Summer Workshops
You're invited to participate in this season's Summer Workshop Series.
This year we are featuring 5 tracks:
- NOFAvore Celebrations
- Gardeners & Homesteaders
- Apprentices & Beginning Farmers
- Vegetable and Fruit Farmers & Sugar Makers
- Dairy, Livestock, & Grain Farmers
Whether you are an organic dairy farmer, a localvore cook, an experienced vegetable grower, or are digging up your first garden this spring, we hope you'll find this year's workshops educational and inspiring.
As always NOFA members get a discount to attend these workshops. Many thanks, as always, to our members and, if you're not a current member, please take this opportunity to join us!
We hope to see you this summer!
NOFAvore Celebrations
Join us to celebrate Vermont organic agriculture!
NOFAvore Celebrations are dinners featuring our Vermont Farmers' Fare pizza with local and organic cheeses, meats, and toppings from the farm hosting the celebration.
These celebrations will provide an opportunity to meet other NOFA Vermont supporters in your region, introduce your friends to NOFA Vermont, and tour the host farm.
These gatherings are free and open to all (members and non-members alike).
Please pre-register and get-directions by calling the NOFA Vermont office: 802-434-4122.
Shelburne Vineyard
Thursday, July 16 | 5-7pm
3608 Shelburne Rd • Shelburne
Featuring wine tastings ($3 for tastings) and a tour of the vineyards (vineyards will be certified organic as of Fall 2009).
Maplewood Organics
Wednesday, July 29 | 5-7pm
3550 Gore Rd • Highgate
Knoll Farm
Thursday, July 23 | 6-8 pm
700 Bragg Hill Rd • Waitsfield
This celebration follows the Getting Started with Organic Blueberries workshop.
Turkey Hill Farm
Saturday, August 8 | 5-7pm
55 Turkey Hill Rd • Randolph
This celebration follows The Family Cow and Making Home Dairy Products workshop and features music by Lee Blackwell and friends.
Walker Farm
Tuesday, August 18 | 6-8pm
1190 US Rte 5 • East Dummerston
This celebration follows the Cultivating Your Winter Clientele workshop.
Merck Forest & Farmland Center
Saturday, August 29 | 5-7pm
3270 Rte 315 • Rupert
Gardeners and Homesteaders
Saturday, June 20
10 am-12noon
Growing Organic Vegetables in a 10x12 ft Garden Cut Into the Lawn - in 15 Minutes a Day
Vermont Technical College • Randolph Center
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members
Join Henry Homeyer, gardening columnist and author of The Vermont Gardener's Companion, to learn how to convert a 10 ft by 12 ft patch of you lawn into a veggie garden that can produce significant quantities of food with minimal investment in just 15 minute of work a day. The workshop will be outdoors rain or shine.
Directions: Take Exit 4 off I-89, turn on to Rte 66 E towards Randolph Center and VTC. At the entrance of Vermont Technical College look for the signs directing you to the workshop.
Saturday, June 27
9am-1pm
Riches from Waste: Compost & Soil Health for Gardeners
760 Silloway Rd • Randolph Center
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members
Pre-registration is required-Please call the NOFA office at 802-434-4122
Join Maryls Eddy, Assistant Professor of Landscape Development and Ornamental Horticulture at Vermont Technical College, to learn the basics of soil management. Come ready to build a compost pile. We'll explore the roots of a healthy garden, including simple ways to turn your wastes into brown gold. Bring questions to trouble shoot your compost system. Please bring work gloves and wear sturdy shoes.
Directions: Take Exit 4 off I-89, turn on to Rte 66 E towards Randolph Center and VTC. At the entrance of Vermont Technical College turn right. After several hundred yards take your first left on to South Randolph Road (between white church and red schoolhouse). Proceed on South Randolph Road for 8/10 of a mile and Beidler Family Farm is on the left. Stay straight on Silloway Road for less that a mile to #760, a Brown clapboard house on the right.
Saturday, July 18
1-3pm
Raising Backyard Chickens
Honey Dew Homestead • 1372 Old Stage Rd • Williston
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members
Come to this interactive workshop with suburban homesteaders Markey Read and Tim King to learn how to integrate free range chickens into your lawn and gardens without having them become a free meal for the local foxes, bobcats, weasels, and other creatures that share your land. Markey and Tim will discuss how to sell eggs to pay for supplies and their progress with raising meat birds.
Directions: From Taft corners in Williston (the junction of RT 2 and 2A): take Rte 2A north toward Essex Junction. Go 1 mile to traffic signal at Mountain View Dr. Turn right onto Mountain View (if you turn left here you will be on Industrial Ave and eventually merge onto Williston Road). Go about 2 miles to Old Stage Road (right at Adams Farm Market & Orchard), turn left onto Old Stage. Go to 1372 Old Stage (4th house on right). Look for the "Career Networks" sign.
