For more details:
http://rainsymposium.eventbrite.com/
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Agriculture and Agri-Food Symposium 2011, Sault Ste. Marie, November 4
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre and NORDIK Institute are hosting an Agriculture and Agri-Food Symposium on November 4th and 5th at Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie. The symposium aims to create opportunities for collaboration between farmers in Northern Ontario and researchers in the agricultural sector. The symposium will feature applicable workshops for local farmers and researchers alike; some include Sustaining Soil and Crop Productivity, Specialty Foods and Value-Added Products, and Healthy Food for Sustainable Communities.
For more details:
http://rainsymposium.eventbrite.com/
For more details:
http://rainsymposium.eventbrite.com/
Thursday, October 20, 2011
FarmStart Workshop
BUYING A FARM: PLANNING AHEAD FOR FARM OWNERSHIP
-Saturday November 19, 2011 - 10 Carden St., Guelph - 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Links:
http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=161ababe722ef78f40ab203a0&id=0637ad0fc3&e=0b19f66d42
Do you have the dream of buying a farm? If so, the earlier you begin to research and plan for it, the better! How should you begin your search? How do you find financing? How do you make an offer? These questions and lots more will be the focus of this workshop, geared towards first time buyers.
Topics to be covered will include:
* Setting priorities on what to look for in a farm, and where to look
* Financing: the process of getting approved for a mortgage, the role of a mortgage broker, the difference between a residential and agricultural mortgage
* The process of making an offer and learning the lingo (ex: signbacks, amendments, chattels)
* Who you need on your team (ex: mortgage broker, real estate agent, lawyer, home inspector)
This workshop will help demystify the process of purchasing a farm, and help you decide if this is the right choice for you.
Parking:_ Free parking is available in the Wilson Lot on Wilson Street, just south of Carden street
How to get here:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=10+Carden+Street,+Guelph,+Ontario&hl=en&sll=44.274275,-79.367552&sspn=0.022462,0.032444&vpsrc=0&t=m&z=16
Cost: $55 or $100 per Farm Team
To register: contact Cherie Bauman, admin@farmstart.ca or 519-836-7046 x 103.
Or register online:
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/569398/farmstart-workshop-registration-summer-2011
-Saturday November 19, 2011 - 10 Carden St., Guelph - 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Links:
http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=161ababe722ef78f40ab203a0&id=0637ad0fc3&e=0b19f66d42
Do you have the dream of buying a farm? If so, the earlier you begin to research and plan for it, the better! How should you begin your search? How do you find financing? How do you make an offer? These questions and lots more will be the focus of this workshop, geared towards first time buyers.
Topics to be covered will include:
* Setting priorities on what to look for in a farm, and where to look
* Financing: the process of getting approved for a mortgage, the role of a mortgage broker, the difference between a residential and agricultural mortgage
* The process of making an offer and learning the lingo (ex: signbacks, amendments, chattels)
* Who you need on your team (ex: mortgage broker, real estate agent, lawyer, home inspector)
This workshop will help demystify the process of purchasing a farm, and help you decide if this is the right choice for you.
Parking:_ Free parking is available in the Wilson Lot on Wilson Street, just south of Carden street
How to get here:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=10+Carden+Street,+Guelph,+Ontario&hl=en&sll=44.274275,-79.367552&sspn=0.022462,0.032444&vpsrc=0&t=m&z=16
Cost: $55 or $100 per Farm Team
To register: contact Cherie Bauman, admin@farmstart.ca or 519-836-7046 x 103.
Or register online:
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/569398/farmstart-workshop-registration-summer-2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
2011 ELS/CRAFT Farm Tours
Tour 3 - Heart & Soil Gardens and Rowantree Farms - August 29, 2011
Since Heart & Soil Gardens is owned by me (Amy Hallman) and I was leading the tour, there were not many pictures taken at this location!
Below are shots of my approx. 5000 square foot garden and back yard where I try to do edible landscaping where ever I can (see fledgling raspberry hedge in the background).
This garden is where I grow the salad mix for the Eat Local Sudbury store.
