Rochester Roots, Inc. Seeks Garden-based Educator for Non-profit Urban Agriculture Education and Research Project

 Compensation:  $44,625.  Paid vacation and holidays.  $1,500 health insurance allowance.

 Start Date:  November 28, 2011

We are looking for an experienced certified teacher with a working knowledge of library science (real and virtual) to lead the education component of a NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets supported New Healthy Urban Food System Model.  Our innovative garden-based K-8 and community education program is synergistic with classroom-based teaching, and in partnership, we are responsible for achieving four categories of youth outcomes:  experiential learning, academic achievement, social relationship building, and decision-making for well-being. Read more »

 Cultivating Community Job Posting: Youth Programs Manager

The Youth Programs Manager is a year-round, full-time position managing all of Cultivating Community’s programs for a richly diverse community of young people ages 5-22. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for at least three references by November 18, 2011. E-mailed applications are preferred and should be sent to craig@cultivatingcommunity.org with ˝Youth Programs Director˝ in the subject line. Read more »

New Farmer Position – Duluth, Minnesota

The Duluth Community Farm has applications open for “new” farmers. Duluth Community Farm is a new urban edge farmer incubator. See www.duluthcommunityfarm.org

The Duluth Community Farm (DCF) is a community based and sustainably developed social enterprise devoted to production, demonstration, and education around food, farming and gardening.  The mission of the DCF is a beginning and early-career farmer incubator for defined use of DCF lands.  DCF may also host plots by enterprise farmers and organizational farmer-gardeners. Read more »

New News: Statements by Attorney General Holder and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Court Approval of Pigford II Black farmer Settlement Agreement from 10/28/2011

WASHINGTON, October 28, 2011– Attorney General Eric Holder and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statements on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia approval of the historic Pigford II settlement:
“This settlement allows the Department of Agriculture and African-American farmers to focus on the future, and brings us one step closer to giving these farmers a chance to have their claims heard,” said Attorney General Holder. “Accomplishing this settlement has been a top priority of this Administration and I am pleased that the court has approved it.”
“Since my first day at USDA, I made it a priority to treat all Americans with respect and dignity and to ensure equal access to our programs. Court approval of the Pigford settlement is another important step to ensure some level of justice for black farmers and ranchers who faced discrimination when trying to obtain services from USDA,” said Secretary Vilsack. “President Obama, Attorney General Holder and I are thrilled by the court’s approval so we can continue turning the page on this sad chapter in USDA history. In the months and years ahead, we will not stop working to move the Department into a new era as a model employer and premier service provider for all Americans regardless of race, ethnicity or gender.”
On Feb.18, 2010, USDA and the U.S. Department of Justice announced an agreement with African-American farmers to settle the Pigford II litigation for $1.25 billion. Congress passed the Claims Settlement Act that funded the settlement in November 2010, and the bill was signed by President Obama in December 2010. The bill that passed the Senate and House included strong protections against waste, fraud and abuse to ensure integrity of the claims process. The claims process will soon be established and announced for individuals who may have faced discrimination.
In February 2010, the Departments of Justice and Agriculture announced the Pigford II settlement with African American farmers, in October 2010, the departments announced the Keepseagle settlement with Native American farmers, and in February 2011, the departments announced the establishment of a process to resolve the claims of Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. Earlier this year, USDA also released a Civil Rights Assessment report that detailed an aggressive plan to promote equal access and opportunity at the department. The Department of Agriculture is currently implementing many of the department-wide recommendations that will help USDA improve service delivery to minority and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and enhance program delivery and outreach to promote diversity, inclusion and accessibility. An overview of these comprehensive efforts is available at www.ascr.usda.gov/new_era_at_cr_.html.

It really does look like they’re trying to write the 2012 Farm Bill in the next week or so through the Super Committee Process, though it seems like the Agriculture Committees are having a difficult time finding common ground. If the Ag Committees can’t get it together, the chances that the Super Committee can seem remote, which may mean we’re headed for ‘sequestration’ (across the board cuts). At least there, we will have the potential for input on what is cut and what is not.  The following is from the National Farmers Union, via ‘Ohio Farmer’:

