CISA - Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture

Unlocking Your Land's Potential: partnering with farmers and leasing farmland
2024-10-24 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Remote
Fall Farmland Workshops Co-hosted by SEMAP and Land for Good:
Date: October 24, 2024 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Register here!
Do you want to partner with a farmer and explore your land’s potential? Join us as we discuss the challenges farmers face in accessing affordable farmland and the importance of leased land. We’ll cover various types of farming operations, from hay production to small-scale vegetable farming, and guide you on assessing your land’s suitability for farming. Learn what farmers need, how to find the right one, and how to create a successful lease. Bring your questions for our panel of landowners sharing real-world experiences with a variety of tenure models and successfully working with farmers.

Rich and Healthy: No-till for Successful Farms and Gardens
2024-10-27 10:00 - 17:00 | Seeds of Solidarity Education Center, 165 Chestnut Hill Road, Orange, MA
Are you a farmer or market gardener seeking to start or transition to no-till methods that use simple tools, build healthy soil, reduce labor and cost inputs, promote climate resilience and increase your connection to the land? You’ll learn several no-till, climate resilience techniques in this experiential, day-long workshop with seasoned farmer Ricky Baruc and no-till soil science researchers. Sliding scale $65-$95. Space limited, email deb@seedsofsolidarity.org to register. Soup and salad lunch included. Special opportunity! Our friends at Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, in partnership with the American Farmland Trust Soil Steward program are offering up to ten full scholarships for farmers of color, or new farmers going no-till. Let us know if this is you!
Sunday Oct 27, 10am to 5PM
Visit Seeds of Solidarity’s website for more information.

Rich and Healthy: No-till for Successful Farms
2024-10-27 10:00 - 17:00 | MA
Seeds of Solidarity Farm and Education Center, Orange MA
Sunday Oct 27, 10am to 5pm. Rich and Healthy: No-till for Successful Farms. Are you a farmer or market gardener seeking to start or transition to no-till methods that use simple tools, build healthy soil, reduce labor and cost inputs, promote climate resilience and increase your connection to the land? You’ll learn several no-till, climate resilience techniques in this experiential, day-long workshop with seasoned farmer Ricky Baruc and no-till soil science researchers.
Sliding scale $65-$95. Space limited, email deb@seedsofsolidarity.org to register. Soup and salad lunch included. Special opportunity! Our friends at Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, in partnership with the American Farmland Trust Soil Steward program are offering up to ten full scholarships for farmers of color, or new farmers going no-till. Let us know if this is you!

Ioka Valley Farm Autumn Fun
2024-10-27 10:00 - 17:30 | Ioka Valley Farm
Fall Fun for the Whole Family!
Weekends end of September – October, plus Columbus Day Monday!
Open Weekends 10am – 5:30pm
Fall 2024 September 21st – October 27th.
Pick out your favorite pumpkin and the most colorful Indian Corn from our pumpkin patch, or visit our farm stand for a cornucopia of pre-picked pumpkins and other fall specialities.

Specialties:
Decorations, gifts and souvenirs
Our Pure Maple Syrup and Maple Products
Homemade pies, cookies, and Pumpkin Whoopie Pie
Our Homemade Cider Donuts
Cider and apples
Our Natural Beef
Wander your way through the mini-corn maze
Giant Pumpkin House
Dress-Me-Scarecrows
Animal petting area
Calf-A open serving Ioka’s Roast Beef & Maple BBQ sandwiches, snacks, & more

Activities

There is no general admission during our fall weekends. Our mini-corn maze is free, as well as our dress-me scarecrows, giant pumpkin house, and visiting the farm animals. If you pick a pumpkin from the patch you pay by the pound and if you choose a pumpkin from the gift area they are all pre-priced. We have three activities that we do charge to participate in: Family Fun Play Area, Wagon Train Ride, and Pumpkin Slingshot.

1. Family Play Area:
UNDER 2 years old and OVER 60 years old is free, everyone else pays to enter.
Outdoor farm-theme playground
4 Way See Saw
40ft. Pipeline Slide
Adult Pedal Carts
Tryke track
Duck racer
Mazes
2. Cow Train Ride
Take a ride on our cow wagon train around the farm yard.
3. Pumpkin Slingshot
Our exciting water balloon slingshot. Try your best shot to win a Free Pumpkin.

