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Farm & Market ReportVol. 86, No. 2, April / May
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where we start from." T.S. Eliot. 
By all accounts, this year‘s March 10 Agricultural Day was one of the best ever on many fronts. Basking in the glow of encouraging statistics for Massachusetts farmers from the 2007 New England Agricultural Statistics and 
agricultural statistics presented by Commissioner Doug Petersen. Attendees
spilled out into the hallways trying to hear Secretary Bowles reinforce
his support of the agriculture community and listen to the student FFA
president, Justin Lawrence, share his and his fellow students’ excitement
for the future of agriculture. 
| The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association recognized Assistant Commissioner/Chief of Staff Scott Soares, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, as a recipient for the 2009 Government Leadership Award. This award was presented during the 20th Annual Winter Meeting at the Cape Codder Hotel in Hyannis in March. The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association annually recognizes members of the legislature and government agencies that support and promote business development, environmental protection and promotion of agriculture. The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers represent 334 grower/members with approximately 10,900 membership acres in the state. Scott Soares has been recognized for collaborating with various state agencies, working towards promoting Agricultural Diversification and diligently representing the needs and interests of cranberry farmers in Massachusetts. During Scott’s tenure with MDAR, Massachusetts farmers have benefited from a $3 million dollar Agricultural Innovations Grant, which allowed growers to reinvest in their farms, to ensure modern conservation practices to be expanded upon. “During the cranberry collapse of the late 1990’s, Scott supported the cranberry industry working hard to keep local farmers doing what they do best, which is farming their properties and to diversify their farms”, according, to Brad Morse, a member of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association’s Board of Directors. |
Photograph by Bob Bennett Photography Scott Soares, Jim Jenkins recognized as founding President of the Cranberry Research Foundation, and Sarah Hewens, PhD., Conservation Commission Agent from Carver. |
Farmers' Markets Seeking Vendors
Many farmers’ markets are seeking vendors the 2009 season.
Click here for a list of markets looking for new vendors: www.mass.gov/agr/markets/farmersmarkets/markets_seeking_vendors_09.pdf.
For information on selling at farmers’ markets, contact David Webber, 617-626-1754 or david.webber@state.ma.us.
Five training sessions will be held for new farmers to the Farmers’ Market Coupon Program at the following times and locations. Trainings are required for all growers and market managers new to the program this season. Coupons cannot be accepted or redeemed prior to training and signing an agreement. If you are unable to attend any of these sessions and would like to begin accepting coupons at your farmers’ market please contact Lisa Damon at (617) 626-1731 to make other arrangements. Growers and market managers returning to the coupon program do not need to attend a training session. Recertification for returning growers and managers is conducted through the mail.
Upcoming trainings for new growers and market managers will be held:
- Monday, April 13th, 2009 4:00 pm & 5:00 pm MDAR Amherst Office, Suite C4, 3rd floor, 101 University Drive, Amherst, MA
- Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 5:00 pm & 6:00pm USDA FSA Office, 52 Boyden Rd, Holden, MA
- Thursday, April 16th, 2009 5:00 pm & 6:00 pm MA building, Big E, 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA
- Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 5:00 pm & 6:00 pm Topsfield Fair Grounds, Clubhouse, 207 Boston St, Topsfield, MA. Enter at River Gate entrance (lot A)
To sign up and attend one of these trainings please contact Lisa Damon at MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources (617) 626-1731 or Lisa.Damon@state.ma.us.
MDAR Invites Organizations and Businesses to Apply to Exhibit in the Massachusetts Building at the Big E
The Department each year invites Massachusetts organizations and businesses to apply for the purpose of showcasing Massachusetts agriculture, commerce, culture, food and tourism through informational, educational, promotional and retail exhibits in the Massachusetts Building during the Eastern States Exposition (the Big E) located in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Each year, the 17 day fair falls on the last two weeks of September and attracts over 1 million visitors from across New England. The 2009 Big E runs from Friday, September 18 - October 4th. Massachusetts Day this year is September 24th. This is also an opportunity to showcase for one day. If interested, contact Rick LeBlanc, richard.leblanc@state.ma.us.