House Ag Chair Admits Pulling Farm Bill Together a Tall Order: Nov. 1 is the date the leaders of the Agriculture Committees have circled to get a detailed list of 2012 Farm Policy suggestions to the deficit reduction Super Committee. Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Ranking Member Pat Roberts, R-Kan.; and House Agriculture Chair Frank Lucas, R-Okla., and Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-Minn., are working to come up with $23 billion in savings from ag programs to contribute to the $1.2 trillion the Super Committee is tasked with finding. “We’ve been in discussions about how you would turn that into real policy,” Lucas said.  Read more…

Check out these former posts for more information on this subject (http://www.beginningfarmers.org/farm-bill-to-be-written-in-two-weeks-with-huge-cuts-act-now/, http://www.beginningfarmers.org/joint-agriculture-committee-letter-on-farm-bill-spending/, http://www.beginningfarmers.org/farm-bill-priorities-and-the-super-committee-vilsack-speech/, and feel free to leave a comment (click the comment link above) or contact me at beginningfarmers@gmail.com if you have questions or input on this issue…

The Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP) will be offering a new workshop series “So, You Want to Be a Farmer?” Wednesday evenings beginning March 21st, 2012.

Where: Umass Extension Cranberry Station; 1 State Bog Road, East Wareham MA 02538

SEMAP offers the “So, You Want to Be a Farmer” series an opportunity for aspiring farmers to learn the essential building blocks of starting a new farm enterprise and to provide information on the network of existing services available. SEMAP received funding for 20 people to attend this 5-session workshop series.

The five-session workshop series is comprised of:
1.) So, You Want to Be a Farmer? The Dirty Truth;
2.) What is a Business Plan and Why You Need One;
3.) The Dollars and Sense of Financing a Small Farm;
4.) News Flash! You Don’t Need To Own The Land You Farm;
5.) Farm Tour: What A Real Farm Smells Like.

To register, please visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e4zun73e9cd61967. And for more information about SEMAP check out www.semaponline.org

“Funding for this project was provided by the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.”

USDA Press Release No. 0457.11 Contact: Jennifer Martin (202) 720-8188

USDA Support for Research and Marketing of Organic Agriculture in 18 States

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2011–Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced today 23 new grants to research and extension programs working to help organic producers and processors grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. The grants, totaling $19 million in all, are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through two unique programs: the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and the Organic Transitions Program (ORG).

“As more and more farmers adopt organic agriculture practices, they need the best science available to operate profitable and successful organic farms,” said Merrigan. “America’s brand of organic agricultural goods is world-renowned for its high-quality and abundance of selection. These research and extension projects will give producers the tools and resources to produce quality organic food and boost farm income, boosting the ‘Grown in America’ brand.”

The grants announced today include more than $15 million in 2011 grants through the OREI. Supporting the development of sustainable agricultural and forestry practices, including organic farming, to both reduce negative impacts on the environment and keep U.S. farmers competitive is a priority of USDA research. For more OREI information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/organicagricultureresearchandextensioninitiative.cfm.

[Click Read More for the whole story] Read more »

The Carrot Project is accepting applications for loans of $35,000 or less until November 4th, 2011 for farm businesses in Massachusetts.

The loans are part of The Carrot Project’s loan fund serving farms and on-farm value added businesses in Massachusetts. There are also two additional upcoming deadlines on January 6th, 2012 and March 2, 2012.

For more information, please go to: www.thecarrotproject.org/programs/loan_programs

Or contact Benneth Phelps at: bphelps@thecarrotproject.org or 617.674.2371

Zenger Farm in Oregon is hiring for a Farm Market Manager and Outreach Coordinator Job

The Market Manager and Outreach Coordinator is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Executive Director of Friends of Zenger Farm.  For this position they are seeking a person who is able to engage effectively with the public, demonstrates creativity, has an experienced track record of results marketing new programs, can work autonomously and also collaborate well within a team, can responsibly manage workload and deadlines, and is passionate about food, farms and community.

Job Summary:  The Market Manager and Outreach Coordinator is responsible for managing the Lents International Farmers Market, a Friday evening farmers market that has the two goals of providing access to healthy food for outer SE Portland residents and providing a marketplace for immigrant and emerging farmers.  The Market Manager and Outreach Coordinator will also coordinate adult workshops on the farm, conduct marketing for Zenger Farm programs and assist with grant writing and fundraising events.

About Friends of Zenger Farm: Zenger Farm is a working urban farm that models, promotes and educates about sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, community development and access to good food for all.  For more information about Zenger Farm programs visit www.zengerfarm.org.