Writing and Negotiating Successful Farmland Leases
2024-10-30 17:30 - 19:00 | Bristol County Agricultural High School, 135 Center Street, Dighton, MA, 02715, United States
Fall Farmland Workshops Co-hosted by SEMAP and Land for Good:
Register here!
Leasing is essential for many farmers, offering opportunities but also presenting challenges and risks. A well-written lease is key to setting clear expectations and building a solid relationship with landowners. We will explore the key components of farmland leases and discuss how they serve as tools for establishing long-term, successful relationships. We’ll review various lease examples, highlight common pitfalls, and provide strategies to address potential conflicts. Bring your lease, questions, and stories to share for an interactive discussion on improving your leasing experience.
Date: October 30, 2024 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Location: Bristol County Agricultural High School, Second Floor Meeting Room in the Student Commons, Center St., Dighton 02715

Halloween Harvest Celebration
2024-10-31 16:00 - 18:00 | CISA Office, 1 Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield, MA, 01373, United States
CISA wraps up the season with one more Making Food Fun event to celebrate the harvest on Halloween! CISA and the Tilton Library are joining forces to offer this free family event for kids of all ages.
Join us for games, crafts, and samples of local food from Deerfield farms and businesses.

Decorate your own white ghost pumpkin from Antonellis Farm.
Sip cider from Clarkdale Fruit Farms.
Nibble on pumpkin sweet treats from Ciesluk Market
Play harvest games, including ring toss, corn hole, cup knock down, and a spider web toss
Make Halloween bracelets, stickers, and scratch-off Halloween masks
Take home goodie bags full of seasonal treats and chocolates from Richardson’s Candy, compliments of the Friends of the Tilton Library and CISA.

Canning Basics
2024-11-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library 19 South Main Street | Belchertown, MA 01007
Always wanted to learn how to can foods but aren’t sure where to start? Well Lindsey Baird of Oak & Ash Farm is here you teach you that you can, can!

Using the USDA guidelines for safe canning, Lindsey will teach you the basic rules and simple tips and tricks. Maybe you want to preserve your harvest, or perhaps you want to have quick and easy meals in a jar ready to go. Or maybe you want to learn how to save money by preserving items you purchase in bulk. You’ll learn how, all while controlling the ingredients and without relying on having enough space in your freezer.

You will leave with a simple guide on how to use both a water bath canner or pressure canner, and the confidence to fill your pantry with safe, home canned foods.

This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library in Belchertown.

New England Producer Distributor Buyer Forum
2024-11-12 09:30 - 14:00 | Retreat Farm Barn, Brattleboro, Vermont
New England Producer Distributor Buyer Forum
November 12 at the Retreat Farm Barn in Brattleboro, Vermont
9:30-2:00
registration link
Free event
The Grocers Project of Farm to Plate & Small Bites E-news hosts this conversation on the variables of selling food brands. Our small but mighty panel includes a wealth of knowledge about the food industry: Greg Esslinger formerly of UNFI on distributor deduction impact on brands, Joe Dickson formerly of Whole Foods & currently with Lot 49 Advisors on organic compliance & differentiation, Shad Christopoulos covers distribution as an employee of Rainforest Distribution & formerly Associated Buyers. We have representatives from food production to retail grocery digging deep into pertinent retail & regional topics on growing your food brand from the farm through to retail.
All food businesses are encouraged to attend and share first-hand insights on selling and purchasing strategies. Bring your questions, share your experiences on this engaging day. Consider this a first conversation that cracks into the nature of successfully selling our regional brands and supports the goals of New England Feeding New England. We get down to business, learning about the businesses across the food industry.
All businesses and organizations that hold a place in the New England food shed are welcome to attend.
November 12 Producer Distributor Buyer Forum Registration