2009 Application and Guidelines for Exhibiting in the Massachusetts State Building [PDF]
Operating Rules and Dates for Exhibiting in the Massachusetts Building [PDF]
More details at Massachusetts Building webpage: www.mass.gov/agr/fairs/massbuilding/index.htm.
If you need a hard copy of the application mailed, please contact Ellen Hart, ellen.hart@state.ma.us, 617-626-1742.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Food Safety Training
Wednesday May 6, 2009 1:00-5:30 PM - UMass South Deerfield Research Farm
Foodborne outbreaks linked to fresh produce have increased in recent years. To address this issue, UMass Extension, the UMass Dept. of Nutrition and the MA Department of Agricultural Resources have teamed up to implement a USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training Program for growers and other fresh produce handlers. This event will be held Wednesday, May 6 from 1-5:30 PM at the UMass South Deerfield Research Farm, River Road, S. Deerfield. Attendees will learn about bacteria associated with fresh produce, strategies for controlling food safety hazards in all phases of production and USDA Third-Party GAP Audits. Participants will receive a GAP manual, a certificate of participation, and one pesticide credit is offered. Presenters include: Rich Bonanno, Ph.D., UMass Extension Educator 978-361-5650, rbonanno@umext.umass.edu; David Nyachuba, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, UMass Dept. of Nutrition 413-545-0552, dgn@nutrition.umass.edu; Scott Soares, Commissioner, MDAR, and Mike Botelho, MDAR.
Preregistration is required. Registration deadline: April 27, 2009. To
register, send $50.00 payable to UMass to: Shirley A. Mietlicki-Floyd,
UMass Dept. of Public Health, 205 Arnold House, 715 North Pleasant St.,
Amherst MA 01003-9304.
MDAR’s Animal Health Division Reminds Residents About Low-Cost Rabies Clinics Available Throughout April and May
Started by the Department in 2000 to raise awareness of rabies and increase
compliance, cities and towns across the commonwealth continue to hold low-cost
rabies vaccination clinics (over 220 clinics) throughout the months of
April and May. Animal owners are encouraged to have their family pets vaccinated
against rabies by bringing them to any of the many locations designated
by cities and towns. A list of participating communities is posted on MDAR's
webpage: www.mass.gov/agr/animalhealth/rabies/vaccinationclinics.htm.
Unfortunately rabies is now a permanent fixture in the wildlife population of Massachusetts. Though the virus may not be detected in an area for long periods of time, it is still present. Vaccinating your dog or cat is the best way to prevent the threat of rabies from entering your home. Keeping your pets up-to-date on their rabies shots is not only the law, it is also in the best interest of your animals and your family.
MDAR Mass Mailing to Livestock and Poultry Owners Across the State
MDAR's Division of Animal Health has registered more than 7000 properties
where livestock and poultry are kept as part of the Premises Identification
portion of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). NAIS was developed
in response to a number of animal diseases of concern both to human and
animal health, most notably Foot and Mouth Disease, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
(mad cow disease) and Avian Influenza. MDAR has been working under a cooperative
agreement with the USDA to implement the first phase in Massachusetts,
the Premise Identification component of NAIS. Of greatest importance is
to know where animals are kept. This information is crucial in the event
of a disease outbreak. Without location and animal data it would be virtually
impossible to identify affected regions, locate species in danger, or perform
adequate resource allocation to better assist those impacted.
The Department recently sent out a 7000-piece mailing with ID and password information to those animal owners participating, so they may access and update their information as needed. NAIS remains a voluntary program federally, and within Massachusetts. Roughly 90% of the animal owners contacted participated in the program. Participation in Premises Identification does not obligate animal owners to participate in any further portions of the program, specifically ID tagging animals or the tracking of their movements. MDAR believes strongly and sincerely that participation in the Premises Identification portion of NAIS will offer significant benefits to animal owners in Massachusetts. For questions regarding this program, please contact Michael Cahill at 617.626.1794 or Michael.Cahill@state.ma.us.
Residents Urged to Report Signs of Asian Longhorned Beetle Damage
MDAR is urging residents and business owners to check their trees for damage
from the Asian longhorned beetle before the growth of new leaves makes
damage to trunks and branches harder to spot. With the help of residents
and business owners, state and federal officials hope to stop the spread
of this invasive species, which infests hardwood trees such as maple, birch,
horse chestnut, poplar, willow, elm, and ash.
