NOFA-NY 2012 Summer Field Day Brochure

Schedule of Farmer, G

ardener, and Consumer Events

Schedule of Farmer, G

ardener, and Consumer Events

2012 Organic Field Days2012 Organic Field DaysNortheast Organic Farming Association of New YorkNortheast Organic Farming Association of New York

TO REGISTER, call (585) 271-1979, ext. 512 www.nofany.org30

1. June 9th • Sustainability and Reality (St. Lawrence Co.)

2. June 17th • Make Hay While the Sun Shines (Cortland Co.)

3. June 18th • Biological IPM Strategies (Orange Co.)

4. June 20th • Alternative Meat Markets (Chenango Co.)

5. June 22nd • Organic Hay and Small Grain Rotations (Steuben Co.)

6. June 26th • Season Extension & Food Safety (Washington Co.)

7. June 27th • Grazing Mixed Species (Delaware Co.)

8. June 28th • Adding Value to Small Grains (Tompkins Co.)

9. June 30th • Unique Fruit CSA and U-Pick (Tompkins Co.)

10. July 1st • Aquaponic Systems for Underused Spaces (Cortland Co.)

11. July 9th • Farm Diversity with Heritage Poultry (Chautauqua Co.)

12. July 10th • Wheat Breeding Trials & Bread Event (Essex Co.)

13. July 12th • Wheat Variety Trials (Tompkins Co.)

14. July 16th • NOFA-NY Long Island Regional Meeting and Potluck (Suff olk Co.)

15. July 17th • Sustainable Dairy Farm Management (Genesee Co.)

16. July 21st • Tomatoes: Equipment, Manpower, Production, and More (Ulster Co.)

17. July 22nd • Caring for the Whole Farm: Conservation (Erie Co.)

18. July 24th • Small Grains, Composting, and Dairy Production (Chautauqua Co.)

19. July 27th • Small Scale Grain Production & Cooperative Community (Jeff erson Co.)

20. July 30th • Micronutrient Balancing (Herkimer Co.)

21. August 4th • Diversity-Based Farm Viability (Suff olk Co.)

Many Th anks to Our Field Day Sponsors!

31www.nofany.org Or, sign up ONLINE at www.nofany.org/events/fi eld-days

On behalf of NOFA-NY, all of our host farms, generous

sponsors, and partners, we would like to invite you to join

us this summer in the fi eld! Th e events that you will see

over the next several pages represent the combined eff orts

of the NOFA-NY staff , all of our host farmers, our partner

organizations, and our sponsors. Th is year, we are pleased

to present almost 40 events throughout the course of

the growing season. All of our events are either FREE or

discounted for NOFA-NY Members—if you’re not a member

yet, we encourage you to join today and take advantage of

that great member benefi t.

As an organization, we feel that farmer-to-farmer

information exchange is one of the best ways to grow the

organic movement. Th e following events are a collection of

great opportunities to visit with some of the most innovative

organic farmers in New York State, not to mention get a

fi rsthand look at their farms. Th anks to some generous

support from NYSDAM, we’re partnering with Red Jacket

Orchards, Roo Haven Farm, Cottonwood Farms, and

Grindstone Farm for a series of fi eld days on the topic of

transitioning to organic production. We also have a special

series of workshops that will focus on wheat production and

processing, part of our work on a multi-year OREI-funded

wheat project. And for those of you who were inspired by

our 2012 Farmers of the Year at the Winter Conference, you

won’t want to miss the chance to tour Cobblestone Valley

Farm and visit with the Knapps. Whatever your interest,

you’re sure to fi nd something that strikes your fancy in the

following pages.

We extend a special thanks to all of the fi eld day hosts,

without whose passion, commitment, and ingenuity these

events are simply not possible. We also thank our generous

sponsors, including USDA Risk Management Agency, the

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program of USDA-NIFA,

the Organic Research and Extension Initiative, New York

State Department of Ag and Markets, Th e Farmers Market

Promotion Program, Farm Family Insurance, and Organic

Valley/CROPP Cooperative. A number of partners also help to

make these events possible: Cornell University, New Farmer

Development Project, OGRIN, PASA, DAPNet, High Mowing

Seeds, Lancaster Agricultural Products, and Haygrove Tunnels.

And of course, thanks to all of you who are able to come

out for these events this year—we’re looking forward to

seeing you in the fi eld!

Matt Robinson • Robert Perry • Rachel Schell-Lambert • Bethany Wallis

Welcome

22. August 5th • Th e Symbiotic Farm: Managing Animals and Crops (Chenango Co.)

23. August 9th • Fencing Types and Techniques for a Diverse Farm (Cortland Co.)

24. August 12th • Garden of Eve Farm Tour (Suff olk Co.)

25. August 15th • Advantages of Pasture Raised Pork (Tompkins Co.)

26. August 16th • Multiple Approaches for Managing Diseases and Insects (Tompkins Co.)

27. August 28th • Growing for Future Sowing: Saving Quality Seed (Ulster Co.)

28. August 28th • Organic Research & Extension Center Tour (Suff olk Co.)

29. September 6th • Sustainable Food System & Local Grains (Dutchess Co.)

30. September 8th • Commercial Organic Greenhouse Tour (Suff olk Co.)

31. September 10th • Goat Dairying from Square One (Ulster Co.)

32. September 12th • Vegetable Variety Walk (Washington Co.)

33. September 16th • Transitioning to Organic: Red Jacket Orchards’ Approach (Ontario Co.)

34. September 17th • A Good Crop of Beans (Tompkins Co.)

35. September 20th • Alternative Fruits for Sustainable Harvest (Ulster Co.)

36. September 22nd • Transitioning to Organic & Hightunnels (Oswego Co.)

37. October 3rd • Starting an Urban Farm (Ulster Co.)

38. October 11th • Happy Animals Work for a Living (Tioga Co., PA)

39. October 27th • Advanced CSA School Workshop (Genesee Co.) Photo by Lisa Miskelly

32 TO REGISTER, call (585) 271-1979, ext. 512 www.nofany.org

1. Saturday, June 9th 2:00–5:00pm (followed by potluck-supper networking session)

SUSTAINABILITY AND REALITY: Lessons Learned from Ten Years as Diversifi ed Small-Scale Farmers

Kent Family Growers: 1301 CR 31, Lisbon, NY 13658 (St. Lawrence Co.)

FREE for NOFA-NY Members / $15 All Others

Our tour of Kent Family Growers—a vegetable farm that

uses human, draft-animal and petroleum power—will cen-

ter on production and management practices that evolved

through seasons of tears and cheers. Daniel and Megan Kent

will teach us how pests, weeds, diseases, labor, crops and the

farm are sustainably managed today, relating the background

stories and experiences that explain the all-important “why”

behind their management decisions. Participants will learn

to judge a practice’s value to the overall production system by

assessing the pros and cons of its inputs, investment and re-

sults. Th is fi eld day is part of our Beginning Farmer Program;

all participants are invited to stay for an informal farmer-to-

farmer networking reception and potluck dinner following

the presentation.

Daniel and Megan Kent started Kent Family Growers a decade

ago using hand tools and a half acre to serve local markets. Th e

family includes three farm now grows for local and regional mar-

kets on 20 acres with a mix of animals, machines and people do-

ing the work.

Th is fi eld day is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2011-49400-30510 and Grant #2009-49400-05878.

2. Sunday, June 17th 9:00am–4:00pm (including potluck lunch)

MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES: Working with Horses and Mules

Northland Sheep Dairy: 3501 Hoxie Gorge Freetown Rd., Marathon, NY 13803 (Cortland Co.)

