Register Now for the Young Women and Their Mentors Farm Safety Camp

Hands-on Farm Education for Young Women & Their Female Farming Mentors May 4 & 5

Build skills and confidence handling livestock and working with tractors and machinery at the upcoming “Farm Safety Camp for Young Women (14-19) and Their Female Farming Mentors.” Co-sponsored by the UVM Extension Youth Farm Safety Project and the Women’s Agricultural Network, the two-day camp will provide a fun and supportive learning environment for participants of all ages and backgrounds. Participants will learn current best practices for avoiding farm injuries and accidents, and how to respond to emergencies should they arise.

The program fee is just $40 (including lodging and meals at Spring Hill Farm in Reading, VT) and financial aid is available to help defray other costs — such as travel, childcare and replacement labor– that adult farmers may incur to attend. The registration deadline is Wednesday, April 23. Read more about the camp or contact Kristen Mullins at 802-656-2034 with questions.

Native Plant Nursery Spring Open House & Plant Sale April 27th

The Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District with the Nature Conservancy and Green Mountain College announce the spring open house for the public at the native plant restoration nursery on Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 10:00AM until 2:00PM.  Come visit the nursery located on the west side of the campus behind Sage Hall and the Waldron Athletic Complex.  The nursery is now in full operation and is open to the public since the plants and seeds have awakened from winter dormancy. Staff will be on hand to conduct tours and answer questions.  Select native trees, shrubs, and perennials will be available for purchase.

The nursery was created out of the need to provide native plants grown from local seed sources that would be available for restoration and vegetative buffer plantings in the Lake Champlain Basin.  Some of the goals of the native plant nursery are to increase participation of residents, farmers, and municipalities in the effort to reduce phosphorus and contaminants while increasing ecological diversity and improved water quality.

This year the Conservation District’s “Plant 1000 Trees” campaign and restoration projects along the Mettowee River will require many native trees and shrubs.  Come increase your knowledge of planting techniques, plant sustainability, ecology, soils, and water quality. When you participate you become more aware of land use and a better steward of Lake Champlain in your own backyard!

 

 

Fundraising Dinner for JohnDee Farm

Early in the morning of March 11, a fire started and devastated John Marro’s lower barn. John runs a small dairy farm on the East Road in Tinmouth, called the JohnDee Farm. Unfortunately the fire consumed the barn, hundreds of bales of hay, his tractor, equipment and most of his sows, piglets and heifers. He was able to rescue six piglets and one heifer before the barn collapsed. By daylight local farmers were already there to help. Hay and shelters for the pigs arrived!

Want to help? Don’t miss the fundraising dinner, silent auction and raffle this Saturday, April 13, at 5 pm at the Tinmouth Community Center.

Dinner will include shepard’s pie, lasagna, baked ziti, chicken pie, goulash, baked beans, salads and pies. There will also be a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will go to the Marro family and dinner is by donation.

For information about the supper contact Gail Fallar at gfallar@vermontel.net or call 446-2870. Those interested may also call Sherri Ruane for the silent auction at shr8378@aol.com or 446-3105.

To make a donation to the rebuilding, send a check made out to John Marro to: Cathy Reynolds 143 Channel Road, Tinmouth, VT 05773.

For a Rutland Herald story about the tragic fire and the outpouring of help John has received click here.

Farm Soils Primer Next Week

Farmer Outreach Workshop

The Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District is hosting a workshop for small, large, beginner, and experienced farmers to increase the economic viability of farming and local food systems in our area. The workshop is free and refreshments will be served. RSVP’s are requested, please contact a staff person listed below for more information.

FARM SOILS PRIMER

Thursday April 18th, 2013 Location: Green Mountain College
1:00PM—3:30PM
East Room, Withey Hall & Cerridwen Farm

Discover the secrets of soil health from the ground up with Dr. Wendy Sue Harper. Starting with an introduction into soil properties, participants will learn about soil health, the importance of soil tests and fertility management. We’ll hear from Agricultural Resource Specialist, Jennifer Alexander, on how a soil test is taken and the differences in the quality of hay and crop production in our area. We’ll also probe the soils in the field by looking at contrasting soil pits at Cerridwen Farm to discuss the differences and management options. If you have had a soil test done, bring your results to discuss. Dress for the weather.

District Contacts

Cyd Groff, PMNRCD District Manager (802) 287-8339
Jennifer Alexander, Agricultural Resource Specialist (802) 558-6470

 

 

Deadline to Register for Practical Produce Safety & Storage Quality Workshop is April 5th

April 5th – this Friday is last day for registration! Last Practical Produce Safety for veggie growers until the fall

PRACTICAL PRODUCE SAFETY AND STORAGE QUALITY WORKSHOP
April 11, 8:30-4, St Peter’s Church, Vergennes, VT and Bella Farm, Monkton, VT.

UVM Extension’s Produce Safety Program, Farm-to-Institution Program, and Agricultural Engineer, Chris Callahan, in partnership with Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN), are offering a day-long hands-on workshop on writing a produce safety plan for small and diversified fruit and vegetable farmers.  The workshop will focus on infrastructure fixes related to produce safety and will include a special presentation by ag engineer Chris Callahan on cooler and storage design for produce safety and quality.  This is a great chance to get your farm manager/crew leaders trained in on-farm produce safety practices!  You will leave this workshop with a concise plan for you, your customers, and your employees.

Cost: $35 (or $25 per person if more than one person is coming from one farm). Registration deadline: April 5.  Call Cheryl Herrick at 802-656-5459 to register, or register on-line at:http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5968324419#  

To request a scholarship or disability-related accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Ginger Nickerson at (802) 505-8189 orgnickers@uvm.edu, by April 1 so we may assist you.

Please register as soon as possible if you are interested, as there is homework to do prior to the workshop! For more info and registration form go to:http://www.uvm.edu/~susagctr/news_assets/PPSRegistrationApril13.pdf