, 411 Main Road\, Gill\, MA\, 01354\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170308T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170308T180000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170223T154057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170223T154110Z
UID:22530-1488988800-1488996000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Workshop: Bobolink Project
DESCRIPTION:Earn $100 by participating in a 2-hour workshop about managing hayfields for bobolinks.\nWednesday\, March 8\, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.\nUVM Extension Office\, 130 Austine Drive #300\nBrattleboro\, Vermont \nWant to get paid to manage your hayfields for bobolinks and other grassland birds? If you own or manage a hayfield that is 10 acres or more and is habitat for breeding bobolinks\, you may be eligible to participate in a workshop organized by University of Connecticut researchers. \nFor more information and to register\, contact Anwesha Chakrabarti by Monday\, March 6.\nEmail anwesha.chakrabarti@uconn.edu and cc: Stephen.swallow@uconn.edu . Put “Bobolink Project” in the subject line.\nOr call Anwesha at 312-259-1337. \nIf you are interested but you can’t make it to the workshop on March 8\, contact Anwesha for more options. \nThis research is approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) under protocol X15-035. Your participation is completely voluntary.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/bobolink-project-workshop/
LOCATION:University of Vermont Extension Office\, 130 Austine Drive\, Brattleboro\, 05301\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Mass Audubon":MAILTO:bobolinkproject@massaudubon.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170307
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170310
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20161117T203613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20161228T223113Z
UID:21631-1488844800-1489103999@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:2017 Harvest New England Conference
DESCRIPTION:The New England State Departments of Agriculture\, in cooperation with agricultural organizations across the region\, graciously invite you to participate as an exhibitor in the upcoming Harvest New England Agricultural Marketing Conference and Trade Show.  Whether you provide a product or service to farmers in New England or have a unique product for a roadside stand\, this is the show for you. Over 800 attendees joined us for our past conference in February 2015. \nGrowers from across the Northeast will convene in scenic Sturbridge\, Massachusetts on Tuesday\, March 7\, through Thursday\, March 9 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center.  Booth set up is on Tuesday\, March 7 from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Trade Show hours are Wednesday\, March 8\, 7:00 am – 6:30 pm\, and Thursday\, March 9\, 7:00 am – 3:15 pm. \nThe conference is sponsored by all six New England State Departments of Agriculture and Harvest New England\, in cooperation with agricultural associations from across the region\, as well as assistance from the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. \nThis unique marketing conference targets New England growers interested in learning new marketing ideas or fine-tuning strategies for business success. There will be multiple educational and networking opportunities.  The conference schedule will allow specific times for attendees to visit the trade show to maximize your exposure. \nThe Department of Transitional Assistance will also be on hand to help direct-sale retailers sign up to accept SNAP benefits. \nTrade show space is limited; Trade show registration received by December 2 costs $425\, after December 2\, $525.  Non-profit rates are available as well. Details and online registration here. If interested in sponsoring options\, please let us know. \nDownload the save the date and share with your membership\, friends\, and constituents! Registration for attendees will be online soon. Updates will be made here: www.harvestnewengland.org/events/. For questions regarding exhibiting\, contact Rick LeBlanc\, Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us\, 617-626-1759.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/2017-harvest-new-england-conference/
LOCATION:Sturbridge Host Hotel\, Sturbridge \, MA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170306T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170306T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170111T183516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170111T183516Z
UID:22034-1488821400-1488832200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Growing an Organic Vegetable Garden
DESCRIPTION:Investigate a different vegetable family each week to insure all questions are answered about cultivating these important crop families for the home vegetable gardener. (A four week course starting 3/6/2017) $230 \nBerkshire Botanical Garden\n5 West Stockbridge Road\nStockbridge\, MA 01262 \nFor more information visit our website: berkshirebotanical.org \nOr Phone: 413-298-3926 \nOr Email: info@berkshirebotanical.org
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/growing-an-organic-vegetable-garden/
LOCATION:Berkshire Botanical Garden\, 5 West Stockbridge Road\, Stockbridge\, MA 01262
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170304T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170304T130000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170227T203011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170227T203011Z
UID:22607-1488621600-1488632400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Seed Swap!