And of course we had to talk about the sprouts that are so popular at the store as well. Sunflower sprouts are seen growing in their tray below:
I showed the group how I harvest and wash the sprouts as well as demonstrating how I start each tray of seeds:
After a couple hours, we travelled from Chelmsford to Wanup to visit Allison Muckle at Rowantree Farms. Here Allison produces duck and chicken eggs, and meat chickens and turkeys for local consumption.
We began by eating our lunch and having Allison talk to us a bit about some of the ideas implemented on her farm:
Then we went to visit the birds!
The geese were fascinating to the kids that were there (don't worry, they all got along!):
Next we visited the ducks, who were heading to the shade of the forest (another hot day!):
Allison then showed us the moveable hoop houses for the ducks that are moved every few days to help cultivate the ground. AKA "Duck Tractors"!
Moving these pre-built hoop houses is definitely a two person job as they are quite heavy. But the ducks seemed quite happy there. Another great feature is being able to roll the plastic sides up during the day when the weather gets hot in the summer.
Next we saw the turkeys (also a big hit with the kids who had them gobbling non-stop!) that are all pre-sold to customers for Thanksgiving (where's mine? I wondered....).
While in the field, Allison took questions on how she cares for each type of bird and protects them from potential predators (bears come by quite often apparently!).
Lastly were the chickens in their 'tractors' built very similarly to those on Dalew Farms from Tour 1:
On the way back to the house, we took a look at the market garden where crops for a small number of CSA boxes are grown. Look at that healthy squash:
We also got a good look at Allison's favourite tool: her walk-behind tractor that allows her to do most of her cultivating work without a large machine. It has various implements for different jobs just like a large tractor does.
Since Heart & Soil Gardens is owned by me (Amy Hallman) and I was leading the tour, there were not many pictures taken at this location!
Below are shots of my approx. 5000 square foot garden and back yard where I try to do edible landscaping where ever I can (see fledgling raspberry hedge in the background).
This garden is where I grow the salad mix for the Eat Local Sudbury store.
And of course we had to talk about the sprouts that are so popular at the store as well. Sunflower sprouts are seen growing in their tray below:
I showed the group how I harvest and wash the sprouts as well as demonstrating how I start each tray of seeds:
After a couple hours, we travelled from Chelmsford to Wanup to visit Allison Muckle at Rowantree Farms. Here Allison produces duck and chicken eggs, and meat chickens and turkeys for local consumption.
We began by eating our lunch and having Allison talk to us a bit about some of the ideas implemented on her farm:
Then we went to visit the birds!
The geese were fascinating to the kids that were there (don't worry, they all got along!):
Next we visited the ducks, who were heading to the shade of the forest (another hot day!):
Allison then showed us the moveable hoop houses for the ducks that are moved every few days to help cultivate the ground. AKA "Duck Tractors"!
Moving these pre-built hoop houses is definitely a two person job as they are quite heavy. But the ducks seemed quite happy there. Another great feature is being able to roll the plastic sides up during the day when the weather gets hot in the summer.
Next we saw the turkeys (also a big hit with the kids who had them gobbling non-stop!) that are all pre-sold to customers for Thanksgiving (where's mine? I wondered....).
While in the field, Allison took questions on how she cares for each type of bird and protects them from potential predators (bears come by quite often apparently!).
Lastly were the chickens in their 'tractors' built very similarly to those on Dalew Farms from Tour 1:
On the way back to the house, we took a look at the market garden where crops for a small number of CSA boxes are grown. Look at that healthy squash:
We also got a good look at Allison's favourite tool: her walk-behind tractor that allows her to do most of her cultivating work without a large machine. It has various implements for different jobs just like a large tractor does.
Finally we took a look inside the large greenhouse beside the barn that was built last year. The pellet stove inside allow Allison to extend the season for the crops inside. The hot weather crops like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants are kept in here all summer.
THANK YOU ALLISON!
2011 ELS/CRAFT Farm Tours
Tour 2 - Our Garden - August 15, 2011
Our second tour brought us to Manitoulin Island, not far from Gore Bay. We were greeted warmly by the proprietors Chuc and Linda Wilson and then led around their small but incredibly productive property.