FREE for NOFA-NY and DAPNet Members / $15 All Others

Th is full day of draft horse training will be divided into two

sessions. During the morning session, we’ll focus on working

the loose horse and what to do when you bring home a new

horse or a new teamster. Using horses loose in a corral, we

will discuss and demonstrate how horses interact with each

other, focusing on their senses, communication, and natural

responses. New and old teamsters alike will learn how to use

this information when beginning a relationship with a horse

or team. We will also consider how experienced teamsters

can use this information while helping a beginning teamster.

After a break for the potluck lunch, we’ll turn our attention

to the subject of making hay with horses, which is one of the

primary tasks performed by horses and mules at Northland

Sheep Dairy. Mowing, tedding, raking, and baling will all be

demonstrated. Participants will get to see two horse-drawn

mowers, rakes, and tedders in action, as well as a baler pulled

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Northland Sheep Dairy (at right)


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by a gas-powered PTO forecart. Bring your boots, your ques-

tions, and a dish to pass for the potluck! Some camping is

available for anyone planning a longer drive.

Th e Northland Sheep Dairy milks about 40 ewes every summer

while grazing summer’s bounty of grass. All of their milk is turned

into raw milk cheeses that Donn and Maryrose sell at the Ithaca

Farmers Market, along with meat, wool, and skins. Th eir primary

sources of power are three Percherons, one Suff olk , one Percheron

mule and one Mammoth Jack, which they use to plow, disc, culti-

vate, make hay, skid fi re wood, and plow snow in the winter.

Th is fi eld day is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2009-49400-05878 and USDA Risk Management Agency, Education and Community Outreach Program.

3. Monday, June 18th 9:00am–12:00pm

BIOLOGICAL IPM STRATEGIES (in Spanish & English)

Gonzalez Farm: 473 Pine Island Turnpike, Pine Island, NY 10924 (Orange Co.)


Come tour Gonzalez Farm with Cornell University’s

Vegetable IPM Coordinator, Abby Seaman. Th e rich muck soil

on Gonzalez Farm presents unique soil, weed and pest man-

agement challenges, including issues with cutworms, brassi-

ca fl ea beetles and phytophthora blight. Th is workshop will

focus on understanding the life cycles of these pests. Abby

will present research-based IPM strategies, including bio-

logical and cultural control methods, as well as organic pes-

ticides. Th is presentation will be conducted in Spanish with

English translation.

Farm owner Claudio Gonzalez is originally from Mexico and

has been growing a variety of vegetables, including Mexican spe-

cialties on his 27-acre “black dirt” farm since 2006. He sells his

produce at seven farmers markets throughout New York City, as

well as through two NYC-based CSAs.

Supported by New Farmer Development Project (NFDP), USDA Risk Management Agency, Education and Community Outreach Program, and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2009-49400-05878.

4. Wednesday, June 20th 11:00am–2:00pm (bring your own lunch)

ALTERNATIVE MEAT MARKETS AND HALAL PRODUCTION

Norwich Meadows Farm, LLC: 4450 State Hwy 23, Norwich, NY 13815 (Chenango Co.)

FREE for NOFA-NY and PASA Members / $15 All Others

Want to learn more about on-farm processing and alter-

native meat marketing? Hear from Zaid Kurdieh as he ex-

plains how Norwich Meadows Farm has expanded their farm

to include on-farm Halal processing. Join us as we tour the

farm, learn the basics of Halal processing, and discuss strat-

egies for securing alternative meat markets. Attendees will

go home with an understanding of the regulations associated

with adding on-farm processing to a farm business, as well as

the challenges that producers may encounter when fi rst en-

tering an alternative market.

In 2000, Norwich Meadows Farm decided to expand the farm

with the vision of creating a community supported farm and oth-

er small businesses. Today the farm has expanded to over 50 acres;

their current markets include the green markets in New York City

and CSAs in both New York and Norwich. Th ey have over 50 high

tunnels as well as an on farm processing facility.

Supported by USDA Risk Management Agency, Education and Community Outreach Program, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA).

5. Friday, June 22nd 10:00am–1:00pm

CERTIFIED HAY AND SMALL GRAIN ROTATIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ORGANIC FARM PLAN

Mitchell Farms: 4181 Waterbury Hill Rd., Avoca, NY 14809 (Steuben Co.)

Free for NOFA-NY Members / $15 All Others

Join NOFA-NY Certifi ed Organic farmers Jeff and Denise

Mitchell for a morning tour of their 200-acre farm and fi elds.

Attendees will learn about innovative rotations involving hay

and small grains. Jeff and Denise will also discuss the on-

farm trials that they have been conducting, including the use

of farm-harvested red clover seed and frost seeding experi-

ments, as well as trials of food grade wheat, oats, buckwheat,

and hay. Weed control, natural re-seeding vs. frost seeding,

and other on-farm experiments will be observed prior to

grain harvest.

Th e Mitchells have been growing certifi ed organic grains for

over 10 years at their farm in Avoca.

Supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2009-49400-05878


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6. Tuesday, June 26th 3:00–6:00pm (followed by potluck dinner and networking session)

SEASON EXTENSION AND FOOD SAFETYPleasant Valley Farm: 118 S. Valley Rd., Argyle, NY 12809 (Washington Co.)


Join Sandy and Paul Arnold for a look at the production,

packing, and storage systems at Pleasant Valley Farm. Th e

Arnolds will discuss their high tunnel winter crop rotation

and production schedules, and attendees will get to tour their

third 34' x 144' unheated high tunnel with automatic venting

and their radiant-heated greenhouse. We’ll also take a look

at their multiple storage facilities, including a 24-ton capaci-

ty root cellar that allows them to market year-round at local

farmers’ markets. Th e fi eld day will also focus on the Arnold’s

newly renovated washing and packing facilities in anticipa-

tion of the GAP food safety guidelines. Participants will be

given the opportunity to tour the fi elds and see the Arnolds’

30kW net-metered solar installation system which provides

all of their electricity. Bring a dish to pass and stay after the

tour for networking and a social hour potluck.

Pleasant Valley Farm has been operating since 1988 and is a

60-acre farm which intensively produces about 8 acres of 40 di-

verse varieties of vegetables and fruits with organic methods.

Children welcome, and disabled individuals can be accommodated,

but no dogs please. Th e farm is about 30 minutes from both Glens

Falls and Saratoga, and 60 minutes from Rutland, VT.

Supported by USDA Risk Management Agency, Education and Community Outreach Program.

7. Wednesday, June 27th 2:00–5:00pm

GRAZING MIXED SPECIES: Complete Cycles and Proactive Protection

Stony Creek Farm: 1738 Freer Hollow Rd., Walton, NY 13856 (Delaware Co.)


Interested in learning more about methods for multi spe-

cies grazing? Hear from Kate and Dan Marsiglio as they

explain their pasturing systems and demonstrate the tech-

niques they use to manage and protect their animals organi-

cally. Learn about their predator control program and gather

information that can help you become proactive in parasite

prevention. We will also learn about fencing options for pas-

turing animals, and participate in moving portable electric

fence.

Stony Creek Farm is located in the NW corner of the Catskill

Mountains in Walton, NY, and has been owned by the Marsiglio

family since 1985. 2005 was their fi rst year producing meat, eggs

and vegetables for sale. Th ey adhere to rigorous free-range, organ-

ic, pasturing practices for all of our animals and supplement their

grazing diet with local organic grains.

Supported by USDA Risk Management Agency, Education and Community Outreach Program, and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2009-49400-05878.

8. Th ursday, June 28th 4:00–7:00pm

ADDING VALUE TO SMALL GRAINSOechsner Farms: 1045 Trumbulls Corners Rd., Newfi eld, NY 14867 (Tompkins Co.)