DESCRIPTION:We are holding our third annual Seed Swap on Saturday March 4th\, 10 am – 1 pm at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School at 80 Locust St in Northampton. You do not have to bring seeds in order to participate! Please RSVP on the Facebook event page\, or if you don’t use Facebook\, simply join us at the event. \nCome share seeds you have saved from your garden or purchased (optional)\, get seeds to plant in your garden\, attend workshops on seed saving or plant breeding\, and meet other people passionate about creating and maintaining a healthy local food system. If you don’t have seeds to share\, please come learn about seed saving and get some to plant in your garden so you can share seeds next year. \nThe Seed Swap will feature the following activities (times are tentative): \n9:30am to 10:30am: Drop seeds off (if you have some to share). Even better\, drop them off on February 5 at the Winter Market table!\n10:05am to 10:50am: Beginning Seed Saving Workshop with Daniel Botkin of Laughing Dog Farm\n11:00 t0 1:00pm: Take seeds for you 2017 garden!\n11:00am to 11:45am: Indigenous Seed Keeping with Liz Charlebois\, Abenaki basketmaker and agriculturalist\nNoon to 12:45pm: Plant Breeding Workshop with Tevis Robertson-Goldberg of Crabapple Farm\n10am to 1pm (with breaks): Seed Tape Workstation – kids and adults alike can help make “seed tape” with biodegradable toilet paper\, wheat paste\, and carrot seeds that we can plant in our Giving Garden later in the spring \nThanks to our co-sponsors\, Northampton Winter Market and Nuestras Raices\, for helping with publicity\, workshop organizing\, and seed collecting!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/seed-swap-2/
LOCATION:Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School\, 80 Locust Street\, Northampton
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170302T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170302T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170227T205447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170227T205447Z
UID:22611-1488474000-1488483000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective
DESCRIPTION:March 2nd\n5:00-7:30pm\nHasbrouck Laboratory\, Room A126\n666 North Pleasant St\, Amherst MA \nThe film investigates many of today’s ecological challenges and some of the solutions that are being used in the ecological design process called “permaculture.” Permaculture is a new approach to sustainable agriculture\, aiming to create ecosystems that are sustainable and self-sufficient. \nIn collaboration with Sowing Solutions Permaculture Design & Education and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture\, UMass Permaculture presents a free and open to the public screening of the critically acclaimed documentary Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective. Explore the bright future of regenerative agriculture and communities with us; brief panel discussion to follow. Light refreshments will be served. \nLight refreshments will be served. \nFacebook link
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/inhabit-a-permaculture-perspective/
LOCATION:Hasbrouck Laboratory\, Room A126\, 666 North Pleasant Street\, Amherst\, MA\, 01003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170302T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170302T140000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170227T204246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170227T204246Z
UID:22608-1488459600-1488463200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Navigating a Treacherous Landscape: GAP Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Free Webinar\nThursday March 2\, 2017\n1:00- 2:00 PM EST \nNavigating a Treacherous Landscape: A Practitioner’s Guide to GAP Food Safety Certification and the Food Safety Modernization Act (Part II) \n~ Bring your Food Safety\, GAP\, and FSMA questions! ~ \nResource Experts \nLindsay Gilmour\, GAP Food Safety Educator \nJeff Stoltzfus\, Food Safety Educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension \n\nRegister Today \n\nNote: This Coffee Talk is the follow-up to Lindsay Gilmour’s first webinar on navigating the treacherous landscape of food safety. This recording provides excellent framing for further conversation. Please send your questions for Lindsay to yona@chesapeakefoodshed.net\nOverview\nIn this follow up webinar\, Lindsay will be joined by Jeff Stoltzfus\, Food Safety Educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension. They will look at two contrasting farming scenarios and discuss the steps they are taking to comply with customer and FDA requirements and will take questions on GAP Food Safety and FSMA. \nFor produce growers\, now more than ever food safety certification is a major hurdle to entering and staying competitive in the wholesale marketplace. More and more buyers are requiring 3rd party audits and frequently farmers are left to find their own way through a confusing and complicated food safety landscape. Add to this the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act and you have a perfect recipe for dismay and misinformation. In this webinar we will attempt to demystify the mysterious\, find out what questions farmers and buyers should be asking each other\, and answer some of the burning questions about FSMA and food safety audits: \nWhy produce food safety and why now?\nWhat is GAP certification?\nWhat questions should I ask? – As a farmer or as a buyer\nWhat is a food safety standard and how do I know which one to choose?\nWhen is a 3rd party audit necessary? Who is qualified to provide the audit?\nWhat training do I need?\nWho has to comply with FSMA and what does it take?\nWhat will all this cost me in time and money??\nWho can I trust?
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/navigating-a-treacherous-landscape-gap-webinar/
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Chesapeake Food Shed Network":MAILTO:christy@chesapeakefoodshed.net
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170302
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170303
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170213T210852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170214T193707Z
UID:22317-1488412800-1488499199@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Intro to Beekeeping: BF160
DESCRIPTION:Getting your hive operation off the ground. \nWhether you currently are keeping honey bees\, or are considering adding them to your farm\, a basic understanding of bee biology\, diseases\, pests and setting up your colony for success are essential. \nAn A to Z plan starting with understanding the difference between a drone\, queen and nurse bee\, siting your apiary\, a plan for Varroa mites\, and effective winterizing techniques will help ensure your hive(s) make it through the winter so you can harvest honey the following season. \nThis course\, taught by experienced beekeepers and the NYS Honey Bee Extension Associate will give you real-world experiences paired with academic concepts. \nTarget Audience \nALL LEVELS – This course is geared for those who have plans to start keeping bees within the next 1-3 years\, or who have been keeping honey bees for fewer than three years. Disease and pest issues will focus on the Northeast region of the country\, though others will find much of the content useful to their locale. \nCourse Objectives \nAt the completion of this course\, you will: \nHave an understanding of basic bee biology\nGain management skills to support responsible decision making\nBe able to get your apiary colony through the first years of production\nWebinars \nThe bulk of the course happens on your own time\, with discussions\, readings\, and assignments in MOODLE\, our virtual classroom. To add to the experience\, webinars will be woven into the online interface of the course to allow you to meet on a weekly basis to learn from outside presenters and ask questions to address your farm issues in real time. If you miss one\, they are always recorded and posted for later viewing. Access details will be posted in MOODLE once you have registered and logged in. \nDates \nMarch 2 – April 30\, with Webinars each Thursday evening from 6:30 – 8:00pm EST \nInstructors \nLaura Biasillo is the Agricultural Economic Development Specialist for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County. \nSue Garing is a Master Beekeeper\, member of the Board of Directors (and past president) for the Southern Tier Beekeepers\, as well as on the Board of the Empire State Honey Producers\, as well as owner of Sue Garing Honey & Garlic. \nCourse Outline \nWeek 1: Getting to Know Bees \nTopics covered: Introductions. Overview of our online “campus” (Moodle)\, course outline\, and basic bee biology\, roles and jobs. We’ll discuss how to find a queen bee in your hive\, what a bee is and isn’t\, and finally the importance of having a local experienced beekeeper as your mentor and joining a local bee club. \nWeek 2: Setting Up Your Apiary \nTopics covered: Create a calendar ordering\, installing and getting your bees through the summer. Considering in setting up your apiary. “A year in the apiary” – life cycle. Time commitment. Goals and Hive Management Practices. When to order & from whom? Buying versus raising versus swarming a new queen. Timing and starter feeding. \nWeek 3: Basic Equipment for Your First Year \nTopics covered: What do you really need? Styles of equipment. Expenses. Create a budget. \nWeek 4: Basic Hive Inspection\, Part 1 \nTopics covered: Hive Inspection Protocol. Brood (why is it important and evaluating brood health). Learn to ID honey & pollen storage. Are my bees developing correctly? How much honey do they need to make it through the winter? Do I need a queen excluder? \nWeek 5: Basic Hive Inspection\, Part 2 (What to do when things go wrong) \nTopics covered: Hive Robbers. Swarm. Re-queening. Bad temperament & disease. \nWeek 6: Introduction to Pests & Diseases \nTopics covered: Varroa Mites. Protocol options for common pests & diseases. \nWeek 7: I have honey\, now what? \nTopics covered: Basics of honey harvesting. Packaging\, labeling & storage. What you need to do if you want to sell honey & value-added products. \nWeek 8: Preparing Your Colony for the winter \nTopics covered: Feeding options\, evaluation & timing. Bee biology review. Insulation options. Pest protection. \nCost \nCourse fee is $280. Sign up a month in advance to get a $25 discount on each course\, plus a $50 total discount off registration for 3 or more courses.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/intro-to-beekeeping-bf160/
LOCATION:Cornell University Small Farms Program\, Webinar
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170302
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170303
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170213T210220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170214T193806Z
UID:22315-1488412800-1488499199@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Business Planning: BF202
DESCRIPTION:Planning for Long-term Success \nWhether you intend to borrow money or not\, heading into a farm venture without a business plan is like setting out on a long-distance journey without a map. Arm yourself with a business plan and you will have a guide to aid your farm decision-making and demonstrate to yourself and your family that your ideas are feasible. This steady-paced course is designed to help you build your plan\, including developing financial statements. \n”The most valuable thing about this course was that it made me hash out and put on paper each section of my business plan. It is so easy to put business plan writing on the back burner\, and this course made it move to the top of my to-do list and allowed me to get all my ideas and financials into one organized document.” –Courtney S\, Paloma\, CA \nTarget Audience \nALL LEVELS – This course is geared for new farmers as well as those expanding or transitioning from one farm enterprise to another. Before enrolling in this course you should already know the type of farm you want\, some short-term and longer-term farm business goals\, and the geographic area or state where you intend to farm. You should have at least some first-hand experience with farming\, including personal research into the type of farm you will operate. \nNOTE: If you are new to farming or are still exploring ideas\, it may be helpful to take BF 101: Starting at Square One before enrolling in BF 202. \nCourse Objectives \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. \nWebinars \nThe bulk of the course happens on your own time\, with discussions\, readings\, and assignments in MOODLE\, our virtual classroom. To add to the experience\, webinars will be woven into the online interface of the course to allow you to meet on a weekly basis to learn from outside presenters\, ask questions\, and collaborate with other participants and the instructor to address your farm issues in real time. If you miss one\, they are always recorded and posted for later viewing. Access details will be posted in MOODLE once you have registered and logged in. \nInstructors \nRebecca Schuelke-Staehr co-owns Cayuga Pumpkin Barn and has worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension and the NY Farm Viability Institute. \nSteve Hadcock is the Beginning Farmer and Market Development Educator for the Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program for Cornell Cooperative Extension. \nDates \nMarch 2 – April 6\, with Webinars on Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 7:30pm EST \nCourse Outline \nWeek 1: Welcome and Introduction\nTopics covered: Introductions. Overview of our online “campus” (Moodle)\, course outline\, and business plan template. Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) farm analysis. Business plan cover page and farm supporting information statement. \nWeek 2: Mission and Goals\nTopics covered: Writing mission statement\, goal and vision statements. Farm business structure. Bank lender guest speaker. \nWeek 3: Organizational and Operational Plans\nTopics covered: Writing organizational and operational plans. Guest speaker on farm business structure\, defining job duties. \nWeek 4: Marketing Planning\nTopics covered: market channels\, volume\, pricing\, etc. Enterprise budgeting. Farmer guest speaker. \nWeek 5: Financial Statements\nTopics covered: balance sheet\, cash flow\, profit and loss\, business development plan. \nWeek 6: Financial Statements\nTopics covered: loans\, grants\, crowd-source funding. Farmer guest speaker. \nCost and Registration \nFee for this course is $250. Sign up a month or more in advance of the start date and receive $25 off. Sign up for three or more courses and received $50 off your total.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/business-planning-bf202/
LOCATION:Cornell University Small Farms Program\, Webinar
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170301T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170301T190000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170111T175932Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170111T175932Z
UID:22026-1488391200-1488394800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Enrolling in SNAP - Is It the Right Move for You?
DESCRIPTION:USDA has continued funding through May 2017 to assist direct marketing farmers and farmers markets join the SNAP program by providing free equipment to qualified farmers and farmers markets. The National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP) has created MarketLink\, an online solution to an expedited application process\, nationally negotiated rates for SNAP\, debit and credit; as well as state-of-the-art equipment\, an iPHone 6\, EMV card reader and blue-tooth connected printer. \nJoining the SNAP program involves a multiple application process that enrolls you as a SNAP retailer\, determines your eligibility for free equipment and then provides the service to accept SNAP\, debit and credit. \nThe Farmers Market Federation of NY will be holding webinars to help direct marketing farmers and market managers understand the MarketLink program and will schedule phone appointments with attendees to complete the application process. The presentations should take approximately 60 minutes for the presentation and question and answers. \nThe webinar is free to join and will help you understand the process and the value of adding SNAP to your farm or market. Register now to reserve your space on the date that best fits your schedule. \nTo register\, Click here for the registration information\, then click on the link for your choice of dates and complete the registration information. Once submitted you will receive a link to the webinar. Save that link! This is how you will access the live webinar.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/webinar-enrolling-in-snap-is-it-the-right-move-for-you-4/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170301T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170301T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20161201T160437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170130T163433Z
UID:21725-1488387600-1488400200@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:CISA Winter Workshop Series: To Diversify or Not to Diversify? And How?
