RAFFL Farmer Discussion & Potluck – Monday, 3/16

Join RAFFL, Evening Song Farm, Gildrien Farm, and Old Gates Farm for a lively and interesting discussion about farm scale then stay to share a meal and catch up with friends, old and new, before the season is fully upon us!

Deciding on Scale: What size farm is right for me?
March 16 – 5:00-7:30* @ Evening Song Farm, Shrewsbury
Facilitators:  Kara Fitzgerald & Ryan Wood Beauchamp, Evening Song Farm; Jeremy Gildrien, Gildrien Farm; Adam Stevenson & Kristin Jacoby-Stevenson, Old Gates Farm

Many factors go into the decision of desired farm size and what makes sense given the specific situation of each individual farmer.  Each of the farmers facilitating this discussion operates at a different scale and will share their stories of how their farm has evolved to the size at which it currently operates.  Join us to discuss how you decided on farm size and the questions you have about what size farm is right for you.

*This gathering will include a potluck dinner so bring a dish to share if you’d like!

Directions to Evening Song (from Rutland)
Take 103 south to the village of Cuttingsville, immediately after the Ford dealership make a left onto Town Hill Road.  Go 1/4 mile and make a right at the Fire Station onto Shunpike Road.  Go .7 miles up Shunpike and you’ll see a driveway on the right with a sign for Evening Song Farm.  If using GPS, punch in 680 Shunpike Road, Shrewsbury VT.

Questions?  Want to RSVP?  Contact Jen at jen@rutlandfarmandfood.org or 417-7096.
Hope to see you there!

Record Keeping Systems: A farmer-to-farmer discussion

February 19 – 3:00-5:00 @ Castleton Community Center

Facilitator: Becky Maden, Singing Cedars Farmstead

What information do you record on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis?  How do you decide what to track?  Are you using Excel or Quickbooks?  What could be done to make your record-keeping systems more efficient and useful?

Learn about the record-keeping systems that farmer Becky Maden developed and used while co-managing Intervale Community Farm and then join the discussion to share what systems have worked for you.  Walk away with a plethora of ideas about how to streamline your own record keeping systems for this upcoming season!

Farmer-to-Farmer Discussion: NRCS Conservation Programs

Another winter learning opportunity!  Farmer-to-farmer discussions are a great way to glean information from the facilitators and gain knowledge by sharing experiences with your fellow farmers!

NRCS Conservation Programs: Benefits & Drawbacks of Participation
January 15 – 4:00-6:00 @ Lihigh School, Poultney
Facilitators:  Hilary Solomon & Jennifer Alexander, Poultney-Mettowee NRCD
Have you been contemplating applying for a NRCS conservation program but are not sure what to expect?  Have you been enrolled in an NRCS conservation program and are wondering if others had a similar experience?  Join Hilary Solomon and Jennifer Alexander of the Poultney-Mettowee Natural Resource Conservation District to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of participating in NRCS programs, learn about funding options that are alternatives to NRCS conservation programs, share your experiences, and get your questions answered.
Note: RSVPs for this discussion would be especially appreciated so that information presented can be tailored to the expected participant group. 

Selling to Wholesale Accounts: Farmer-to-Farmer Discussion 1/6

Join RAFFL and Jon Satz this coming Tuesday (January 6th) for the first farmer-to-farmer discussion of the New Year!

Selling to Wholesale Accounts

January 6 – 10:30-12:30 @ Wood’s Market Garden

Facilitator: Jon Satz

While it can be a great complement to the direct marketing of your products, selling wholesale requires a distinct approach and skill set.  Jon Satz will share his experiences selling to wholesale accounts and then facilitate the discussion that follows.  Potential topics could include production planning, tricks of the trade, farmers’ perspectives on the potential of the region’s wholesale markets, and more!  Whether you are a grower who has been in the wholesale market for years or a new farmer thinking about diversifying your markets, this will be a valuable conversation.

RSVPs for discussions are encouraged but not required.  RSVP to Jen at jen@rutlandfarmandfood.org or 417-7096.

Variety Selection for Storage & Winter Crops: Farmer-to-Farmer Discussion 12/14

Join RAFFL for the first farmer-to-farmer discussion of the winter!!

Sunday, December 14 from 3:00 – 5:00

Location: Lihigh School, Poultney

Facilitator: Becky Maden

Description:  With limits on both storage and hoophouse space, varietal selection decisions for storage and winter crops tend to be more critical choices than a summer lettuce variety selection (though that is definitely important!).  Becky Maden recently moved to Singing Cedars Farm after spending 10 years co-managing Intervale Community Farm in Burlington where she produced a wide variety of storage and winter crops.  Join the discussion, share your experiences with your rockstar varieties and those that you now actively avoid, and get some ideas for your upcoming seed order!