Farm Training Project Workshops from MOFGA

Posted on July 5, 2020 by Taylor in Beginning Farmers, Farming Resources, Organic, Sustainable Agriculture, Training Programs, Workshops, Young Farmers // 0 Comments

Online Farm Training Project Workshops from the Maine Organic Farming and Gardening Association (MOFGA) July – September 2020

MOFGA’s Farm Training Project (FTP) workshops are designed for apprentices, farmworkers, and beginning farmers. They follow an informal format, usually beginning with a farm tour followed by a presentation on the topic of the day. For details or directions to workshops, call 568-4142, email education@mofga.org, or check the FTP website.

Given safety guidelines due to COVID-19 all events will be online via Zoom. Please see registration links in each event description.

JULY ZOOM CALL CHECK IN for farm workers and apprentices on ZOOM

Wednesday, July 15, 5pm

Join Bo Dennis, Beginning Farmer Program Specialist at MOFGA, for an informal Zoom check in. This will be a time to connect with other apprentices and farm workers about their season and get any support you may be needed at this time. Ground rules will be set to provide a confidential space. Register for this check in here.

SOIL HEALTH AND INTENSIFIED VEGETABLE GROWING on ZOOM

Wednesday, July 22, 5pm Frith Farm

Daniel Mays, farmer at Frith Farm, produces diversified vegetables on 2 acres in a no-till system. Come electronically discuss soil health management strategies including cover cropping, tarping, and permanent bed systems as we take a virtual tour of his farm. How to produce a bounty of organic produce in compact spaces will also be explored. Please register for this event here.

LAND JUSTICE AND REMATRIATION on ZOOM

Wednesday, July 29th, with Alivia Moore from Eastern Woodlands Rematriation Collective

MODERN DAIRY AND AGRICULTURAL POLICY on ZOOM

Wednesday, August 5, Grace Pond Farm

In recent decades, many small dairy farms have had to “get big or get out” as the rising cost of operating a small scale, pasture-based dairy has grown beyond economic sustainability. In order to become profitable, many producers have gotten creative – by diversification, value-added production and innovative marketing strategies. Come electronically meet Rhiannon and Gregg of Grace Pond Farm who raise cows, distribute milk, and grow turkeys. Rhiannon will also discuss agricultural policy and her work with Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. Register for this event here.

FARMING AND MARKETING COOPERATIVELY on ZOOM

Wednesday, August 12th, 5pm New Roots Cooperative Farm https://newrootscooperativefarm.com/

Join us electronically to learn about New Roots Cooperative Farm, a New American-owned cooperative in practice and learn about worker co-op farms, farmland co-ops, marketing co-ops, labor co-ops and equipment sharing co-ops. You’ll learn about cooperative economic structure, democratic decision-making, and distribution of the surplus farmers collectively generate. Register for this event here.

AUGUST ZOOM CALL CHECK IN for farm workers and apprentices on ZOOM

Wednesday, August 19, 5pm

SEED SAVING AND PRODUCTION ON A DIVERSIFIED FARM on ZOOM

Wednesday, August 26, 5pm Seven Tree Farm

Roberta Bailey of Fedco Seeds operates Seven Tree Farm, 18 acres with seven field plots, high tunnel, orchard, grape arbor, and extensive fruit and berry plantings. The farm also includes many post and beam buildings and a root cellar. Roberta focuses on growing much of the food for herself and her partner, Rob Lemire, and on raising commercial seed crops on a small-farm scale. Seed crops can work well with field production gardens, further diversifying farm income and securing seed supply in some situations. The talk will focus on interplanting seed crops in gardens or field plots, using the byproducts of the crop for food production or value-added products to sell, and on basic seed saving and plant genetics, crop nutrition, rotations, isolations, and how to harvest and dry seed. The talk will cover biennials such as beets and carrots as well. Please register for this event here.

STARTING UP! ACCESSING RESOURCES AS A BEGINNING FARMER on ZOOM

Wednesday, September 2, 5pm Apple Creek Farm

Finding a place and resources to farm can be a huge challenge. Whether you’re working as a farm hand, manager or apprentice it is never too soon to consider your options. Abby Sadauckas, Field Agent for Land For Good and farmer of Apple Creek Farm, will talk through how to start thinking about your future farm, the land base you’ll need and the variety of ways to achieve your farm dream. If you’re considering farming for a living, please come and contribute to this important conversation. Please register for this conversation here.

SEPTEMBER ZOOM CALL CHECK IN for farm workers and apprentices on ZOOM

Wednesday, September 23, 5pm

COMMON GROUND COUNTRY FAIR – VIRTUAL
Friday, September 25- Sunday, September 27

For more information about the MOFGA Farm Training Project at https://www.mofga.org/MOFGA-Events/Farm-Training-Project-Workshops