FarmON in the North

Agriculture and Agri-Food Symposium 2011, Sault Ste. Marie, November 4

2011-10-23T12:16:00.001-04:00

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/

FarmStart Workshop

2011-10-20T17:06:00.000-04:00

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

2011 ELS/CRAFT Farm Tours

2011-10-19T22:21:00.000-04:00

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.

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

2011-10-19T21:18:00.001-04:00

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!):

THANKS CHUC AND LINDA!

2011 ELS/CRAFT Farm Tours

2011-10-19T20:43:00.000-04:00

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:

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!

Growing the Local Bounty Report from the Tyee Solutions Series

2011-10-15T12:29:00.001-04:00

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*

Savour Muskoka Fall 2011 Agricultural Workshops

2011-10-15T11:52:00.000-04:00

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

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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/

Award Opportunity

2011-10-15T10:56:00.003-04:00

2011 Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence Program Now Accepting Applications

Have you developed and implemented an innovative product or process within your agriculture or food business? If so, you could be eligible to receive one of the following awards from the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence Program:

- Premier's Award (one award valued at $75,000)

- Minister's Award (one award valued at $50,000)

- Leaders in Innovation Awards (three awards valued at $25,000 each)

- Provincial Awards (45 awards valued at $5,000 each)

Eligible applicants include primary producers / farmers, processors and agri-food organizations. Unlike previous years, applications will be accepted direct from processors and agri-food organizations.

A copy of the Program Guidebook and Application Form, as well as information on previous award recipients is available at www.ontario.ca/agrifoodinnovation or by calling 1-877-424-1300.

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm, Monday, November 14, 2011.

Bring Food Home Conference Farmer Training Day

2011-10-13T17:45:00.000-04:00

Good News! New Special Rate for Farmer-to-Farmer Training at the Bring Food Home Conference in Peterborough

Thursday October 27

Thanks to the support of our Sponsors,
farmers can register for a new low price for Thursday, October 27 at the Bring Food Home Conference in Peterborough.

*CLICK HERE*http://www.gifttool.com/registrar/ShowEventDetails?ID=1982&EID=10156 * TO REGISTER* for October 27 and for $75 you will receive:

- Two half-day *Farmer-to-Farmer Training Workshops* (see 8 choices below) to be held at Trent University
- Lunch
- A ticket to the inspiring evening Keynote Panel “Let’s Talk About Food” featuring *Mark Winne, Jeanette Longfield *and* Dawn Morrison*, in a discussion moderated by *Jon Steinman.* The Keynote Panel will be held at Showplace, in downtown Peterborough.

Plus, come to…

*The Avenues* * @ The Spill *- local country folk band after the Keynote! Come mix, mingle, hoot and holler just down the street ($5 at the door).

*Another chance to save $$:*
*Have you attended the free Growing Your Farm Profits Workshop and prepared an Action Plan? If so, please note: **The Farmer-to-Farmer Training Workshops (below) are also eligible forcost-share funding at the rate of 50% or 75%. For more information on program requirements, please call 1-800-265-9751, visit **www.ontariosoilcrop.org/en/bdfboverview*or call your local GYFP representative.

Check out what the rest of the conference holds, as you might want to stay for all 3 fabulous days! http://bringfoodhome.com/

*FARMER-TO-FARMER TRAINING WORKSHOPS, THURSDAY OCT 27th *

9AM – NOON

*1) Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) Basics*

CSAs are becoming a popular option for farmers looking to sell product directly to consumers and for consumers concerned about where and how their food was produced. Over the course of a morning, a panel of CSA producers will discuss how they utilize the CSA idea on their farm. Topics under discussion will include CSA models, member recruitment and retention, distribution, pricing and payments. Panelists Steve and Lisa Cooper from Cooper’s CSA, Harry Stoddart from Stoddart Family Farm and Frédéric Thériault from Ferme Coopérative Tourne Sol will further illustrate how the CSA model can be successfully applied to larger vegetable operations, livestock operations or even a worker’s co-op. If you are considering starting a CSA, this workshop is a great starting point.

*2) Profitable Winter Vegetable Production*

How does spinach grow in January? Can you really have 30 plus crops on the table in February? Is winter production really profitable? Kilpatrick Family Farm in New York has been farming year round since 2006, delivering a wide array of greens, roots, and alliums, to farmer’s markets, restaurants, and their CSA. Michael will walk participants through how Kilpatrick Family Farm grows a wide range of produce through the winter months when temperatures in the field are well below zero. Topics will include an intro to Kilpatrick Family Farm, greenhouse choices, heating options, storage requirements, and tips, tricks, and techniques for how to get things to grow when most other farms are quiet. There will also be discussion time to ask Michael questions about his operation.

*3) Choosing the Right Livestock for your Mixed Farm*

Join Fran McQuail from Meeting Place Organic Farmhttp://www.meetingplaceorganicfarm.ca/, who has raised a variety of organic livestock for over 30 years, including sheep, poultry, pigs, cattle, draft horses and dairy goats for homestead milk production. Fran will go over considerations in choosing livestock, including farm goals, basic management practices, acreage requirements, housing, human resource requirements, marketing opportunities and enterprise budgets. If you are considering getting in livestock or are looking to diversify your current operation, this is a workshop you won't want to miss!

*4) Growing Quality Organic Field Crops*

Growing organic crops is a good first step but to get the best price you also need to think about quality. A panel of experienced farmers with a range of acreage under cultivation will share their knowledge of organic field crop production, including transitioning land, rotation plans, fertility, weed control, seed sources, harvest and storage. There will be plenty of time for questions.

*1PM – 4PM *

*5) Farming in the City: An Introduction to Urban Agriculture*

Join presenters Ryan Hayhurst of Guelph's Backyard Bountyhttp://www.backyardbounty.ca/, Erica Lemieux of Seed City Farms in Toronto, and Christopher Wong of Young Urban Farmers for a session dedicated to exploring the art and science of food production in the city.

During this session presenters will share their farm models and experience through video/pictures and speak about how they got started, the challenges they've encountered, and will describe their operation including growing techniques, post-harvest handling, marketing, labour and financing. Concerns such as urban soil, food safety, policy barriers and funding challenges will also be covered.

In addition to the "how-tos" of getting started in urban growing, participants can also expect to gain a better understanding of the breadth and depth of the urban agriculture movement in southern Ontario, from permaculture co-ops to Small-Plot Intensive (SPIN Farming) enterprises, while connecting with others at the leading edge of the 'really' local food movement.

*6) Crop Planning for Vegetable Growers *(1pm – 4:30pm)

This half day workshop is based on the recent publication from Canadian Organic Growers (COG), *Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Growers*, by Frédéric Thériault and Daniel Brisebois. Facilitated by author and Ferme Coopérative Tourne-Sol farmer Frédéric Thériault, this workshop introduces a 10 step field-tested approach to developing and implementing a crop plan: from setting realistic financial goals, to developing a fool proof crop plan (including planting schedules, seed orders, crop maps, greenhouse schedules), to keeping and analyzing records to increase your business’ profitability for the next year. Activities and discussions will enable participants to better understand the process of crop planning and how it can help make their farm businesses more efficient and profitable. An absolutely essential workshop for every market gardener*!*

*7) Grazing - From the Ground Up*

E. Ann Clark will introduce this session with a focus on starting a grazing operation from scratch, using examples from her own experience to illustrate goal-setting, identifying and fencing off management units based on soil, topography, access to water, and land use history, and using livestock to develop a property, including managing sward composition, redistributing nutrients, and discouraging woody and weedy encroachers. She will then be joined by two other experienced livestock producers who will share tips on grazing, watering and fencing systems for several species, including beef, sheep, pigs and poultry.
Panlists:
*E. Ann Clark*, retired as of Jan 2011 from her position as an Associate Professor in Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph, has now joined the farming community near Warkworth, in Northumberland County. She is applying her 32-year career studying grazing management and organic farming to design and operate her own 100 acre grass farm for a post-oil future.

*Tony McQuail*, along with his wife Fran, have owned and operated Meeting Place Organic Farm for 38 years, and have been certified organic for the last 27 years. They are currently producing grass fed beef and pork on their 100 ac mixed farm in Bruce County using Holistic Management practices for their grazing plans.

*Roger Harley**, *wife Julie, and family moved to Ontario in 2000 from the UK where they had a 4500ac farm, most of which was in livestock and hay production. They now farm 2000 acres in Ontario all under natural and animal welfare protocols. They run a large pasture based Tamworth hog operation, a herd of Belted Galloways cattle and a flock of Wiltshire Horn sheep.

*8) Marketing Organic Field Crops*

Now that you are on your way to growing quality organic field crops, what are the options for selling them? This session will give you an overview of how organic grains are marketed in Ontario. Joining us will be Tom Manley from Homestead Organics, Marshall King from Organic Meadow and Roger Rivest from Keystone Grains. We are going to talk contracts, prices, trucking and what may be coming in the future. There will be time at the end of the day for individual discussions with Tom, Marshall and Roger.

Panelists:
Marshall King is the grain pool manager for Organic Meadow. His
position is to market members’ organic crops and work with mills, processors, and other customers. Organic Meadow will also broker crops from non-members.

Roger Rivest is a long time organic producer from Essex County. He is currently a buyer for Keystone Grain headquartered in Winnipeg. Keystone specializes in the processing and marketing of sunflowers, flax, specialty crops and organic commodities to customers in Canada and around the world.
Tom Manley has been the head of Homestead Organicssince its inception in 1997. Their current infrastructure in Berwick Ontario receives 6000 tonnes of crops per year and they are looking to expand their facilities. In addition to buying organic grains, Homestead also sells
organic livestock feeds, and organic seeds.

2011 Farm Tours!!

2011-07-25T16:16:00.002-04:00

Meet your Eat Local Sudbury farmers

On our 2011 farm tour series!

*These free tours are open to ELS members and participants in the craft (collaborative regional alliance for farmer training) internship program. This series is a great opportunity to see where your food comes from and learn some of the skills needed for a successful farm business.*

Sign up today!

Monday, August, 8 2011:

10:00 am: Meet at Eat Local Sudbury

11:00am – 4:00pm: Tour Dalew Farms, Lavigne. Hosts: Chantal and Dave Lewington

Dalew Farms is a very diverse operation that includes five acres of vegetables, a large CSA box program, and livestock including beef, pork, laying hens, meat birds and lamb. Eat Local Sudbury carries their pork products and vegetables. A tour of the farm highlighting what’s new on the farm for 2011 will be followed by a workshop on running a successful CSA program.

5:00 pm: Back at Eat Local Sudbury

Monday, August 15, 2011:

9:00 am: Meet at Eat Local Sudbury

11:30 am - 3:30 pm: Tour Our Garden Farm, Ice Lake, Manitoulin. Hosts: Chuc and Linda Willson

Our Garden is a small, home-based business located on Manitoulin Island that specializes in a limited range of organically grown produce, bedding plants and flower baskets plus jellies, vinegars and herbal products sourced from our land or in the wild. Highlights of the tour will be the beautiful basil beds, sustainable living and a look at the jelly/vinegrette production (a vinegrette making demo, time permitting).

6:00 pm: Back at Eat Local Sudbury

Monday, August 22, 2011:

TBA: Tour Edencrest Farms, Minesing, ON.

SORRY, THIS TOUR HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO FAMILY ILLNESS

Monday, August 29, 2011:

10:00 am: Meet at Eat Local Sudbury

10:30 – 12:00: Tour Heart & Soil Gardens, Chelmsford. Host: Amy Hallman

This is a small ‘peri-urban’ operation where salad crops and sprouts are grown for the Eat Local Sudbury store and market stall. A tour and workshop on large-scale seed sprouting and sprouting safety will be offered.

12:30 – 4:30 pm: Tour Rowantree Farms, Wanup. Host: Allison Muckle

This farm has 5 acres in pasture and gardens surrounded by 150 acres of forest, rock and a small lake and produces "lucky duck eggs" and "quirky quail eggs" for retail and restaurant sales. They grow a wide variety of vegetables for both direct and retail sales, as well as pastured chickens and turkeys during the summer. All produce is grown without pesticides, chemical fertilizers and GMOs and all livestock are fed a certified organic grain ration and forage on pasture in the summer months. There will be tour of the farm and a workshop on raising alternative poultry for eggs.

5:00 pm: Back at Eat Local Sudbury

Transportation is provided – Please sign up with Amy to reserve your spot: farmon@eatlocalsudbury.com or (705) 855-4658
Remember to pack your lunch and lots of water!

Conferences and Workshops - February and March

2011-02-12T18:20:00.003-05:00

February 3 & 4:
Quest for New Farm Value - Value Plus Workshops "Turn Ideas into Value-Added Business"

Day 1: 8:30 am Registrations
Day 1 & 2: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Elk Lake Eco Centre, Ontario Street, Elk Lake

Accommodations available at: http://www.elklakeeco.com/

Early bird Registration up to January 19th 2011: 60.00$

Registration before January 26th 2011: 75.00$ (includes lunch)

Make cheque payable to the: "Northern Lights Regional Foods Project"

For more information, contact: Maurice Landriault at 705-672-5291 ext. 228

*This training may be eligible for cost-share funding through Growing Forward Business Development for Farm business.

February 9:
Food Safety Training for Ontario's Agricultural Producers

Sturgeon Falls

OMAFRA is pleased to introduce a new, one-day comprehensive workshop which focuses on the following 5 topics: Getting started in Food Safety, Hygiene and sanitation, Pre and Post Harvest Water use, manure, compost and Compost Teas, Food Safety on Multi-Commodity Farms.
Producers: 45$ plus HST Non-Producers: 65$ plus HST

To register, please call 1-877-424-1300 or Visit: www.ontario.ca/foodsafety

Canadian Organic Growers Farmer Training Webinar Series 2011

Transitioning the Small Produce Farm - February 1st

Record Keeping for Organic Growers Part 1 - February 8th

Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Growers Part 1 - February 10th

Organic Livestock Transition - February 15th

Record Keeping for Organic Growers Part 2 - February 22nd

Crop Planning for Organic Growers Part 2 - February 24th

For more information, and to register: WWW.COG.CA/SHOP or 1-888-375-7383

February 15th:
West Sudbury and Manitoulin sheep/goat meetings

The West Sudbury meeting location is the Massey Fire Hall, beginning at 1:30 PM, the Manitoulin session will be held at the Spring Bay Hall, starting at 7:30 PM. Light refreshments will be available, topic areas will include lamb nutrition, managing hypothermia in lambs, breeding season management, genetics, predation and lots of time for questions! Anita O'Brien, OMAFRA sheep and goat specialist, and Barry Potter, OMAFA
northern Ontario livestock specialist will be attending.

February 16th:
Manitoulin Cattlemen's/Soil and Crop Information Day

Topics will include pasture research and statistics, EFP and GYFP updates, Scott Vet Services presentation, AgriCorp update, BMO presentation on farm succession, updates on OSCIA 2010 and 2011, abattoir update, and any concerns for the OCA AGM from resolutions raised at the recent Cattlemen's AGM. LUNCH will be provided. The information day will begin at 11:00 AM, at the Spring Bay Hall.

February 18:
Renewing Rural Economies Forum

Realizing New Economic Development Opportunities in Agriculture

Date: Friday, February 18, 2011

Time: 9:00 - 4:00

Place: Arboretum Centre, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario

Cost: $40.00 (includes lunch).

Forum Theme & Introduction

How do communities organize effectively around economic development for agriculture? It can begin at the local level with collaboration among planners, economic development officers and the farm community. Through improved dialogue, opportunities exist to reduce barriers to agricultural development and to better capitalize on developing domestic markets. The Ontario Farmland Trust believes that farmland and local agriculture should be valued as a part of community economic development and be seen as key to revitalizing rural economies.

Format

This forum is designed to spark dialogue between municipal planners, economic development officers and the farm community surrounding agricultural development issues. The format of the event allows for a unique exchange between the presenters and professionals in attendance, as well as sharing of experiences and questions among peers. Many innovative approaches to rural and agricultural economic development will be featured in case studies from across Ontario, and several presentations about agricultural economic development occurring elsewhere in Canada and the United States will allow for comparison of different development models and perspectives.

Program
> Learning Each Other's Language: Partnerships Among Planning, Economic Development and Agriculture Industry Professionals

> Connecting to Community Food Interests: Leveraging Municipal Food Strategies, Food Charters and Food Policy Councils to Develop New Markets

> Growth, Economic Resiliency and Land Use: Engaging Municipal Councilors in Food and Agricultural Issues

> Prospering with a Stable or Declining Population: Investigating New Research and Rural Development Case Studies from the University of Guelph

> How does Ontario Planning and Economic Development Compare? Case Studies in Farmland Protection and Agricultural Economic Development from British Columbia and the United States

**Register online: http://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/resources/2011-forum

February 20:
Second Annual Seedy Sunday, Market Square, Sudbury

Date: Sunday, February 20, 2011

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

Place: Market Square, 85 Elm St., Sudbury
Booths from seed vendors, not for profit groups, and horticultural groups
Food vendors - Eat Local Sudbury, Heart & Soil Gardens and Northern Flavours
Children's activities

Seed exchange from 10:30 am to 11:45 am - bring your own saved seed to exchange with others!

Guest speakers:

12:00 Suzanne Hanna - Opening Remarks

12:20 Doreen Ojala - Grow a Row

1:00 Allison Muckle - Rowantree Farms

1:20 Nature's Heirloom Gardens

2:00 Amy Hallman - Heart & Soil Gardens

2:20 Greta Kryger - Greta's Organics

3:00 Kate Green - USC seed saving

3:20 John Renaud - MYKE soil amendments

Come and get inspired for the coming season!

February 23 - 24:
Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario Annual Conference

Best Western Lamplighter Inn, London, ON.

Price: $199 (includes meals)

Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation

Meet with Ontario’s most innovative and progressive farmers and learn from the experts

Dr. Reese Halter — Bee Power – Crucial to Agriculture and Life

Roberto Peiretto — No Till Productivity, Profit and Sustainability

Dr. Marco Pasti — Management of High Yield Corn in Italy

Steve Groff — Solving the Cover Crop Puzzle

Dr. Ieuan Evans — Micronutrients, What We Need To Know

Jim Basset — Coulters, Cleaners, Closers, Combos and Much More!

For more details go to: http://www.ifao.com/

February 25-26:
Eco Farm Day 2011

Canadian Organic Growers – Ottawa Chapter

Keeping it Local and Sustainable

February 25, 26th, 2011

Theme for 2011: "For the Sake of Food Safety and Security"

Ramada Inn, Cornwall, Ontario

For more info, go to:

http://www.cog.ca/ottawa/ecofarmday/ENsponsors_exhib.html

March 3-5, 2011:
Policy Workshop “Sustainable Local Food Systems in Europe and the Americas: Lessons for Policy and Practice”

At the British High Commission, 80 Elgin St., Ottawa

Only eating food from within a 100 mile radius of your home or trying to avoid eating food which has to be shipped from the other side of the globe has become popular with many individuals over the past decade. But in a cold country such as Canada how realistic is the “100 mile diet” and counting “food miles”? What role could public policy play in promoting local food systems?

Join the debate with academics, civil society actors, industry representatives and civil servants. The event will discuss the latest policy-relevant research from the EU and Canada.

For more information and to register:
http://www.canada-europe-dialogue.ca/local-food-systems/

March 20, 2011:
SAVOUR Muskoka Maple Syrup Workshop

Instruction: Ken /Katya Riley, Brooklands Farm
Location: 1375 Butter and Egg Road, Milford Bay
Date: March 20, 2011
Contact: info@savourmuskoka.com (705) 646-7118

SAV 101 is a five hour introductory workshop about maple syrup fundamentals for those who wish to pro-duce their own syrup. The workshop takes place when syrup is being made, allowing the workshop participant to gain a firsthand view of the production process, and answer many commonly asked ques-tions related to sugar bush management and maple syrup production.

For more information: http://www.savourmuskoka.com/

Bring Food Home Conference 2011

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Sustain Ontario is beginning to make plans for another Bring Food Home Conference, slated for October or November of this year. Have your say as to what you'd like to see in this year's program and/or volunteer to help! Fill out this survey: http://sustainontario.createsend3.com/t/r/l/yhxhhy/oirxhhdk/i

Check out last year's conference proceedings:
http://sustainontario.com/initiatives/bring-food-home-2010-conference#

Upcoming Workshops and Conferences

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January 6 - Southwest Agriculture Web Conference
Collège Boréal, Sturgeon Falls Campus
8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Join us for a web cast of concurrent sessions from the South West Agriculture Conference in Ridgetown.
Reservation before December 24th: 50.00$
Phone: 1-800-461-6132
Fax: 705-594-9675
Email: noroaginfo@ontario.ca
Make cheque payable to: North Eastern Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association.
Send to: Northern Ontario Regional Office OMAFRA, P.O. Box 521, Verner, Ontario P0H 2M0
Late registration is 60.00$ and does not guarantee lunch or a copy of the proceedings.

January 5 - 7:
Central Ontario Agricultural Conference, Georgian College, Barrie

See http://www.centralontarioagconference.ca/ for full details
$30 pre-registration, $35 at the door.

Wed. January 5: Dairy, Beef, Poultry
Thurs. January 6: Organics and Farm Fresh
Fri. January 7: Crops and Horses

January 9:
Everdale's Farmers Growing Farmers Workshop:
"Spreadsheets for Farmers"

Learn how to use spreadsheets to create farm planning and financial documents. Examples of crop planning spreadsheets, field maps, financial documents and other creative uses to make spreadsheets work for your farm will be presented.

Location: Everdale Farm, Hillsburgh, ON
Time: 9:30 am - 4 pm
Cost: $100
For more information or to register contact: jennifer@everdale.org or phone 519-855-4859 Ext. 101.

January 20 - March 2, 2011:
On-line course offered by the Small Farms Program at Cornell:

"Markets & Profits: Making Money Selling What You Grow"

Explore market opportunities and profit potential for your product to take your planning to the next level. Cost: $150.
For details and to register, go to: http://www.nybeginningfarmers.org/courses/

January 20th and February 3rd:
Growing your Farm Profits Workshop

Growing Your Farm Profits is a free two-day workshop that will give you the tools needed to assess
your current farm management practices. You will learn how planning can influence effective decision making. You will establish written goals and specific action plans that will move your business forward. Cost-share funding is available for Farm Financial Assessment, Agriculture Skills Development, Advanced Business Plans, and Business Plan Implementation. Workshop dates on Manitoulin are January 20 and February 3, 2011. Please call Mary Scott at 377-4928 to register.

January 27 - 30, 2011:
Guelph Organic Agriculture Conference, Guelph University Centre

See http://www.guelphorganicconf.ca/ for full details.

Thurs. January 27: Canadian Organic Growers Crop Planning Day and Soil Food Web evening
Fri. January 28: Agro-Ecological sessions in: Equipment, International Perspectives, Financials, Marketing
Sat. January 29: Keynote Address, All day workshops and Trade Show
Sun. January 30: All day workshops and Trade Show

*I will be travelling to Guelph for this and will have room for one or two from if you'd like a ride (Amy).*

February 3 & 4:
Quest for New Farm Value - Value Plus Workshops "Turn Ideas into Value-Added Business"

Day 1: 8:30 am Registrations
Day 1 & 2: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Elk Lake Eco Centre, Ontario Street, Elk Lake
Accommodations available at: http://www.elklakeeco.com/

Early bird Registration up to January 19th 2011: 60.00$
Registration before January 26th 2011: 75.00$ (includes lunch)
Make cheque payable to the: "Northern Lights Regional Foods Project"
For more information, contact: Maurice Landriault at 705-672-5291 ext. 228

*This training may be eligible for cost-share funding through Growing Forward Business Development for Farm business.

February 9:
Food Safety Training for Ontario's Agricultural Producers

Sturgeon Falls
OMAFRA is pleased to introduce a new, one-day comprehensive workshop which focuses on the following 5 topics: Getting started in Food Safety, Hygiene and sanitation, Pre and Post Harvest Water use, manure, compost and Compost Teas, Food Safety on Multi-Commodity Farms.

Producers: 45$ plus HST Non-Producers: 65$ plus HST

To register, please call 1-877-424-1300 or Visit: www.ontario.ca/foodsafety

Canadian Organic Growers Farmer Training Webinar Series 2011

Transitioning the Small Produce Farm - February 1st
Record Keeping for Organic Growers Part 1 - February 8th
Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Growers Part 1 - February 10th
Organic Livestock Transition - February 15th
Record Keeping for Organic Growers Part 2 - February 22nd
Crop Planning for Organic Growers Part 2 - February 24th

For more information, and to register: WWW.COG.CA/SHOP [2] OR 888-375-7383

February 15th:
West Sudbury and Manitoulin sheep/goat meetings

The West Sudbury meeting location is the Massey Fire Hall, beginning at 1:30 PM, the Manitoulin session will be held at the Spring Bay Hall, starting at 7:30 PM. Light refreshments will be available, topic areas will include lamb nutrition, managing hypothermia in lambs, breeding season management, genetics, predation and lots of time for questions! Anita O'Brien, OMAFRA sheep and goat specialist, and Barry Potter, OMAFA

northern Ontario livestock specialist will be attending.

February 16th:
Manitoulin Cattlemen's/Soil and Crop Information Day

Topics will include pasture research and statistics, EFP and GYFP updates, Scott Vet Services presentation, AgriCorp update, BMO presentation on farm succession, updates on OSCIA 2010 and 2011, abattoir update, and any concerns for the OCA AGM from resolutions raised at the recent Cattlemen's AGM. LUNCH will be provided. The information day will begin at 11:00 AM, at the Spring Bay Hall.

February 18:
Renewing Rural Economies Forum
Realizing New Economic Development Opportunities in Agriculture

Date: Friday, February 18, 2011
Time: 9:00 - 4:00
Place: Arboretum Centre, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario
Cost: $40.00 (includes lunch).

Forum Theme & Introduction
How do communities organize effectively around economic development for agriculture? It can begin at the local level with collaboration among planners, economic development officers and the farm community. Through improved dialogue, opportunities exist to reduce barriers to agricultural development and to better capitalize on developing domestic markets. The Ontario Farmland Trust believes that farmland and local agriculture should be valued as a part of community economic development and be seen as key to revitalizing rural economies.

Format
This forum is designed to spark dialogue between municipal planners, economic development officers and the farm community surrounding agricultural development issues. The format of the event allows for a unique exchange between the presenters and professionals in attendance, as well as sharing of experiences and questions among peers. Many innovative approaches to rural and agricultural economic development will be featured in case studies from across Ontario, and several presentations about agricultural economic development occurring elsewhere in Canada and the United States will allow for comparison of different development models and perspectives.

Program

> Learning Each Other's Language: Partnerships Among Planning, Economic Development and Agriculture Industry Professionals
> Connecting to Community Food Interests: Leveraging Municipal Food Strategies, Food Charters and Food Policy Councils to Develop New Markets

> Growth, Economic Resiliency and Land Use: Engaging Municipal Councilors in Food and Agricultural Issues

> Prospering with a Stable or Declining Population: Investigating New Research and Rural Development Case Studies from the University of Guelph

> How does Ontario Planning and Economic Development Compare? Case Studies in Farmland Protection and Agricultural Economic Development from British Columbia and the United States

**Register online:   http://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/resources/2011-forum

February 20:
Second Annual Seedy Sunday, Market Square, Sudbury

Date: Sunday, February 20, 2011
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Place: Market Square, 85 Elm St., Sudbury

Booths from seed vendors, not for profit groups, and horticultural groups
Food vendors - Eat Local Sudbury, Heart & Soil Gardens and Northern Flavours
Children's activities

Seed exchange from 10:30 am to 11:45 am - bring your own saved seed to exchange with others!

Guest speakers:

12:00 Suzanne Hanna - Opening Remarks
12:20 Doreen Ojala - Grow a Row
1:00    Allison Muckle - Rowantree Farms
1:20    Nature's Heirloom Gardens
2:00    Amy Hallman - Heart & Soil Gardens
2:20    Greta Kryger - Greta's Organics
3:00    Kate Green - USC seed saving
3:20    John Renaud - MYKE soil amendments

Come and get inspired for the coming season!

February 23 - 24:
Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario Annual Conference

Best Western Lamplighter Inn, London, ON.
Price: $199 (includes meals)
Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation
Meet with Ontario’s most innovative and progressive farmers and learn from the experts
Dr. Reese Halter — Bee Power – Crucial to Agriculture and Life
Roberto Peiretto — No Till Productivity, Profit and Sustainability
Dr. Marco Pasti — Management of High Yield Corn in Italy
Steve Groff — Solving the Cover Crop Puzzle
Dr. Ieuan Evans — Micronutrients, What We Need To Know
Jim Basset — Coulters, Cleaners, Closers, Combos and Much More!

For more details go to: http://www.ifao.com/

March 20, 2011:
*** SAVOUR Muskoka Maple Syrup Workshop ***

Instruction: Ken /Katya Riley, Brooklands Farm

Location: 1375 Butter and Egg Road, Milford Bay

Date: March 20, 2011

Contact: info@savourmuskoka.com (705) 646-7118

SAV 101 is a five hour introductory workshop about maple syrup fundamentals for those who wish to pro-duce their own syrup. The workshop takes place when syrup is being made, allowing the workshop participant to gain a firsthand view of the production process, and answer many commonly asked ques-tions related to sugar bush management and maple syrup production.

For more information: http://www.savourmuskoka.com/

Savour Muskoka Fall 2010 Agriculture Workshops

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SAV 114 Raising Poultry

Instruction: The Donkey's Shack & Feedstore

Location: 2532 Doe Lake Road, Gravenhurst, ON

Date: October 30, 2010

Contact: admin@savourmuskoka.com (705)646-7118

Workshop Introduction: SAV 109 is a three hour introductory workshop about raising poultry for food production or as a hobby. A growing number of citizens across the country are choosing to raise poultry on their farms or in their backyards. Lots of people raise poultry for eggs and meat that proponents say taste fresher. Others raise them for pest control, fertilizer and, as the economy continues to struggle, for a cost-saving source of protein. Raising poultry is easy to do and can be fun and rewarding.

SAV 107 Canning and Preserving

Instruction: Michelle Shabatura, The Farmers Daughter & Ken Schulz, Delta Grandview Resort.

Location: Mark O'Mara Club House Delta Grandview

Date: November 7, 2010

Contact: admin@savourmuskoka.com (705) 646-7118

Workshop Introduction: SAV 107 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.

Local Food Development brainstorming session
Saturday November 20, 2010

An opportunity to convene with a variety of people, farmers, farm leaders, chefs, farm market managers, District representatives, etc. who are all in positions where they can contribute to increasing and meeting the demand for locally grown products in our area.

Here is our theme question for Saturday: What are the issues and opportunities facing Muskoka-Parry Sound as we look for ways to expand production, distribution and consumption of local food?

Hosted by SAVOUR MuskokaDelta Grandview Resort, 939 Highway 60 Huntsville, ON

This event will begin Friday evening 7.00 pm - 9 .00 pm, with an exciting presentation by Dianne Dowling from Kingston's “New Farm” project, including a short film titled “Food Down the Road”. Saturday's meeting will be a little unusual. We will be working in “Open Space”, an unusual way of applying a group's collective energy to a challenge. Open Space has been used successfully with hundreds of groups around the world ranging from corporate bank board members to church leaders to third-world villagers. There is no prepared agenda and no certainty as to where we will end up. We only know the theme, who is coming and what we are interested in. Open Space will allow us to address complex issues with high degrees of innovation and consensus. Be prepared to be surprised, and have fun!

Growing Your Farm Profit Workshop - November 2 and 9

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November 2nd & 9th: Growing Your Farm Profit Workshop

Give yourself every chance of reaching your goals by attending the "Growing Your Farm Profits" workshop. This two-day workshop will give you the tools to assess where you are now and where you could be in the future. We invite you and your management team to start the journey towards managing and planning your farm business success. For more information and details, contact Claire Venne at 705-594-9194 or Cochrane@ontariosoilcrop.org.

Walden Fall Fair Farmer's Market - Saturday September 11, 2010

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What a wonderful day we had! The weather was perfect, and all our vendors did very well in terms of sales. Over 3,500 people came to the fair this year!

Thanks a lot to the folks at Northern Lights Festival Boreal for the use of three of their huge eyecatching tents. We had 11 vendors and 20 tables under these tents and everyone did a wonderful job displaying their products.

This was the first year for a farmer's market area at the Walden Fall Fair at Anderson Farm, and it was a great start - hopefully we'll have many more vendors next year! Call or e-mail me if interested!

Spill the Beans Farm and Plain Jane Soap - Chelmsford

Michel Chaumont Apiaries - Lively

Seguin Sugarbush and Apiaries - Lavigne

Our Garden jellies and vinegars - Maniltoulin Island

Ice Lake Cottage veggies - Manitoulin Island

Kids flocked to the pumpkins at Eat Local Sudbury

My organization!

FarmON - CRAFT - Eat Local Sudbury Farm Tours - August, 2010

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Week 1, August 16, 2010:
Heart & Soil Gardens and FarmYard Gardens

Our crew of interns, Eat Local staff, community food workers, and interested public (roughly 20 of us) left on our mini-bus on a glorious morning from Eat Local Sudbury on Larch St. to our first stop in Chemsford.

Heart & Soil Gardens (my place!) is a big backyard garden where Jerusalem Artichokes, radishes, cherry tomatoes, flowers, and salad crops are grown for market.

We toured the back, and talked about successional baby salad greens cropping - folks had a lot of great questions and ideas.

The other part of the operation is a sprout grow room where sunflower, pea and buckwheat sprouts are grown in trays of soil.

Participants learned about how to sprout their own soil grown seed varieties and tasted some sprouted wheat bread during the coffee break.

The next stop was the FarmYard Gardens site with our host farmer, Dillon Davekis.

Dillon showed us her diverse flock of laying/meat hens housed in a straw bale insulated converted hen house.

Then we toured Foodshed's FarmYard Gardens project garden where 13 interns this year learned how to grow vegetables, learning from Dillon and Project Coordinator Lark Fairgrieve.

Some of the interns were on hand to show us their hard work and talk a bit about what they have learned.

We ended the tour with a walk of the rest of the property and a look at Dillon's amazing 'wall' of raised beds (helps to have a hubby in the earthmoving business!).

After snacks, we hopped back on our mini-bus provided by Lockerby Taxi and returned to Eat Local.

Week 2, August 23, 2010:
Creative Meats and Dalew Farms

The theme of last week's tour was generally vegetables, and this week we decided to focus a little on the meat side of the farming world. The first stop was Creative Meats, a cooperatively owned abbatoir in the Warren area (East of Sudbury) where many local meat producers have their animals slaughtered.

We met our host Gilles in the storefront part of the operation where their homemade value-added products are sold along with other grocery items. We then had to put on hairnets and plastic aprons in order to tour the rest of the facility.

Lookin' good....

Okay, sorry, just one more....!

It was fascinating to be led through the entire process - from the slaughter to the packaging - by such a knowledgeable and thoughtful manager. All aspects of the process were closely monitored for contamination and the slaughter designed to cause the animals the least amount of stress.

While such an experience may be distasteful to some, it is an important step in our local food system, and a necessary education for every meat eater, in my opinion.

The next stop on our tour this week was Dalew Farms, in Lavigne (South of Verner). Dave and Chantal (with help from little Jake!) Lewington were our tour guides here.

First Dave put us all in his cold storage facility (very welcome on a hot day!) as part of his talk on small to mid scale farming tools. This is a storage container adapted with a refrigeration unit that is very cost efficient.

Here's Dave showing us some of his tools including a homemade row spacing tool that can be walked on without compacting the soil.

Then we toured the rest of the market garden area where vegetables are grown for the CSA program, Eat Local Sudbury, and for the stall they have set up on the property.

Black plastic is used for several crops, especially those that need a lot of heat - seen here is a plot of strawberries. The plastic also helps greatly with the suppression of weeds.

Afterwards we toured the fields by tractor and Dave shared his rotational grazing method with us while we watched the pigs eating compost - good family fun!

After questions and snacks, we headed back to Sudbury. Another great tour - thanks Dave and Chantal!

Week 3, August 30, 2010:
LoonSong Garden

Thanks to Orest for his photo and account of the LoonSong Garden Tour:

Thanks for the opportunity to share my photo and as I type the story that accompanies it I'm reminded of that wonderful free trip to LoonSong Garden not so long ago courtesy of Eat Local Sudbury and FarmON Alliance (Amy Hallman--coordinator).

Some 25-odd gardeners, future farmers, students and adventurers enjoyed the hospitality and knowledge of our hosts, Paul Salanki and Heather Thoma. Did I mention it was a freebie for participants? Thanks Amy.

The school bus arrived at LoonSong mid-morning, dropping us off at an organic grain and vegetable farm on Manitoulin Island. Over a period of four or five hours we learned about such things as Community Shared Agriculture (CSA farming), improving tillable land via cover cropping and succession planting, grain milling, greenhouse and vegetable growing, tool selection, recycling dirty oil and even beekeeping.

Lunch in the shade that hot, hot day was a treat with popcorn and organic cranberry juice provided by Amy and fresh cantaloupe from Dalew Farms thanks to Dave and Chantal Lewington (whose farm in Lavigne some of us had the pleasure of visiting the previous Monday). Before leaving Manitoulin we stopped at Farquar's Ice Cream Bar in Little Current for some very welcome treats.

That day's excursion was the third and final trip offered by Eat Local Sudbury and FarmON Alliance this year. I was fortunate enough to make two of them. I learned a lot (like cover cropping my garlic beds right after harvesting with nitrogen-fixing legumes like peas and beans--which I plan to do next year), made some new friends and generally had a great time--hope we do it again next year, and if we do, hope to see you there.

Orest #332

Here's a few more of my pictures of the day:

Heather and Paul

Field of soybeans

Lunch in the shade!

Touring the greenhouse

Grains to be milled

The mill used to grind flour

Learning about working with whole grain freshly milled flour

Farquhar's ice cream stop!

Thanks to Heather and Paul for another great day!

Walden Fall Fair Farmer's Market!

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Anderson Farm Farmer’s Market
At the Walden Fall Fair
Saturday, September 11, 2010

New this year at the Walden Fall Fair – a covered Farmer’s Market area featuring 10+ local vendors and food organizations!

Make plans to stock up on local veggies, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, baked goods and more. We will have a wheelbarrel service to your car if you can’t carry it all!

Look for the large tent (generously donated to us by Northern Lights Festival Boreal) near the entrance to the fair, beside the vintage car show.

List of vendors (and what they will bring):

Eat Local Sudbury (vegetables and dry and canned goods from local producers)

Beaulieu Farms (corn, beans, potatoes, and a variety of baked goods)

Our Garden (pumpkins, other veggies, and flavoured vinegars and jellies)

Sucrerie Seguin (honey and maple syrup products)

Spill the Beans Farm (potatoes, beans, other veggies, and homemade soap)

Heart & Soil Gardens (sprouts and sprouted wheat bread)

Ice Lake Cottage Farm (assortment of veggies and baked goods)

Grassy Lake Apiaries (honey and honey products)

FarmON Alliance (information for new farmers, gov. publications, and info on

local internship opportunities)

Sudbury Soil and Crop Association (info on membership and local initiatives)

See you there!

Amy.

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Sustainable Agriculture Course at Fleming College

http://www.flemingc.on.ca/index.cfm/go/programs/sub/display/code/SAG.cfm

The three-semester Sustainable Agriculuture program is designed for new and
beginner farmers seeking an intensive, applied learning experience in
sustainable, ecological or natural farming methods. Farming practices in
this program are based on the principles of environmental stewardship,
farmer profitability, social responsibility and community health.

Following the progression of the farm year, course work will focus on the
principles and practices of sustainable agriculture, small farm operations
and viability, and the exploration of new and expanding niche markets. You
will also examine strategies for direct marketing and new farm business
models. The culmination of this learning is the development of your own
business case and farm plan. With experienced farmers and practitioners as
your guides, the program is enriched by farm field days, site visits,
community-based learning activities and excellent resource materials. An
18-week summer co-op experience creates further opportunities for
specialization.

Sudbury Soil and Crop Tour a Success!

2010-08-13T14:09:00.005-04:00

The happy participants!

On Friday August 6, over 50 people participated in the Sudbury Soil and Crop Improvement Association's Summer FarmTour. A city bus was graciously donated for the purpose of carrying most of us (a few cars had to be added to accomodate the numbers interested) to our agricultural destinations in the Valley.

The tour left from the Sudbury Downs parking lot in the morning and travelled to a Green Mines Green Energy test site on Vale Inco property in the Levack area. Safety glasses, hardhats and closed toed shoes were a must at this site, and we looked great!

This is one of many test sites around Northern Ontario that is testing the feasibility of growing biomass energy crops on mine tailings sites. Here, on donated compost material, there was corn, canola and a few types of switch grass being grown.

The next stop was Beaulieu Farms in Blezard Valley for a wonderful lunch courtesy of Soil and Crop with all local ingredients from the farm, then a tour of the crops including potatoes and raspberries.

Valley Growers, a potato growing and processing plant just down the road was our next stop. We saw the fields, the storage facilities and the washing and bagging operations here.

The last farm on the tour was Greenzone Farm where elk and deer are raised for meat. Here the participants saw a control site for the Green Mines Green Energy project, where the same crops are being grown in order to compare the growth of the plants at the mine site vs. a normal plot of agricultural land.

The tour ended at Market Square in downtown Sudbury, where a BBQ was hosted by FarmON and Eat Local Sudbury, using all local ingredients from the cooperative store. The food was cooked masterfully by the folks from Rollin' Doggies and the Foodshed project showcased its Farm Yard Gardens internship program.

All in all, a great day.

These tours are so important for the farmers to see what others are doing and how they are doing it, but also of great value to the public (who made up a large percentage of the participants) who do not always get a chance to experience the agri-culture of the area. These kinds of experiences help to link the urban with the rural and help put a face to those who produce our food.

CRAFT Intern and Eat Local Sudbury Member Farm Tours Schedule

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Educational farm tour schedule

Monday, August 16, 2010:

10:00 am - Meet at Eat Local Sudbury
10:30 – 12:30 – Tour Heart & Soil Gardens, Chelmsford
Host: Amy Hallman

This is a small ‘peri-urban’ operation where salad crops and sprouts are grown
for the Eat Local Sudbury store and market stall. Topics covered in this workshop will include succession salad cropping and seed sprouting.

1:30 – 3:30 – Tour Farm Yard Gardens, Sudbury
Hosts: Dillon Davekis (Farmer and landowner)
           Lark Fairgraive (FYGs Program Coordinator)

This is the second year of the program, sponsored by
The Foodshed Project, that has 13 interns this year aged 18-30. Interns learn to grow their own vegetables on a shared plot of land and take home the edible dividends. Some of the participants will be on hand to show off their hard work and explain the methods that were used in the garden.

Monday, August 23, 2010:

10:00 am – Meet at Eat Local Sudbury
10:30 – 11:30 – Stop and shop at Creative Meats, Warren
Host: Gilles Simon (Co-owner)
Here we’ll have an optional tour and hear a little about the history of this co-operative abattoir that serves much of the Northeast region.

12:00 – 4:00 - Tour Dalew Farms, Lavigne
                       Hosts: Chantal and Dave Lewington
                       Dalew Farms is a very diverse operation that includes five acres of vegetables,
                       a large CSA box program, and livestock including beef, pork, laying hens, and lamb.        lamb               Eat Local Sudbury carries their pork products and vegetables. A tour of the farm will will                be followed by a workshop on the topics of market garden equipment and tools, and
                       rotational grazing of livestock.

Monday, August 30, 2010:

9:00 am – Meet at Eat Local Sudbury
11:00 – 3:00 – Tour LoonSong Garden, Little Current, Manitoulin Island
Hosts: Heather Thoma and Paul Salanki

LoonSong produces a large variety of vegetables and grains that they mill weekly into flours and rolled/flaked grains. They have a well-established CSA program and supply several farmer’s markets on Manitoulin, and Eat Local Sudbury. After a tour of the farm, there will be a workshop on soil fertility, composting and cover-cropping.

RSVP: farmon@eatlocalsudbury.com by August 9, 2010

Remember to pack your lunch and lots of water!

Local Food BBQ at Market Square

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Even if you can't make the farm tour, plan to come to the local food BBQ at the end of the day, 6:00pm on Friday, August 6. It's hosted by Eat Local Sudbury and FarmON and will feature all local ingredients cooked up by Holly from Rollin' Doggies, a local band, and some info tables for folks interested in farming.
Drink, plate and desert, all for $12 - come and enjoy!

Upcoming farm tour

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SDCIA Crop Tour August 6, 2010

Please join us for this year’s Sudbury District Soil and Crop Improvement Association Crop Tour taking place in the Valley area, north of the City of Greater Sudbury. The tour will be held August 6th, 2010 (rain or shine!); please RSVP to Mack Emiry (1-705-865-2249 or mackbethca@sympatico.ca). Those staying overnight at the Days Inn will be picked up there the morning of the 6th otherwise the main meeting area, where free parking is available, is located at Sudbury Downs in the gravel car park on the left upon entry. Private vehicle are not permitted at the Xstrata site so we ask late arrivals to meet the group at Beaulieu Farms at 1:00pm. An itinerary is provided below:

9:15 am: Bus arrives at Days Inn (117 Elm Street, Sudbury) for pick up
9:30 am: Bus departs Days Inn for the Sudbury Downs
9.45 am: Bus arrives at Sudbury Downs (400 Bonin Road, Chelmsford)
10:00 am: Bus departs Sudbury Downs for Xstrata in Onaping
10:45 – 11:45 am: Visit to the Xstrata Onaping Tailings Management site where crops with potential as energy sources are being grown in organic residual covers to mine tailings; field boots are required for this site visit (closed toe)
1:00 – 2:30 pm: Visit Beaulieu Farms (3624 Regional Road 15, Blezard Valley) for lunch (courtesy of SDSCIA) at a produce and berry farm; lunch will mainly consist of food grown at Beaulieu Farms!
2:45 – 3:45 pm: Visit Valley Growers (2960 Martin Rd, Blezard Valley) for a tour of a potato field and processing and packing operation
4:00 – 5:00 pm: Visit Green Zone Farms (333 Bonin Road, Chelmsford) to visit the comparative agricultural site to the Xstrata Waste Tailings site and a soil amendment Soil and Crop Association experiment plot series
5:00 – 5:45 pm: Bus departs Green Zone Farms with a stop at the Sudbury Downs before returning to Market Square downtown Sudbury
6:00 pm on!: Barbeque hosted by Eat Local Food Sudbury and FarmON Alliance at Market Square downtown Sudbury; Food will be acquired from area growers! Music and info tables too.

While in the Sudbury area, please also visit other local attractions such as Science North and the Imax theater; Dynamic Earth and the Big Nickel; the OLG Slots and Sudbury Downs (live harness racing every Saturday night!); and the St. Germain outdoor farm museum. The weekend of August 6-8th is also the Manitoulin Star Party, an incredible astronomy experience! Please visit the following website for more information: http://www.gordonspark.com/man_StarParty.pdf. An old-time music weekend is also being held August 7th and 8th please see the flyer in the bus!

Farmer Training Survey

2010-07-23T12:58:00.000-04:00

Please take the time to fill out this simple (10min. tops!) survey that FarmON has developed to find out the educational and training needs of new (1-5 years) farmers, or newly re-purposed farmers. Our region is sorely under-represented in this, so we'd love to hear from you.

Le sondage pour les besoins educatives des fermiers est aussi disponible en Francais.

English: www.tinyurl.com/farmertrainingsurvey

French: www.tinyurl.com/farmertrainingsurveyfr