From Five Corners in Essex: Take Rte 2A south toward Williston. Go past the Agway Store until you reach the traffic light at Mountain View Road; turn left (if you turn right here you will be on Industrial Ave and eventually merge onto Williston Road). Go about 2 miles to Old Stage Road, turn left (right at Adams Farm Market & Orchard). Go to 1372 Old Stage Rd (4th house on right). Look for the "Career Networks" sign.
Thursday, July 23
4-6 pm
Getting Started with Organic Blueberries
Knoll Farm • 700 Bragg Hill Rd • Waitsfield
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices $15 for non-members
Join Helen Whybrow, a lifelong organic gardener and farmer, to learn about adding edible perennials to the home landscape. Siting, planting, pruning, and caring for your blueberries will be covered. You'll also have a chance to pick-your-own from 7 different varieties after the workshop. Knoll Farm has about ½ acre of blueberries. Stay for the NOFAvore Celebration following the workshop.
Directions: Knoll Farm is located at 700 Bragg Hill Road, Fayston. We are five minutes from the town of Waitsfield and Route 100.
Coming from the South: Take I-89 North to Exit 9, Middlesex. Turn left at the bottom of the exit ramp. After 0.1. mile, turn left at the T-Junction onto Route 2. After 0.5 miles, turn right by the Middlesex Country Store onto Route 100B. After 12 miles, you will come to Waitsfield. Drive through Waitsfield until you see the Den Restaurant on your left and a sign for Route 17 ahead. Turn right onto Bragg Hill Road immediately before the junction between Route 100 and Route 17. Knoll Farm is 7/10 of a mile up the hill, on the right.
Coming from the North:
Take I-89 South to Exit 10, Waterbury. Turn right at the bottom of the exit ramp. Turn left at the T-Junction onto Route 2, towards Waterbury. After 1.3 miles, turn right onto Route 100-South. (The turn comes immediately after an auto repair shop on your right.) After 12 miles, you will come to Waitsfield. Drive through Waitsfield until you see the Den Restaurant on your left and a sign for Route 17 ahead. Turn right onto Bragg Hill Road immediately before the junction between Route 100 and Route 17. Knoll Farm is 7/10 of a mile up the hill, on the right.
Saturday, August 1
8am-4:30pm
Stone Construction of Dry Stone Arches
Holy Goat Farm • 206 Walker Hill Rd • Williston
$20 for NOFA members & apprentices, $30 for non-members
Pre-registration is required-Please call the NOFA office at 802-434-4122
Join Vermont Horticulturist Matt Leonetti of Morning Dew Landscaping and Stonework for a workshop that will teach you the basics of dry laid stonework construction design to hold a freestanding stone arch. These beautiful arches add a unique accent to any garden or landscape. Morning Dew is a family owned and operated landscape design and build firm. Bring work gloves, lunch, and a stone hammer if you have one. Bring rain gear for inclement weather.
Directions: From I-89 take Exit 12(Williston). Take Rte 2A south. Drive about 1/2 mile. Turn right onto Walker Hill Rd. Look for number 206 on your right.
Saturday, August 8
2-5pm
The Family Cow and Making Home Dairy Products
Turkey Hill Farm • 55 Turkey Hill Rd • Randolph
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members
Pre-registration is required-Please call the NOFA office at 802-434-4122
Farmers Stuart and Margaret Osha of Turkey Hill Farm will share the many issues that arise in having a family cow, including milking schedules, equipment, breed types, health considerations, feed, and land issues as well as marketing your milk. This workshop will also cover making homemade butter, ice cream, cheese, and more! Stay for the NOFAvore Celebration following the workshop.
Directions: Take I-89 to Exit 4. Take Rte 66 east past Floyd's Store. Take a left on Ridge Rd. Go ~1mi and turn right on North Randolph Rd. Go ~1mi and take a right on Curtis Rd. After 1/3 mile, stay straight, do not go around the corner, go past the three mail boxes, we are the first left. If you get lost, call 802-728-7064.
Wednesday, August 12
6-8pm
What's Bugging Your Garden?
Evergreen Gardens • 15 Cabin Ln • Waterbury
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members
Are bugs eating your garden? Do you want to do be able to identify insects in your home and garden? Jon Turmel, the Vermont State Entomologist, will lead this workshop about insect identification and management. We will differentiate between the good, the bad, and the just ugly. Bring dead bugs to be identified in a jar of isopropyl alcohol (they must be dead). This workshop is outside.
Directions: Take exit 10 off of Route 89 and go north on route 100 for 4 miles. Evergreen Gardens is on the left hand side of the road.
Saturday, August 15 (Rain date Sunday, August 16)
1-3pm
An Introduction to Keeping Bees
Berry Creek Farm • 1342 VT Rte 100 • Westfield
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members
Farmer Gerard Croizet will discuss care of the bees from spring visits to winterizing the hives. Rosemary Croizet will cover cleaning wax and making beeswax candles. Sources of bee equipment and further information will be provided. Berry Creek Farm produces mixed vegetables, bedding plants, and strawberries. Bring a bee veil if you have one; weather permitting we will open a hive. Call the NOFA Vermont office 802-434-4122 by Friday the 14th to see if the rain date will be used.