Join NOFA-NY, Th or Oechsner, and Elizabeth Dyck for a

look at the grain and grain products produced by Oechsner

Farms. Th or will share the diversity of his 600-acre organic

farm, as well as his passion for grains, fl our and bread. We’ll

have a look at the wheat variety trials that Th or is conducting

with Cornell and OGRIN, as well as his weed management,

grain cleaning, and grain storage systems. Th is is a rare op-

portunity to learn from a master craftsman. Attendees will

also have a chance to sample the fruits of Th or’s labors; Wide

Awake Bakery breads will be available for a light snack to

round out this “Field to Flour” event.

Th or Oechsner, grandson of a German baker, was born and

raised in the Hudson Valley, and to hear him tell it, he was

born a grain farmer. Th or farms 600 certifi ed organic acres in

Newfi eld, NY, where he grows a wide variety of grains and trials

new varieties as part of ongoing research in the Northeast.

Supported by USDA Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), Cornell University, and OGRIN.

Pleasant Valley Farm, photo by Sandy Arnold (see below)


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9. Saturday, June 30th 9:00–11:00am

A UNIQUE FRUIT CSA AND U-PICKKestrel Perch Berries: Rachel Carson Way, Ithaca, NY 14850 (Tompkins Co.)

(Th e farm is on Rachel Carson Way before you get to the EcoVillage neighborhoods; it’s the fenced fi eld that’s across the road and slightly uphill from the municipal water tank.)


Come tour Kestrel Perch Berries, a U-Pick fruit CSA at

Ithaca’s EcoVillage, and explore several successful berry va-

rieties for upstate New York, including strawberries, red and

black raspberries, red and black currants and gooseberries.

Catherine Creeger will discuss successful growing techniques

and pest management for fruits. We will learn about how

KPB manages their fruit CSA and U-Pick operation and dis-

cuss their marketing strategies. Come with questions!

Kestrel Perch Berries, a unique combination of the Community

Supported Agriculture (CSA) and U-Pick models, supplies season-

al small fruit to members in the greater Ithaca, NY area.

Supported in part by USDA Risk Management Agency, Education and Community Outreach Program.

how they have been applied at Main Street Farms. We will

learn about a range of backyard and commercial system de-

signs, including ways that recycled materials can be used. Th e

benefi ts and challenges of commonly used systems will be

covered. Participants will apply their knowledge by designing

a system that fi ts the parameters of their farm and goals—

giving and receiving feedback in the group setting. Th is

fi eld day is part of our Beginning Farmer Program; all par-

ticipants are invited to stay for an informal farmer-to-farm-

er networking reception right after the formal presentation.

Refreshments will be provided by NOFA-NY.

Owner Allan Gandelman and farm manager Robert Bonagura

have repurposed a former fl ower nursery into a small scale vege-

table and fi sh operation. Th ey created Main Street Farms—an ur-

ban aquaponics farm that focuses on growing a variety of lettuce

and herbs in their tilapia tanks. Allan and Robert market their ti-

lapia and salad greens locally.


11. Monday, July 9th 9:00am–12:00pm

FARM DIVERSITY WITH HERITAGE POULTRY: Th e Joys and Challenges

Roo Haven Farm: 883 Hurlbert Rd., Forestville, NY 14062 (Chautauqua Co.)

FREE for NOFA-NY Members / $15 All Others (includes lunch)

Have you considered adding heritage poultry to your farm

operation? Have you thought about organic certifi cation for

your fl ock? Join Margaret Bruegel and Gary Pfahl at Roo

Haven Farm to learn about raising heritage chickens, tur-

keys, ducks, and geese in a small pastured poultry environ-

ment. Th e discussion will include organic certifi cation, breed

conservation, predator prevention, marketing options for a

small poultry operation, pasture rotations with small acre-

age, and more.

Roo Haven Farm is a small, certifi ed organic, pasture-raised

poultry farm specializing in premium poultry products, including

heritage layer hens, Freedom Ranger meat chickens, Narraganset

turkeys, Rouen ducks, and Emden geese. Th eir birds live in move-

able range houses and forage on 10 acres of pasture grasses, clover,

and plants high in Omega-3s and other healthy nutrients. Th eir

naturally chosen diet of greens, bugs, fruits, and berries from

our old orchard is supplemented with certifi ed organic feed from

grains grown on New York farms!

Supported by New York State Department of Ag & Markets and USDA Risk Management Agency.

10. Sunday, July 1st 1:30-4:00pm (followed by farmer-to-farmer networking session)

AQUAPONIC SYSTEMS FOR UNDERUSED SPACES: Farming Fish and Vegetables in Tanks

Main Street Farms: 116 N. West St. (Rt. 281), Homer, NY 13077 (Cortland Co.)


Turn underused greenhouse space into a profi table farm

enterprise with aquaponics. Owner and farmer Allan

Gandelman will teach participants the basic principles of

aquaponics (farming fi sh and vegetables in one system) and

Roo Haven Farm, photo by Margaret Bruegel (at right)


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12. Tuesday, July 10th 10:00am–4:00pm (lunch made fresh on-site)

CORNELL WHEAT BREEDING TRIALS AND A REVOLUTIONARY FRENCH BREAD EVENT

Cornell Willsboro Research Farm: 48 Sayward Lane, Willsboro, NY 12996 (Essex Co.)

FREE for NOFA-NY members/ $15.00 All Others

Heritage wheat and small grains variety trials are essen-

tial in the development of sustainable regional food sys-

tems. Join Mike Davis, Research Agronomist, in touring the

Willsboro Research Farm and the extensive grain trials con-

ducted here. Mike will discuss disease and pest identifi ca-

tion, as well as variety potential and adaptation to the region.

Participants will learn about diverse cropping systems incor-

porating wheat, small grains, fl ax, food grade soybeans, and

alfalfa. French miller and baker Yannig Tanguy (Crown Point

Bread) will help us follow the grain from farm to bakery, pro-

viding a lesson in baking with local grains and making lunch

in the process! Attendees should come ready to tour the plots,

make dough, and enjoy some fantastic fresh-baked pizza.

Mike Davis oversees the research plots of heritage wheat and

small grains at the Willsboro Research Farm. Yannig Tanguy

grinds local grains into fl our on an Austrian mill to bake the

breads which he will share and bake throughout the day.

Supported by USDA Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and Cornell University.

13. Th ursday, July 12th 4:00–7:00pm

CORNELL ORGANIC WHEAT VARIETY TRIALS AND AN ITHACA SUNSET

Homer C. Th ompson Farm: Fall Creek Road, Rt. 366 extension, Freeville, NY 13068 (Tompkins Co.)

FREE

Join Cornell University plant-breeding scientists Mark

Sorrells, Julie C. Dawson, David Benscher, and Elizabeth

Dyck (OGRIN) to have a look at the organic fi eld trial plots

at Homer C. Th ompson Farm. Th e new OREI Value-Added

Grains project will highlight the extensive research and work

being done to develop the body of knowledge on heritage

wheat varieties. Learn from the experts about disease, pests,

and grain evaluations in research plots developed to enhance

small grain performance. Bread tasting will enhance the eve-

ning event. Th is opportunity to share the fi eld trial results

comes only once a year, and Cornell, NOFA-NY and OGRIN

are pleased to off er this event together.

Th e Cornell Homer C. Th ompson research farm off ers a diverse

research environment for both conventional and organic cropping

systems. Th e continued partnership between NOFA-NY, Cornell,

and OGRIN has been created to strengthen the research and ex-

tension eff orts surrounding grain production in the Northeast.

Supported by USDA Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), Cornell University, and OGRIN.


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14. Monday, July 16th 5:30pm

NOFA-NY LONG ISLAND REGIONAL MEETING, FARM TOUR, AND POTLUCK

Makinajian Farm: 276 Cuba Hill Rd., Huntington, NY (Suff olk Co.)

