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Farm & Market Report
Vol. 86, No. 3, June / July
LOCAL NEWS
NEWS FROM USDA
IN EVERY ISSUE
“Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand
miles from the corn field.” -- Dwight D. Eisenhower, September, 1956
Dear Friends,
The quote above is as true today as it was when it was written 53 years
ago – namely that farming is not-so-mighty-easy when you are actually in
the field with sweat on your brow and dirt under your fingernails. In fact,
it may be truer today as our farming community is faced with new hurdles
that were certainly unanticipated when Eisenhower penned those words: land,
energy and water resources are no longer commodities we can take for granted;
and the notion of a global economy and environmentally sustainable practices
have grown from what were barely-germinated concepts to sometimes daunting
realities.
Since taking on the reins as Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources in April, you can be confident that the Department has been moving full steam ahead towards ensuring that some of these challenges become tomorrow’s great success stories. It goes without saying that realizing these opportunities won’t always be an easy path and anyone who suggests otherwise is spending too much time “plowing with a pencil”! Nonetheless, I believe there are many achievable opportunities before us due in large part to the ingenuity and commitment of our agricultural community. I would like to share a few MDAR highlights over the last two months which I believe illustrate the great progress being made towards this end.
Firstly it should not be underestimated the growing interest and support from the public for “Go Locally Grown” and the fact that we have an Administration and Legislature that have shown themselves to be exceptionally supportive to our Commonwealth’s agricultural interests, the preservation of working landscapes, and importantly, the implementation of environmentally responsible- and energy-efficient technologies. This was most recently demonstrated at the State House where members of the Joint Committee of Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture heard our oral testimony on a range of bills that if passed, will certainly impact agriculture in Massachusetts. I was pleased to hear positive feedback from legislators not only on our preparedness but also their interest in continuing to work with us and our agricultural community as these bills make their way through the legislative process. As we continue forward through the legislative process, I encourage members of our farming community to stay engaged with this process. Your involvement is critical.
MDAR continues to leverage this favorable environment by building and strengthening partnerships at the federal, state, and local level – partnerships which I believe are vital to identifying and taking advantage of new opportunities that otherwise would not be available. To this end we will be launching another series of regional farm tours which last year I initiated in an effort to bring legislators, budget analysts, and other far-from-the-field stake holders to our farms. The bottom line is that seeing, touching, and tasting agriculture beats a PowerPoint presentation every time and these tours have turned out to be a very effective means of highlighting the challenges and opportunities our farmers face. This year will also include a new urban tour to showcase the unique and entrepreneurial approaches to farming when faced with a predominantly brick-and-cement environment.
The last few months have also been filled with a lot of good old-fashioned
hard work from a staff that I am proud to say is very committed to the
success of the Commonwealth’s agricultural future. Just since the last
F & M Report, we’ve participated in exciting “farm energy” projects
seeing the switch get thrown on a number of wind turbines, solar arrays,
and the planting of promising bio-fuels; APR staff have worked to close
over $10 million dollars in APR land acquisitions which totaled 1,760 acres
and which will continue to increase through the end of September; Animal
Health staff have been fielding a range of animal health inquiries across
the state; we’ve launched farmers’ market season with a new 2009 Farmers’
Market Listing brochure that boasts a record 185 markets as of this publication;
we’ll see a launching of a new “e-licensing” approach to pesticide licensing
this summer that should simplify process and cut down on unnecessary paper;
we’ve begun the roll out of GAP training and a cost share as part of a
formative Commonwealth Quality Program; we’ve jumpstarted a number of new
grant projects with more coming online this month; "Massgrown and
Fresher" continues to promote agri-tourism initiatives that include
a new Wine & Cheese Trail brochure and “Culinary Tourism” through a
Savor Massachusetts initiative; and we are ready to begin distribution
of the 2009 Fairs Brochure which this year includes an endorsement from
Governor Patrick.
Perhaps needless to say, I continue to look forward to working with and on behalf of our Commonwealth’s agricultural interests! And, importantly, to look beyond the “pencil”! Exciting days certainly lie ahead and I remain convinced that working together we have great opportunities to fulfill. Please do not hesitate to contact my division directors or me with any questions or concerns.
