Farm Field Days from NOFA New York

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Taylor in Animal Husbandry, Farming Practices, Farming Resources, Organic // 0 Comments

NOFA-NY’S ON FARM FIELD DAYS COME TO SIX COUNTIES IN NEW YORK STATE

Women Farmers, Horsepower, Soil Health, Organic Transition, Farm Open House and an Edible Forest Garden are Highlighted

In July, seven varied organic on farm field days are being presented by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY), hosted by farms in six New York State counties. These are invaluable opportunities for farmers to learn about new methods, see what farms are doing, and network with others around the state.

The event schedule for the on farm field days is as follows:

Wednesday, July 6, 6:30-8:30 pm. “Women in Agriculture: Lady Farmers of Long Island.” Amanda and Katie from Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett (Suffolk County) host this event in which they share how they founded a CSA, pioneered the Amagansett Wheat Project, and continue to provide outstanding education, bread shares, and a Food-to-Pantry project. Registration fees are $15/person or $25 for two or more people/farm. Sponsored by NOFA-NY through the NYFVI Beginning Farmer grant.
Saturday, July 9, 1-4:00 pm. “Developing a Diversified Horse-Powered Farm.”

Participants will join Matt Volz from Greyrock Farm (Madison County) for a tour of his horse-powered farm that includes a raw milk dairy, and meat and vegetable production. Discussion features how to grow a farm with multiple complementary enterprises including how to handle the management, production and business challenges on a diversified farm. Registration fees are $15/person or $25 for two or more people/farm. Sponsored by NOFA-NY through the NYFVI Beginning Farmer grant.

Thursday, July 14, 6-8:00 pm. “Long-Term High Tunnel Soil Health and Nutrient Management for Tomato Production.” Host Obercreek Farm (Dutchess County) shares their success in managing tomato production in a high tunnel by maintaining and improving soil health and fertility, controlling pests and disease, and ensuring profitable yield and excellent quality. Registration fees are $15/person or $25 for two or more people/farm. Sponsored by NOFA-NY through the NVFVI High Tunnel grant.
Wednesday, July 20, 4-6:00 pm. “Moving into Wholesale Markets for Small and Mid-Sized Farms.” Mainstreet Farms(Cortland County) brings healthy, local food to the community, utilizing education and community partners to create a strong local food system. Cornell’s Crystal Stewart will demonstrate the fundamentals for crossing over into wholesale markets, from record keeping to timing crops.
Wednesday, July 20, 4-7:00 pm. “Organic Transition—Certification and Growing Practices: It’s More than Input Substitution.” Fishkill Farms’ (Dutchess County) crops include tree fruit, berries, vegetables and eggs. Participants will join farmer Josh Morgenthau who will share the challenges in transitioning to organic, including changes in growing practices, creation of buffer zones, and management. Caitlyn Reilly of NOFA-NY Certified Organic LLC will discuss the nuts and bolts of organic certification and be available to answer any questions. Risk management and crop/whole farm insurance programs also will be discussed.
Sunday, July 24, 1-4:00 pm. “Kingbird Open House.” This year, Kingbird Farm (Tioga County) celebrates 20 years of success. Michael, Karma and Rosemary Glos will share their story of how they organically manage pork, chicken, eggs, culinary herbs, and produce while utilizing horses for field work. The farm will be open for exploration, shopping, and enjoyment, with a guided farm tour at 2 pm. This event is free and open to the public, and is co-sponsored by NOFA-NY and Groundswell Center for Food and Farming.
Saturday, July 30, 12:45-4:00 pm. “Creating an Edible Forest Garden.” Dani Baker, co-owner of Cross Island Farms(Jefferson County), has developed one acre of her certified organic farm as a multi-functional edible forest garden, incorporating numerous permaculture principles and practices. She will take participants for a walk-through and introduction to 300+ perennial cultivars of fruits, nuts, berries, and other edibles. Attendees will taste fruits, flowers, greens, and herbs in season, and go home with a potted plant to add to their own edible garden. Registration fees are $20/person or $30 for two or more attendees from the same farm/family. Private farm tours are available that morning; email organic@crossislandfarms.comor call 315-482-3663.