Are you interested in starting or improving an educational edible garden at your school? Learn step-by-step strategies in creating and sustaining a bountiful plot for students.
With proponents of sustainable agriculture working to distinguish between sustainable and conventional livestock, one facet of farming has yet to break out of the vilified reputation – veal.
Starting by looking at a simple bulb of garlic, beginners will gain a framework for successful garlic growing by looking at the different stages of planting, harvesting, processing and selling.
CSA farmers/organizers from all continents gathered in China at the 6th International CSA Conference to exchange experiences and plan further expansion of family farm-scale agro-ecological projects.
Robert will address the challenges that families face when initiating the farm transition process of passing on management and ownership and show how to plan for one family gradually easing out while the other eases in.
Maintain your gut microbiome for optimal health With Beth Colon, M.S., owner of Holistic Nutrition Services LLC in Westborough, MA. Research is beginning to show a link between the brain and gut microbiology. How do your food choices affect your gut? Do your choices promote healthy brain development and behavior? This informative session will help... Read More
High tunnels can be a great way to grow your farm from a seasonal enterprise to a year round one, to cope with climate change, and to get significantly more sales dollars per acre. However, successful long term management requires different practices than outdoor growing and the high tunnel environment isn’t necessarily as forgiving to... Read More
Learn basic principles of good grazing management systems, from the perspective of the plants and the livestock. Using examples of real farm grazing systems, we will cover fencing, water systems, lanes, paddock sizing and acreage requirements. Understand how to use different stocking densities, pre and post grazing heights, length of rest periods, different plant species... Read More
A practical presentation and interactive discussion on site selection, planting, pruning, grafting and holistically nurturing heirloom and disease resistant apple varieties.
Learn about rotational grazing techniques, how to understand what your pasture land is capable of producing, and how these tools and thoughtful management relate to soil health and increased productivity.
Understand what horses can do for your farm with a hands on learning experience where you will have the opportunity to harness and drive a single or a team of horses.
Visit Astarte Farm, a certified organic market Garden in Hadley MA, for a farm tour of their operation using inoculated compost/Biochar blends to accomplish long term fertility goals.
Groundwork Somerville is piloting the growing of crops that might be considered new to the Boston region, but which are familiar to many immigrants living there.
When the rain comes, will your soil be ready? You’ve learned a lot about soil health already, but have you seen it in action? Join us outside for a variety of soil health demonstrations, including NRCS’ eye-opening rainfall simulator and slake test. Learn how your soil and crop management (tillage, residue, cover crops, crop rotation)... Read More
Learn how to preserve fresh produce in order to reduce food waste, save money, and eat local throughout the year using the time-honored tradition of fermentation.
We will discuss apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes, blueberries and red raspberries (and some minor fruit) and what we do for them from March – November.
Informed by the new edition of Stephen Harrod Buhner’s, Healing Lyme, as well as his Herbal Antibiotics and Herbal Antivirals, we will explore the benefits of plant medicine in fighting bacterial and viral illness and building our bodies’ resistance.
A comprehensive overview of strategies, considerations, and resources for achieving secure access to farmland. Learn ways to find farm properties and assess their suitability for your farm plan. We’ll consider traditional and creative land access options and how to achieve the most appropriate tenure for each unique situation. Rachel Murray, Connecticut Field Agent, Land For... Read More
We will identify the common pests and diseases we see in our work in the greater Boston area, and discuss both standard and more creative management strategies!
In this workshop we’ll look at food system inequities, analyze our own power, privilege, and competencies as makers of change, and discuss possible solutions white culture can implement for a more just and equitable food system.
Having covered the basics and beyond of soils in Part 1, in Part 2 we will look at the intricacies and nuances of bringing your soil and fertility performance to the best it can be.