Directions: Right on Route 100 at the South end of the village of Westfield. See the greenhouses and the sign.
Sunday, August 30
9am-12:30pm
Grow and Make Your Own Medicine
EOS Botanicals • 4287 Monkton Rd • Monkton
$15 for NOFA members & apprentices, $20 for non-members (includes supply fee)
Don't let the next flu pandemic catch you unprepared. Join clinical herbalist Julie Mitchell to learn the ins and outs of influenza: how to use herbs, supplements, and functional foods to enhance immunity for family and friends. Hands-on herbal preparations will be part of the day, with recipes and resources to take home. Please bring a mason jar, a water bottle, a chair, a cup for tea, and a snack. Dress in appropriate clothing as the event will be held outside.
Directions: From Burlington, take Route 7 south to Vergennes. Turn left at the second traffic light onto Monkton Road. Drive approximately 6.5 miles going north. Look for the Owl Mountain Road sign. Turn right, taking the left in the fork in the road all the way to the end.
Coming from the South, take Route 7 north to Vergennes. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Monkton Road. Drive approximately 6.5 miles going north. Look for the Owl Mountain Road sign. Turn right, taking the left in the fork in the road all the way to the end.
Saturday, August 29
10am-12noon
Basic Food Preservation
Vermont Technical College • Randolph
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members
Join life-long organic gardener Henry Homeyer, gardening columnist and author of The Vermont Gardener's Companion, for a workshop on basic food preservation. Henry will teach you how to use your garden produce and fruits by freezing, dehydrating, and storing, including root-cellaring. Hands-on demonstrations of basic techniques that will allow you to use the summer's production all year long.
Directions: Take Exit 4 off I-89, turn on to Rte 66 E towards Randolph Center and VTC. At the entrance of Vermont Technical College look for the signs directing you to the NOFA-VT workshop.
Saturday, September 12
10 am-1pm, optional garden tour 2pm
Sustainable Garden and Landscape Design
Community Room at Ilsley Library • 75 Main St • Middlebury
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members
We all want our gardens to be satisfying, beautiful, and yet sustainable, in short, easy on the gardener and gentle on the earth. This workshop will show you how by starting with blueprints for a sustainable garden, and an examination of ‘plant garden communities.' Judith Irven, owner of Outdoor Spaces Landscape Design, will lead this workshop. Afterwards, join Judith for an optional tour of her gardens in Goshen. Bring a pencil, eraser, several pieces of trace paper, lunch, and, if possible, an architect's rule.
Directions: Take Route 7 to Route 30 (Main Street) in Middlebury. The workshop will be held in Community Room at Ilsley Library, 75 Main Street. Park in the public lot behind the library and come into the library via the lower rear entrance (down the ramp).
Thursday, September 17
7-9:30pm
Making Natural Soaps
Long Trail Community Market • 3176 East Main Street • Richmond
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members
Pre-registration is required-Please call the NOFA office at 802-434-4122
Lynne Gavin of Sunflower Soaps will teach you the basics of making natural soaps. Come explore both the cold process method and the hot process method. Discover ways to incorporate local ingredients like goat's milk, honey, beeswax, and herbs to make creamy, soothing soap! You will learn the soap making process from start to finish, and receive a basic recipe with instructions.
Directions: Take Route 89 to the Richmond exit 11. Head east toward Richmond village on Route 2. Stay on Route 2/East Main Street past Richmond center until you reach Jonesville. Look for the Long Trail Community Market at 3176 East Main Street.
Apprentices & Beginning Farmers
Tuesday, June 23
5-7pm
Growing Grains for Baking
Naga Bakehouse • Sun Dog Lane • Middletown Springs
Workshop is free
Co-sponsored by UVM Extension, & the Northern Grain Growers Association
Visit Naga Bakehouse to see how a small scale operation is planting wheat, rye and other grains, including small amounts of heirloom varieties from around the world. We will tour the fields and wood-fired bakery bakehouse. Julie Sperling and Doug Freilich of Naga Bakehouse will discuss their experiences growing grains in small plots. Dr. Heather Darby of UVM Extension will be on hand to answer questions. Please bring a bagged lunch and drink.
Directions: From Burlington: Take route 7 south to Vergennes. At Vergennes pick up 22A south. After Fair Haven, take left turn into Poultney. Turn left onto Main Street. At Intersection of Main Street and Route 30 (by gas station) - go STRAIGHT across Route 30 onto ROUTE 140 EAST towards Middletown Springs for approximately 5 or 6 miles.Our road, Sundog Lane, is about 5-6 miles from Poultney on LEFT.