$5 for NOFA-NY Members / $15 All Others

Tour this diverse, four-acre certifi ed organic farm—

one of the last in Huntington, NY! Two generations of the

Makinajian family raise organic laying hens, meat birds,

and grow organic berries, vegetables, herbs, and fl owers.

Attendees will also have the chance to visit their on-site re-

tail store. After the tour and potluck dinner, participate in

the NYC-Long Island Regional Committee Annual Meeting

and vote for next year’s committee leaders. Don’t forget to

bring a dish for the putluck!

Organized by NOFA-NY Long Island Region.

RSVP required. To register, email [email protected] or call (631) 368-9320.

15. Tuesday, July 17th 1:00–4:00pm

SUSTAINABLE DAIRY FARM MANAGEMENTCottonwood Farms, LLC: 10771 Cook Rd., Pavilion, NY 14525 (Genesee Co.)


Join Paul and Jason Tillotson of Cottonwood Farms, LLC

to learn more about how they transitioned to organic produc-

tion and are now incorporating technology across their farm-

stead to develop a sustainable farm system. Tour the farm to

see tire water tanks, robotic calf feeders, a manure separator,

and irrigation, as well as their forced-air compost production

system. Attendees will learn about the steps involved in tran-

sitioning to organic certifi cation, how robotic calf feeders can

lower costs and increase growth, and how the Tillotsons com-

post manure and use it in a more effi cient manner. Paul and

Jason will also discuss how to implement grass measuring

and budgeting for effi cient use of grasses and how to increase

production by utilizing Brix readings and implementing high

stocking rates.

Cottonwood Farms began intensively grazing their cows in

2000 and became certifi ed organic in 2007. Th ey are currently

milking 350 cows on 850 acres. Paul and Jason Tillotson are the

4th and 5th generations on the farm and their goal is to create a

sustainable system for the land, cattle and family.


16. Saturday, July 21st 9:00am–12:00pm

TOMATOES: Equipment, Manpower, Production Techniques, Varieties, and More

Hepworth Farm: 1635 Route 9W, Milton, NY 12547 (Ulster Co.)


Resilience, fl exibility, and reliance on a whole-living system

approach to farming are fundamentals at Hepworth Farms.

Amy Hepworth will share her 30 years of experience in run-

ning a very versatile operation. Th e versatility includes grow-

ing more than 100 diff erent varieties of tomatoes, tomatillos,

and husk cherries, along with a full range of other fresh vege-

tables and some fruit crops, notably apples. Th e fi eld day will

focus on the tomato crop, how to plant, mulch, trellis, stave

off blight, etc. Hepworth Farm’s tomato production will also

be presented in the larger context of Hepworth Farm’s whole-

living system approach to farming.

Th e 200-acre, 7th-generation family-owned lower Hudson

Valley farm produces certifi ed organic vegetables that are sold at

Park Slope Food Coop in Brooklyn, as well to several CSAs, restau-

rants, three wholesale distributors, and two tomato processors.

At Hepworth Farm’s fi rst NOFA-NY Field Day in more than a de-

cade, the focus will be on the farm’s 50 acres of tomatoes.

Supported in part by USDA Risk Management Agency, Education and Community Outreach Program.

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Hepworth Farm, photo by Bruce Weiss (see above)


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17. Sunday, July 22nd 2:00–4:30pm (followed by potluck supper and networking session)

CARING FOR THE WHOLE FARM THROUGH PRACTICAL (AND POTENTIALLY PROFITABLE) CONSERVATION

Root Down Farm: 8386 County Rd., East Amherst, NY 14051 (Erie Co.)


John Whitney, District Conservationist of the USDA

Natural Resources Conservation Service, will join farmers

Erin and Steve Blabac to discuss opportunities for conserva-

tion that are appropriate for beginning farmers. Th rough a

farm tour and discussion of conservation and sustainability

challenges faced by the farmers and participants, John will

help us understand best practices for soil health and manage-

ment and teach us to recognize and implement opportunities

for wildlife and pollinator habitat maintenance Participants

will learn about NRCS support for high tunnels, micro-irri-

gation, conservation tillage, transitioning to organic, and

more. Th e Blabacs will show their electric tractor and other

measures they have taken to embed sustainability into their

agricultural methods. Th is fi eld day is part of our Beginning

Farmer Program; all participants are invited to stay for an in-

formal farmer-to-farmer networking reception and potluck

following the presentation.

Th e Blabacs believe their CSA farm, Th e Root Down Farm,

should connect community members to the land on which their

food is grown. Th ey are dedicated to bringing people together as

a community to support local agriculture by growing safe, fresh

and nutritious food, placing particular value on protecting the soil

while celebrating the bounty it provides.

Th is fi eld day is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2011-49400-30510 and Grant # 2009-49400-05878.

18. Tuesday July 24th 10:00am–1:00pm

SMALL GRAINS IN THE ROTATION ON A DIVERSE DAIRY FARM

Kimvale Farm 3456 Dry Brook Rd. Falconer, NY 14733 (Chautauqua Co.)


Th e Kimball family farm has been adjusting to change

for 165 years; becoming a certifi ed organic dairy and crop

farm has been all about innovation and change. Join Steve

Kimball for a look at the challenges presented by grow-

ing 500 acres of grain crops, milking 180 cows, running a

new manure composting and separation system, and grow-

ing 20 acres of Red Fife Wheat for the food grade market.

Small grains scientist Elizabeth Dyck from OGRIN will pro-

vide insight into diversifying the rotation with value-added

food grade wheat. Learn about the challenges of cultivation,

harvest, storage, and the milling of grains for the dairy herd,

where quality is top priority. Fresh wheat breads and butter

will complement the event.

Th e Kimball family settled in Falconer in 1847, and the current

generation now manage almost 1000 acres of crops, hay, and pas-

ture. Th e Kimballs transitioned to organic in 2004 and continue to

fi nd creative ideas to manage the family farm.

Th is fi eld day is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2009-49400-05878, USDA Risk Management Agency Education and Community Outreach Program, USDA Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), Cornell University, and OGRIN.

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19. Friday, July 27th 10:00am–2:00pm

SMALL SCALE GRAIN PRODUCTION AND A COOPERATIVE COMMUNITY IN THE NORTH COUNTRY

Baty Farm and Stone Mills Museum: 30820 State Rte. 180, Lafargeville, NY 13656 (Jeff erson Co.)

FREE for NOFA-NY members / $15 All Others

Building community and supporting the local food sys-

tem are essential in the North Country. Join Tim Baty for a

day at his farm and a look at the unique relationship that his

farm has to the Stone Mills Museum next door. Tim grows

and harvests a diverse variety of small grains and will share

his knowledge of small scale farm machinery and grain

equipment. He will also discuss growing grain for the his-

torical museum that is now a cultural center for the region.

A picnic and tour of the museum will follow the tour of the

farm. Camping is available at the museum, so come and en-

joy the day!

Tim Baty has a beautiful small farm, including a collection of re-

stored tractors, combines, and other equipment to compliment his

grain production. His collection of equipment is ideal for anyone

considering value-added small grains.

Supported by USDA Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and OGRIN.

20. Monday, July 30th 10:00am–3:30pm (lunch provided)

MICRONUTRIENT BALANCING FOR INCREASED PRODUCTION AND HEALTH IN DAIRY CATTLE

Miller Brothers’ Farm: 554 Hoke Rd, Richfi eld Springs, NY 13439 (Herkimer Co.)


Join Les Miller to learn how Miller Brothers’ Farm is bal-

ancing micronutrients in their soils to increase forage and

small grain quality and quantity. Hear from Rueben Stoltzfus

(Lancaster Ag Products) on soil testing for micronutrients,

amendment balancing options, and value added small grains.