Best,
Scott.J. Soares, Commissioner
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The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is pleased
to announce an open application period for a pilot program aimed at providing
farm viability funding to APR farms. Up until now, farms protected by an
Agricultural Preservation Restriction have not been able to receive Farm
Viability Program funds. This new program has been enabled by the Dairy
Farm Preservation Act, Chapter 310, Section 1.
The purpose of the APR Improvement Program is to help sustain active commercial farming on land protected by the APR Program. AIP will provide technical assistance and business planning to improve farm productivity with the goal of enhancing the significance of APR farm operations and their contribution to the state’s agricultural industry. The program will assist with issues of economic viability, environmental sustainability, resource conservation, ownership control, modernization and other issues that may enhance the long term continued use of the agricultural resource. The AIP will use a process of providing services to participant farms including technical assistance, business planning, and access to capital similar to services provided by the Department’s Farm Viability Enhancement Program. However, the land protection component of FVEP is omitted as APR farmland is already restricted to agricultural uses only.
“The Dairy Farm Revitalization Task Force identified the need to provide these valuable and proven services to the APR farm community” according to Commissioner Scott Soares. “We intend to process about 10 to 15 of the earliest APR farms in this initial pilot program, then fine tune it as it becomes another signature-program in our Department toolbox.”
Grant awards will range from $25,000 up to $100,000 with average awards
at around $50,000. AIP applications and program information are available
by clicking on this link AGR- AIP-10-01, or at the AIP website www.mass.gov/agr/AIP, or you can request a copy of the application by calling 617-626-1723. The deadline for submitting applications is July 28, 2009.
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This popular business planning and technical assistance program provides
management advice and grants of up to $75,000 to implement farm growth
and sustainability strategies. Farm operators not only receive up-front
cash awards for signing a 5 or 10 year Agricultural Covenant, but also
receive valuable consultations and visits from a team of experts to discuss
farm production and management, marketing, and business planning. Typical
uses of funds from the Farm Viability Program include building or repairing
farm structures, modernizing field equipment, purchasing delivery vehicles
and tractors, improving marketing structures and increasing food processing
capacity. Learn more about the Farm Viability Enhancement Program and get
an application online at the MA Department of Agricultural Resources website
www.mass.gov/agr, or you can request a copy of the application by calling the Farm Viability Enhancement Program at 617-626-1723. The deadline to submit applications is June 25, 2009.
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MDAR Energy Grant Awards!!!
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is excited to announce we have selected four MA agricultural businesses to receive energy related grants through MDAR’s recent Agricultural Energy Grant solicitation.
The successful candidates and their project descriptions are:
- Santos Brothers Farm, Westport, MA, $33,000 for their proposal to provide a schematic design and design development for a zero net energy barn and cheese house;
- Fullflight Farm, Bernardston, MA, $22,400 for their proposal to replace two existing outdoor wood hydronic heaters (OWHHs) with two new OWHHs that will be in compliant with the MA Department of Environmental Protection’s (MDEP) new and recently enacted OWHH regulations;
- Pine Island Farms, Sheffield, MA, $34,800 for their proposal to assist construction funding for their anaerobic digester project;
- AGreen Energy LLC, Boston, MA, $34,800 for their proposal pertaining to site planning and engineering for agricultural anaerobic digesters on selected MA Dairy Farms.
MDAR’s Agricultural Energy Grant solicitation focused on three primary categories, including:
- Agricultural Anaerobic Digesters, where funding is intended to further
the State’s effort of developing and implementing farm anaerobic digester
facilities that have an appropriate structure and size for Massachusetts
farms;
- Zero Net Energy Buildings, where funding intends to further the Commonwealth’s
effort of developing and constructing Zero Net Energy “Green” architectural
buildings;
- Transitioning to new DEP Outdoor Wood Hydroninc Heater (OWHH) Regulations,
where funding is intended to further the State’s effort of transitioning
to and facilitating compliance with DEP’s new regulations for cleaner burning
OWHH units.
MDAR looks forward to the implementation of these most important agricultural projects and technologies - CONGRATULATIONS AWARDEES!!!!! For more information on the grant program and other agricultural energy related programs, visit www.mass.gov/agr/programs/energy.