From Wallingford:
At the intersection of Route 140 and Route 7 in Wallingford, take Route 140 West (BEAR RIGHT AT FORK), until road ends at stop sign approximately 5-6 miles. Turn left onto Route 133 to Middletown Springs. At stop sign in Middletown Springs continue straight on Route 140 for approximately one mile. If you get lost our number is 802-235-1282).
Tuesday, July 7
5-7 pm
Organic Strawberry Production using Plasticulture
Darby Farm • 54 North Main St • Alburgh
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members
Ron Hermann of Darby Farm will discuss their strawberry plasticulture system that uses row covers, instead of straw, over winter. Topics of discussion will include plant selection, planting, plant maintenance, harvest considerations, and winterization. This unique system is very suitable for small and beginning farms. The Darby Farm markets mixed fruit and vegetables, and honey. They also custom graze livestock.
Directions: Drive Rt 2 through Alburgh village, fourth house on right past Exxon or American Legion, turn at farm stand, 54 North Main St.
Wednesday, July 22
6-8pm
Pest Safari: Hunting for and ID'ing Insects, Diseases, & Weeds
The Farm Between • 3727 Rte 15 • Jeffersonville
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members
Join John Hayden, farmer and entomologist, Ann Hazelrgg, UVM Extension Plant Pathologist, and Wendy Sue Harper, NOFA Vermont Vegetable Advisor, for a workshop that identifies insects, diseases, and weeds; discusses their life cycles; and talks about practices to manage them. Please bring a hand lens, little jars, a hand trowel, zip-lock bags, and insect, disease or weed keys or ID books if you have them.
Directions: The Farm Between is located on Route 15 between Cambridge and Jeffersonville. It is about 1 mile from Cambridge and about 1 mile from Jeffersonville. Look for the brick farm house on curve with two silos on the north side of road.
Wednesday, July 29
10am-3pm
Introduction to Farming with Horses
Fair Winds Farm • 511 Upper Dummerston Rd • Brattleboro
$20 for NOFA members and apprentices, $30 for non-members
Jay and Janet Bailey of Fair Winds Farm have been farming with Suffolk Punch draft horses for 28 years. All the farm's systems are designed around maximizing the use of horse power. Jay and Janet, along with Rebekah Murchison will demonstrate the use of various pieces of equipment with horses. There will be exercises to help you understand if farming with horses is for you. Please bring a bag lunch. Our hosts will provide drinks.
Directions: from North or South: Take I-91 Vermont Exit 2. Turn right on Rte. 9 West. Take the second right turn, Orchard Street. Go up the hill and turn right when it flattens out on East Orchard Street. Bear right at the next intersection keeping the golf course on your right. Turn right at the "T" on Upper Dummerston Road, with the golf course still on your right. Fair Winds Farm is about 300 yards on the left. Directions from the West:
Take Route 9 East over the Green Mountains. In Brattleboro, watch for the Farmers Market site on the right, then pass the Creamery Covered Bridge, then when you see the Shell gas station on the right, turn left on Orchard Street and follow directions above.
Parking is in front of the barn. For more info call us at 802-254-9067 or email: fairwind@sover.net
Monday, August 10
10am-12 noon
Beginning with Poultry
Applecheek Farm • 567 MacFarlane Rd • Hyde Park
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members
Come to Applecheek Farm to learn about varieties of poultry, their different uses, and how to care for them in your backyard or barnyard. John Clark Jr.'s passion for organic pastured poultry has lead him to raise turkeys, layers, Red Bro broilers, ducks, and guinea hens. Please bring bagged lunch and clean rubber boots for a pasture walk.
Directions: Turn left on Garfield Rd near intersection of RTs 15/15A (west of Morrisville on the north side of the road); go 2 miles, turn right on McFarlane Road, which ends at the farm.
Tuesday, August 18
4-6pm
Cultivating Your Winter Clientele
Walker Farm • 1190 US Rte 5 • East Dummerston
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members
Come learn how you can develop a market strategy for your area that will pay your winter bills with a fresh crop winter CSA. Timing and variety for winter crops production will be discussed along with presentation. Walker Farm is a family garden center and farm stand operation with 30 acres certified organic fields and 8 certified organic greenhouses. Most of their crops are marketed retail at the farm. Farmers Jack, Karen, Kristin, and Dustin Manix will present this workshop. Stay for the NOFAvore Celebration following the workshop.
Directions: From the north: Take I-91 exit 4 Putney. Turn left onto US Route 5 and travel south about 4 miles. Walker Farm is on your left just after the KOA Campground. Lots of greenhouses, 2 red barns, farmstand.
From the south: Take I-91 exit 3 Brattleboro. Go ¾ way around roundabout and travel north on US Route 5 about 5 miles. Walker Farm is on your right, parking below the farmstand and in supplemental area.
