As we reflect on what we’re thankful for this year, NOFA/Mass is thankful for all of you who support our conferences and make our work possible!
In that same spirit of community and gratitude, let’s grow our connections, nourish our knowledge, and flourish together! Take a sneak-peek and get to know some of our presenters and the workshops they’ll be offering at the 2024 Winter Conference, today!
Workshop & Presenter Spotlights
Title: Athletes in Overalls: Farmer Movement Health + Wellness
Description: Farming is active, varied work, but does it have to be so wearing? What do we need to turn our labor into healthy conditioning? Cynthia from Labor-Movement will start the session with a research-based talk on concerns and self-advocacy regarding movement health, function, fitness and skills related to working with the land. She will then lead attendees in exploring and practicing movement patterns related to spine alignment, hinges and squats, and low back concerns. We’ll end with a Q&A and information on how you can bring this awareness into your operation and work culture. **Movement participation optional, no special clothing required.**
Title: Cultivating a Sustainable Future: Cornell Botanic Gardens’ Native Lawn
Description: Traditional turfgrass lawns provide little benefit to native biodiversity, are significant sources of air and water pollution, and require huge investments of time to maintain. In a world grappling with the climate crisis, every action counts, and adopting a new lawn paradigm that champions native biodiversity in your own backyard is a powerful way to take control of your environmental impact. In this enlightening presentation, we will discuss a visionary lawn paradigm shift – one where lush, low-growing native grasses and forbs take center stage. As featured in the recent New York Times article by Margaret Roach, we will explore the journey behind Cornell Botanic Gardens’ native lawn, from its inception to the multitude of benefits it brings, and the invaluable lessons it has taught us.
Title: Working Together – Varieties for Success in Organic Growing
Description: Join seed industry representatives, service providers and other growers and help create a Feedback Loop through this discussion / exercise about vegetable and herb varieties. Share with others about selections that work well and why, as well as areas where improvements still can be made. A small group will start and frame the conversation before it is opened up to the larger group in farmer-to-farmer. Come ready to write furiously AND participate in this collaborative sharing and brainstorming session.
Title: Effects of Growing Vegetables in Perennial Clover Cover: A SARE study
Description: Growing crops in perennial groundcover is a promising technique emerging in organic no-till production. Sawyer Farm has been exploring this method for the past few years, leading to a SARE-funded study and trials at 20+ farms by 2024. In 2023 Sawyer Farm grew primarily winter squash and cabbage in clover as well as corn, sunflower, potatoes and hemp. They will share new data comparing yields and labor between vegetables grown in clover vs bare soil, along with evidence of ecosystem services offered when a whole field is covered in clover, and how to practice this technique and get involved in this study yourself.
Cross-cultivate knowledge and connections with like-minded colleagues and grow together at these workshops and so many more when you register for the 2024 Winter Conference!