DESCRIPTION:Market fluctuation due to over saturation of farms\, unforeseen weather issues\, and changes in consumer demands all affect how farmers determine what to grow\, where to sell it\, and how to price their product. This workshop is for farmers who are interested in market diversification as a path to farm sustainability and profitability. We will use marketing channel assessment tools to project the potential outcomes. Come prepared as this class is interactive; we will look at real farm examples and work on your own farm situations. \nPresenter: Matt Leroux – Cornell Cooperative Extension \nThis is the sixth in our eight session Winter Workshop series\, Mapping Out Your Farm’s Future: Settings Goals for the Success and Sustainability of Your Farm \n\n \n\n\n\nRegister for Workshop\n\n\nMarch 1\, 2017: LH Member $15.00 USDMarch 1\, 2017: non-LH Memeber $18.00 USD\n\n\nEnter name(s) of attendees:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\nMapping Out Your Farm’s Future: Settings Goals for the Success and Sustainability of Your Farm beginning January 2017. In order to draw a map of the future of your farm\, you need a solid foundation with which to review your past and assess your present. This workshop series will support farm owners and operators in decision making for realistic long-term financial\, operational\, marketing\, and personal goals. Examples in the workshops will be farm related\, but the skills and methodology will be relevant to all businesses. \nParticipation in the whole series is encouraged. You will be eligible for a one-on-one consultation by attending one Business Plan workshop. Attending three workshops gives you the eligibility for an additional one-on-one consultation related to the topic of any workshop being held. Dinner will be served at each session. The cost to attend the series is $90 for Local Hero members\, or $15 for each individual workshop. The non-member fee is $110 for the series\, or $18 for each individual workshop. Register below or contact Stevie Schafenacker at stevie@buylocalfood.org or (413) 665-7100 x27. If cost is a barrier to your participation\, please feel free to contact Stevie to discuss options as we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. Scholarships may be available. \nThe first half hour of each workshop will be for food and socializing. Workshops will begin promptly thereafter. \nFunding for CISA’s “The Crossroads: Mapping Out Your Farm’s Future” is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)\, Farm Service Agency under Federal Award Identification No. USDA-FA-MA-6-007\, USDA/National Institute of Food and Agriculture under award 2016-70017-25423\, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service through grant 16FMPPMA0002 and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/to-diversify-or-not-to-diversify-and-how/
LOCATION:Holyoke Community College Kittredge Center\, Room 303\, 303 Homestead Ave\, Holoyke\, MA\, 01040\, United States
CATEGORIES:CISA Events,Farmer Events,CISA Workshops for Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170301T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170310T110000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170223T153146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170223T153243Z
UID:22528-1488362400-1489143600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:MFEP: Rural Energy For America Webinars
DESCRIPTION:Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Webinars: Massachusetts Farm Energy Program\nWednesday\, March 1st and Friday\, March 10th \nMarch 1: Demystifying DUNS and SAM – If you are considering applying for a REAP grant for either the spring or fall deadline\, you will need a DUNS number and a SAM code. Don’t know what those are or how to get them? Then this is the workshop for you! MFEP staff will walk through the DUNS and SAM process step by step\, with time afterwards for individual help. \nMarch 10: REAP Application Overview – Mass Farm Energy Program staff will provide an overview of REAP grant guidelines and application requirements. MFEP recently received funding to provide REAP grant application assistance at no cost to farms. \nBoth workshops will be held from 10:00am to 11:00am at EcoBuilding Bargains (83 Warwick St. Springfield) and via webinar. \nTo pre-register\, or for more information\, please contact Megan Denardo at the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program at 413-727-3090 or megan.denardo@cetonline.org.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/massachusetts-farm-energy-program-rural-energy-for-america-webinars/
LOCATION:EcoBuilding Bargains\, 83 Warwick Street\, Springfield\, 01104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170301T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170301T140000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20161207T225544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20161207T225544Z
UID:21779-1488357000-1488376800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Local Food Trade Shows
DESCRIPTION:The Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN) is offering their 6th Local Food Trade Shows. The 2016 Local Food Trade Shows are designed to facilitate connections and stimulate business relationships between producers and wholesale buyers of local food\, with a focus on specialty crop food products in Massachusetts. \nThis event is ideal for restaurants\, retailers and institutional buyers interested in trading with local food suppliers and who desire to buy more locally produced products from growers\, fishermen\, and value added producers from Massachusetts and New England. \nThe Local Specialty Crop Trade Show Presented by MDAR (MassGrown) \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 funded by the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant\, sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. \nExhibition booths are free for specialty crop farmers and producers–>REGISTER \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. \nExhibition booths are $125.00–>REGISTER \n*$25 Discount for SBN Members \n\nThe Trade Shows will include workshops offering best practice topics around some of the most pressing barriers to specialty crop sales in Massachusetts. Depending on the interest\, we also plan to offer One-on-One consultation sessions with industry experts after lunch. \nAttendees & Buyers Registration Fee $30–>REGISTER \n*$10 Discount for SBN Members \n\nClick HERE for a list of 2016 Trade Show Exhibitors and Attendees! \nWho should attend? \nAny wholesale buyers\, who are interested in purchasing Massachusetts or New England-produced food items. These buyers can be supermarkets\, co-ops\, restaurants\, hotels\, resorts\, 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.* \n\n*Sponsorship Opportunities are available\, please e-mail maddie@sbnmass.org*
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/local-food-trade-shows/
LOCATION:Northeastern University\, 260 Huntington Avenue\, Boston\, MA\, 02115\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170301
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170302
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170213T210511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170214T193657Z