Organic Valley’s Silvia Abel-Caines, DVM, will also be present

to discuss ration balancing with small grains for increased

herd health and production. NOFA-NY’s Robert Perry will

also demonstrate the mobile grain cleaning unit which has

been assembled for the Value-Added Wheat project. Th is is a

great opportunity to tour a small grain operation and learn

more about incorporating small grains into your rotations

and nutrition program.

Les, Jim and Ken Miller operate Miller Brother’s Farm with the

help and guidance of their father Warner. Th ey became certifi ed

organic in 1997 and grow crops on 250 acres with supplemental

acres in pasture. Th ey currently milk 50 cows with over 100 acres

devoted to grains; their goal is to produce all of their own grains.

Les has focused on soil and nutrient management by producing his

own grains and their whole farm management program.

Supported by USDA Risk Management Agency, Education and Community Outreach Program, the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2009-49400-05878, and Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative.

Root Down Farm (see page 38)

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21. Saturday, August 4th 3:00-6:00pm (followed by potluck supper)

REAPING THE REWARDS OF EXPERIMENTATION AND INNOVATION: Diversity-Based Farm Viability

Sylvester Manor Educational Farm: 80 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island, NY

FREE for NOFA-NY Members / $15 All Others (post-event Contra Dance $5 for all fi eld day participants)

Get the insider’s perspective on Sylvester Manor’s diverse

production practices, and be inspired to achieve your own

farm plans in a fun and innovative way! Th rough a tour and

discussion, you will learn the ecological, economic and soci-

ological eff ects that a wide range of farming practices have

had for the farm. Th ese methods include livestock-and-veg-

etable crop rotations, mass municipal mulching, low-till bed

prep, function-specifi c cover cropping, water-conservative ir-

rigation systems, succession rotation of fi elds, and extended-

season high tunnel production. We will learn how the farm

orchestrates a diverse and productive labor force that includes

full time farmers, interns, volunteers and community crop

mobs. Th e fun and education will continue during the pot-

luck supper, when we’ll experience Sylvester Manor’s eff orts

to build a vibrant, enduring farm community by incorporat-

ing food and the arts, especially music, into its daily work and

farm events. Surrounding the fi eld day and potluck, all par-

ticipants are encouraged to join in the other goings-on at the

farm: morning community crop mobs (8–11am Saturday and

Sunday with overnight option, visit www.sylvestermanor.org

for info) and a Saturday evening contra dance (7:30pm start,

$5 admission for fi eld day participants).

Sylvester Manor Educational Farm is a growing farm on

Shelter Island, NY with an organizational mission to explore

the intersection of food and culture through farm-and-arts pro-

grams. Th e NOFA-NY Farmer’s Pledge™ farm currently has 8 cul-

tivated acres of mixed vegetables, 12 acres in cover crops, pigs,

goats, chickens, and honey bees that help feed the island com-

munity through a 135-family CSA, a farm stand, a weekly farm-

ers’ market, restaurant sales, small value-added operations, and

charitable donations of fresh produce and eggs. Farm Manager

Creek Iversen works with a talented crew of young farmers who

each play specifi c roles in the leadership and management of this

innovative operation.


22. Sunday, August 5th 2:00–5:00pm (followed by potluck supper and networking session)

THE SYMBIOTIC FARM: Managing Animals and Crops as an Agro-Ecosystem

Quarry Brook Farms: 230 Granville Hill Rd., Sherburne, NY 13460 (Chenango Co.)


Take your small farm’s diversity to the next level by man-

aging livestock and crops as a low-input, self-supporting

system! At this fi eld day, we will use the care and grazing

schedule of Quarry Brook Farms’ sheep as a focal point to

learn about the multi-species interactions. We will learn how

the interplay of pigs, chickens, turkeys, cattle and sheep with

the hay and horticultural crops impacts a range of the farm’s

vital signs, from the soil tilth to livestock parasites. We will

observe the impact that various treatments, such as pig graz-

ing, have had on soil fertility and crop quality. After seeing

how Quarry Brook Farms has mimicked natural ecological

systems to the benefi t of its living creatures, land and com-

munity, you will be motivated to do the same on your farm.

Th is fi eld day is part of our Beginning Farmer Program; all

participants are invited to stay for an informal farmer-to-

farmer networking reception and potluck following the pre-

sentation. To minimize the risk of spreading diseases or

pests, boot covers will be provided.

Farmer Adam Perrin describes Quarry Brook Farm as a “graz-

ing-based farm dedicated to providing a diversity of nutrient dense

pure food to the local community while enriching the agro-eco-

system.” Th e farmland has been cared for by Adam’s family since

1968. Today, Adam adheres to the NOFA-NY Farmer’s Pledge™ as

he raises grass-fed cattle and sheep; pastured chickens and pigs;

and a wide variety of vegetables, herbs and fl owers to be able to of-

fer CSA customers the options of a carnivore, omnivore or vegetar-

ian share.


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Garden of Eve Farm, photo by Eve Kaplan (see page 41)


23. Th ursday, August 9th 10:00am–1:30pm (including potluck lunch and networking session)

FENCING TYPES AND TECHNIQUES FOR A DIVERSE FARM WITH NOFA-NY’S 2012 FARMERS OF THE YEAR

Cobblestone Valley Enterprises: 2023 Preble Road, Preble, NY 13141 (Cortland Co.)


Join the NOFA-NY Farmers of the Year for a tour of their

multi-generational dairy and crop farm committed to main-

taining a diverse, Organic family-led operation. After intro-

ducing us to the farm’s many enterprises, the Knapp family

will treat us to an informative lesson on appropriate fencing

for poultry and dairy animals. Species-specifi c requirements,

proper construction, reliable materials sources and the ex-

pected investment and replacement timeline will be covered

in detail. All attendees will be guided through a fencing needs

calculation activity to apply this information to their own

situation, be it an upgrade, installation or a design idea for

this crucial infrastructure on their own farm. NOFA-NY is

pleased to off er a Beginning Farmer fi eld day and celebration

of the Knapp family’s past, present and future in sustainable

agriculture. Experienced and aspiring farmers, especially

mentor farmers and their apprentices, are encouraged to par-

ticipate in this day together, taking time to gather and cele-

brate farmers during a potluck lunch.

Cobblestone Valley Farm is a multi-generational farm started

in the late 1800s and currently run by Paul and Maureen Knapp

and their three sons, Evan, Blaise and Casey. In addition to dairy,

the farm produces and direct markets Certifi ed Organic pastured

poultry, grass-fed beef, and pork; pick-your-own strawberries; and

compost.


24. Sunday, August 12th 11:00am–1:00pm

GARDEN OF EVE FARM TOURGarden of Eve Organic Farm & Market, 4558 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY


Chris and Eve Kaplan-Walbrecht founded Garden of Eve

Organic Farm & Market in 2001, and are dedicated to provid-

ing delicious organic vegetables, fruits, and beautiful fl owers.

Th e couple, who started out on a half-acre in Riverhead, NY,

now grow on 50 certifi ed organic acres and raise 1,000 pas-

tured laying hens. Join them for a tour of their farm!

Garden of Eve sells their produce, eggs and fl owers on-site, at

farmers markets, and through their Community Supported Agri-

culture (CSA) program at 13 locations in NYC and LI.


RSVP required. To register, email [email protected] or call (631) 722-8777.

25. Wednesday, August 15th 1:00–4:00pm

ADVANTAGES OF PASTURE RAISED PORKTh e Piggery: 5948 Sycamore Creek Dr., Trumansburg, NY 14886 (Tompkins Co.)


Join Casey Oxley, farm manager for the Piggery, to discuss

pasture vs. barn raised pigs, and hear about the advantage of

pigs on pasture! Casey will discuss how their pasture rota-

tions work, describe their fencing techniques, and talk about

the magic of pigs. Also hear from Heather and Brad Marshall,

owners of Th e Piggery, about the history of the business,

their processing, and their marketing.