For more information, or to find out how to apply click ‘Read More’. Read more »

Malek Family Stewardship Farm Position Job Openings in Central Wisconsin for an Assistant Farm Manager, and a Packing Shed Manager:

Assistant Farm Manager: This is a full-time position with work year round.  Winter work is part to full time.  The Assistant Farm Manager will be responsible for assisting in the planting, growing, harvesting, grading, packing, shipping, and marketing of certified organic produce.  Planting includes starting transplants and direct seeding.  Growing includes weeding, cultivation, and pest and disease management.  Marketing includes contacting buyers and selling at the Farmer’s Market. The Assistant Farm Manager will be required to supervise field and packing shed crews.  There is a great variety of produce and a lot of people to manage, so organizational and interpersonal skills are a must.  Previous experience growing a variety of vegetables, and using/repairing farm machinery is desired but not required.  This position starts immediately. The Assistant Farm Manager will be required to go through a training period, shadowing the current Assistant Farm Manager for the rest of the calendar year, being promoted to full Assistant Farm Manager after January 1, 2012.  Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a cell phone.

Packing Shed Manager: The Packing Shed Manager’s position consists of orchestrating the weekly CSA box packing and the filling of special orders to restaurants, co-ops, grocery stores, schools, and individuals.  For both the CSA box and the special orders, the Packing Shed Manager leads crews in harvesting (as needed), grading, and packing produce.  The Packing Shed Manager also keeps harvest records and writes sales invoices.  This position requires close contact with Farmer and Assistant Farm Manager, as well as solid management, organization, and communication skills. Previous experience growing a variety of vegetables, and using/repairing farm machinery is desired but not required. This position is seasonal, starting April-June of 2012 and ending November-December 2012.

If you would like to apply for either of these positions, please call Chris Malek at 715-340-5366 or send an email to: malekfarm@gmail.com.

Cricket Creek Farm is Hiring for a Cheese Maker Job to work alongside their current cheese maker as a team!

Cricket Creek Farm is a small grass-based cow dairy located in Williamstown, Massachusetts where they currently produce four artisan cheeses including fresh, bloomy rind, and aged cheeses. Their cheeses have won several Big E awards, and this year our Maggie’s Round took 1st place for Semisoft farmstead cheeses at the American Cheese Society. They are looking for a self-directed, energetic and well-organized cheese maker with at least 1 year of hands-on cheese-making experience to work with our current cheese maker as a team. Work in the cheese room will be part of a larger partnership between the different facets of Cricket Creek Farm.

Requirements: at least one year of full-time cheese making experience OR a clear and informed passion for, and commitment to, cheese making; interested in working alongside our current cheese maker as a member of a team; ideal candidates will have at least a basic understanding of dairy science; interest in dairy science and chemistry is a must; must be organized, and work well in an intimate space; considers oneself a team player and has strong collaboration skills; interested in working with our cheese making interns; gets along well with coworkers – is comfortable delegating tasks and giving constructive feedback; is positive and enthusiastic, even under pressure; evening hours will be required; must be able to commit to a minimum of one full year; ideal start date is Dec 1st, 2011

Compensation: health insurance; salary based on experience; optional housing on farm property

Application due: Friday, Nov 11th 2011 – send an email to: info@cricketcreekfarm.com. Please include a cover letter, resume, 3 professional references, and a detailed outline of all experience related to dairy science or cheese making. Qualified applicants will be asked to come to Cricket Creek farm for an on-site interview.

On October 24th, 2011 Ag. Secretary Tom Vilsack delivered a Speech addressing (among other things) 2012 Farm Bill Priorities and the role of the Super Committee, from his perspective (and therefore that of the USDA).

USDA Press Release No. 0458.11, Contact: Office of Communications (202)720-4623  

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Priorities for the 2012 Farm Bill

ANKENY, Iowa, Oct. 24, 2011 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke at the John Deere Des Moines Works on USDA priorities for the 2012 Farm Bill. Below are the Secretary’s remarks as delivered:

“I appreciate the opportunity to be here at John Deere to talk about a subject which I think is a very, very important; and that is about the priorities for the upcoming legislation, often called the Farm Bill.

“Now, this legislation and the bills that Congress will pass is really about keeping pace with the changing needs of agriculture and the challenges which face rural America. It’s about providing an adequate food supply for our nation and the world. And the choices that these lawmakers will make will help shape agricultural, food, and rural development policy and will help determine what our farms and our rural communities look like.