Vegetable and Fruit Farmers & Sugar Makers
Wednesday, June 10
5-7pm
Early Season Spinach Trials
High Mowing Organic Seeds • 76 Quarry Rd • Wolcott
Free to VV&BGA Members and VOF Certified Farmers
Others $10 for NOFA members, $15 for non-members
Cosponsored by the VT Vegetable & Berry Growers Association and UVM Extension.
Be a part of High Mowing's spring spinach trials! High Mowing is hosting a workshop at their Trial Gardens in Wolcott to let growers in on new and upcoming varieties that may be available as NOP organic seed in the future. It will be a great opportunity to connect with HMS staff and other growers to learn more about growing spinach, pests, and disease, breeding varieties and the current state of the spinach seed industry. In addition, High Mowing would like feedback and suggestions from professional growers to inform their selection of varieties available in future years. There will be a number of varieties in the field for review. This workshop is geared for professional growers. Presented by Heather Jerrett, R&D Trials Manager, Tom Stearns, President, and the HMS Sales Team.
Directions: To Trial & Showcase Gardens - do not go to our warehouse on Rt15
From Morrisville
Drive east on Rt15 through the town Wolcott. Take left onto East Hill Rd, at cemetery right outside of Wolcott town center. Follow up the hill and take right onto Marsh Rd near top of hill. Follow road a few miles until you see High Mowing greenhouses and parking signs.
From Hardwick
Drive west on Rt15. Pass intersection of Rt14 N and follow for three miles. Watch for sign for blind turn onto Marsh Rd on right. Take right onto Marsh Rd. Follow Marsh road up hill, bear left at top of hill where road forks. You will see overlook of fields on left. Park in designated parking area at field entrance by greenhouses.
Friday, June 12
5-7pm
Greenhouse Pest Management
Killdeer Farm • 55 Butternut Rd • Norwich
Free to VV&BGA Members and VOF Certified Farmers
Others $10 for NOFA members, $15 for non-members
Cosponsored by the VT Vegetable & Berry Growers Association and UVM Extension.
Jake and Liz Guest have been growing crops at Killdeer Farm for 29 years. Their 12 greenhouses produce their own vegetable transplants, as well as bedding plants, hanging baskets, and greenhouse tomatoes for retail sale at their farm stand. Jake relies on biological controls and cultural practices to manage pests like aphids, white flies, spider mites, and thrips. Please join Jake and Liz, Margaret Skinner, UVM Entomology Lab, and Vern Grubinger, UVM Vegetable and Berry Specialist, for a discussion of scouting procedures, pest identification, and use of bio-rational greenhouse IPM strategies for managing pests.
Directions: Take exit 13 (Norwich) off I-91 onto route 5 north. Stay on route 5 for about 2 ½ miles. Just after the vet clinic on left, turn left onto Butternut Road. The farm is at end of road.
Tuesday, June 30
5-7pm
Commercial Strawberry Production Using Organic Methods
Wood's Market Garden • 93 Wood Ln • Brandon
Free to VV&BGA Members and VOF Certified Farmers
Others $10 for NOFA members, $15 for non-members
Cosponsored by the VT Vegetable & Berry Growers Association and UVM Extension
Wood's Market Garden is a diverse vegetable and small fruit farm with about 30 acres of production; 2-3 are fruited strawberries annually, with both retail sales and PYO. Join farmer Jon Satz and Vern Grubinger, UVM Vegetable and Berry Specialist, to look at all stages of their berry production. Also available for observation are various cultivation implements, including both a tine weeder and a reggi eco-weeder. Wood's Market Garden uses organic practices in all of their field production, but is not certified at this time.
Directions: We will meet at the farmstand on Rt 7. The stand is just over 1 mile south of the village of Brandon.
Tuesday, July 21
5-7pm
Organic Weed Control and Cultivation
Intervale Community Farm • 128 Intervale Rd • Burlington
Free to VV&BGA Members and VOF Certified Farmers
Others $10 for NOFA members, $15 for non-members
Cosponsored by the VT Vegetable & Berry Growers Association and UVM Extension.
Farmers Andy Jones, Becky Maden, and Keri Latiolais of Intervale Community Farm will share weed control strategies they use at the Intervale Community Farm. Growing 20 acres of mixed organic produce, ICF employs several cultivating tractors, specialty tools, and diverse approaches to stay ahead of most weeds.
Directions: From north: follow I-89 south to exit 16 or Route 15 westbound to Winooski. From rotary in Winooski, follow Route 7 to right hand fork across Winooski River bridge onto Riverside Ave. Follow Riverside. Turn right and follow Intervale Road downhill. Continue downhill to first driveway on left after pavement ends.
From south and east: I-89 to exit 14w toward Burlington. Follow Route 2 uphill through UVM campus. Turn right onto Prospect St. Follow Prospect St. north through two stoplights and a series of stop signs, descending steeply to stoplight at Route 7/Riverside Ave. Cross Riverside, continue downhill to first driveway on left after pavement ends.
From south. Follow Route 7 north all the way through Burlington. Turn right onto Riverside Avenue (still route 7), follow one block downhill, turn left onto Intervale Road. Continue downhill to first driveway on left after pavement ends.
Thursday, August 13
2-5pm
The OrganicA Project: Organic Apple Production
UVM Hort. Farm • 65 Green Mountain Drive • South Burlington
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members.
Co-sponsored by the OrganicA Project
The OrganicA Project is studying the opportunities and challenges of organic apple production. Lessons learned from two certified organic apple orchards at UVM will be discussed and along with the insights and knowledge of other organic apple growers. Presented by Professor Lorraine P. Berkett, Extension Professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Science, UVM.
Directions from Burlington and the north: Travel 1.5 miles south from the intersection of Interstate I-189 and Shelburne Road (U.S. Route 7). Turn left at the traffic light onto Green Mountain Drive after the state highway sign indicating the UVM HORT. FARM. Travel .3 miles on Green Mountain Drive and turn right onto the Horticultural Research Center access road.
Directions from Shelburne and the south: Travel 3.5 miles north from the intersection in the center of Shelburne Village on U.S. Route 7. Turn right at the traffic light onto Green Mountain Drive after the state highway sign indicating the UVM HORT. FARM. Travel .3 miles on Green Mountain Drive and turn right onto the Horticultural Research Center access road.
Wednesday, September 2
5-7pm
Soil and Soil Health
Wellspring Farm CSA • 182 LaFirira Pl • Marshfield
Free to VV&BGA Members and VOF Certified Farmers
Others $10 for NOFA members, $15 for non-members
Cosponsored by the VT Vegetable & Berry Growers Association and UVM Extension.
Soil health is important for vegetable production, but what does that mean? We'll look at soil structure, explore the profile of a soil pit to identify compaction or root limiting layers, examine soil health tests, and discuss how they can be valuable to farmers. Join Vern Grubinger, Heather Darby, Karen Hills, and Erica Cummings of UVM Extension, and Wendy Sue Harper of NOFA Vermont in a session designed to focus on soil health. Wellspring Farm CSA is a certified organic farm, producing mixed vegetables, herbs and flowers for its 130 member CSA in Marshfield.
Directions: From the west: take Rte 2 east. Turn right onto Patty's Crossing after signs for Meadowcrest Campground (~4mi beyond Plainfield). Turn right to LaFirira Place. The farm is at the dead end. From the east: Take Rte 2 west past Marshfield. Turn left onto Patty's Crossing (approx. 3 miles from Marshfield village). Follow directions above.
Saturday, September 26
1-4pm
Managing a Maple Orchard and its Organic Practices
Hillsboro Sugarworks • 270 Rounds Rd • Bristol
$10 for NOFA members & apprentices, $15 for non-members.
Join David Brynn of Vermont Family Forests and organic sugar makers Dave & Sue Folino as they discuss thinning techniques, woods and road maintenance, erosion control, high production - low impact tubing systems, and organic practices in the sugarbush and within the sugarhouse.
Directions: Turn off Route 116 onto Route 17 and head toward Jerusalem. Past the local store approximately three miles, turn left onto Gore Road. Approximately three miles turn left onto Beane Road. Take first left off Beane Road onto Mountain Side Lane. Follow signs to Hillsboro Sugarworks.
Dairy, Livestock, & Grain Farmers
Monday, June 22
10 am-12 noon
Pasture Walk: Improving Productivity
Mount Hunger Jerseys • 830 Mt Hunger Rd • East Burke
$10 NOFA Members, $15 for non-members
Steve Brown and Leslie Miller-Brown have been rotationally grazing their pastures for 18 years during which they've been able to greatly improve the productivity, organic matter, and drought-resistance of their sandy soils. This pasture walk will offer lots of "tricks of the trade" and good ideas from experienced graziers.
Directions: Exit 23, I-91, go north on Rt 5, through Lyndonville. At intersection of RT 5, 122 and 114, turn on to RT 114; go 3.2 miles to a right turn on Mt Hunger Road, (look for Rick's Gun Shop sign); go 300 yds and bear left at the "Y" (still on Mt Hunger Rd.); 8/10 mile to the farm (mailbox # 830, with Organic Valley sign).
Thursday, June 25
10am-12 noon
Pasture Walk: Designing a Grazing System
Sherman's Mountain View Farm • 26 Sherman Rd • Dover
$10 NOFA Members, $15 for non-members
The Shermans became certified organic milk producers in November and are enthusiastic graziers. In 2009 they are tilling and reseeding several of their pastures. Sarah Flack, NOFA Vermont Dairy & Livestock Advisor, will lead a discussion on designing a grazing system, to get you from where you are to where you want to be.
Directions: From Wilmington: Head North on Rt 100, after about 4 miles make a slight right onto E Dover Rd. At T make right onto Dover Hill Rd. In two miles make right onto Schoolhouse Rd which turns into Holland Rd. Road ends at Goose City Rd, turn left. Road ends at Sherman Rd, turn left. 2nd house on right. 26 Sherman Rd, Dover.