In addition to their famous basil and fruit jellies and jams, they produce salad crops for the local market on Manitoulin. Below is an innovative solution for lettuce, a cool-season crop, to allow it to grow during the hot summer months:
We were also shown Chuc's 'Three Sisters' garden where squash, corn and pole beans are interplanted so that each crop is benefitted by the others. The corn gets the nitrogen fixed by the beans, the beans grow up the corn stalks, and the squash have a lot of heat trapped by the corn stalks. The purple corn here is taller than Chuc:
Well-organized, intensive and so tidy....
After seeing the back gardens and greenhouse, we were taken around the front to see where all the varieties of basil are grown for the delicious jellies produced on site:
After admiring the beds, we were put to work harvesting some basil for later use and nasturtium flowers for the salad we were to consume together for lunch.
Collectively, we produced a delicious and amazingly colourful lunch. Yum!
After lunch, we were shown the basics of making basil jellies without giving away the proprietary secrets of course! We were also offered a tasting of all the wonderful products; see the array of bottles below:
Before leaving, we had to get a group shot in front of this impressive wall of the Wilson's custom built home (thanks for the photo Orest!):
Our second tour brought us to Manitoulin Island, not far from Gore Bay. We were greeted warmly by the proprietors Chuc and Linda Wilson and then led around their small but incredibly productive property.
In addition to their famous basil and fruit jellies and jams, they produce salad crops for the local market on Manitoulin. Below is an innovative solution for lettuce, a cool-season crop, to allow it to grow during the hot summer months:
We were also shown Chuc's 'Three Sisters' garden where squash, corn and pole beans are interplanted so that each crop is benefitted by the others. The corn gets the nitrogen fixed by the beans, the beans grow up the corn stalks, and the squash have a lot of heat trapped by the corn stalks. The purple corn here is taller than Chuc:
Well-organized, intensive and so tidy....
After seeing the back gardens and greenhouse, we were taken around the front to see where all the varieties of basil are grown for the delicious jellies produced on site:
After admiring the beds, we were put to work harvesting some basil for later use and nasturtium flowers for the salad we were to consume together for lunch.
Collectively, we produced a delicious and amazingly colourful lunch. Yum!
After lunch, we were shown the basics of making basil jellies without giving away the proprietary secrets of course! We were also offered a tasting of all the wonderful products; see the array of bottles below:
Before leaving, we had to get a group shot in front of this impressive wall of the Wilson's custom built home (thanks for the photo Orest!):
THANKS CHUC AND LINDA!
2011 ELS/CRAFT Farm Tours
Tour 1 - Dalew Farms - August 8, 2011
Our first tour was hosted by Dave and Chantal Lewington of Dalew Farms in Lavigne, a mixed farm with a large CSA operation.
We started with a walking tour of the closer vegetable fields:
Then Dave showed us their Tomato Jungle in the greenhouse:
At the end, Dave took a few minutes to talk about running a successful CSA program. Below is a sample box from that week.
Not so educational, but darn good! Mapleton's organic ice cream at the farm stand on the property before we headed home....
Our first tour was hosted by Dave and Chantal Lewington of Dalew Farms in Lavigne, a mixed farm with a large CSA operation.
We started with a walking tour of the closer vegetable fields:
Then Dave showed us their Tomato Jungle in the greenhouse:
While in the greenhouses, we got to see a nifty innovation used for seeding, using a vaccuum and sheet of metal with different sized holes drilled into them.
Once the seeds are in place, the tray is placed over a prepared tray of soil, the vaccuum is turned off, and the seeds fall into place in each of the divided sections!! Genius!
Next we had lunch in the shade (it was quite a hot day!)
After lunch, we hopped on the tractor to see the fields where pigs and cattle were grazing:
Also on pasture are the chickens, who live in moveable homes that can be moved around to where Dave and Chantal would like the ground cultivated. AKA "Chicken Tractors"!
We also saw an tomato experiment where wide rows of grain were planted interspersed with rows of tomatoes in order to keep the heat where this heat-loving crop was growing. Those who were tasked with pruning these tomatoes could attest to the heat that built up there!!