“It’s also going to determine where our energy supply comes from and if we all eat. So we need to think bigger than the words “Farm Bill” suggest. After all, for decades this bill has been about a whole lot more than just farming. It’s been about energy, it’s been about nutrition, it’s been about jobs. Now, some may keep calling it the Farm Bill out of convenience, or maybe even out of tradition; but I think we’re doing it a disservice.

“If we want this legislation to have the support of the other 98 percent of Americans who don’t farm, we’ve got to remind those Americans why this legislation matters to them and to their families.

“Now, first of all, I want to acknowledge that there are considerable external pressures that will affect this effort. Fiscal and political realities about the size of our debt and the deficit have inspired a very tight budget environment.

“Last week a bipartisan leadership group in Congress submitted a proposal to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, also known as the [Super Committee], to cut $23 billion out of the bill over the next ten years. And though these numbers are by no means final, it is a reminder to all of us that if we want this legislation to accomplish a lot, we have to understand that there will be considerably less funding in which to do it. So our priorities must be clear. We simply need to do more with less.

“We have to simplify existing programs; we need to reduce redundant provisions; and we need to put a premium on creating innovative solutions to address our current and future problems, also recognizing the importance of making targeted investments to keep agricultural productivity high and our rural communities vibrant. So today I want to offer some thoughts on those priorities. Read more »

Press Release: Contact Adam Warthesen,  Land Stewardship Project, policy organizer, 612-722-6377, adamw@landstewardshipproject.org; Taylor Reid, Beginning Farmers, 517-449-2525, beginningfarmers@gmail.com

Beginning Farmer & Rancher Opportunity Act Introduced in Congress

Bipartisan bill to support Investments & job creation through beginning farmer and rancher development launched

Legislation that will help the next generation of farmers and ranchers create jobs and other economic activity in rural communities has been introduced in U.S. House and is expected in the Senate soon. The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011 is authored by Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) in the House and Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) in Senate.

This legislation is a comprehensive policy approach to helping the next generation of farmers and ranchers take advantage of growing opportunities in agriculture. The legislation includes support for beginning farmer and rancher training programs, beginning farmer lending and savings provisions and conservation incentives for new farmers and ranchers.

“We have to make sure America’s next generation of family farmers have the support they need to continue providing a safe, abundant food supply,” said Rep. Walz. “This legislation is a smart, effective way to support our local economies and create local jobs.”

A central component of the bill is continued support for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP), which supports community-based organizations doing beginning farmer training programs. Since it was launched in 2009, demand for BFRDP has far outstripped resources available. In 2010 alone, 40 projects got a total of $18 million in BFRDP grants, while 117 applications were submitted that year, with a total funding request of approximately $65 million. In total, during the past three years the program has provided $54 million in grants to groups in 48 states.

Beginning farmer Katie Felland and her family operate O-Wata-Farm, which produces eggs, apples, pumpkins, berries and popcorn near Owatonna, Minn. In 2008, Felland graduated from Farm Beginnings, a Land Stewardship Project program that trains new farmers in innovative marketing, business planning and management techniques.

“Networking and connecting to farmers and others through community based programs like Farm Beginnings was invaluable to helping us get started in farming,” said Land Stewardship Project member, Felland, 39. “We hope to grow our farm in the future, and getting support and assistance from community groups we know can be effective. That’s partly why this legislation makes sense—it provides community-based groups resources to work on local issues new farmers face.”

Tyler Benson, who raises crops and cattle near Rushford, Minn., said that a Farm Service Agency beginning farmer loan he received has been key in getting his operation started. Demand for beginning farmer loans has been high.  In 2010, nearly 14,000 loans were made or guaranteed by USDA for beginning farmers representing a loan volume total of $1.5 billion.

“Access to capital is a must for beginning farmers,” said Land Stewardship Project member, Benson, 26. “These programs are good investments—new farmers are new jobs. They buy products and supplies for their business and create economic activity. We need more of that in rural America.”

To read the full bill: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011: H.R. 3236; for a short summary of the bill and history: http://www.landstewardshipproject.org/programs_bfroa.html

To support this effort, please call your Congressperson and let them know you support H.R. 3236 – The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011. Find them and their contact information at: http://www.contactingthecongress.org/

And for more information read this blog post:http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/new-farmer-bill-introduced/

Marketing Organic Produce, Organic Transplants, Food Safety, and Hops Production Webinars

Join eOrganic and Michigan SARE for a series of 4 free webinars on marketing organic produce, organic transplants, food safety, and hops production in October and November, 2011! All webinars are open to the public, and advance registration is required. Save the dates and register now at for the following webinars at http://www.extension.org/pages/25242 or at the links below.  All are being offered on A Tuesday at 2 pm eastern time. See below of exact dates.