Th e Piggery is a family owned farm that raises natural pastured

pork. It is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes on 60 acres of

beautiful land. In 2006 Heather and Brad Marshall did every-

thing from feeding pigs to marketing meat to making sausage. In

2010 Casey Oxley came on as the farm manager so Heather and

Brad could focus on the restaurant in Ithaca. Since then they have

been working together as one big family to bring good food to the

community.


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Sylvester Manor Educational Farm, photo courtesy SMEF (see page 40)


For all your agronomy, livestock, and poultry needs

At Fertrell, we offer our valued customers three great ways to communicate with us:

• Visit our newly designed website at: www.fertrell.com• Join our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com• Join our Google Group at: [email protected]

Pioneering in Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Since 1946The Fertrell Company

PO Box 265, Bainbridge PA 17502 • ph 717-367-1566 / 800-347-1566 • fx 717-367-9319

26. Th ursday, August 16th 4:00–7:00pm

MULTIPLE APPROACHES FOR MANAGING DISEASES AND INSECTS ON ORGANIC FARMS

Homer C. Th ompson Farm: Fall Creek Road, Rt. 366 extension, Freeville, NY 13068 (Tompkins Co.)

FREE

Come to Cornell University’s Freeville Organic Research

Farm in Freeville, NY for this Twilight Event. Th is is an op-

portunity to discuss issues in organic agriculture rang-

ing from benefi cial insect habitat to reduced tillage to

weed management and rotations. Meet with the research-

ers and farmers for an evening of demonstrations, collab-

oration and networking. For further information, contact

Betsy Leonard (607) 423-8366, [email protected] or visit

www.hort.cornell.edu/organicfarm.

27. Tuesday, August 28th 3:30–6:00pm (followed by potluck supper and networking session)

GROWING FOR FUTURE SOWING: Saving Quality Seed from Your Farm’s Fields

Hudson Valley Seed Library: 484 Mettacohonts Rd., Accord, NY 12404 (Ulster Co.)


If you’d like to start saving seed on your small diversifi ed

organic farm, this fi eld day will off er you a strong foundation.

A tour of the Hudson Valley Seed Library’s seed production

farm will provide examples of the isolation and pollination

techniques used to maintain pure seed varieties. Our dis-

cussion will cover distancing, timing of successions, caging,

and hand-pollinating. Farmers Ken and Doug will talk about

hand-cleaning seeds via winnowing and threshing, as well

as best practices for seed storage. Under the farmers’ careful

supervision and instruction, you will try your hand at pro-

cessing seeds from tomato, pepper, brassica and other crops.

Participants will also get a special insider peek at the seed li-

brary cooler. Th is fi eld day is part of our Beginning Farmer

Program; all participants are invited to stay for an informal

farmer-to-farmer networking reception and potluck follow-

ing the presentation.

Th e Hudson Valley Seed Library is a small, farm-based seed

company owned and operated by Ken Greene and Doug Muller.

Th e library’s own farm and collaborating farmers save vegetable,

herb, and fl ower seed. Th eir mission is to provide aff ordable and

reliable Northeast-adapted seeds, celebrate the union of art and

agriculture, and to positively impact the community through out-

reach and education.

Th is fi eld day is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2011-49400-30510.

28. Tuesday, August 28th 4:30pm

ORGANIC RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER TOUR

Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center: 3059 Sound Ave., Riverhead, NY (Suff olk Co.)

FREE

Learn about the latest in organic farming research through

a tour of a 2-acre organic block and viewing research trials of

organic solutions for plant sustainability. Cornell University’s

Plant Pathologist, Meg McGrath, and Vegetable Specialist,

Sandy Menasha, will provide a tour and showcase research

trials for a late blight resistant tomato, a disease resistant

melon, biopesticide evaluations, and a trial evaluating cultur-

al practices for tillage radish cover crop.

Organized by NOFA-NY NYC & Long Island Region.

No pre-registration

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29. Th ursday, September 6th 1:00–3:30pm

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEM WITH LOCAL GRAIN PROCESSING

Wild Hive Farm, Store & Café Bakery: 2645 Salt Point Turnpike, Clinton Corners, NY 12514 (Dutchess Co.)


Local organic grain production is an important step in cre-

ating a more sustainable food system. Join Don Lewis for a

tour of Wild Hive Farm Community Grain Project and a look

at how local milling plays an important role. Don will provide

an overview of how Wild Hive sources and processes grain, in-

cluding evaluating wheat, cleaning grain, the milling process,

and packaging fl our. He’ll also discuss the history of milling

in the Hudson Valley and the important role grain produc-

tion plays in sustainable agriculture. Participants will enjoy

refreshments from Wild Hive’s very own café and bakery.

Wild Hive Farm was founded to promote sustainable agricul-

ture in the Hudson Valley through grain based local agriculture.

Th e Wild Hive Farm Community Grain Project is where we stone

mill Wild Hive Flours at our fl our mill in Clinton Corners, NY. We

use this fresh, organic fl our to make Wild Hive Breads and Baked

Goods. Other bakers also appreciate the freshness and fl avor of

our fl ours and use it to create their own high quality products.

Supported by USDA Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI).

30. Saturday, September 8th 3:00pm

COMMERCIAL ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOURMarion Gardens, 540 Rocky Point Rd, East Marion, NY


Tour a commercial organic greenhouse operation, and see

how organic plants are grown behind the scenes. Summer

may be gone but whether you’re a backyard gardener or a

commercial grower, fall is ideal for growing many crops.

Learn how to take advantage of the season to prolong your

harvest or plant fresh and tour this 28,000 square foot com-

mercial organic greenhouse.

Marion Gardens has 300 varieties of herbs and certifi ed organ-

ic vegetable plants, and has been a family business on the LI North

Fork for more than twenty years.


Pre-register by calling (631) 477-1210.

31. Monday, September 10th 10:00am–4:00pm (lunch provided)

GOAT DAIRYING FROM SQUARE ONEAcorn Hill Farm: 65 Red Barn Rd., Walker Valley, NY 12588 (Ulster Co.)

$15 for NOFA-NY Members / $30 All Others (includes lunch)

Your dreams of adding dairy goats to your farm aren’t

out of reach! Farmer Joyce Henion will explain the neces-

sary steps in preparing for and acquiring your dairy goats

and then walk us through dairy-goat farming and market-

ing. As we tour Acorn Hill Farm, we will see the care, terrain,

housing and milking infrastructure this small herd of goats

requires. We will learn how Acorn Hill built and runs its on-

farm licensed cheese-making facility. Challenges and benefi ts

of raising dairy goats organically will be covered. Mary Ann

Johnson of the Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development

Corporation will discuss funding options, marketing, and

planning for a farm business or new farm enterprise. Lunch

will be provided, and pre-registration is highly encouraged

for all participants.

Acorn Hill Farm (a NOFA-NY Farmer’s Pledge™ Farm) start-

ed with just two goats intended for the family’s supply of organic

milk, yogurt, and cheese. Joyce Henion quickly realized that a local

market had serious potential and a signifi cant farm business was

within her reach. Her eff orts and work with the Hudson Valley

Agribusiness Development Corporation expanded the initial

home-scale dairy to the farm’s current 25 does and micro-cream-

ery that supply many CSA programs and markets in the region.

Th is fi eld day is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2011-49400-30510, and USDA Risk Management Agency Education and Community Outreach Program.

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Slack Hollow Farm, photo by Lawrence White (see page 44)

Stony Creek Farm, photo by Dan Marsiglio (see page 34)


Slack Hollow Farm has been a family-run diversifi ed vegeta-

ble farm since 1985. Seth Jacobs, Martha Johnson and crew grow

and market NOFA-NY Certifi ed organic produce grown in the

fertile upland (hills) of beautiful Washington County, NY. Slack

Hollow Farm has been sourcing organic seeds for the varieties they

grow since at least 2006. Founded in 1996, High Mowing Seeds is

an independently owned, farm-based seed company dedicated to

supporting sustainable agriculture and providing farmers and gar-

deners with the highest quality certifi ed organic seed.


33. Sunday, September 16th 9:00am–12:00pm (Rain Date: 9/17/12)

TRANSITIONING TO ORGANIC: Red Jacket Orchards’ Approach

Meet at Red Jacket Orchard’s retail store: 957 Rt 5 and 20, Geneva, NY 14456, and then proceed to the Healey Road Farm (stone fruit) and Davies Farm plantings (apples, blueberries) on Pre-Emption Road, Geneva, NY. (Ontario Co.)


Transitioning orchards to organic can be a challenge and

an opportunity for a farm. Red Jacket Orchards has put 7.5

of its 300 acres of apple orchards into organic production,

as well as all of its blueberries currently in production. Mike

Biltonen will discuss exploring and experimenting with a va-

riety of holistic, biodynamic, and innovative organic tech-

niques to get to where they want to go. Attendees will get a

fi rsthand look at the organic production techniques that Red

Jacket is testing on a variety of stone fruit (apricots, sweet

cherries, and plums) before potentially transitioning larger

plantings to organic. Participants will also explore the use of

high tunnels in organic tree fruit production. Th is look at Red

Jacket Orchards’ innovative approach to organic production

is not to be missed!

Located in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New York State

along the rolling hills of Seneca Lake, Red Jacket Orchards was

originally planted in 1917. Today, the orchard and juice company

is managed by the second and third generation of the Nicholson

family.


32. Wednesday, September 12th 5:00–7:00pm

VEGETABLE VARIETY WALK WITH HIGH MOWING SEEDS

Slack Hollow Farm: 177 Gilchrist Rd., Argyle, NY 12809 (Washington Co.)


Martha Johnson, farmer and owner of Slack Hollow Farm,

will lead a tour of her 134-acre (11 acres of vegetables) farm

and discuss the attributes of vegetable varieties she and her

partner, Seth Jacobs, have chosen to grow. Th e walk will fo-

cus on diff erent varieties of carrots, mesclun greens, lettuce,

broccoli and winter squash. Learn from Martha, an experi-

enced farmer of diversifi ed veggies for over 25 years, what

varieties perform well on her farm and at her markets and

why. High Mowing Organic Seeds trials manager, Gwenael

Engelskirchen, will talk about the characteristics that High

Mowing has seen in these varieties on their 4-acre Trials

Garden in northern Vermont. Participants will also learn

about Slack Hollow Farm’s winter crop production and winter

marketing strategies. Come with your questions and a desire

to learn about organic varieties and seed!

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Call or write for complete price list

(518) 885-2524The Natural Lawn Co.

538 Middle Line Rd • Ballston Spa, NY 12020

— Eastern New York —Natural Organic Fertilizers

and Soil AmendmentsFormulations Based onYour Soil Tests

Formulations Approvedfor NOFA-NYCertified Farms

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

34. Monday, September 17th 4:00–6:00pm (followed by potluck supper and networking session)

A GOOD CROP OF BEANS: Gett ing the Most from a Small-to-Medium-Scale Dry Bean Planting

Cayuga Pure Organics: 18 Banks Rd., Brooktondale, NY 14817 (Tompkins Co.)


Learn to confi dently and consistently grow New York’s

next big locally-sourced crop: organic dry beans. Often avoid-

ed by smaller farmers, this crop has great potential for your

CSA, market stand or other local marketing outlet. Cayuga

Pure Organic’s farmers will explain the best practices to help

you bring this crop to your community. Erick Smith, owner,

and Anne Riordan, fi eld manager, will cover growing meth-

ods, variety selection, and equipment needs, as well as post-

harvest cleaning, drying and storage to ensure a high-quality

product. We will also have a discussion about your options

for direct and cooperative marketing, even with just a few

acres planted in this fantastic crop. Th is fi eld day is part of

our Beginning Farmer Program; all participants are invited

to continue the discussion and fun during an informal farm-

er-to-farmer networking reception and potluck following the

fi eld day.

Cayuga Pure Organics’ mission includes creating a food system

that benefi ts the local community and the world at large. To this

end, the farm’s original intention was to supply the organic dairy

industry through fi eld crops. However, the farm quickly realized

new directions in response to a growing demand for locally-avail-

able dry beans, grains and fl our, learning to modify the standard

growing practices to suit the smaller scale (for fi eld crops) and

identity of Cayuga Pure Organics.

Th is fi eld day is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2011-49400-30510.

35. Th ursday, September 20th 9:00am–12:00pm

BEYOND APPLES: Alternative Fruits for Sustainable Harvest/Organic Growing from Small Farms and Home Landscapes

Lee Reich’s “Farmden”: 387 Springtown Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561 (Ulster Co.)


Walk through the private edible landscape of renowned au-

thor and orchardist Lee Reich and learn about the wide spec-

trum of fruits that can be grown sustainably with little or no

input needed for pest control or pruning in USDA Hardiness

Zone 5 (low temps of -20°F). Participants will also learn

about uncommon fruits that have commercial potential for

small farms because they are easy to grow organically and

have unique fl avors to appeal in niche and general markets.

Lee will also discuss dual-purpose plants—plants that are or-

namental and bear tasty fruits- for home landscapes.

Lee Reich began growing and studying fruit 40 years ago. Since

that beginning, he has earned a doctorate in horticulture with a

specialty in fruit growing, worked in fruit research for Cornell

University and the USDA, and grown many kinds of fruits, from

the common, such as apples and pears, to the uncommon, such as

gumi and medlar. His “farmden” is a testing ground for sustain-

able fruit growing techniques, for studying cultivation and mar-

keting of some uncommon fruits, and for providing an abundance

of fruit to Lee’s household. Lee is the author of three books on fruit

growing: Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden, Landscaping

with Fruit, and Grow Fruit Naturally.


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Keepin’ it Catskills

Join the Moovement! catskillmountainkeeper.org

SHARE YOUR STORYHave you recently tried something new and innovative

on your farm or in your garden? Or perhaps you’ve won an

award, or started selling a new product? If so, share your

story with your fellow members of NOFA-NY. Let your

success inspire others! If you have a story to tell, please

e-mail editor Fern Marshall Bradley at newsletter@nofany.

org or call her at 518-692-9079.

37. Wednesday, October 3rd 1:00–3:30pm

STARTING AN URBAN FARM: Land, Soil, Community

South Pine Street City Farm: 27 South Pine Street, Kingston, NY 12401 (Ulster Co.)


We will begin with a short tour of South Pine Street City

Farm, followed by presentations from a number of key play-

ers in the farm’s development. Rebecca Martin, Executive

Director at Kingston Land Trust, will discuss partnering with

non-profi t organizations and private businesses. Ed Croswell,

owner of Croswell Enterprises (soil and compost manufactur-

er, supplier for South Pine Street City Farm), will talk about

soil quality for urban and intensive growing. Jesica Clark,

Farmer, will cover marketing in the city for the city and

reaching out to other organizations to build a stronger com-

munity. We will also tour the greenhouse and hear about ex-

citing data from research on temperature diff erences, ease of

construction, and CO2 and ammonia production.

South Pine Street City Farm of Kingston, NY was formed in

2010 as a partnership between Binnewater Ice Co., Kingston Land

Trust and Th e Queens Galley. On ¼ of an acre we grow produce

destined for the community’s varied tables, marketing through

restaurants sales and a farm stand. Th is year the farm received

a SARE grant to test the compost-heated greenhouse in an urban

setting, using coff ee grounds and yard waste as the basis for com-

post. Jesica Clark, the farmer at South Pine Street City Farm, has

been working in agriculture for 9 years.

36. Saturday, September 22nd 9:00am–12:00pm

TRANSITIONING TO ORGANIC AND HIGH TUNNEL OPERATIONS

Grindstone Farm: 780 County Route 28 (Tinker Tavern Road), Pulaski, NY 13142 (Oswego Co.)


Interested in transitioning to organic farming? Join Dick de

Graff of Grindstone Farm as he discusses the challenges and

opportunities facing organic growers today. Dick will lead us

through Grindstone’s transitioning process and the farm’s or-

ganic production and marketing strategies. Grindstone Farm

is adding their 7th high tunnel bay this summer, and Dick

will discuss how high tunnel production has become inte-

gral to their operation. Harry Edwards of Haygrove Tunnels

will discuss optimizing high tunnels, with the goal of netting

$30K–$50K per acre per year.

Grindstone Farm provides produce through their CSA, Healthy

Box Program and Farmer’s Markets. With over 25 years of rich ex-

perience in growing high quality, certifi ed organic fruits and vege-

tables, Grindstone Farm produces over 120 varieties of vegetables

and fruits. Th rough partnerships with other farms, they off er

fresh, natural dairy, meat, organic dried fruits, nuts, honey, ma-

ple syrup, juices and more. Haygrove Tunnels was founded in the

UK in 1996 and now supplies a variety of high tunnel systems to

international markets.


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South Pine Street City Farm, photo by Jesica Clark

(see below)


Pepacton Reservoir 2010 ©JoshDickPhoto.com

You Can Protect Farmland,Forests and Clean Water

All farms and forest lands located within the New York City Watershed have an impact on water qual-ity. If you own land in the Catskill/Delaware Watershed -- a 1,597-square-mile area that includes six reservoirs in Delaware, Greene, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster counties – you may be eligible for one of our programs.

By using a tailored land management plan on your property, you can help guarantee the high-quality water standards of the New York City drinking water supply. As a landowner, you can:

• Plant trees and riparian shrubs to prevent streambank erosion.• Enlist our technical expertise in pasture, cropland and manure management.• Protect water quality by initiating land stewardship on your property.• Qualify for financial assistance to implement conservation practices.• Learn to address the many threats to your forest including deer overpopulation and invasive species.• Promote biodiversity and healthy woodlands through a financially assisted Forest Management Plan.

But you can’t do it alone...Let’s do it together.

Call us to find out what you can do to protectwater, farm and forest resources.

The Council is funded by the NYC DEP, USDA, USFS and other public-private sources.

Field Goods brings you a better way to eat.

Local fruits & vegetables delivered to workplace and community sites in the

Hudson Valley region.

To subscribe go to field-goods.com Or call 888-887-3848.

(We are always looking to buy from great farmers. Call us.)

38. Th ursday, October 11th 10:00am–4:00pm

HAPPY ANIMALS WORK FOR A LIVING: Using Hens, Hogs, and Oxen to Manage Land, Improve Animal Health, Shun Fossil Fuels, and Stop Using Expensive Equipment!

Spring Meadows Farm: 9578 Route 549, Millerton, PA 16936 (Tioga Co., PA)

$20 PASA and NOFA-NY members / $35 All Others (includes lunch)

Come to see how Spring Meadows Farm orchestrates hens,

hogs, and oxen—along with electrical fencing and pasture

management methods—to improve land, increase livestock

and plant health and decrease fossil fuel usage. Participants

will see hens controlling insects and vegetation, cattle tram-

pling to build soil as they graze tall pastures and hog-tilled

sod. Learn how cattle can prepare woods for desirable natu-

ral regeneration. Discussion will focus on how the order and

timing of these events enhances the ecosystem in which gar-

dens, pastures, woods, livestock and humans all play a role.

Participants will learn about oxen care, economics, breeds,

training and work. At the end of the event, those who are in-

terested can stay and drive the oxen.

Andy Lyon grew up in Northcentral PA where the farming tradi-

tion comes from Yankee settlers. All his older neighbors had stories

about farming with oxen, and his father trained a team when he

was four years old. After taking a hard look at what having mon-

ey tied up in a tractor was costing him, Andy began working two

teams of oxen on his pasture-based farm. Spring Meadows Farm

markets grass-fed beef, pastured eggs, garlic, an acre of vegetables

and some pork. Milk cows supply most of the protein for livestock

and most of the vitals for Andy and his apprentice too.

In collaboration with the Pennsylvania Association for Sustain-

able Agriculture (PASA).

Register online at www.pasafarming.org/FarmBasedEducation, or call 814.349.9856.

39. Saturday, October 27th 10:00am–3:00pm (including lunch)

CSA: An Advanced Workshop for Western New York

Batavia, NY (Specifi c location coming soon: visit www.nofany.org for updates) (Genesee Co.)


Come learn from successful, innovative, and experienced

CSA farmers. Representatives from Roots and Wings Farm,

Th orpes Farm, Native Off erings Farm, and others will dis-

cuss how they are able to be creative and fl exible with their

CSA models in order to adapt to changing community needs.

Learn CSA varieties, packing, drop off , and outreach systems

that work. Panelists will also discuss the substantial unmet

demand for CSA in Western New York, particularly in loca-

tions like Buff alo, and the opportunity that this presents

to farmers in the region. If you are a CSA farmer looking to

make your CSA work better for you and your community, or

you’ve been thinking about expanding your operation, then

this is your workshop.

Th e workshop will be held in Batavia, NY. Lunch is includ-

ed for all participants. Please check NOFA-NY’s website:

www.nofany.org, for more details.

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RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATORSFOR FARM, HOME AND CAMP

484-593-4262www.Altern-Energy.comSmall business | Independent ownership

Power essential operations:Outbuildings, pumps, lights, communication equipment

Solar with battery storage: Wind option

Plug & play simplicity!

No noise / no fuel / no fumes

30% Fed. Tax credit on some models

FREEWith Purchase

So l io BOLT So la r Charger

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Coming Th is Fall

COST OF PRODUCTION TRAININGS

Making smart business decisions starts with having good

information. Do you know which parts of your farm gener-

ate a profi t, and which parts could use some work? Do you

know which of your crops are the most lucrative? Without ac-

curate fi gures, it’s tough to know where you stand. Th is fall,

Robert Hadad (Cornell Vegetable Team, NOFA-NY Board of

Directors), will lead a series of trainings designed to help

you calculate your costs of production. Join Robert for one

of three full-day trainings (at various locations around the

state) on how to develop these numbers and make smart

business decisions for your farm enterprise.

Supported by the Farmers Market Promotion Program. We’re

still nailing down a date and location for these workshops.

Updated information will be available soon on our website:

www.nofany.org.

Date and Location TBA

THE ABCS OF CSA: A Workshop for Western New York

Are you in Western New York and interested in starting

a CSA? Come spend the day learning from Liz Henderson

and other experienced CSA farmers about how their various

CSA models work. Panelists will discuss how they developed

their core groups, how they determined the right planting

schedule for their farm and customers, how they developed

effi cient harvesting and boxing systems, and how they deter-

mined their share pricing. Th ere are emerging opportunities

for Western New York growers to serve the region, includ-

ing a growing demand for local food in Buff alo. Come to this

workshop to fi gure out how to harness these opportunities

and get started with your CSA.

Supported by the Farmers Market Promotion Program. We’re

still nailing down a date and location for this workshop. Updated in-

formation will be available soon on our website: www.nofany.org.

Cobblestone Valley Farm, photo by Maureen Knapp (see page 41)

NOFA-NY 2012 Summer Field Day Brochure

Documents

Transcript of NOFA-NY 2012 Summer Field Day Brochure