When the beetles tunnel into trunks and branches of trees, sap flow is disrupted, which weakens and eventually kills trees. There is no cure for this pest. Once a beetle attacks a tree, the only remedy is to cut the tree down. MDAR officials note that widespread infestation threatens the nursery, lumber, wood product, maple syrup, and tourism industries and would disrupt the Commonwealth’s forest ecosystem.
“Unless these insects are contained, they could prove to be catastrophic to New England's hardwood forest and the maple syrup industry,” said Tom McCrumm, executive director of the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association and owner of the South Face Farm Sugar House in Ashfield.
To report suspicious tree damage, view photographs and videos of tree damage or read about the pests, visit http://massnrc.org/pests/alb or call the toll-free Asian longhorned beetle hotline at (866) 702-9938. For more information about citizen training efforts click on release.
Farmers May Need a Permit when Digging a Trench
As of March 1, 2009, farmers may need to obtain a permit before digging a trench and must follow certain practices to ensure the trench is safe when unattended. This is true even if the trench is on private property. Not following these rules may result in a fine of up to $5,000.
If you answer yes to ALL the following questions you need to obtain a trench permit,
1 – Is the excavation narrow in relation to its length?
2 – Is the excavation greater than 3 feet deep?
3 – Is the depth of the excavation, in general, greater than the width?
4 – Is the width, as measured at the bottom, 15 feet or less?
5 – Is the excavation part of a construction project? An excavation used only for instillation of a drainage pipe is considered construction.
In order to get a permit, applicants must have general liability insurance of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per claim or provide evidence of self-insurance in equal amounts. Local permitting authorities issue permits and contact information can be found at: http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/dps/inf/trench_list_permitting_authority.xls.
After obtaining the permit, farmers must take safety measures including covering, barricading, or backfilling trenches whenever unattended. Covers must be specific metal plates at least ¾” thick and barricades must be at least 6’ high. The requirements for the safety measures are very specific. They can be found in the regulation which is available at http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/dps/inf/520_cmr_14.00_excavation_trench_safety_final.pdf. Alternatively, excavators may choose to arrange for someone to be at the site of the trench at all times.
Frequently asked questions, a copy of Massachusetts General Law 82A, Regulation 520 CMR 14.00, and additional information can be found on the web site for the Executive Office for Public Safety and Security.
Internet Marketing Workshop
Tuesday, April 28th - 9:30-2pm - Cost: $45 per person (Includes Lunch) - Open to EVERYONE that is interested.
Sponsored by Mass. Association of Roadside Stands and Pick-Your-Own.
Learn the best practices for effectively marketing your business online
during this special one-day workshop presented by Alex Hanks, twelve-year
veteran of Internet Marketing. Topics covered will range across the spectrum
of Internet Marketing disciplines from website optimization, email communications,
search engine strategies, online communities, online advertising, website
analytics, and integrated offline
marketing.
Held in the meeting room at: Hartman's Herb Farm, 1026 Old Dana Rd, Barre,
MA 01005
To register: call (978) 355-2015, or email: hartmansherb@hotmail.com.
Greenhouse Grower Message
Growers of Greenhouse Crops: Receive timely messages about what’s happening with pests, nutrition, marketing and other issues that affect your greenhouse business. University Extension Specialists post messages to our www.negreenhouseupdate.info website based on site visits and conversations with growers. As new information is added, an email is sent with a direct link to the website. To be added to the email list contact: Tina Smith, tsmith@umext.umass.edu or call 413-545-5306.
Big E Seeks Entries for 2009 Big E Northeast Gold Wine Competition
Join us for the 2009 Big E Northeast Gold Wine Competition. Entries are now available at www.thebige.com/wine. Entry Fee is $35 and two 750mil bottles (or equivalent). Entry deadline is May 15, 2009 and bottle delivery is May 22. Judging will be held June 13, 2009 at Eastern States Exposition. This is a great way to receive critical feedback on your wines as all Judge’s comments are returned.