UID:22316-1488326400-1488412799@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Grazing Management: BF231
DESCRIPTION:Improve Your Triple Bottom Line Through Better Grazing \nGrazing is more than simply turning livestock out onto a green “warehouse” and hoping for the best. With sound grazing management\, you can reduce your workload\, keep your animals happier and healthier\, and improve the overall productivity and profitability of your farm. Well-managed grazing systems also provide greater environmental benefits and enhance habitat for many wildlife species. \nIn this course\, you’ll learn the key concepts of successful grazing operations that can be adapted and successfully implemented on your own farm. The course focus will be on grazing ruminant livestock\, but most of the information will be relevant to non-ruminant animals as well. \nTarget Audience \nALL LEVELS: This course is designed for livestock producers who have already initiated grazing practices on their farm\, and who have at least a basic knowledge of the grazing behavior of their animals and of their pasture ecosystems. Producers who do not yet have livestock are welcome to participate. \nCourse Objectives \nAt the end of this course you will: \nLearn common grazing terminology\, systems and methodology\nComprehend the fundamental principles of every successful grazing system\nDevelop confidence in implementing or enhancing a grazing system for your farm\nKnow how to monitor\, evaluate and refine the grazing system \nWebinars \nThe bulk of the course happens on your own time\, with discussions\, readings\, and assignments in MOODLE\, our virtual classroom. To add to the experience\, webinars will be woven into the online interface of the course to allow you to meet on a weekly basis to learn from presenters and ask questions in real time. If you miss one\, they are always recorded and posted for later viewing. \nInstructors \nBrett Chedzoy\, Senior forestry and agriculture educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County. Brett and his family also own and operate Angus Glen Farms\, LLC in Watkins Glen\, NY – a 400- acre grazing operation that raises grass-fed beef. \nBrett will be joined by several guest co-instructor experts throughout the course. \nDates \nMarch 1 – April 5\, 2017 with webinars each Wednesday evening from 7:00 – 8:30pm Eastern time. \nCourse Outline \nWeek 1: Strategies for Expanding Grazing on the Farm\nTopics covered: Navigating in Moodle (our online classroom)\, course expectations\, student introductions\, Why graze? Intro resources to support grazing. \nWeek 2: Grazing Infrastructure\nTopics covered: Types and technologies\, pros and cons of some common systems\, do-it-yourself vs. contractor installed\, technical and financial assistance. \nWeek 3: Livestock Health on Pasture\nTopics covered: Nutrition\, behavior\, health\, and humane considerations\, common problems and how to address them. \nWeek 4: Improving Pasture Quality and Productivity\nTopics covered: Seeding\, mechanical and chemical options\, grazing density vs. stocking\, rest and recovery\, monitoring\, research supporting the benefits of more intensively managed systems. \nWeek 5: Alternative Grazing Arrangements\nTopics covered: Planned grazing\, custom grazing\, the business side of grazing. \nWeek 6: Enhanced Grazing Systems\nTopics covered: Silvopasturing\, multi-species grazing\, “Living Barns”\, extended season grazing\, integrated agroforestry ventures. \nCost and Registration \nFee for this course is $250. Sign up a month or more in advance of the start date and receive $25 off. Sign up for three or more courses and received $50 off your total.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/grazing-management-bf231/
LOCATION:Cornell University Small Farms Program\, Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170301
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170302
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170213T205758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170214T193647Z
UID:22314-1488326400-1488412799@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Veggie Farming Pt. 2 (BF121)
DESCRIPTION:From Season-Long Care to Harvest \nThis course continues where BF120 ends and covers vegetable production from transplanting to harvest\, including information on in-season fertility\, integrated pest management\, weed control options\, harvesting strategies\, and tips for marketing your products. Be prepared to create an in-season fertility and pest/weed control plan as part of this course. \nWeekly homework will focus on preparing you to make good decisions in the coming growing season. (Note: You don’t need to take BF 120 to enroll in this course) \nFrom this course I collected a huge document filled with webinar notes\, resources\, and links that I will continue to use well past the end of the course.” –June C\, Greenfield\, MA \nTarget Audience \nBEGINNING to INTERMEDIATE: This course is for aspiring farmers and those with at least one growing season of vegetable farming experience. You should already have a basic understanding of how to select crops\, manage bed prep\, seeding\, and transplanting. Because systems vary so much from region to region\, this course targets farmers in the Northeastern United States. Farmers outside the region are welcome to register\, but should do so knowing that some of the information presented may not be appropriate for their region \nLearning Objectives \nBy the end of this course\, you will be able to \nMake good decisions about fertility management for your specific crops.\nUnderstand options available for weed\, pest\, and disease control.\nBe able to identify problem weeds\, pests and diseases on your farm.\nLearn successful harvesting and marketing strategies. \nWebinars \nThe bulk of the course happens on your own time\, with discussions\, readings\, and assignments in MOODLE\, our virtual classroom. To add to the experience\, webinars will be woven into the online interface of the course to allow you to meet on a weekly basis to learn from outside presenters and ask questions to address your farm issues in real time. If you miss one\, they are always recorded and posted for later viewing. Access details will be posted in MOODLE once you have registered and logged in. \nInstructors \nAmy Ivy is a regional production specialist for the Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE). \nDarcy Telenko is a regional vegetable specialist with the Cornell Vegetable Program\, and is based at the CCE Erie County\, NY office. \nDates \nMarch 1 – 29\, with Webinars on Wednesdays from 7 – 8:30pm \nCourse Outline \nWeek 1: Transplant care\, and using soil tests and vegetable guidelines to tailor your fertility program\nWeek 2: Weed control options (organic and conventional) for the small farm\nWeek 3: Integrated pest management: Insect identification and control\nWeek 4: Integrated pest management: Disease identification and control\nWeek 5: Harvesting and post-harvest handling strategies \nCost and Registration \nFee for this course is $250. Sign up a month or more in advance of the start date and receive $25 off. Sign up for three or more courses and received $50 off your total.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/veggie-farming-pt-2-bf121/