USDA’s 2009 Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) NOSA Announced
It’s official – USDA’s Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) solicitation for grant proposals has been advertised. This year’s deadline is July 31, 2009. The following is USDA’s Announcement:
USDA Issues Call for Applications for REAP Funding
On May 26, 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is accepting applications for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants and loan guarantees. REAP (Section 9007 of the 2008 Farm Bill) is the former Section 9006 under the 2002 Farm Bill and provides incentives for the development/construction of renewable energy projects, such as anaerobic digester projects.
REAP renewable energy grants can provide up to 25 percent of eligible project costs, up to $500,000. Loan guarantees or grant and loan guarantee combinations are capped at 75 percent of eligible project costs. More details are available in the Federal Register at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12178.pdf or on the USDA Web site www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/9006grant.htm.
Application materials may be obtained by contacting one of USDA Rural Development State Offices, which are listed at www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html or by downloading at http://www.grants.gov. Applications are due on July 31, 2009.
For information on Grant Writing Assistance for REAP, please see the MFEP section below.
Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP)
The MA Farm Energy Program, a partnership of Berkshire-Pioneer RC&D, Patriot RC&D, NRCS and MDAR, continues its operations as noted in previous F&MRs. The Massachusetts Farm Energy Program offers technical and financial assistance to MA farmers for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Please visit the program’s website at http://www.berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep/energy.php for complete information and to apply. Current major activities continue to be:
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
The Mass Farm Energy Program (MFEP) is helping farmers determine what energy efficiency and renewable energy funding is most appropriate to their circumstances. The MFEP helps farmers access:
- The Massachusetts Farm Energy Discount Program of MDAR
- Electric and gas public utility energy conservation & efficiency programs
- The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust (MRET) Initiatives
- The USDA/Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) and Rural
Energy for America Program (REAP)
- MDAR’s Ag Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP)
GRANT WRITING ASSISTANCE
The MFEP with support from the MA Woodlands Institute and Rural Development will provide grant writing assistance for applications to the USDA-Rural Development's Section 9007: Rural Energy for America Program. Optimally, energy audits or renewable energy assessments should be completed before the USDA application period starts. Apply now for MFEP grant writing assistance at: http://www.Berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep/forms/grant_writing_req.php.
MFEP AUDITS & INCENTIVES PROGRAM
The MFEP will make referrals to existing audit and incentive programs, provide “targeted” energy audits and/or renewable energy assessments, and provide financial incentives for implementation of audit recommendations. Higher priority will be given to farmers with less access to other audits and incentives programs. MFEP audits, assessments, and consultations will be paid at 75% with the applicant responsible for the remaining 25%.
Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Net Metering Related Regulations
After a well organized schedule and timeframe, including web access documents, a stakeholder informational meeting, an initial draft, a public comment period and a public comment hearing, the DPU is now in the process of finalizing regulations for Net Metering. The Public Comment period was completed May 4th, 2009. DPU will now incorporate any changes to the draft regulations issued for public comment and proceed to finalization and approval. A thanks to DPU for providing a genuinely sincere process for soliciting comments from stakeholders across the board on this very important topic, and in an expedited manner as possible.
In conjunction with the Net Metering Regulations is a corresponding Net
Metering Tariff which also must be placed into service concurrently with
the finalized regulations and utilized by the utilities and net metering
customers alike. Similar and in parallel to the Net Metering regulation
process, a net metering tariff informational session was held in early
April whereby the utilities presented a draft model tariff. Based on comments
from the meeting, the utilities re-submitted a revised draft. A technical
conference was held June 2, 2009 at DPU to address this tariff model. There
will be subsequent “written” and “reply” comment periods through June 30th.
For more information see: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeaagencylanding&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Grants+%26+
Technical+Assistance&L2=Guidance+%26+Technical+Assistance&L3=Agencies+and+Divisions&L4=
Department+of+Public+Utilities+(DPU)&sid=Eoeea
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Many farmers’ markets are seeking vendors for 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.
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This summer American Farmland Trust is supporting farmers markets across the nation with a national farmers market contest. This is part of our campaign to help spread the No Farms No Food® message and promote local farms and food across the country. Farmers market customers across the nation will be able to cast their votes for America’s Favorite Farmers Markets in order to support their community market. This will be a fantastic marketing opportunity for any farmers market participating and whether you get the most votes or not, you will still be able to rally support for you market and, hopefully get some extra press this summer. Before the voting begins in June, we need to get farmers market managers to enroll in the contest.