Monday, July 6
11am-3pm
Grain Production on Organic Dairies
Miller Family Farm • 1732 Fort Bridgman Rd • Vernon
Free to farmers, $15 for all others
Sponsored by UVM Extension
The Miller Family Farm milks 100 pure breed Holsteins and is in the process of transitioning to organic. Come learn more about how Peter Miller is integrating annual forage and grain production into his organic cropping system. Peter has been growing corn silage and soybeans for two years and recently incorporated cereal grains into the rotation (oats, barley, and wheat). He has also recently planted Sorghum Sudan. There will also be a pasture walk of the new grazing system. More details to come. Lunch will be provided featuring local and organic ingredients cooked up in NOFA Vermont's wood fired oven.
Directions From Brattleboro: Head southeast on Rt 142/Vernon St. Farm is on the right a little over five miles at the rail road crossing.
Wednesday, July 8
9am-3:30pm
On-farm Composting 101
Highfields Institute West Hill Farm • 2362 West Hill Rd • Hardwick
$20 for farmers, $15 for each additional person from one farm, $50 for non-farmers
Contact (802) 472-5138 or june@highfieldsinstitute.org to register by July 1st.
Make composting work for your farm by understanding the science of composting and effective management strategies. This workshop includes classroom, hands-on and demonstration components covering recipe development, feedstock mixing, pile formation, monitoring, management, and site development. Please bring a lunch.
Directions: From Hardwick-Take Rt. 15/Rt. 14 out of Hardwick. Turn RIGHT onto Rt. 14 North--There is a Gulf station/Kwik Stop on the corner-- Go 0.10 mile. Take a LEFT onto West Hill Rd (next to Gate's Salvage) Go up the hill and down the road 2.5 miles. The Demonstration site (2362 West Hill Road) is on the RIGHT-you will see a sign and windrows. Follow signs for parking.
Friday, July 10
11am-3pm
Growing Food-Grade Wheat
Gleason Grains • 2076 East St • Bridport
Free for farmers, $15 for all others
Sponsored by UVM Extension
Ben Gleason has been growing wheat for 20 years in Vermont. At this workshop he will offer us his vast experience in all aspects of growing food grade wheat. This will include a discussion on varieties, weed control, crop rotations, harvesting, and flour processing. Ben will also spend time discussing appropriate rotational crops for wheat.
Directions: From Middlebury: Take Rt 125/ College St east. Route 125 will T into Rt 22A turn right heading north. Stay on Rt 22A for 1 miles, turn right onto Cross Rd. Follow 1 mile make slight left onto East Road. Farm ½ mile up. 2076 East Street Bridport.
Wednesday, July 15
10am-12 noon
Pasture Walk
Swallow Dale Farm • 437 Mt Independence Rd • Orwell
$10 NOFA Members, $15 for non-members
Mark and Sarah Russell are experienced graziers. We will walk their pasture and discuss their management techniques. Willie Gibson, NOFA Vermont Dairy & Livestock Advisor, will facilitate discussion on steps to improving forage quality and grazing system.
Directions: At the intersection of Rts 22A and 73 in Orwell, turn on to 73W. Travel 1/4 mile then bear left at fork on to Mt. Independence Rd. Continue 41/2 miles to farm on the right (near small detour in road). Mailbox #437.
Monday, July 20
10am-12 noon
Pasture Walk: Developing the Right Mechanics
Choiniere Family Farm • 2379 Gore Rd • Highgate Center
$10 for NOFA Members, $15 for non-members
Guy Choiniere has been developing the mechanics of his pasture program-putting in lanes and extending the water system, to expand his pasture base and increase pasture quality. Discussion on his soil program and recuperating pastures will be included in the larger discussion of management practices on both high quality fields and marginal land that is hard to access. Guy also uses a bedded pack and we will discuss how he is optimizing that system.
Directions: From Highgate Center Take 207 North, also known as Gore Rd. Farm is 2.5 miles up on the left, with an Organic Valley sign.
Thursday, July 23
11am-3pm
On-farm Grain Production and Forages for Season Extension
Beidler Family Farm • 821 S Randolph Rd • Randolph Center
Free to Farmers, $15 all others
Sponsored by UVM Extension and the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture
The Beidler Family has experimented with forage and grain crops on their farm. This workshop will focus on Japanese Millet as a pasture, hay, and grain crop for their dairy. The Beidlers will also discuss the use of cereal grains such as millet and spelt for multi-functional purposes like bedding, grazing, season extension, and harvestable feed. Finally we will tour the Organic Corn Variety Trials at Vermont Technical College. Lunch will be provided featuring local and organic ingredients cooked up in NOFA Vermont's wood fired oven.