LOCATION:Cornell University Small Farms Program\, Webinar
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170301
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170302
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170213T205452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170214T193637Z
UID:22313-1488326400-1488412799@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Effective Marketing for the Busy Farmer: BF201
DESCRIPTION:Sell Smarter\, Not Harder\n\nMost of us go into farming with the thought of making some – or all – of our\nlivelihood through the sale of what we make or grow. As you grow your operation to provide more of your family’s income\, having a carefully planned marketing strategy becomes more critical. \nCompletion of this online course will enable you to better understand how to price your products\, position yourself in the “buy local”\, direct sales or wholesale marketplace\, and understand low-cost “guerrilla” marketing tactics to get the best bang for your buck and make your farm operation financially sustainable. If you complete the activities in this course\, you will possess a marketing plan to guide decisions for which market channels to enter\, branding and crisis management plans and pricing guidelines for your farm products. \nTarget Audience\nINTERMEDIATE to ADVANCED – New farmers with 1-3 years of farm management experience any farmers who have explored the basics of marketing and are ready to develop a formal marketing strategy.   \nCourse Objectives\nThis course will help you: \n\nLink your farm’s mission and vision to your commercial goals and marketing strategy\nUnderstand the key elements of a solid marketing plan\nDefine who your target customers are and how to most effectively reach them\nDevelop and implement effective marketing strategies\nAssign various pricing strategies depending on the product and market\nUnderstand what a “brand” is and how to relate it back to your marketing activities\nCreate a marketing plan through weekly input from the course instructors\n\nWebinars\nThe bulk of the course happens on your own time\, with discussions\, readings\, and assignments in MOODLE\, our virtual classroom. To add to the experience\, webinars will be woven into the online interface of the course to allow you to meet on a weekly basis to learn from outside presenters\, ask questions\, and collaborate with other participants and the instructor to address your farm issues in real time. If you miss one\, they are always recorded and posted for later viewing. Access details will be posted in MOODLE once you have registered and logged in.  \nInstructors\nLaura Biasillo is an Agricultural Economic Development Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County\, NY.\nMarie Anselm is an Agricultural Economic Development Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County\, NY. \nDates\nMarch 1 – April 5\, 2017 with webinars each Wednesday evening from 6:00-7:30pm Eastern time.  \n \nCourse Outline\nWeek 1: Strategic Marketing: Identifying the “best” market channel for your farm \nTopics Covered: Options for marketing farm products\, evaluating wholesale versus retail outlets\, using the Market Channel Assessment tool.. \nWeek 2: Customer Identification\nTopics Covered: Defining current and potential customers\, “buy local” customers and what motivates them\, identifying trends and taking advantage of them. \nWeek 3: Marketing Strategy\, Part 1: Overview & Customer Communication \nTopics Covered: Defining a marketing strategy\, methods of communication with customers\, methods to effectively reach customers and increase sales. \nWeek 4: Expenses\, Budgets and Pricing \nTopics Covered: Expenses (real and perceived)\, costs versus pricing\, components of a marketing budget (as part of a larger budget)\, pricing (what to include and how to allocate costs). \nWeek 5: Marketing Strategy\, Part 2: Branding & Farm Image \nTopics covered: What is branding? Creating and maintaining a farm image\, responding to crisis and change. \nWeek 6: Collaborative/Cooperative Marketing \nTopics covered: What is marketing and isn’t marketing? Differences between collaborative and cooperative marketing\, formal versus informal arrangements. \nCost and Registration\nFee for this course is $250. Sign up a month or more in advance of the start date and receive $25 off. Sign up for three or more courses and received $50 off your total.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/effective-marketing-for-the-busy-farmer-bf201/
LOCATION:Cornell University Small Farms Program\, Webinar
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170301
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170302
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170213T204852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170214T193613Z
UID:22312-1488326400-1488412799@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Season Extension with High Tunnels: BF220
DESCRIPTION:Know Before You Grow \nAdding weeks to either end of your growing season can mean attaining a premium for having products available well before (or long after) other local growers. But the structures that make this possible–(unheated plastic-covered “high tunnels” or “hoop houses”) can cost a lot of money\, and they bring special management considerations that need to be understood in order to be profitable additions to your farm. \nTarget Audience: \nINTERMEDIATE to ADVANCED: This course is meant for farmers who already have some experience successfully growing vegetables outdoors and are exploring high tunnels as a way to expand the season or improve plant quality. Information will be focused on using high tunnels in colder climates (US Climate Zones 4-6)\, but can be adapted to other growing regions. \nCourse Objectives: \nBy the end of this course growers will have the knowledge to do the following: \nComplete a basic site assessment and know when to bring in experts to discuss site limitations\nMake decisions to improve or maintain their soil health and fertility in the tunnel\nSelect an appropriate high tunnel structure for their site\, climate\, and production needs\nSelect and grow appropriate cold and/or warm season crops for the tunnel\nEmploy pest control and trouble-shooting strategies for high tunnels\nDecide if high tunnels make economic\, environmental\, and social sense on the farm \nWebinars: \nThe bulk of the course happens on your own time\, with discussions\, readings\, and assignments in MOODLE\, our virtual classroom. To add to the experience\, webinars will be woven into the online interface of the course to allow you to meet on a weekly basis to learn from outside presenters\, ask questions\, and collaborate with other participants and the instructor to address your farm issues in real time. If you miss one\, they are always recorded and posted for later viewing. Access details will be posted in MOODLE once you have registered and logged in. \nInstructors: \nJud Reid\, regional vegetable specialist with the CCE Cornell Vegetable Program. \nCrystal Stewart\, regional vegetable specialist with the CCE Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program. \n\n:Dates \nMarch 1 – April 3\, 2017\, with