At the end, Dave took a few minutes to talk about running a successful CSA program. Below is a sample box from that week.
Not so educational, but darn good! Mapleton's organic ice cream at the farm stand on the property before we headed home....
THANKS DAVE AND CHANTAL!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Growing the Local Bounty Report from the Tyee Solutions Series
Check out the report:
"Growing the Local Bounty: Reports from Farmlands in Flux in Ontario and B.C."
Published by The Tyee, The Waterloo Record, and Small Farmer Magazine
Link:
http://thetyee.ca/ArtsAndCulture/2011/03/18/Tyee_HomeGrownSeries_Final4.pdf
*I have also printed out a copy that will be available to borrow at Eat Local Sudbury through the ReThink Green Library*
"Growing the Local Bounty: Reports from Farmlands in Flux in Ontario and B.C."
Published by The Tyee, The Waterloo Record, and Small Farmer Magazine
Link:
http://thetyee.ca/ArtsAndCulture/2011/03/18/Tyee_HomeGrownSeries_Final4.pdf
*I have also printed out a copy that will be available to borrow at Eat Local Sudbury through the ReThink Green Library*
Savour Muskoka Fall 2011 Agricultural Workshops
SAV 130 - Basic Canning and Preserving Workshop
Instruction: Maureen Wilson
Location: Bobby Orr Community Centre, Parry Sound
Date: Sunday, October 16, 2011
Time: 1pm-4pm
Contact: admin@savourmuskoka.com
(705) 646-7118
Workshop Introduction: SAV 130 is a three hour introductory workshop about canning and preserving locally grown foods. Canning and preserving are great ways to enjoy locally grown foods all year-round. This workshop shows individuals how to can and preserve food themselves to be able to enjoy throughout any season.
Cost: $30 per person, limit 20 people
SAV 131 - Advanced Canning and Preserving Workshop
Instruction: Maureen Wilson
Location: Delta Grandview, Huntsville
Date: Sunday, October 30, 2011
Time: 1pm-4pm
Contact: admin@savourmuskoka.com
705) 646-7118
Workshop Introduction: SAV 131 is a three hour advanced workshop about canning and preserving locally grown foods. Canning and preserving are great ways to enjoy locally grown foods all year-round. This workshop shows individuals advanced techniques and skills with canning and preserving food to be able to enjoy throughout any season.
Cost: $30 per person, limit 20 people
SAV 132 - Introduction to Working with Draft Horses
Instruction: Carey-Ann Oke-Cook
Location: Oke-Cook Farm, Bracebridge
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2011
Time: 10am-2pm
Contact: admin@savourmuskoka.com
(705) 646-7118
Workshop Introduction: SAV 132 is a four hour introductory workshop about working with draft horses. Take a farm tour, learn about handling horses, watch logging demonstrations, and enjoy Oke-Cook fresh produce made into a delicious sample meal after an exciting workshop.
Cost: $30 per family, limit 20 people
SAV 134- Soil Health Workshop Instruction: Ken and Katya Riley of Brooklands Farm
Instruction: Ken and Katya Riley
Location: Brooklands Farm, Milford Bay
Date: Sunday October 23, 2011
Time: 1pm-4pm
Contact: admin@savourmuskoka.com
(705) 646-7118
Workshop Introduction: SAV 134 is a three hour workshop focusing on farming practices that are being used to build and maintain soil health. You will learn about increasing diversity, green manure crops, appropriate fertilizers, tools, animal manures, irrigation and a lot more...this is an ideal workshop for small/large scale farmers as well as (aspiring) large scale home gardeners.
Cost: $30 per person
SAV 133- Garlic Workshop with James Jones (BIg Ass Garlic)
Instruction: James Jones
Location: Community Gardens, Bracebridge (next to Independent)
Date: Sunday, October 23rd, 2011
Time: 1pm-4pm
Contact: admin@savourmuskoka.com
(705) 646-7118
Workshop Introduction: SAV 133 is a three hour workshop about planting and harvesting garlic as well as sharing the many culinary uses of the magical bulb!
Cost: $30 per person or $5 if your a member of The Community Gardens! Limit 20 people
For more information on these workshops, go to: http://www.savourmuskoka.com/events.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Muskoka Meats
Want to learn barbequing tricks that will make all your family and friends rave?
Want to find out how to can and preserve homemade jams, pickles, and relishes?
Want to discover more about cooking and serving the best-tasting chicken?
Want to educate yourself in how to cook all cuts of pork and make them into something delicious?
Don't miss out on Muskoka Meats' workshop series! For more information, check out their schedule. Contact Muskoka Meats at 705-687-3283 today and sign up while you can! Visit their website at http://www.muskokameats.com/
Instruction: Maureen Wilson
Location: Bobby Orr Community Centre, Parry Sound
Date: Sunday, October 16, 2011
Time: 1pm-4pm
Contact: admin@savourmuskoka.com
(705) 646-7118
Workshop Introduction: SAV 130 is a three hour introductory workshop about canning and preserving locally grown foods. Canning and preserving are great ways to enjoy locally grown foods all year-round. This workshop shows individuals how to can and preserve food themselves to be able to enjoy throughout any season.
Cost: $30 per person, limit 20 people
SAV 131 - Advanced Canning and Preserving Workshop
Instruction: Maureen Wilson
Location: Delta Grandview, Huntsville
Date: Sunday, October 30, 2011
Time: 1pm-4pm
Contact: admin@savourmuskoka.com
705) 646-7118
Workshop Introduction: SAV 131 is a three hour advanced workshop about canning and preserving locally grown foods. Canning and preserving are great ways to enjoy locally grown foods all year-round. This workshop shows individuals advanced techniques and skills with canning and preserving food to be able to enjoy throughout any season.
Cost: $30 per person, limit 20 people
SAV 132 - Introduction to Working with Draft Horses
Instruction: Carey-Ann Oke-Cook
Location: Oke-Cook Farm, Bracebridge
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2011
Time: 10am-2pm
Contact: admin@savourmuskoka.com
(705) 646-7118
Workshop Introduction: SAV 132 is a four hour introductory workshop about working with draft horses. Take a farm tour, learn about handling horses, watch logging demonstrations, and enjoy Oke-Cook fresh produce made into a delicious sample meal after an exciting workshop.
Cost: $30 per family, limit 20 people
SAV 134- Soil Health Workshop Instruction: Ken and Katya Riley of Brooklands Farm
Instruction: Ken and Katya Riley
Location: Brooklands Farm, Milford Bay
Date: Sunday October 23, 2011
Time: 1pm-4pm
Contact: admin@savourmuskoka.com
(705) 646-7118
Workshop Introduction: SAV 134 is a three hour workshop focusing on farming practices that are being used to build and maintain soil health. You will learn about increasing diversity, green manure crops, appropriate fertilizers, tools, animal manures, irrigation and a lot more...this is an ideal workshop for small/large scale farmers as well as (aspiring) large scale home gardeners.
Cost: $30 per person
SAV 133- Garlic Workshop with James Jones (BIg Ass Garlic)
Instruction: James Jones
Location: Community Gardens, Bracebridge (next to Independent)
Date: Sunday, October 23rd, 2011
Time: 1pm-4pm
Contact: admin@savourmuskoka.com
(705) 646-7118
Workshop Introduction: SAV 133 is a three hour workshop about planting and harvesting garlic as well as sharing the many culinary uses of the magical bulb!
Cost: $30 per person or $5 if your a member of The Community Gardens! Limit 20 people
For more information on these workshops, go to: http://www.savourmuskoka.com/events.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Muskoka Meats
Want to learn barbequing tricks that will make all your family and friends rave?
Want to find out how to can and preserve homemade jams, pickles, and relishes?
Want to discover more about cooking and serving the best-tasting chicken?
Want to educate yourself in how to cook all cuts of pork and make them into something delicious?
Don't miss out on Muskoka Meats' workshop series! For more information, check out their schedule. Contact Muskoka Meats at 705-687-3283 today and sign up while you can! Visit their website at http://www.muskokameats.com/
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