Our Microbes series culminates in this in-depth, on-farm event that delves even deeper into the intricate relationship between soil biology and management practices. Building upon the knowledge gained in the workshop Tools of the Trade: Microscopy & Soil Management Practices, we will focus exclusively on how different management approaches have influenced soil biology on the farms you care about. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, share your experiences, and gain valuable insights into optimizing your agricultural practices for healthier soil and better yields. This event is the perfect opportunity to enhance your understanding of soil management and take your agricultural knowledge to the next level.

Cost:

Sliding scale $30/45/$60

 

Schedule/Agenda:

10:00 AM  – Welcome and Introductions

10:30 AM – Event Overview

11:00 AM – Microbial Assessments

12:00 PM – Break – Bring Your Own Lunch 

12:30 PM- Roundtable discussion – How did soil ecological management alter the microbial population

1:30 PM – Wrap Up & Thank You

 

About the Instructors:

Dan Kittredge has been an organic farmer for more than 30 years. He grew up on Many Hands Organic Farm in central Massachusetts with his parents, Julie Rawson, long time NOFA/Mass Executive Director, and Jack Kittredge, publisher of Natural Farmer. After working globally in the late 90s and early 2000s with farmers, NGOs, and researchers across India, Russia, and Central America, Dan returned to the U.S. and in 2010 launched the BFA in order to ignite a movement around food quality.

Dan has become one of the leading proponents of “nutrient density,” and works to demonstrate the connections between soil health, plant health, and human health through workshops and speaking engagements around the world, the annual Soil and Nutrition Conference, and an increased presence online through social media, a YouTube channel, and numerous webinars and podcasts.

Dan launched the Real Food Campaign, now the Bionutrient Institute, that, with open-source science partners Our-Sci and FarmOS, are leading the effort to identify and increase nutrition in the food supply. The Bionutrient Institute has engineered and released a hand-held consumer spectrometer, the Bionutrient Meter, designed to test nutrient density at the point of purchase and bring transparency to the marketplace. Via the Bionutrient Meter, the goal is to empower consumers to choose their foods based on nutrient quality and thereby leverage economic incentives to drive full system regeneration.

 

About the Project:

MDAR Microbes

This event is supported by Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR).The goal of this project is to increase farmers’ understanding of soil microbes as a part of a sustainable specialty crop production system and help them adopt new tools and practices to support soil microbes and soil health. In this series we will gather data from all participants related to their soil management and fertility regimen and compare these practices over the growing season and how these relate to soil microbe population in terms of biomass and diversity.  

 

Accessibility:

Portions of our farm tour will cover uneven terrain and stairs. Bathrooms are available on site. We want to make sure your accessibility needs are met during the event. Please share with us your needs regarding (but not limited to: physical accessibility, allergies, noise, scent, gender, intellectual accessibility, and any instructions or tips to help you fully participate. 

Refund/Inclement Weather Policy:

For information on our refund and inclement weather policy, click here. 

Capacity:

Capacity for this event is limited to 50 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space! 

 

Questions?

Email [email protected]