Join us for a great chance to market locally right in your own backyard to an audience of over 1 million potential wine drinkers! All winning wines, along with medals, will be on display during The Big E (Sept. 18 - Oct. 4) in the Young Building.
Volunteers Needed for the 2009 Massachusetts Envirothon
More than 300 Bay State high school students from nearly 50 public and private schools across the commonwealth are expected to compete in the 22nd annual Massachusetts Envirothon on Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14 at the Trustees of Reservations’ Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster.Last year the competition was expanded to accommodate an increased number of participants. Each team will participate on their choice of one of the two field competition days at the Doyle Center. The four teams that score the highest in the field competition will then go on to finals on Saturday, May 30.
As many as 100 volunteers are needed each day to coordinate all the details of this event, including parking, greeters, team guides, coach guides, food preparation, registration, eco-station runners, eco-station assistants, presentation hosts, clean-up and general helpers. Some volunteer jobs start as early as 7:30 am. Training for other jobs starts at 8:00 am. Most volunteers are needed until at least 12:30 pm when the competition ends, although there are a few jobs that end by 9:30 am. Volunteers are invited to stay for lunch, view the test stations, talk with teams at their round tables and other activities.
If interested, contact Debi Hogan, Massachusetts Envirothon Coordinator, at 508-336-4426 or debi.hogan@earthlink.net and provide the following information:
- The date that you can volunteer. (One day or both days: May 13 and/or May 14) Helpers are also needed for set-up on May 12.
- The time that you would be able to arrive in the morning.
- The type of work that you are interested in doing.
- Your preferred mailing address, title, phone number and e-mail address.
New England Farmers Union Chose New President
The New England Farmers Union has chosen a new president, Annie Cheatham,
after Jeff LaFleur from the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association stepped
down in January. Annie is the former Executive Director of Community Involved
in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) in western Massachusetts. The Board of
Directors include in addition to Annie, Jeff LaFleur, Cris Coffin (New
England Director, American Farmland Trust), Marge Kilkelly (Maine farmer
and Council of State Governments), Matt Barron (Rural Votes), Susan Phinney
(Whole Foods) and Ben Martens (Cape Cod Commercial Fishhook Fishermen Association).
Membership in NEFU is open to farmers and non-farmers. Farm membership
is $40 and non-farmers can join for as little as $25. To join, go to this
NFU link, http://nfu.org/in-the-states/en, A website is under construction and will be online by the end of April.
The National Farmers Union www.nfu.org is one of the oldest farmer organizations in the US and its progressive
policy positions are in synch with the needs of farmers and fishermen in
New England. Members of the National Farmers Union were leaders in President
Obama's Ag Committee during the campaign, and several high ranking Farmers
Union personnel have been appointed to Undersecretary positions at USDA.
The organization is in a good strategic position to advance policies and
funding that will be beneficial for New England ag and fishing.
What are some of the policy positions that NFU has led? Whenever you see a label on food that identifies the "country of origin," thank NFU. They led the way in the last farm bill to mandate country-of-origin labeling (COOL). The impetus for this legislation came from Mad Cow Disease tainted beef. NFU supported legislation to block the importation of Argentinean meat products until that country is free of Foot and Mouth Disease. But COOL will give consumers, especially ones who want to support more local and regionally produced food, the information they need to support the Northeast ag and fishing industries and keep those dollars circulating in our region. In another effort to protect consumer information, NFU also opposed efforts to prohibit dairy farmers from labeling their milk rBGH-free. Thanks to NFU, dairy farmers who don't feed growth hormones to their cows can continue to tell you that on their cartons and packaging. Without NFU's support, you would not have that information. NFU promotes programs to assist beginning and minority farmers, seeks better disaster assistance and risk management programs for farmers, advocates for conservation programs that greatly benefit New England farmers, and for the children in our schools, NFU lobbies for the expansion of the fresh fruit and vegetable snack programs into all 50 states after a trial in 4 states. During debate on the 2008 Farm Bill, NFU fought hard to increase funding for the senior farmers market coupon program and for speciality crop programs which benefit the diverse farming industry in New England. New programs, increased funding, and protections like these will help our food industries compete and deliver food to us that is safe, regional, and sustainable.