In this unique three-month campaign, we will ask Americans across the county to show support for their farmers market by voting in our America's Favorite Farmers Markets contest! The three top markets: one small, one medium, and one large, will win a free No Farms No Food® tote bag giveaway for their market customers. Once farmers markets across the country have had the opportunity to enroll in the contest, customers will be able to vote starting June 1st at www.farmland.org/vote. Your market customers will enter their zip code, which will pull-up the farmers markets in their area. American Farmland Trust will be helping to promote the contest in your area and will be conducting outreach nationally. We will also be putting together a marketing toolbox to help market managers get the word out about the contest in their community.
Take two simple steps to make sure your farmers market customers will be able to vote for America's Favorite Farmers Markets this summer.
1. Read more about the Vote for America's Favorite Farmers Markets contest.  www.farmland.org/marketmanager
2. Market managers can opt-in to the contest by clicking this URL shortcut: http://bit.ly/rgvQW
Please feel free to forward this message to farmers market managers in your area that might take an interest in this unique opportunity!
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The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has launched the Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee under the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008. The Advisory Committee has been charged by the Legislature with evaluating strategies for adapting to the predicted effects of climate change. These effects include increased sea levels, warming temperatures, and increased incidences of floods and droughts.
The Advisory Committee is made up of experts from business, academia, and not-for-profit organizations who will prepare a report for the state legislature with its findings by December 31, 2009. As mandated by the Act, the Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee includes members representing the following sectors: transportation and built infrastructure; commercial, industrial and manufacturing activities; low income consumers; energy generation and distribution; land conservation; water supply and quality; recreation; ecosystems dynamics; coastal zone and oceans; rivers and wetlands; and local government. Experts in public health, insurance, forestry, agriculture, and public safety have also been included.
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Members of the public are welcome to attend the Advisory Committee meetings. The Committee will meet on: |
In addition, EEA will host public information and input sessions at which staff will explain the project and receive public comments and suggestions. The public information sessions will be held on: |
Thursday, July 30, 2009
12:45 pm to 3:00 pm
100 Cambridge Street, 2nd floor (conference rooms B, C and D)
Boston, MA 02114
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
12:45 pm to 3:00 pm
100 Cambridge Street, 2nd floor (conference rooms B, C and D)
Boston, MA 02114
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
12:45 pm to 3:00 pm
John W. McCormack Bldg., One Ashburton Place, 21st floor
Boston, MA 02108 |
Thursday, June 11, 2009
MA Dept. of Environmental Protection – Central Region
627 Main Street
Worcester, Massachusetts 01608
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Town Council Office
367 Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
MA Dept. of Environmental Protection – Northeast Region
205B Lowell Street
Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Springfield City Library
220 State Street
Springfield MA 01103
Thursday, July 2, 2009
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
MA Dept. of Environmental Protection – Southeast Region
20 Riverside Drive
Lakeville, MA 02347 |
For further information, please contact Kathleen Baskin at (617) 626-1012 or kathleen.baskin@state.ma.us.
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Milkhouse Wastewater Pilot Program: MDAR has recently entered into an agreement
with DEP to develop a pilot program for dairy farmers regarding the management
of milkhouse wastewater using Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
designed vegetated treatment areas.
Currently, dairy operations are not allowed to dispose of milkhouse wastewater through vegetated treatment areas, without obtaining a groundwater discharge permit and meeting regulatory standards. The pilot program will evaluate the potential for appropriately engineered, cost effective, and environmentally protective wastewater treatment methods, such as vegetated treatment areas, to effectively manage milkhouse wastewater. The agreement, an application form to participate in the program and more details on the pilot program can be reviewed at the Department’s website: www.mass.gov/agr/programs/pilot/index.htm.
In order to participate in the pilot program, dairy operations should contact their local NRCS office and assess the suitability of a vegetated treatment area for managing milkhouse wastewater for their operation. If it is decided that a vegetated treatment area is a viable option, and that it is a practice that the farmer wants to install, an application to participate in the pilot program should be completed and sent in to the Department. Application forms are available at the Department’s website or by contacting Gerard Kennedy at 617-626-1773 or gerard.kennedy@state.ma.us.