Food Security and Youth Leadership Development through Soil Health, Food Preservation and Culturally Relevant Crops
2024-11-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Remote
What does it take to create food security in your local community? Over the last 8 years, the Tapley Youth Agricultural Scientists (YAS!) have been building soil health, cultivating culturally relevant crops, and growing nutrient-dense food for their community. The Tapley garden is a model for urban agriculture centered around soil health, healthy food, and leadership development.
With the support of MDAR, the stewards of this garden have been able to conduct soil health assessments with microbiometers and microscopes. They’ve learned how to confront the challenges of building healthy soil in urban spaces. They’ve developed an intensive and productive food source. They’ve found ways to plant, adapt and cultivate crops valued by their communities. They’ve even started exploring how to produce value-added products!
In this webinar, the youth will walk you through the critical soil health techniques – mulching, soil ferments, cover cropping – that build soil health. They’ll discuss how they test soil using a variety of methods. They’ll share lessons on planning an intensive garden to maximize yields and optimize space.
If you’ve wanted to start planning for a community garden in your community, this is a must-watch webinar!
Click here for more information!
Contact Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammad (anna@nofamass.org) with questions.
Seguridad alimentaria y salud de la tierra

¿Qué se necesita para crear seguridad alimentaria en tu comunidad local? Durante los últimos 8 años, los Jóvenes Científicos Agrícolas de Tapley (¡YAS!) han estado mejorando la salud de tierra urbana, cultivando comidas culturales y produciendo alimentos ricos en nutrientes para su comunidad. El huerto de Tapley es un modelo de agricultura urbana centrado en la salud de la tierra, los alimentos sanos y el desarrollo del liderazgo.
Compartirán:

Cómo surgió la huerta
Cómo desarrollar tierra sana en pequeños espacios de cultivo urbano
Cómo desarrollar un huerto de cultivo intensivo
Cómo cultivar alimentos de importancia cultural en Springfield
Una demostración de cocina con productos del huerto

Con el apoyo del MDAR, los responsables de este huerto han podido realizar evaluaciones de la salud del suelo con microbiómetros y microscopios. Han aprendido a afrontar los retos de construir un suelo sano en espacios urbanos. Han desarrollado una fuente de alimentos intensiva y productiva. Han encontrado formas de plantar, adaptar y cultivar cosechas valoradas por sus comunidades. Incluso han empezado a explorar cómo producir productos de valor añadido.
En este seminario web, los jóvenes te guiarán a través de las técnicas críticas para la salud del suelo – acolchado, fermentos del suelo, cultivos de cobertura – que construyen la salud del suelo. Hablarán de cómo analizan el suelo utilizando diversos métodos. Compartirán lecciones sobre la planificación de un huerto intensivo para maximizar el rendimiento y optimizar el espacio.
Esperamos que te sientas inspirado para poner en marcha tu propio huerto comunitario, identificar posibles socios con los que colaborar y salir motivado para crear una fuente de alimentos ecológicos en tu comunidad.
Haga clic aquí para más información.
Si tiene cualquier pregunta, por favor comuníquese con Sister Anna a través del correo electrónico: anna@nofamass.org

Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing Program Informational Webinar/ Seminarios Virtuales Informativos sobre el Programa de Agricultura y Promoción Climáticamente Inteligentes
2024-11-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Remote
Register here!
Date: November 13 at 7:00 PM
Join us on November 13th for an overview of the Climate-Smart Farming & Marketing Program, led by Pasa Sustainable Agriculture. Northeast regional project partners from Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA), NOFA-MA, NOFA-VT, Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust, and Maine Farmland Trust will explain the enrollment process and review the 26 climate-smart practices the project can fund.
This program will run for 5 years, and can provide funding and an annual stipend for farmers to implement practices with soil health and climate resiliency benefits. Practices include cover cropping, hedgerow planting, low-till practices, mulching, silvopasture, nutrient management, agroforestry, conservation crop rotation, and more.
90% of project funds are reserved for underserved and small-scale producers. The USDA definition of underserved includes: Beginning, Socially disadvantaged, Veteran, Limited Resource, Women, and Specialty crop growers. The USDA defines “small-scale” as those with less than $350,000 in annual gross cash farm income.
There will be an opportunity to connect with technical assistance providers from partner organizations who will serve as your point of contact if you decide to enroll in the program. If you live outside of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine, but within the project region (from South Carolina to Maine) you will be put in contact with the regional partner from your state.
This webinar will include simultaneous interpretation in Spanish and English.
What does the Climate-Smart Ag Program include?

Financial Support: Receive funding to implement climate-smart practices on your farm.
Tailored Technical Assistance: Work with our team of Technical Assistance Providers to create an implementation plan that aligns with your farm’s goals
Peer-to-Peer Learning: Join a community of farmers dedicated to improving their farm’s climate resilience and financial performance.
Collaborative Research Opportunities: Farmers can indicate interest in being selected to collaborate on Pasa’s Soil Health and Financial Benchmark Studies.
Marketing Support: Enhance your ability to share your climate impact story with customers and communicate climate and environmental benefits to build consumer support for climate-smart farms, practices, and products

Please contact climate@buylocalfood.org with any questions.