webinars each Wednesday from 6:30 – 8:00pm Eastern time. \n\nCourse Outline: \nWeek One: Soil testing and site assessment\nTopics covered: Assessing a good site for high tunnels\, takeing a soil sample and interpreting soil test results\, creating a nutrient management plan that emphasizes long-term soil health and crop quality. \nWeek Two: Selecting an appropriate structure\nTopics covered: Key considerations in tunnel selection including durability\, adaptability\, movability. \nWeek Three: Warm season crops\nTopics covered: Growing tropical-origin plants like tomatoes and cucumbers\, variety selection\, planting best-practices\, precise use of cultural practices including pruning and trellising. \nWeek Four: Cold season crops\nTopics covered: Growing hearty crops through the winter\, common varieties\, planting best practices\, and harvesting considerations. \nWeek Five: Pest Control and Trouble Shooting\nTopics covered: Redefine pest control strategies for high tunnels\, common challenges\, preventing problems before they occur. \nWeek Six: Pulling it all together\nTopics covered: Is high tunnel growing a good fit for your farm? Looking at the whole picture of economic\, environmental\, and social considerations\, we will help growers ask this question of their operations. \nCost and Registration: \nFee for this course is $250. Sign up a month or more in advance of the start date and receive $25 off. Sign up for three or more courses and received $50 off your total.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/season-extension-with-high-tunnels-bf220/
LOCATION:Cornell University Small Farms Program\, Webinar
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170228T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170228T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20160822T202545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160822T202713Z
UID:20704-1488304800-1488315600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Course: Exploring The Small Farm Dream
DESCRIPTION:Are you considering starting an agricultural enterprise in Massachusetts? The “Explorer” courses are intended for those considering farming as a (small) business. Its purpose is to help pre-venture\, aspiring farmers learn what it will take to start and manage their own agricultural enterprise. Explorer makes use of four\, guided group sessions and a farmer panel of those who have already done what you are contemplating. It is based on an acclaimed workbook developed in partnership with NESFI and presented by an instructor experienced in starting farm businesses. Explorer was created to help you articulate the clear vision and goals you will need to guide an agricultural business. \nProposed Dates/Location*: February – March 2017 – Five Tuesday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00PM \nFebruary 28\, March 7\, March 14\, March 21 and March 28\, 2017 \n@ Bristol Community College Fall River campus* \n(*Dates & location are tentative based on interest.  7 more students need to register by September 15 in order to hold this course in the proposed location.) \nComplete and send in an application form as soon as possible: www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/agr/land-use/agricultural-business-training-program-abtp.html
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/course-exploring-the-small-farm-dream/
LOCATION:Bristol Community College – Fall River\, 777 Elsbree Street\, Fall River\, MA\, 02720\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170227T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170227T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170213T204504Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170214T193559Z
UID:22309-1488222000-1488227400@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Taking Care of Business: BF 103
DESCRIPTION:TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS (BF 103) \nBf103BusinessUnderstanding the Business\, Tax\, and Regulatory Implications of Your Farm\nThis course helps aspiring and beginning farmers assess and manage a variety of risks that a farmer will face as they operate their enterprise. Throughout the six-week period\, topics essential for operating a viable farm business will be discussed\, including insurance coverage\, types of business structures\, and tax information. \nTarget Audience: \nBEGINNER – This is an intro-level course supports aspiring and beginning farmers seeking to learn about the commercial\, legal and tax implications of farming. Farmers outside NYS can take the course\, but should know that extra legwork will be required on the part of the farmer to determine the parallel agencies and regulations that apply in their state. \n“All of the weekly presentations were so valuable. After every session I spent several hours considering what I had heard and how I was operating–or not operating–accordingly.” –Brenna B\, Red Hook\, NY \n\nCourse Objectives \nAt the completion of this course\, you will know how to: \nDescribe five risks that farmers need to regularly address\nComprehend the legal liabilities of operating a farm and selling agricultural products\nFind the resources necessary to better understand income and sales tax regulations for operating a farm.\nEvaluate various forms of business ownership and determine which will be best for you at this time\nIdentify rules and regulations (for marketing\, food safety\, facilities\, etc) that are pertinent to the type of agricultural enterprise you plan to operate\nUse insurance as a risk management tool \nWebinars: \nThe bulk of the course happens on your own time\, with discussions\, readings\, and assignments in MOODLE\, our virtual classroom. To add to the experience\, webinars will be woven into the online interface of the course to allow you to meet on a weekly basis to learn from presenters and ask questions in real time. If you miss one\, they are always recorded and posted for later viewing. \nInstructors \nStephen Hadcock\, Extension Educator with Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program\, NY \nLynn Bliven\, Extension Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County\, NY. \n\nDates: \nMonday February 27 – April 3\, 2017 with webinars on Monday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30pm Eastern time. \n\nCourse Outline: \nWeek 1: Course Introduction\nTopics covered: Navigating in Moodle (our online classroom)\, course expectations\, student introductions\, risks commonly associated with running a farm business \nWeek 2: How Should I Organize the Business?\nTopics covered: Common business structures\, alternative options\, developing and refining a mission & vision \nWeek 3: Income and Sales Tax\nTopics covered: Relevant IRS law\, Farmers Tax Guide\, NY Tax Law \nWeek 4: What is the NYS Agricultural District Law?\nTopics covered: Zoning\, ag districts\, property tax exemptions for farmers \nWeek 5: Permits and Regulations\nTopics covered: Online permit assistance\, sales tax\, Dept. of Ag & Markets \nWeek 6: Record Keeping and Wrap Up\nTopics covered: Which records to keep\, options and resources\, final Q&A \n\nCost and Registration: \nFee for this course is $250. Sign up a month or more in advance of the start date and receive $25 off. Sign up for three or more courses and received $50 off your total.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/taking-care-of-business-bf-103/
