Attention Growers! Leave winter school ready for a Commonwealth Quality Program (CQP) audit and the peace of mind that you are prepared to handle the requirements of: the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), EPA Worker Protection Standards (WPS), Nutrient Management Regulations, and changes in Employment Law. Get up to date on research and IPM practices […]
35 events found.
Events
Calendar of Events
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1 event,
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1 event,
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3 events,
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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 […]
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There are central elements of a business plan that you take away and continue to change daily, weekly, or seasonally. Any system of record-keeping and operations you develop to get you through the first few years of operations need to be reviewed and updated as your farm changes. In this workshop we will break down […] |
2 events,
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Are you considering Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane, and Global Animal Partnership certification for your farm? Join the Farm Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) on February 2 @ 12 noon EST to learn more. Guest presenters from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and Vermont Law School will walk participants through the process of […] |
1 event,
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4 events,
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Advice for both experienced orchardists and novices alike on the practice of growing pawpaws, persimmons, quince, Asian pears, elderberries, and more. Exploring everything from basic cultivation to pest and disease issues. Berkshire Botanical Gardens Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Berkshire Botanical Garden 5 West Stockbridge Road Stockbridge, MA 01262 For more information visit our website: berkshirebotanical.org Or Phone: […]
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Join Elizabeth Farnsworth, Senior Research Ecologist with New England Wild Flower Society, for a lecture and discussion about how to attract pollinators to your garden. The talk will identify the major pollinators of plants in our region and explore how different pollinators interact with different shapes, sizes, and colors of flowers. Learn how to create […]
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You're invited to join Nutwood Farm on Saturday, February 4th at 6:30pm at the Cummington Community House for a free community screening of INHABIT: A Permaculture Perspective. Beautiful and poignant, INHABIT features the voices and visions of social and ecological changemakers in the Northeast and beyond. The film presents a sweeping vision of "a new […] |
1 event,
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2 events,
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Cost: NOFA/MOFGA Member - $75 Non-member - $95 An Intensive On Innovative Management Tools for Growers Using Heated and Unheated High Tunnels Lunch option available for additional $10 or bring your own Limited scholarships are available for beginning farmers (those growing 10 or less years) who are active NOFA/Mass members. To apply please click here. […] |
3 events,
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What: Green Industry Career Fair Where: Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center, Sturbridge, MA When: Tuesday, February 7, 2017 ~ 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cost: It’s FREE but pre-registration is required Who should attend: those looking for a career in Environmental Horticulture! The MNLA Green Industry Career Fair is where landscape, nursery and greenhouse […]
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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 […] |
2 events,
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The Franklin County Community Development Corporation is excited to offer a unique opportunity for those starting, or interesting in starting, food businesses. Product Development Considerations: Beyond the Concept will be held at the CDC in Greenfield, Massachusetts on February 8th from 9am-5pm. This class, taught by Amanda Kinchla M.S., Food Science Extension Specialist at UMass […] |
2 events,
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Do you have questions about overwintering your birds? Please join the Farm Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) on Thursday, February 9 @ 6pm EST! Nicholas Choate-Batchelder of Midnight Sun Farm, and Alex Needham of Radical Root Farm will be presenting. Both farmers have years of experience caring for birds during the harsh winter season. >> Register |
1 event,
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1 event,
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2 events,
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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 […] |
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1 event,
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2 events,
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A Department of Labor (DOL) Investigator will join us in the morning to clarify labor laws in Massachusetts pertaining to agricultural workers. After they leave, get an informative presentation and ask questions of Frank Diluna a seasoned agricultural lawyer, and finally, work with Kristen Wilmer from CISA to develop tools such as an Employee Handbook and improve communication strategies to fit the needs of your employees. |
1 event,
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4 events,
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What is the Farmers’ Market Teach-In? The purpose of the day is two-fold. The “teach-in” element gets our students thinking about local food: how it’s produced, distributed, and valued within the community. Many of our faculty members devote the day to focusing on relevant topics in their area of study; from science to world languages, […]
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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 […]