This program is supported by a Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number NR233A750004G025.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition, any reference to specific brands or types of products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for those products or services.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
¡Regístrese aquí!
Fecha: 13 de noviembre de 7:00 a 8:30 pm
Únase a un seminario virtual que ofrecerá una descripción general del Programa de Agricultura y Promoción Climáticamente Inteligentes, liderado por Pasa Agricultura Sostenible. Los socios del proyecto regional del noreste de Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA), NOFA-MA, NOFA-VT, Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust y Maine Farmland Trust explicarán el proceso de registración y explicarán las 26 prácticas climáticamente inteligentes que el proyecto puede financiar.
El 90% de los fondos del proyecto están reservados para productores de pequeña escala y desatendidos. La definición del USDA de desatendido incluye: productores principiantes, socialmente desfavorecidos, veteranos, de recursos limitados, mujeres y de cultivos especializados. El USDA define “pequeña escala” como aquellos con menos de $350,000 en ingresos agrícolas brutos anuales en efectivo.
Habrá la oportunidad de conectarse con proveedores de asistencia técnica de organizaciones asociadas que le servirán como punto de contacto si decide inscribirse en el programa. Si vive fuera de Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire o Maine, pero dentro de la región del proyecto (desde Carolina del Sur hasta Maine), se le pondrá en contacto con el socio regional de su estado.
Este seminario incluirá interpretación simultánea en español e inglés.

¿Qué incluye el Programa de Agricultura Climáticamente Inteligente?

Asistencia financiera: Reciba financiación para implementar prácticas climáticamente inteligentes en su granja.
Asistencia técnica a medida: Trabaje con nuestro equipo de proveedores de asistencia técnica para crear un plan de implementación que se alinee con los objetivos de su granja.
Aprendizaje entre pares: Únase a una comunidad de agricultores dedicados a mejorar la resiliencia climática y el desempeño financiero de sus granjas.
Oportunidades de investigación colaborativa: Los agricultores pueden indicar interés en ser seleccionados para colaborar en los estudios de referencia financiera y de salud del suelo de Pasa.
Asistencia de marketing: Mejore su capacidad para compartir su historia de impacto climático con los clientes y comunicar los beneficios climáticos y ambientales para generar apoyo de los consumidores para granjas, prácticas y productos climáticamente inteligentes.

Comuníquese con Climate@buylocalfood.org si tiene alguna pregunta.
Este programa cuenta con el apoyo de la subvención Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. Este material se basa en un trabajo respaldado por el Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU. (por sus siglas en inglés: United States Department of Agriculture [USDA]), según el acuerdo número NR233A750004G025.
Cualquier opinión, hallazgo, conclusión o recomendación expresada en esta publicación pertenece a los autores y no refleja necesariamente los puntos de vista del Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU . Además, cualquier referencia a marcas o tipos de productos o servicios específicos no constituye ni implica un respaldo por parte del Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU. para esos productos o servicios.
El USDA es un proveedor, empleador y prestamista que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

Climate Stories Music Program at The Great Falls Discovery Center
2024-11-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Find inspiration to address climate change through the power of creativity and storytelling. On Thursday, November 14 from 7 – 8:30 p.m., at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls, musician and director of Climate Stories Project, Jason Davis, will discuss his work with climate narrative music, featuring recorded voices of people around the world speaking about their personal responses to the impacts of climate change.
Davis will also perform solo double bass musical pieces, which includes excerpts from recorded climate stories. Climate Stories Project is an educational and artistic forum that shares personal stories about climate change.
“What we need more than ever to confront the climate crisis is creativity, imagination, and flexible thinking. Artists have a vital role to play in helping us access our emotions about the changing climate and envision a more positive future,” said Davis.
David Fisher of Natural Roots Farm in Conway will speak briefly about his experiences facing climate-related challenges at the farm. Natural Roots Farm is a horse-powered vegetable farm in Conway, Massachusetts offering Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares.
The Climate Stories Project facilitates training for Climate Stories Ambassadors to learn how to interview people around the world to collect their climate change oral histories. To listen to the interview between David Fisher and Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Great Falls Discovery Center staff member, Janel Nockleby, visit climatestoriesproject.org and find Massachusetts on the Climate Stories Project map.
In the Great Hall, this program is free and open to youth and adults. Refreshments will be provided. The event is part of the 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project at the Great Falls Discovery Center, extending the themes developed through the 2023 Smithsonian Museum on Mainstreet traveling exhibition, “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” which was displayed at the center.
Support for this program is from the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, Montague Public Libraries, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, and funding is provided by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and National Endowment for the Humanities.
The Great Falls Discovery Center is located at 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376 and is wheelchair accessible. For ADA/Reasonable Accommodation call: 617-645-0358 or email: Moneesha.dasgupta2@mass.gov. To learn more call 413-863-3221 or visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories.