Once the Department receives the application, and approves an applicant’s participation in the program, a letter will be sent to the applicant indicating whether or not the applicant has been accepted into the pilot program. It is important to understand that at the end of the three year agreement between MDAR and DEP (December 31, 2011) that the suitability of vegetated treatment areas for the management of milkhouse wastewater will be evaluated.
Potential funding is available for implementation of vegetated treatment areas through two competitive grant programs: the state Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP) and the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). Further information about both programs is available from the following websites:
• AEEP: www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aeep/index.htm or contact Laura Maul at 617-626-1739
• EQIP: www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/index.html
For more details on the program go to the website (www.mass.gov/agr/programs/pilot/index.htm ) or contact Gerard Kennedy at gerard.kennedy@state.ma.us.
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The MDAR is pleased to announce the official launch of a Massgrown and
Fresher initiative: Savor Massachusetts, "One Taste at a Time."
This must-have culinary resource offers you the opportunity to highlight
your farm-focused culinary events; whether it be an annual farm festival,
special farm event, farm cafe, educational opportunity or farm tour.
Visit www.mass.gov/agr/markets/savor_massachusetts for more information, or email julia.grimaldi@state.ma.us.
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Take advantage of early registration rates! Don't forget to register for
the Great Ideas Summer Conference.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 8am - 3:30pm
Location: Sylvan Nursery, Westport, MA
Sponsored by: The Massachusetts Flower Growers Association (MFGA) and Massachusetts Nursery Landscape Association (MNLA)
Join Massachusetts' largest green industry associations - MFGA and MNLA - for their sixth annual collaborative event, the 2009 Summer Meeting and Trade Show on July 22, 2009 at Sylvan Nursery, Westport, MA. Featuring a full day of educational programs, tours, exhibits and lunch-time barbecue.
Tour Sylvan Nursery, Inc. located on approximately 300 acres of prime land
in southeastern Massachusetts where the climate assures the best possible
growing conditions. All aspects of their nursery production have evolved
with water and energy conservation in mind. For example, Sylvan installed
catch basins to conserve water and to eliminate run-off ; they use bark
mulch in the B&B areas and use drip irrigation on individual plants
to save water. They have 3 wind turbines and use a combination of wind
and solar power.
Whether it is innovative exhibits, first-rate tours, or cutting edge education, all attendees are sure to find themselves involved and inspired. For more information and registration see: www.mnla.com.
Don't be late...for these very important dates!
ATTENDEES...July 13, 2009
Early registration deadline for attendees Register at www.progrownews.com/ or www.mnla.com. Register early and save! MNLA/MFGA members pricing $45.00, Non-Member
pricing $65.00
July 13 - July 20, 2009, Late Registrations
MNLA/MFGA members pricing $75.00, Non-Member pricing $95.00
July 22, 2009, Walk-in Registration - CASH or CHECK ONLY
MNLA/MFGA members pricing $95.00, Non-Member pricing $115.00
EXHIBITORS...June 2, 2009 - July 1, 2009
Late registration deadline for exhibitors Register at www.progrownews.com or www.mnla.com.
MNLA/MFGA Member booth pricing $455.00, Non-Member booth pricing $555.00
Registration includes education program, trade show, tours, continental
breakfast and lunch. For more information about the Great Ideas Summer
Conference, please visit our web site at www.mnla.com.
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Saturday, June 27, 9 am to 3 pm
The first part of the workshop will discuss basic water quality issues including temperature, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen and nitrogen. We will learn how they affect fish, how they interact with each other, how to measure them and how to manage them. The second part of the workshop will demonstrate and discuss recirculating aquaculture systems, including components, equipment, monitoring and operations.
The workshop is FREE to all those registering before June 23 and $20 for those registering on the 23rd or later. For details, see www.umass.edu/aquaculture , email chollingsworth@umext.umass.edu, or call (413) 545-1055.
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Rick Adams, Beverly Mundell and Noreen Frost
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The newly rebuilt USDA-inspected Adams Farm Slaughterhouse located at 854
Bearsden Rd, Athol, MA 01331 reopened in November 2008 following a devastating
fire in December, 2006. The Farm has resumed its full service custom slaughter,
fabrication, and smoking services for livestock farmers in New England.
It is certified for USDA, USDA Natural, Organic, Halal and Animal Welfare
Approved slaughter and processing. The Animal Welfare Approved certification
is a third party audit that confirms that all animals that come to the
facility are treated with respect and compassion and according to the best
practices and scientific standards for handling. The new facility was designed
to the most exacting humane standards and can provide efficient, high quality,
cost effective services to local farmers and meat purveyors.
The Adams Farm Slaughterhouse has been operating since 1946 and is currently run by Adams family members Beverly Mundell, her son Richard Adams and her daughter Noreen Heath. Beverly also has ten grandchildren who work in various capacities at the facility and represent the third generation of family members to work at the facility. “We are truly family-owned and operated,” Beverly said. “We have deep roots in our community and we are thrilled that we were able to rebuild and offer greatly improved capacity and services to farmers and customers in the region.”
In addition to a full line of slaughter services and a USDA approved smokehouse,
Adams Farm has a full service retail store with an in-store deli, an expanding
‘grab and go’ menu, oven-ready and table ready meals and plenty of local
value-added products. The Adams specialize in pig roasts. Telephone 978-249-9441
to speak with Noreen or Melissa, or fax your order to 978-249-6567, visit
www.adamsfarm.biz.
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Friday, July 31 – Saturday, August 1, 2009, Lancaster, MA
Who should attend?
Farmers, gardeners, state and local officials involved or interested in
agriculture, nutritionists and health educators, and organizations working
with immigrants.
Registration and Event Details: Visit our website at www.flatsmentorfarm.org
Highlights of this event:
- Field hands-on trainings: hoop house construction, vermicomposting;
- Farmer led tours of Asian crops at FMF;
- Cultural lunch on Friday on the field;
- Cultural Sharing dinner with Hmong, Portuguese and African cultures;
- Wholesale and Farmers Market visits in the Boston area
Questions regarding this event contact; Ana Cabral at ana@flatsmentorfarm.org 508-904-7647.
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J.P. Bartlett Co. Greenhouse - Garden Mums
Thursday, June 18, 4-7PM,
J.P. Bartlett Co. Greenhouse, Rte. 20, Sudbury
Join us for pizza and an evening discussing fall mum production featuring
diseases on mums, greenhouse sanitation and season long tips for garden
mum production. (2 pesticide credits toward recertification have been requested)
Program details and registration is available at: www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/upcoming_events/index.html.
Pleasant Valley Farm
255 Merrimack St. Methuen, MA
Tuesday June 23, 5pm-8pm
**2 Pesticide Applicator Training Credits are available
Topics: Phytophthora capsici management, cucurbit disease management, growing
and marketing new crops for expanding ethnic markets in New England, focus
on okra, chipilin (‘edible alfalfa’) and mixixe (spiny cucumber); mums
on drip irrigation; drip irrigation systems with double sand filter pulling
water out of Merrimac river; lettuce production harvested June to mid October
with baby lettuce, full sized heads and bagged Romaine hearts; Beehives
to pollinate summer squash and zucchini; biocontrols for European corn
borer in peppers: GAP: getting the pack shed ready for Good Agricultural
Practices audit; Starting a CSA on the farm **Light supper will be provided.
Funding provided by MDAR, EPA Region I, and USDA sources.
Driving Directions: I-495 from N or S take exit 46 for Pleasant Valley, make a left off the ramp, drive 0.7 mile, look for farm sign on right.
Park next to greenhouse. For advance information, call UMass Extension
Vegetable program, 413-545-3696; for last minute info call Rich Bonanno
978-361-5650
Vegetables, Energy Crops, Wheat, and Zone Tillage Field Day at the UMass Crops Research and Education Farm
89-91 River Rd, South Deerfield, MA
Thursday July 16, 2009
2:00 Understanding and Using Combines.
3:00 Heritage Wheats – Varieties from gene banks and farmers of the Old and New Worlds 4:00 Zone tillage demonstration 5:00 Supper – will include specialty breads and ethnic crops 6:00 Choose your tour:
- Energy Crops: sunflower, crambe, oilseed rape, soybean, grain corn, and
switch grass experiments.
- Vegetables:
- Ethnic crops including okra, mixixe (spny cucumber), chipilin (legumeherb)
and taioba. Production and marketing, field and high tunnel.
- Ecology of cucumber yield: cucumber beetles above and below ground, pollinators,
and mycorhyzal fungi.
- Organic beetle controls in eggplant and cucurbits.
- Brussels Sprouts variety trial for yield and disease resistance.
- Roller-crimper timing to kill cover crops - edamame variety trials.
Pesticide applicator credits have been requested. This field day is funded
through grants from Northeast SARE, Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources,
EPA, and other sources. For more information contact Ruth Hazzard 413-545-3696,
.
See also www.umassvegetable.org for additional meetings.
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Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom has put together a schedule
of 12 Educational Summer Workshops on the Farm. These workshops may be
taken individually or you may choose to participate in our 3-Credit Summer
Graduate Course for Teachers. Please check out the schedule and workshop
descriptions below and also help us spread the word about these great educational
opportunities. The list is below and a detailed description of each workshop
is located at the end of this e-mail. Help us Spread the Word!!
- Thursday, June 25: Sheep, Wool and Fibers, Sheep Pasture, Natural Resources Trust of Easton,
North Easton
- Tuesday, June 30: Cranberries, Bogs and Wetlands, Flax Pond Farm, Carver
- Wednesday, July 1; Horticulture, Gardening and Organic Farming, Elm Bank in Dover and Natick Community Organic Farm
- Tuesday, July 7: Growing Apples, Peaches and Pears Using Earth Friendly Practices, Small
Ones Farm, Amherst
- Thursday, July 9: Field to Plate Connections at the School, L.D.Batchelder School, North
Reading
- Tuesday, July 14: Canning and Preserving of Locally Grown Foods, Warren Farm and Sugarhouse and Brookfield Orchard, in North Brookfield
- Wednesday, July 15: Raising Pigs for the Home Market and Nutritional Benefits of Locally
Grown and Grass Fed Foods, Artichole Farm, Newburyport
- Wednesday, July 22: Changes in Agriculture Over Time, Pocmutuck Valley Association/Memorial
Hall Museum, Deerfield
- Tuesday, July 28: Composting and Healthy Soils, Hubbardston Center School and The Country
Hen, Hubbardston
- Wednesday, July 29: Environmental History at Old Sturbridge Village, Old Sturbridge Village,
Sturbridge
- Wednesday, August 5: Dairy Farming in Massachusetts and Connections to Agricultural Education,
Stillman’s Dairy Farm, Lunenburg
- Tuesday, August 11: Daffodils, Community Supported Agriculture and Farm Education, Holiday
Farm, Dalton
Join us for one of more of our summer workshops and try out some hands-on activities for the classroom while you explore local farms. Each workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offers classroom-ready educational activities and focuses on a different area of agriculture with exploration of the work that takes place at that farm. The $30 fee for each workshop includes the educational program and tour, all educational materials and activities, and ten professional development points with a related classroom activity. Lunch is also included with ten of the twelve workshops.
Or
Sign Up For Our Three-Credit Summer Graduate Course on the Farm, Titled "Growing Agriculture in Your Classroom" (It is offered in cooperation with Fitchburg State College)
Beginning Workshop: Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Ending Workshop: Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Each teacher must attend at least six additional workshops on the farm
(selected from the list below) during the summer, keep a note book and
complete three lesson units, one of which will be presented at the last
workshop on August 12th. Each workshop runs from 9am to 3pm.
All Workshops run from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. All workshops are listed on our website at www.aginclassroom.org.
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The Massachusetts 4-H Foundation is holding its Seventh Annual Golf Tournament
on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 12:00 noon at the Holden Hills Country Club
in Holden, Massachusetts (just minutes north of Worcester). We invite you
to participate as a sponsor or join us for a day of golf. Sponsorship packages
start at $150.00. If you’d like to play in the tournament, the fees are
$125.00 per person and include a round of golf, with a cart, and dinner.
The registration forms can be downloaded directly from the Massachusetts
4-H website, www.mass4hfoundation.org/special_events.
A silent auction and raffle will be held between the tournament and dinner. Please consider donating an auction item or a gift basket? The proceeds from this tournament and auction will benefit 4-H programs and activities across the Commonwealth. For more information, contact Laurie Flanagan at the Massachusetts 4-H Foundation lflanagan@mass4hfoundation.org or (508)881-1244.
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USDA Seeks Applications for Value-Added Producer Grants
USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers enter into value-added activities.
Planning grants up to $100,000 and working capital grants up to $300,000 will be awarded through USDA Rural Development’s Value Added Producer Grant program. USDA is encouraging projects that use existing agricultural products in nontraditional ways and/or merge agricultural products with technology in creative ways.