Contact information: JOIN New England Farmers Union TODAY http://nfu.org/in-the-states/en, or
Annie Cheatham, President, New England Farmers Union, PO Box 226, 5 State Street, 3rd Floor, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, 413.522.5020 cell, 413.625.3051 land, 413.625.3061 fax, anniecheatham06@gmail.com.
Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar Photo Contest Returns
Amateur photographers, farmers, who enjoy capturing local rural scenes, farm animals and fresh produce are invited to enter the Massachusetts Agriculture Photo Contest sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. Winning photos will be featured in the 2010 Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar. The 2010 calandar with be the 10th anniversary of this collaborative project.
Twelve photos will be selected, one for each month. We look to feature photos that represent the
vitality and diversity of Commonwealth’s farms, crops and products throughout
the seasons. Last year winners can be found at www.Mass.gov/Massgrown (click on “Calendar of Events”). For farmers, its a great way to promote your farm operation!
Winning photographers will be credited in the calendar, will be invited to attend a winner’s ceremony at the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) in Springfield in September and tickets to the fair, and will receive copies of the calendar. Deadline for photographs: June 1, 2009.
For guidlines and an entry form (PDF) for the 2009 Calendar photo contest, click here, or
contact Rick LeBlanc,
richard.leblanc@state.ma.us. For judging purposes, all entries have to be
printed and mailed (not emailed).
NEWS FROM USDA
Sign-up Period Extended for MA Landowners to Restore and Protect Flood-prone Lands with Economic Recovery Funds
The deadline has been extended for Massachusetts landowners with land in flood-prone areas to apply for assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Eligible landowners can sign up for floodplain easements through April 10, 2009 at their local USDA Service Center.NRCS will provide up to $145 million nationwide to eligible landowners through the floodplain easement component of its Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. The funds will be used to restore an estimated 60,000 acres of frequently flooded land in the U.S. to its natural state and create jobs.
USDA service center locations are listed on-line at http://offices.usda.gov or in the phone book under Federal Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture. For information about EWP Program floodplain easements, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ewp/Floodplain/index.html.
The EWP Program’s floodplain easement component allows NRCS to purchase easements on lands damaged by flooding. The restored floodplain will generate many public benefits, such as increased flood protection, enhanced fish and wildlife habitat, improved water quality, increased carbon sequestration as permanent vegetative cover is re-established, and a reduced need for future public disaster assistance.
This program is appropriate farmers that are interested in taking flood prone farmland out of active production.
Farmland and Forest Land Owners: $13 million in Federal Assistance Available in Massachusetts through 2008 Farm Bill
Sign-up is underway for federal conservation programs under the 2008 Farm
Bill and in order to participate, a conservation plan is required. Anyone
who owns or manages farmland or forest land in Massachusetts and would
like technical or financial assistance to protect their natural resources
is urged to contact their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) office soon to begin the planning process.
Applications for Farm Bill conservation programs may be submitted at any time, but May 1, 2009 is the cut-off date for the first round of ranking and funding in Massachusetts.
USDA service center locations are listed on-line at http://offices.usda.gov or in the phone book under Federal Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture. General program information is available on the NRCS Massachusetts website at www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov.
New conservation provisions in the recently passed Farm Bill (the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008) simplify existing programs and create new programs to address high priority environmental protection goals such as pollinator habitat, wildlife and energy. For example, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) now includes more forestry practices. In Massachusetts, EQIP is also available to help greenhouse operations with water quality and conservation practices and to help aquaculture operations with best management practices.
With financial and technical assistance from NRCS, farmers and other landowners promote environmental quality on farmland and forest land, address water quality and quantity challenges, and protect valuable wetland ecosystems and wildlife habitat. Among the voluntary conservation programs authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill are:
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) – EQIP helps farmers and forest landowners address water quality, water conservation, invasive species control, soil quality, erosion control, nutrient and pest management, residue management, irrigation efficiency, energy conservation, air quality and other natural resource concerns.
- Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) – WHIP provides assistance to landowners who want to improve fish and wildlife habitat or restore natural ecosystems on their land.
- Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) – WRP offers an opportunity for landowners to voluntarily protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their property.
- Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) – AMA helps farmers adopt conservation practices and investment strategies that will reduce or mitigate risks to their agricultural enterprises. In Massachusetts, cost-share is available to producers for drought mitigation.
- Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP) – GRP is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance grasslands on their property.
- NRCS has offices in Greenfield, Hadley, Holden, Hyannis, Pittsfield, Westford, and West Wareham, which work with local conservation districts and other partners to serve farmers and landowners throughout the commonwealth.
Merrigan to be Nominated as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
President Barack Obama announced Feb. 24th his intention to nominate Kathleen
A. Merrigan to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.
"We at the U.S. Department of Agriculture welcome the President's intention to nominate Dr. Merrigan," said Secretary Tom Vilsack. "She will bring to USDA extensive expertise in agricultural marketing and nutrition and in legislative affairs and will provide excellent, experienced leadership as we move President Obama's agricultural and nutritional agenda forward."
Merrigan currently is an assistant professor and Director of the Agriculture, Food and Environment M.S. and Ph.D. Program at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, Boston.
In 1999, she was appointed administrator of USDA's Agricultural Marketing
Service by then-President Clinton. Prior to that, Merrigan was a senior
analyst at the Henry A. Wallace Institute for Alternative Agriculture and
an expert consultant at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations in Rome. From 1987 to 1992 she was a staff member on the U.S. Senate
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry where she helped develop
the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 which mandated national organic
standards and a program of federal accreditation. Merrigan holds a Ph.D.
from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in environmental planning
and policy, a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas and
a B.A. from Williams College.
IN EVERY ISSUE
CLASSIFIED ADS
- SHEEP SHEARING: Small flocks are my specialty. Also llamas and Angora goats. Doug at 781.929.5618 or shetland.sheep@ymail.com.
- For Sale: 4 Muscovy drakes and 2 Muscovy ducks. All are eight months old. Ducks are laying. All but one are completely white. Call 508-763.5901, leave message for the Clover Path Garden.
- 1942 Ford 9-N tractor with three point hitch cordwood saw. In very good condition. $2100.00 Crystal Brook Farm 978-422-6646.
- We are Celebrating our 20th year of serving New England Farms & Orchards. We carry a full line of Farmstand , Pick Your Own & Wholesale packaging for Farms & Orchards. Empire Packaging Company, "Your Packaging Resource" (508) 426-7813 or (800) 562-5520.
- For Sale: TARM - Wood/Oil dual fuel hot water boiler - Type OT70 - rated at 270,000 btu. Older unit, ideal for green house operation. Unit has domestic twin hot water internal tanks as well. Unit is complete with all controls, Carlin oil burner, etc, all in working order. All manuals for installation & operating instructions. Reason for sale - we installed a new Tarm gasification boiler with extra large storage system. Can be seen at Saw Mill Site Farm Horseradish Products. Call Terry Grinnan @ 413-665-3005 or 1-888-798-7232 for further information or to arrange viewing.
- Need a property caretaker for your farm? Massachusetts farmers can run a free caretaker-wanted ad in THE CARETAKER GAZETTE. Please call (830) 336-3939 or visit www.caretaker.org.
- Safely keep your free-range roosters and hens secure in our * Happy Chicken Tractor * from The Little Chicken Factory. It rolls easily around the yard, www.chicktrac.com.
- Website Design and marketing for agriculture-related small businesses. www.roynilson.com designs and builds affordable web sites for your stable, farm and farmstand. 978-724-6662 roynilson@verizon.net.
- Pear Tree Publishing - Announces the Release of The Next Harvest… Vineyards & Wineries of New England, by Christopher P. Obert & Nancy S. Obert, is a unique guide to exploring the wide variety of wines produced throughout New England. Book available for credit card and Pay Pal at www.peartreepublishing.net/publications.php. Wholesale orders: Pear Tree Publishing provides a 40% discount off the cover price for wholesale orders. The cover price on The Next Harvest is $40.00, so the cost per book would be $24.00 plus shipping. The minimum wholesale order for The Next Harvest is 5 books. The books come 14 to a case. For orders of full cases the cost of shipping is $15.00 per case, for uneven orders the charge is $2.00 per book ordered. It normally takes about one week for the books to arrive. Christopher P. Obert, Pear Tree Publishing, 20 South Porter Street, Bradford, MA 01835-7646, Chris@PearTreePublishing.net, www.PearTreePublishing.net.
- New England Wild Flower Society is currently seeking nominations for its annual awards, given to landscape architects, designers, gardeners, botanists, conservationists and horticulturists for outstanding achievement during a given year. Specific projects or a lifetime of work in the conservation or landscaped use of temperate North American plants are honored. Awards are presented at the Society’s Annual Meeting the first Sunday of November each year. The Society began giving a Conservation Award in 1964. Over the years, state, education, garden and Service to the Society awards have been added. The following 2009 award nominations are due May 15, 2009; Conservation Award, Education Award, Six NE State Awards, Kathryn S. Taylor Award for Private Gardens, and the Homer Lucas Public Landscape Award. A separate Landscape Design Award nomination is due April 15. For more info. and application forms, visit www.newenglandwild.org/about/awards or contact Karen Pierce at 508-877-7630, ext 3801.
- The Department of Conservation and Recreation is looking for farmers interested in participating in a farmers’ market at 2 upcoming events at Great Brook Farm in Carlisle. Picnic on the Farm will be held Sunday, May 31 and Down on the Farm Day, Sunday, September 27. For more information, Contact Kathryn Garcia at 978-369-3350, ext. 37 or Kathryn.garcia@state.ma.us.
How to Place a Classified Ad
Classified ads are accepted free-of charge on a first-come basis. Be sure to include a phone number. No display ads will be accepted. Only one ad per business/individual per issue, unless space permits. Ads may run in consecutive issues, space permitting. Ads must be of interest to Massachusetts farmers. The Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) reserves the right to refuse any listing it deems inappropriate for publication. E-mail, fax or mail ads to: Farm & Market Report, MDAR, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114, fax: 617-626-1850, Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us.
- April 15: The Mass. Farm to School Project will be hosting Farm to School: Asparagus to Zucchini: the first comprehensive Mass. Farm to School Statewide Convention. See article above.
- May 8: GAP Training Program for growers and other fresh produce handlers. See article above.
- July 22: Mark your calendar for the 2009 Great Ideas Summer Conference! Sponsored by: Massachusetts Nursery Landscape Association (MNLA) and The Massachusetts Flower Growers Association (MFGA. Education program organized by UMass Extension. Location: Sylvan Nursery, Westport, MA.www.mnla.com.
- September 21-25: Mass. Harvest for Students Week 2009. Activities and resources for farms and school food services will be provided by the Mass. Farm to School Project, 413-253-3844 kelerwin@localnet.com.
*** If you have events you would like listed to our Ag industry calendar
webpage, www.mass.gov/agr/events/coming_up, or
Consumer events at: www.mass.gov/agr/events, email Rick LeBlanc at richard.leblanc@state.ma.us.
About the Farm & Market Report
Published bi-monthly by:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, Governor
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Ian Bowles, Secretary
Department of Agricultural Resources, Scott Soares, Commissioner
| Boston Office: 251 Causeway St., Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114 617-626-1700, Fax: 617-626-1850 |
Amherst Satellite Office: 101 University Drive, Suite C4 Amherst, MA 01002 413-548-1900, Fax: 413-548-1901 |
-
Scott Soares, Commissioner, Scott.Soares@state.ma.us
- Anna Waclawiczek, Deputy Chief of Staff, Anna.Waclawiczek@state ma.us
- Michael Cahill, Director of Animal Health, Michael.Cahill@state.ma.us
- Lee Corte-Real, Director of of Crop and Pest Services, Lee.Corte-Real@state.ma.us
-
Mary Jordan, Director of Agricultural Development, Mary.Jordan@state.ma.us
- Gerard Kennedy, Director of Agricultural Technical Assistance, Gerard.Kennedy@state.ma.us
Next issue to be published for June / July.
Please send news, calendar and/or classified information by May 29th to
Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us, or fax to 617-626-1850. To unsubscribe or change your address, send an
e-mail message to Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us or call 617-626-1759.