This is for Tuesday (tomorrow) at 2 pm.  Plan for Marketing Your Organic Products, by Susan Smalley, Michigan State University: October 25, 2011 at 2PM Eastern Time. Register at http://www.extension.org/pages/60942

Root Media and Fertility for Organic Transplants, by John Biernbaum, Michigan State University: November 1, 2011 at 2PM Eastern Time. Register at http://www.extension.org/pages/60943

Tracking Your Produce—For Your Business and Health, by Colleen Collier Bess, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources: November 8, 2011 at 2PM Eastern Time. Register at http://www.extension.org/pages/60944

Starting Up Small-Scale Organic Hops Production, Rob Sirrine, Michigan State University and Brian Tennis, Michigan Hop Alliance: November 15, 2011 at 2PM Eastern Time. Register at http://www.extension.org/pages/60945

Find the updated eOrganic webinar schedule and listen to recordings of past presentations at http://www.extension.org/pages/25242

Here, Jen Kline shares her experience with farmed and foraged herbs for medicinal uses. Could be a good way to add value to your enterprise:

I’ve been lucky enough to take advantage of an amazing community course on farmed and foraged herbs, and herbal medicine here in New York City at Third Root Community Health Center. A workers cooperative in the Ditmas Park area of Flatbush Brooklyn, NY, this course focuses on medicinal uses of herbs. Last weekend, myself and other students got the opportunity to visit and forage at the Wassaic Community Farm, a beautiful farm a couple hours north of the city.

The Wassaic Community Farm‘s tagline on their website is: a small farm project with a mission to address food justice issues locally in Wassaic and in the South Bronx. They grow many different cultivated herbs and also “wild-craft” or forage other wild herbs from their over 4 acres of land. In addition to selling these herbs at 4 farmers markets, the farmers also hosts a CSA that strives to bring affordable, sustainably grown fresh produce to communities in the Bronx and also in their town of Wassaic.

We had the chance to forage some herbs for ourselves at the Wassaic Community Farm and two of the herbs that are great to harvest in the fall are Burdock (Articum lappa) and Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus). It’s important to understand that when you are foraging you are also caretaking of the plant you are harvesting, which means you must be mindful of not taking too many or too much of the plant. An ethical harvesting rule of thumb is to take no more than 10% of that plant from that area. For burdock and yellow dock specifically, you should only harvest the younger plants, not the really large, older ones.

Keep this in mind while foraging, but there is plenty of Burdock and Yellow Dock to go around. Both plants have naturalized throughout North America and once you learn to identify them, you will start seeing them all around you. When not in flower, the plants look similar at first glance so I’ve included pictures below to show the differences.

Burdock has large, woolly leaves that are light colored underneath. Burdock’s flowers are purple and thistle-like. Their burrs inspired Velcro and you will see why if you  brush by the plant while its in seed. Below is a picture of Burdock plants behind a tiny fence near my garden.

Yellow Dock has leaves are shiny with wavy margins and green flowers. Below is a picture of Yellow Dock growing in gravel in front of my work.

Both these plants are harvested for their deep taproots that take a shovel, trowel, gloves, patience, time and a considerable amount of elbow grease to extract from the soil. Once you do, you’ll see that Burdock’s roots are darker in color and Yellow Dock is aptly named with a yellow hued root.

Each of these roots can be cooked and still retain medicinal qualities but I chose to dry these herbs after I harvested them. Herbs should be dried in a dark, well-ventilated place. I live in a small apartment, so I set up my herb drying station in my closet.

As you can see in the picture above, I placed my herbs (lots of other plants other than Burdock and Yellow Dock included) on a folding chair with slats in it. I labeled each herb with the herb’s name, the date I harvested it, and the place I harvested it from. This information will be important later on in medicine making. I then, put a fan near them to circulate the air in my closet. The smaller roots dried in one day, while the larger ones took a few days to dry.

In my next post, I will explain what Burdock and Yellow Dock are used for medicinally and how you can make these roots into medicine.