Transitioning to Organic – Compost Production for Organic Farms, Bed Prep, Soil Test Report Analysis and Recommendations
2024-11-17 11:00 - 15:00 | Global Village Farm, 50 Moroney Road, Grafton, MA, 01519, United States
This workshop and gathering is for farmers interested in producing compost for on-farm use and those who want to explore the process for gaining approval to sell their compost as “approved for organic farm use.” We’ll cover bed preparation for quality crops, including the farm-made compost, and we’ll review soil test reports, analyzing soil test results, and talking about deficiencies in soil, and how to address them. Dinner will be provided!
Click here for more information!
Este taller es para agricultores que están interesados ​​o quieren: Producir compost para uso en la granja y cuál es el proceso para obtener la aprobación para vender como “aprobado para uso agrícola orgánico”.
Preparación del suelo para cultivos de calidad, incluido la composta elaborada en la granja.
Revisaremos el informe de la prueba de suelo, analizaremos y también hablaremos sobre las deficiencias que pueden necesitar ser abordadas.
Haga clic aquí para más información.

Selecting Heat Tolerant Crops and Seed Varieties
2024-11-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Remote
Register here!
This webinar will provide farmers and technical service providers with guidance on the selection of heat tolerant crop varieties and crop planting schedules adapted to changing climate trends and increased temperatures. Crops adapted to warmer and wetter temperatures can reduce the risks associated with extreme weather events. Join CISA and Sue Scheufele from UMass Extension and Emma Golonka of Johnny’s Seeds who will share new insights into heat tolerant crop varieties and strategies for incorporating climate considerations into seed selection.
This event is part of CISA’s annual Adapt Your Farm to Climate Change series, which explores the impacts of extreme heat on various aspects of our food system, including soils, weeds and pests, farmworker health and safety, heat tolerant crops, urban farms, and more.

Date: Wednesday, November 20, 6:00-7:30pm
Location: Remote (Zoom)

Please contact climate@buylocalfood.org with questions.
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40447.

Holiday Shopping at Garden in the Woods
2024-11-21 10:00 - 2024-12-21 15:00 | MA
Join Native Plant Trust at the Garden Shop at Garden in the Woods for holiday shopping this November and December! Skip the lines and come shop our collection of unique gifts, local goods and fair-trade items. We have something for everyone on your list.
The Garden Shop is open Thursday through Saturday, 10am to 3pm from November 7th through December 21st. Please note, we will be closed Thanksgiving week.
When you arrive at the garden, press the call button on the keypad and a member of the garden staff will open the gate for you.

Date/time details
Thursday – Saturday 10am to 3pm (CLOSED Thanksgiving week).

Location
180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA 01701

Family Holiday Fun at Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm!
2024-11-23 08:00 - 2024-12-21 17:00 | MA
Conveniently located in the heart of Western Massachusetts, Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm is your destination for a magical holiday experience.
Just minutes from RT 91 in Hatfield, MA, our 150-acre family-run farm in the heart of the Pioneer Valley offers not only the perfect setting but also premium, expertly grown Christmas trees known for their fullness, freshness, and long-lasting fragrance. More than just trees, we specialize in creating lifelong memories—whether it’s cutting your tree with your family, sipping hot cocoa, or enjoying a horse-drawn wagon ride.
Join the Schrader family and make your holiday season unforgettable at Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm!
2024 SEASON SCHEDULE
November 23rd – December 21st
11am-4pm Wednesday-Friday
9am-4pm Saturday & Sunday
– Leashed dogs welcome
– No tree-tagging this year
– Closed on Thanksgiving Day
We accept cash and all major credit cards
CONTACT INFO
Bob: (413) 687-1806
Jake: (413) 575-1426
Email Us: schrader50@gmail.com
ADDRESS
126 Mountain Road
Hatfield, Mass
01038
Join us at Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm for the 2024 holiday season! Bring your family for a fun-filled day outdoors, choosing from hundreds of trees grown on our 150-acre farm. With over 30,000 trees planted, you’re sure to find the perfect one to take home and create lasting memories. For added convenience, we also offer pre-cut trees!
Tree Varieties Available:
Balsam Fir
Fraser Fir
Canaan Fir
Tree Pricing:
Choose & Cut Trees: $75 plus tax (Up to 8 feet)
Pre-Cut Trees: $90 plus tax (8-9 feet)
Table Top trees: $40 plus tax (3-4 feet)
”Charlie Brown Trees”: Discounted and priced individually
Handmade Wreaths and Crafts
Check out our beautiful handmade wreaths, holiday ornaments, and other local crafts
Sweet Shop
Visit our sweet section for delicious fudge, maple treats, and more
Fun on the Farm!
After picking your tree, stay for complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. We also offer weekend hay rides for the entire family. Or pack a lunch and have a picnic with us. Don’t leave without stopping by the workshop for wreaths, maple syrup, tree stands, and local crafts!
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
$2 per person (5 and under free)
Available Select Weekends. Weather Permitting.

All photos by Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm.

Mr. & Mrs. Claus return the the Farmers' Market at Forest Park
2024-11-23 11:00 - 14:00 | Farmers’ Market at Forest Park
Once again we are hosting Mr. & Mrs. Claus for a fundraiser for Forest Park based animal rescue, NEFESH Whispers. For a donation of $18, receive a digital image just in time to have your holiday cards printed.
Entry to the park is free for shoppers at the market. Use your SNAP and HIP benefits at the market.

PYO Christmas Tree--Cranston's Christmas Tree Farm
2024-11-23 12:00 - 2024-12-22 16:30 | Cranston’s Tree Farm, Ashfield
It’s time to pick your own Christmas Tree! Cranston’s Christmas Tree Farm opens in November, 2024.
Location
Physical Address:
372 Baptist Corner Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
See map below
Contact Us:
(413) 628-0090 or cranstonstreefarm@gmail.com
Facebook
Instagram

Hours
2024 Opening Dates
Sat & Sun, November 23 & 24
12:00 to 4:00
Closed through Thanksgiving
Grand Opening:
Fri, November 29 at 9:00am
Closing:
Sun, December 22 at 4:30pm
for the season
Hours:
Sat & Sun 9:00am – 4:30pm
Wed – Fri 12:00 – 4:30pm
Closed Monday & Tuesday

Prices
Your Tree… Your Choice
All cut your own trees and our pre-cuts are $72 plus tax unless individually priced.
Trees up to 8 1/2 ft. are available.
Tree baling $2.
Our hand-made wreaths
and maple products are
priced as marked.
We accept cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover

All photos by Cranston’s Christmas Tree Farm.

Family Fun Day: Santa Comes to the Farm
2024-11-29 09:00 - 15:00 | Austin Brothers Valley Farm, Across from 348 West Street, Belchertown
Visit Austin Brothers Valley Farm on Friday, November 29th from 9am-3pm. Santa will be at the farm store with fun activities for kids like:

Photos with Santa
Mail letters to Santa at the North Pole
Barrel train rides
Take home cookie decorating kits

PYO Christmas Tree at Hillside Christmas Tree Farm
2024-11-29 09:00 - 2024-12-24 17:00 | MA
Hillside Christmas Tree Farm is a family owned Christmas tree farm growing cut-your-own balsam and fraser fir Christmas trees. We also sell pre-cut Christmas trees ranging in size from tabletops to nine feet. Other holiday products include wreaths, garland and kissing balls.
Prices: All cut-your-own trees are $50. Pre-cut tree prices vary based on size and density.
We accept cash or check.
We are open daily from 9 to 5 from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve or until sold out. For best selection, come early.
We are located on Rte. 143 in Chesterfield but our mailing address is 286 Main Rd. in Williamsburg. GPS uses the mailing address.

PYO Christmas Trees at Kingsbury Farm
2024-11-29 09:00 - 2024-12-24 17:00 | MA
We grow our very own Christmas Trees here at Kingsbury Farms since 1985, and also make our own Christmas Wreaths. Having been in the business of growing Christmas Trees for two generations, we know how to grow them right! We have Frazier, Balsam Fir, Scotch Pine & White Spruce up to 12 ft. tall.
Prices for our trees are as follows:

Choose & cut: $50
Pre-cut trees: $65
Wreaths: $20
Kissing balls: $33
Swags: $10

We will be open on weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas, 9am-5pm.

You can come to the farm early and choose your tree and tag it to come back and cut closer to Christmas.
We also produce maple syrup every year during the sugaring season, and our syrup is available year-round at our farm stand.
Kingsbury Farm
143 Sandgully Road North
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Photos by Kingsbury Farm.

Cut-your-own Christmas Tree at Ioka Valley Farm
2024-11-29 09:30 - 2024-12-24 16:30 | Ioka Valley Farm
Open weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. The energetic may cut their own tree right from the field, or you may purchase a fresh-cut tree at our farm stand.

(Gift shop & Fresh Cut Christmas Trees open Fridays, 12 pm – 4:30 pm).
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and come to the farm where a real Christmas tree makes “Scents!” Ioka Valley Farm offers three varieties of Christmas trees.

Reminder Ioka has a NO Pet policy, thank you!

Choose From:

Concolor Fir
Fraser Fir
Canaan Fir

We carry the “Stand Strait” Christmas tree stand. We will drill your tree and wrap it for travel and for ease in getting the tree into your house. You can also take time to warm yourself by our woodstove and nibble on some fresh popcorn as you browse through our farm stand with its selection of wreaths, handcrafted decorations, gifts, our pure maple syrup & specialty maple products.

McCray's Farm Holiday Light Stroll
2024-11-29 17:00 - 2024-12-29 20:30 | McCray’s Farm, 55 Alvord Street, South Hadley
Join Us for the Christmas Light Show!
Experience the magic of our Holiday Light Stroll, featuring over 400,000 hand-strung bulbs that transform our farm into a winter wonderland. Starting November 29th at 5:00 P.M., enjoy a 30-45 minute enchanting walk filled with sparkling trees, glowing tractors, and twinkling tunnels.
Tickets are $15 per person if you pre-order before opening night. Starting on November 29th, adult tickets will then increase to $18 per person, and children under 12 will remain at $15, with free entry for children two and under. Secure your spot by purchasing tickets online to ensure availability. Follow us on Facebook for updates and join us for a festive and memorable evening!

Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Adventure
2024-11-30 09:30 - 2024-12-01 15:30 | Apex Orchards Farm Store, 225 Peckville Road, Shelburne Falls, MA, 01370, United States
Saturday, November 30-Sunday, December 1st, 9:30-3:30

Join us for our annual Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Adventure! Take a wagon ride through the farm and down to the Christmas Tree fields. Select your tree from the thousands we have available, stay warm by the fire and let us net your tree so it is easy to get home! Weekends Only- Weather Dependent- Dress for the outdoors and enjoy the ride!

Don’t want an adventure? We will have plenty of pre cut trees available to choose from at the Farm Store, starting after Thanksgiving.

Tree Decorating and Holiday Crafts with Goats
2024-11-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Pause and Pivot Farm, 74 South Street, Williamsburg, MA, 01096, United States
Join us at Pause & Pivot Farm for a unique way to kick off the holiday season. We’ll get into the celebratory spirit by decorating evergreen trees using dried flowers and other natural items, then we’ll give the trees to our herd of goats to enjoy! Watch them nibble on their new holiday decor while you participate in a family-friendly holiday craft.
There will be warm beverages and snacks for sale and our Barn Shop will be open throughout the event.
This is a one-of-a-kind farm event that’s sure to bring holiday joy and laughter to all.

Register via this link: Tree Decorating and Holiday Crafts with Goats!

Wintering: Mindfulness & Reflection in the Off Season - A Virtual Class for Workers on Farms
2024-12-01 - 2024-12-15 | Remote
Not Our Farm, with Oakland-based meditation instructor Anna Davda, is offering our Wintering series for farmworkers for a second time!
Each Sunday will center around a different wintering theme, and participants will be led through guided meditation, reflection and discussion. These sessions are held virtually on zoom in English and beginners to a mindfulness/meditation practice are welcome.
If you had a great season, this is for you. If you had a hard season, this is for you. If you work on a 4 season farm, this is for you. This is a space for finding ease, appreciation, community and ways to tend to our inner bonfire during the cold months.
Dates (3 Sundays in December):

Dec 1st, 8-9pm EST
Dec 8th, 8-9pm EST
Dec 15th, 8-9pm EST

Sign up here by November 24.

Soil Management for Climate Resilience
2024-12-03 16:00 - 17:30 | Remote
Register here!
In this webinar, Caro Roszell of American Farmland Trust will discuss the impact and associated risks of increasing year-round temperatures and extreme heat on soil moisture, nutrient levels, and other elements of soil quality. The workshop will examine the potential threats of heat to the long-term productivity of Massachusetts farms, and will highlight practices that can be employed to maintain, manage and improve soil health to safeguard against rising temperatures.
This event is part of CISA’s annual Adapt Your Farm to Climate Change series, which explores the impacts of extreme heat on various aspects of our food system, including soils, weeds and pests, farmworker health and safety, heat tolerant crops, urban farms, and more.

Date: December 3rd, 4pm-5:30pm
Location: Remote

Please contact climate@buylocalfood.org with questions.
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40447.

Get into the holiday spirit with McKinstry Farms!
2024-12-06 11:30 - 2024-12-15 15:30 | McKinstry Market Garden, 753 Montgomery StreetChicopee, MA
McKinstry Farms Christmas Event – December 6-7 & 14-15!
Get into the holiday spirit with us at McKinstry Farms! Join us for a fun-filled Christmas celebration on December 6-7 and 14-15 from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm.
Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus from 12-3 pm Enjoy Hay Wagon Rides Browse our selection of Christmas Trees Take part in a fun Scavenger Hunt Visit with Farm Animals Savor some tasty S’mores Scouty’s Scoop Shack will be open for seasonal treats!…and much more!
Tickets are just $10 per person for anyone wishing to participate in activities (parents accompanying children are free!). It’s the perfect way to make magical memories with your loved ones this holiday season.
We can’t wait to share the holiday cheer with you!

Breakfast with Santa at Ioka Valley Farm
2024-12-07 08:00 - 2024-12-08 12:00 | Ioka Valley Farm
Breakfast with Santa 2024
December 7th & 8th
8:00am – 12:00noon

Open weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. The energetic may cut their own tree right from the field, or you may purchase a fresh-cut tree at our farm stand.
(Gift shop & Fresh Cut Christmas Trees open Fridays, 12 pm – 4:30 pm).
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and come to the farm where a real Christmas tree makes “Scents!” Ioka Valley Farm offers three varieties of Christmas trees.
Reminder Ioka has a NO Pet policy, thank you!

Santa Claus Visits Fletcher Farm
2024-12-07 13:00 - 16:30 | Fletcher Farm, 17 Gunn Rd, Southampton, MA, United States
Come to Fletcher Farm and visit with Mr. Claus himself, while listening to the beautiful voices of the Voices of the Valley Community Chorus!

Kids and adults have the opportunity to let the big guy know their holiday wishes, as well as drop off letters to Santa in our dedicated mailbox!

The Voices of the Valley Community Chorus will be serenading customers with carols while shopping and waiting to visit with Santa. Bring family and friends down to the farm and enjoy the festivities, while snacking on cookies and immersing yourself in the holiday spirit.

You can grab decorations and even a tree after meeting Santa and listening to carolers. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

From Field to Customer: Marketing Strategies for Beginning Farmers
2024-12-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Remote
Are you a beginning farmer selling directly to customers through farmers markets, a CSA, farmstand, or events? Join Central Mass Grown for “From Field to Customer: Marketing Strategies for Beginning Farmers,” on Monday, December 9 from 6-7:30pm. This free, interactive webinar will be presented by Myrna Greenfield of Good Egg Marketing. Learn how to grow your customer base while maximizing your marketing efforts. From crafting a compelling story about your farm to building stronger relationships with your customers, we’ll help you stand out from the crowd. You’ll leave with a simple, actionable marketing plan to help you attract new customers and increase sales. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your farm business to the next level!
Register here!