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RESCHEDULED: This workshop has been moved to February 16th due to snow. Part 2, originally scheduled for Feb 16th, will be rescheduled. In this highly participative workshop, we will learn some foundations of leadership including what most impacts results, a powerful process for identifying core values, four stages of team development and how to clarify […] |
2 events,
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Mark your calendar! The Amherst Food Co-op is hosting it's second membership building event, an evening of music, food, and community on Friday, February 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 867 North Pleasant St., Amherst. (Doors open at 5:30, event starts at 6:00) At 230 member-owners and counting, the Co-op is planning to reach 300 member-owners before spring. […] |
1 event,
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2 events,
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This woodlot management workshop is meant to empower owners of small woodlots to start a management program of their own. David Cantieni will share his personal experience of living in the woods for the last 30 years and his journey of forest stewardship. He’ll discuss and demonstrate how to do a forest assessment, with emphasis on species diversity, canopy openness, aesthetics, wildlife habitat, and timber quality. David will dive into economic considerations of forest management including regional timber markets, selling cordwood, and more. There will also be discussion of scale-appropriate tools and technology to aid you in your forestry work. This workshop also includes a hands-on demonstration of some tools of the trade: chainsaws, chokers, peavies, and more. You’ll also get to watch David demonstrate how he bucks up his logs.
$40 – $50
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2 events,
Little Brook Farm Camp is a children’s educational program that takes place on a small family farm in Sunderland. The farm owner and camp director is a DOE certified educator and Registered Nurse. Children at camp will have the opportunity to learn about livestock and sustainable agriculture. Campers start each day by helping with morning […] |
4 events,
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Looking for an easy hot meal for the whole family? Join Barstow's Longview Farm on Tuesday, February 21 between 4pm and 7pm for their first ever Winter Dinner! The menu will feature their homemade Shepherd's Pie, sauteed green beans, and, for dessert, warm Apple Crisp. Plates are $12 each and $8 for kid's sized plates. […]
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Looking for help exploring financing opportunities for your farm? This session will provide information on the range of loan programs and business assistance that farm lenders and service providers offer, how different lenders work together, and what they each look for in applicants. Participants will be invited to take part in brief “speed-dating” meetings with […] |
4 events,
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Richard Wiswall's experience from farming full time for the last 35 years, coupled with his thirst for appropriate farm business strategies, gives a hard-to-find authenticity to his workshops. Richard will lead this full day workshop focused on making a profit, record keeping strategies, building budgets, and improved financial management for your farm. Beginning and seasoned farmers alike will benefit, and share in some eye opening results. Registration required.
$12 – $17
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Note: this workshop has been rescheduled for February 22nd. For most of us, conflict can be a loaded word; it’s something we shy away from. Disagreements will arise on the farm and, when handled well, can result in more effective communication and stronger relationships. During the height of a farm season, it is especially critical […] |
3 events,
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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. The objective of this event is to provide research-based information on the use of hayfield and pasture. Topics include: Managing Alfalfa/Grass Mixtures for High Quality […] |
3 events,
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Grapes 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.
$35
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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 […] |
3 events,
About the Conference Whether 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. Registration includes a locally-sourced lunch and at the Resource […]
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Farmer 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.
$25 – $35
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2 events,
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This 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.
$250
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2 events,
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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 […] |
8 events,
Adding 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.
$250
Completion 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
$250
This 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.
$250
Grazing 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. In 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.
$250
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.
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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. This event is ideal for restaurants, retailers […]
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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 […]
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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 […] |
5 events,
Whether 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.
$250
An 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. This course, taught by experienced beekeepers and the NYS Honey Bee Extension Associate will give you real-world experiences paired with academic concepts.
$250
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In 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.
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In 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. |
2 events,
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Come 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. |