LOCATION:Cornell University Small Farms Program\, Webinar
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170226T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170226T153000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170223T151049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170223T151049Z
UID:22525-1488112200-1488123000@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Radical Seed Saving: Collect\, Preserve and Propagate
DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, Feb 26th\, 12:30-3:30 @ Laughing Dog Farm\, Gill\, MA \nFarmer Dan practices an opportunistic\, “guerrilla gardening” approach to seeds and propagation\, allowing Nature and Time to do much of the heavy lifting. He will discuss and demonstrate traditional and alternative strategies for selecting\, growing and gathering valuable heirloom seed as well as tactics for propagating and transplanting seedlings\, around the calendar\, even in chilly New England. Participants in this workshop will handle\, clean (and appropriate some!) home-gathered seed (cucurbits\, nightshades\, alliums\, greens…) as well as consider several out-of-the-box gathering and propagation schemes appropriate for gardeners\, backyard growers\, small farmers\, etc. Workshop includes a greenhouse tour\, Q and A\, plus hot soup\, bread and goat cheese around the kitchen woodstove\, afterwards. \nSuggested donation $25-$35. No one turned away. \n\nRSVP requested. 413-863-8696 or go to this Facebook link.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/radical-seed-saving-collect-preserve-and-propagate/
LOCATION:Laughing Dog Farm\, 398 Main Road\, Gill\, MA\, 01354
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170226
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170227
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20161228T222801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170206T202757Z
UID:21922-1488067200-1488153599@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Massachusetts Agriculture and Food Conference
DESCRIPTION:About the Conference\nWhether you’re a professional farmer\, a backyard gardener\, or just curious about locally grown food\, this is the event for you! Each year\, the lineup includes workshops for the general public as well as info-packed sessions for farmers and gardeners of all experience levels. \nRegistration includes a locally-sourced lunch  and at the Resource Fair you’ll learn about local organizations and businesses that provide services and products to help you grow\, whether you’ve got a hundred acres or a couple of window boxes. \nThe Department of Transitional Assistance will also be on hand to help direct-sale retailers sign up to accept SNAP benefits. \nRegister here!
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/massachusetts-agriculture-and-food-conference/
LOCATION:Bristol County Agricultural High School\, 135 Center Street\, Dighton\, MA\, 02715\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170225T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170225T150000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170111T183330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170111T183330Z
UID:22033-1488027600-1488034800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Maple Sugaring at Home
DESCRIPTION:How to identifying suitable trees\, the when and how of collecting sap\, the boiling down process for the home setting\, and preserving the syrup for year-round use. Participants will install spiles\, develop collection schedules\, and boil down maple sap to syrup. A tasting will follow. Dress for the outdoors. Berkshire Botanical Gardens Members $25; Nonmembers $30 \nBerkshire Botanical Garden\n5 West Stockbridge Road\nStockbridge\, MA 01262 \nFor more information visit our website: berkshirebotanical.org \nOr Phone: 413-298-3926 \nOr Email: info@berkshirebotanical.org
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/maple-sugaring-at-home/
LOCATION:Berkshire Botanical Garden\, 5 West Stockbridge Road\, Stockbridge\, MA 01262
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170225T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170225T130000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170213T211441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170213T211441Z
UID:22321-1488016800-1488027600@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:UMass Extension Mass Aggie Grape Seminar
DESCRIPTION:Mass Aggie Seminars 2017: A Home Garden Series \nPruning Grapes – a Hands-on Workshop Led by Ms. Sonia Schloemann\nSaturday\, February 25\, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.\nUMass Cold Spring Orchard\, 391 Sabin St.\, Belchertown\, MA \nGrapes are one of the most universally enjoyed fruits available. Many of the new varieties have excellent taste\, are winter hardy\, and can make excellent wine. Grapes are fun to grow but present some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is knowing how to correctly prune them. Participants will have the opportunity to conduct actual pruning and gain both experience and confidence in pruning and training grapes in order to produce a bountiful crop. We’ll learn about tool maintenance and sharpening\, too. Bring your own tools or use ours. \nThis workshop will be partially out of doors\, so please dress appropriately for potentially wet\, cold\, and muddy conditions.\nFee: $35. To register\, go to: UMassGarden.com. or mail a check payable to: Mass Aggie Seminars. Attn: Doreen York\, UMass\, \n101 French Hall\, Amherst\, MA 1003-9294 \nTo view the full schedule\, go to: UMassGarden.com\nSponsored by: Nourse Farms\, OESCO\,Inc.\, and Adams County Nursery.
URL:https://www.buylocalfood.org/event/umass-extension-mass-aggie-grape-seminar/
LOCATION:UMass Cold Spring Orchard\, 391 Sabin St\, Belchertown
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20170223T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20170223T153000
DTSTAMP:20260428T111931
CREATED:20170111T164749Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170111T164749Z
UID:22019-1487840400-1487863800@www.buylocalfood.org
SUMMARY:Making the Most Out of Pasture and Hayfields
DESCRIPTION:Join experts\, educators\, and scientists from the University of Massachusetts\, University of Vermont\, University of New Hampshire\, and the University of Maine at an event organized and presented by UMass Extension. \nThe objective of this event is to provide research-based information on the use of hayfield and pasture. \nTopics include: \n\nManaging Alfalfa/Grass Mixtures for High Quality\nExtending Grazing Opportunity Through Summer Annuals\nTake Your Pasture and Hayfield to the Next Level\nStrategies for Implementing Double Cropping of Winter Grains\n\nPlease contact Kelly Kraemer at kkraemer@umass.edu or 413-545-5221 for exhibitor or other information. \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/making-the-most-out-of-pasture-and-hayfields/
LOCATION:Mass Fish and Wildlife Headquarters\, 1 Rabbit Hill Road\, Westborough\, MA\, 01581\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmer Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR