It’s go, go, go during the summer, and taking time away from the demanding routine of managing the farm can seem a challenge. However, summer is also a great time for on-farm workshops, pasture walks and farm tours. Seeing how other farmers are handling similar production, processing, and marketing challenges can spark ideas for your farm that can improve profitability. These On-farm workshops are free, sponsored by a grant from USDA and the RI DEM.
Livestock Used to Clear Land, On-Farm Workshop
Wed, June 19, 2019. 6:00 – 8:00 PM
FREE event reserve spot on-line here.
Wild Harmony Farm, 366 Victory Highway, Exeter RI 02822
Learn stratigies and techniques on clearing land with the help of livestock. The use of livestock to clear land eradicates weeds and invasive species and prevents individuals from having to use heavy machinery or chemicals to do so. Ben and Rachael of Wild Harmony will discuss how each species plays a role in the clearing of the land and the benefits of utilizing livestock instead of other methods.
Pasture Management, On-Farm Workshop
Sun, July 14, 2019 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Event is FREE. Please register here.
Watson Farm, 455 North Road, Jamestown, RI 02835
Farm owners, Don and Heather Minto will share strategies about pasture management and livestock grazing. This discussion and tour will feature forage management practices that have evolved and been implemented on Watson Farm’s extensive grasslands.
Growing & Harvesting Garlic, On-farm Workshop
Sat, July 20, 2019
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
Register on-line here.
Earth Care Farm
89A Country Drive, Charlestown, RI 02813
Learn the tips, tricks and steps for successful planting and harvesting garlic, including curing, weed maintenance and how to manage soil fertility and nutrients in the soil. Please arrive a few minutes early.
Operating an Organic Orchard, On-Farm Workshop
Sun, July 28, 2019
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
Register on-line here.
Elwood Orchard
58 Snake Hill Road, North Scituate, RI 02857
Interested in starting a home or commercial orchard? Join us as Al and Jean Fuoroli, the owners of Elwood Orchard dive deep into the process of owning and operating an organic orchard. Covered topics will include how to get started, potential challenges that you may face in your orchard as well as the benefits of choosing disease resistant tree varieties. Hope to see you there!
Elwood Orchard is a USDA certified organic apple orchard run by Jean and Al Fuoroli in North Scituate. The orchard is home to over 1,000 fruit trees, including apples, peaches, nectarines and Asian pears and also grows gourmet garlic, pumpkins, winter squash and flowers during the season.
Register Here!
We are excited to host our 45th annual NOFA Summer Conference with keynote speaker, Sandor Katz for a festive summer weekend August 9 -11, 2019 at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. Always a family friendly event, you can bring the whole family to enjoy workshops for adults, kids and teens, over 60 vendors, live music, games and amazing food!
Registration is now open and we hope you’ll join us this summer!