Keeping the Soil Covered: Tarps, Cover Crops, Mulch

Many Hands Sustainability Center / Organic Farm 411 Sheldon Road, Barre, United States

Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge of Many Hands Organic Farm “aim for the highest possible fertility, a no till scenario, increased soil organic matter, and high nutrient density, disease and insect resistance, and as few weeds as possible.” Sound too good to be true? Join us at a hands-on workshop on their farm to discuss their experience 10 years into no-till management, a bit about their problems with this modality as they have evolved over the years, and the solutions that they have implemented. 

Cómo mantener el suelo cubierto: lonas, cultivos de cobertura, mantillo

Many Hands Sustainability Center / Organic Farm 411 Sheldon Road, Barre, United States

Julie Rawson y Jack Kittredge de Many Hands Organic Farm “buscan alcanzar la máxima fertilidad posible, practicar la agricultura sin labranza, aumentar la materia orgánica del suelo, una alta densidad de nutrientes, resistencia a las enfermedades y los insectos, y tan pocas malas hierbas como sea posible.” ¿Suena demasiado bien para ser verdad? Únase a nosotros en este taller práctico en su granja para aprender de sus 10 años de experiencia en el manejo de la agricultura sin labranza, compartir algunos de los problemas de este modelo que han experimentado a lo largo de los años y también las soluciones a las que han llegado. Sound too good to be true? Join us at a hands-on workshop on their farm to discuss their experience 10 years into no-till management, a bit about their problems with this modality as they have evolved over the years, and the solutions that they have implemented. 

Soil Health Bi-Monthly Community Call

Online

We are excited to invite you to our bimonthly Soil Health Calls! These calls are designed to provide a platform for farmers, researchers, and experts to share their knowledge, experiences, and insights on soil health.  Our aim is to create a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about improving soil health. Our calls will cover a range of topics related to soil health, including soil biology, organic matter, nutrient management, and any topic of relevance to the NOFA community and beyond. We will also have guest speakers who will share their expertise and insights on the latest developments in the field.

Physical Vitality: Building Robust Foundations for Crop Success – Farming is Life

Farming is Life 683 River St., Winchendon, United States

Join us for an immersive journey into the fundamentals of soil health with our Physical Vitality workshop. Delve into the intricate world beneath our feet as we explore the essential components that shape soil structure and vitality. Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities, participants will gain a deep understanding of soil physical properties, including structure, porosity, and compaction. Equipped with tools such as penetrometers, shovels, and infiltration rings, attendees will learn how to assess and evaluate these critical aspects of soil health directly on the farm. Whether you're a seasoned agricultural professional or a curious novice, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical skills to enhance your understanding of soil and optimize farm management practices.

Vitalidad física: Cómo construir una base robusta para una cosecha exitosa – Farming is Life

Farming is Life 683 River St., Winchendon, United States

Únase a nosotros para un viaje inmersivo en los fundamentos básicos de la salud del suelo con nuestro taller Vitalidad física. Sumérjase en el intrincado mundo bajo sus pies mientras exploramos los elementos esenciales de la estructura y la vitalidad del suelo. A través de demostraciones y actividades interactivas, las personas participantes adquirirán un entendimiento profundo de las propiedades físicas del suelo, incluyendo su estructura, su porosidad y su compactación. Nos equiparemos con herramientas como penetrómetros, palas y anillos de infiltración para que las personas asistentes aprendan a evaluar y medir estos aspectos cruciales de la salud del suelo en vivo y en directo. Ya sea usted un/a experimentado/a agricultor/a profesional o sólo un/a principiante, este taller ofrece valiosos consejos y destrezas prácticas para mejorar su entendimiento del suelo y optimizar las prácticas de manejo de su granja.

Go Nuts Bi-Monthly Community Call

Online

Go Nuts! is our bi-monthly informational call on agroforestry. During this call, we will discuss all things related to agroforestry, from planting and tree establishment to infrastructure and consumer access. This includes insight into the variety of species of trees and shrubs and their various applications as well as discussing more technical elements such as soil health or animal integration. All of these discussions are grounded in the relevancy of agroforestry as a unified food systems solution, and how it can help sustain our environment, improve soil health and boost community resilience.

Hazelnut Agroforestry Field Tour

Nutwood Farm 76 Porter Hill Road, Cummington, MA, United States

Join Nutwood Farm and NOFA/Mass to explore a small commercial hazelnut orchard and learn what it takes to transition land to tree crops, from developing a site plan, testing your soil, clearing land, selecting species of plants and animals, to working with mistakes and thinking ahead. They’ll walk us through how they got started and where they’re headed next, including embarking on investing in processing infrastructure and developing value-added food products as well as other marketable agroforestry products.

$30 – $50

Event Series Soil Health Community Call

Soil Health Bi-Monthly Community Call

Online

We are excited to invite you to our bimonthly Soil Health Calls! These calls are designed to provide a platform for farmers, researchers, and experts to share their knowledge, experiences, and insights on soil health.  Our aim is to create a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about improving soil health. Our calls will cover a range of topics related to soil health, including soil biology, organic matter, nutrient management, and any topic of relevance to the NOFA community and beyond. We will also have guest speakers who will share their expertise and insights on the latest developments in the field.

Event Series Microbes Series

Cultivating Change: Management’s Impact on Soil Biology

Nature's Way Farm 24 Hillsville Rd., North Brookfield, MA, United States

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.

$30 – $60