Directions: Take Exit 4 off I-89, turn on to Rte 66 E towards Randolph Center and VTC. At the entrance of Vermont Technical College turn right. After several hundred yards take your first left on to South Randolph Road (between white church and red schoolhouse).Proceed on South Randolph Road for 8/10 of a mile and Beidler Family Farm is on the left.
Thursday, August 13
10am-1pm
Is This Worth It?! Enterprise and Gross Margin Analyses
Brotherly Farm Organic Dairy • 570 Lavender Rd • Brookfield
$10 for NOFA members, $15 for all others
Enterprise Analysis is a way to assess how a particular production system or aspect of the business is performing, or whether it is worth establishing. Craig Russell, owner/operator of Brotherly Farm, LLC, and Willie Gibson, NOFA Vermont Dairy & Livestock Advisor will demonstrate an Enterprise Analysis from Brotherly Farm's actual numbers. This analysis will also produce the 'Gross Margin' of the enterprise, which shows how much money the enterprise can or does contribute to the finances of the whole farm.
Directions: I-89 to exit 4 Randolph/Brookfield. East on Rte 66 1/2 mile to junction with main entrance of VTC, East Bethel Rd. and Rte 66/Ridge Rd. Turn left (North) staying on Rte 66 which is now also called 'Ridge Road'. Go about 1/3 mile and bear left off RTE 66 onto Ridge Rd. (these two road names split at this junction) - continuing North. Travel about 1 mile and turn onto the first road on the right (East) - North Randolph Rd. This is gravel. Go on North Randolph Rd. about 1.25 mile to the first intersection - Neighborly Farm is on this intersection of N. Randolph, Curtis, and Snow Rd. Turn left (North) onto Snow Rd. Brotherly Farm is the next farm, about 400 yards from Neighborly Farm.
Wednesday, August 26
10am-1pm
Enterprise Analysis: Assessing a New Business
Stony Pond Farm • 336 Emch Dr • Fairfield
$10 for NOFA members, $15 for all others
Tyler Webb, owner/operator of Stony Pond Farm, and Willie Gibson, Dairy & Livestock Advisor at NOFA Vermont, will demonstrate an Enterprise Analysis from Tyler's new veal operation using actual numbers. Enterprise Analysis is a way to assess how a particular production system or aspect of the business is performing, or whether it is worth establishing. This analysis will also produce the 'Gross Margin' of the enterprise, which shows how much money the enterprise can or does contribute to the finances of the whole farm.
Directions: From I-89 Exit at St Albans. Turn right at first light. Turn right on to Rt 36, take to Fairfield Center, at blinking light turn left on to North Rd. At first right, turn onto Chester Aurther road. Follow until Emch Rd, turn right. Farm is at end of road.
Thursday, September 17
10am-12:30pm
Livestock Mortality Composting Workshop
Highfields Institute West Hill Farm • 2362 West Hill Rd • Hardwick
$10 for farmers, $20 for non-farmers
Contact (802) 472-5138 or june@highfieldsinstitute.org to register by Sept 10.
A demonstration-based workshop covering the basic principles of livestock mortality and butcher residual composting including site set-up, carcass preparation, pile building, and pile management. Please dress for weather.
Directions: From Hardwick-Take Rt. 15/Rt. 14 out of Hardwick. Turn RIGHT onto Rt. 14 North--There is a Gulf station/Kwik Stop on the corner-- Go 0.10 mile. Take a LEFT onto West Hill Rd (next to Gate's Salvage) Go up the hill and down the road 2.5 miles. The Demonstration site (2362 West Hill Road) is on the RIGHT-you will see a sign and windrows. Follow signs for parking.
Monday, September 21
11am-3pm
Growing Grains on an Organic Dairy
Elysian Fields • 3658 Rte 74 West • Shoreham
Free for farmers, $15 for all others
Sponsored by UVM Extension
Joe Hescock, an organic dairy farmer in Shoreham, raises the majority of grain for his dairy where he milks over 200 cows. Joe will talk about how he incorporates the various grains into his forage cropping system. He will discuss production practices, such as weed control strategies, that he implements to produce corn, soybeans, and cereal grains. Lastly, Joe will discuss feeding grains and the needed infrastructure for building grains into a dairy operation.
Directions: From Rt 22a in Shoreham take Rt 74 west. Follow Rt 74 for about 4 miles. Farm is at 3678 Rt 74 West, Shoreham.
Date TBD
Bedded Pack Workshop
Wayside Farm • 2713 Ridge Rd • Randolph Center
Chester Abbot has been managing a bedded pack for three years and has been refining his management system. There will be discussion around building the pack and maintaining it, along with the associated herd management. Removal and composting will also be addressed.
Directions: I-89 to exit 4 Randolph/Brookfield. East on Rte 66 1/2 mile to junction with main entrance of VTC, East Bethel Rd. and Rte 66/Ridge Rd. Turn left onto Rt 66, going east about a half mile. Turn left on Ridge Rd, go 2.6 miles farm is on left with superstructure and Red Barn.