Businesses of all sizes may apply, but priority will be given to operators of small and medium-sized family farms or ranches with a 3-year average of $500,000 or less in annual gross sales of agricultural product. The competitive grants to be awarded under this notice are part of USDA Rural Development’s annual budget and are not funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Applicants must provide matching funds equal to the amount of the grant requested. Ten percent of available funds are reserved for beginning farmers or ranchers, and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. An additional 10 percent is reserved for projects involving local and regional supply networks that link independent producers with businesses and cooperatives that market value-added products.
Paper and electronic applications for both unreserved and reserved funds must be submitted to the Rural Development state office for MA, CT and RI in Amherst, MA (USDA Rural Development, 451 West Street, Suite 2, Amherst, MA 01002. Attention: Dick Burke). Electronic applications must be submitted through www.Grants.gov. Paper applications for unreserved funds must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than July 6, 2009, to be eligible for FY 2009 grant funding. Paper applications for reserved funds must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than June 22, 2009 to be eligible for FY 2009 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2009 grant funding. Electronic applications for unreserved funds must be received by July 6, 2009, to be eligible for FY 2009 grant funding. Electronic applications for reserved funds must be received no later than June 22, 2009, to be eligible for FY 2009 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2009 grant funding.
Applicants in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties should contact Leonard Shuzdak, Jr. at: (413) 585-1000, extension 4 or email: len.shuzdak@ma.usda.gov with questions.
Applicants in Worcester, Middlesex, Suffolk, and Essex Counties should contact Lyndon Nichols at: (508) 829-4477, extension 4 or email: lyndon.nichols@ma.usda.gov with questions.
Applicants in Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth, Dukes, Nantucket and Barnstable Counties should contact Anne Correia at: (508) 295-5151, extension 3 or email: anne.correia@ma.usda.gov with questions.
IN EVERY ISSUE
- SHEEP SHEARING: Small flocks are my specialty. Also llamas and Angora goats. Doug at 781.929.5618 or shetland.sheep@ymail.com.
- Artisan cheese maker in Boston wants to buy local cheese curd from a dairy
farm for handcrafted small batch mozzarella cheese. Anyone interested should
please contact Lourdes Fiore Smith at lourdes@fioredinonno.com.
- Orchard Manager (August through November, 40+ hrs./wk.)
Directs & coordinates orchard harvest activities. Desirable: Experience in horticulture, self-starter, organized, computer literate, people motivator, and familiarity with State APR programs. Pay dependent on experience. Sholan Farms, 978-840-FARM, P.O. Box 632, Leominster, Ma 01453. Email to info@sholanfarms.com. Fax 978-534-0363
- "Kinghitter" post driver, Series II, three point hitch, five bank, 16' folding beam, rock spike kit w/ heavy drive cap and 3.5" rock spike. Like new, cost today about $15,000. Asking $9500. Call Dave Butt 978 372 9474.
- 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.
- Hedge Rows, Drainage Ditches, fence lines or any other hard to reach areas
getting overgrown? We have solution. Excavator mounted tree/bush mower capable of mowing 8"-12" diameters flush to ground. Call for info. or free demo on your site. 860-875-020, Burkeridge.com.
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.
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CALENDAR
- June 18: Twilight Meeting - Garden Mums, 4-7PM, J.P. Bartlett Co. Greenhouse, Rte. 20, Sudbury. Join us for pizza and an evening discussing fall mum production featuring diseases on mums, greenhouse sanitation and season long tips for garden mum production. (2 pesticide credits toward recertification have been requested) Program details and registration is available at:
www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/upcoming_events/index.html
- 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.
- August 7-9: Northeast Organic Farming Association - 35TH Annual Summer Conference - UMass, Amherst. 150 workshops on organic farming, gardening, land care,
sustainability and homesteading. Teen and children’s program. Organic Lawn
& Turf Course - Community Farm Workshop Track – Mass Grass Grazing
School. Keynote speakers: Paul Stamets, mushroom expert and author of Mycelium
Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save The World and Will Allen, founder
and CEO of Growing Power, an organization that brings knowledge about sustainable
food systems to urban areas. To register visit www.nofasummerconference.org. For more information contact the NOFA Summer Conference office at (978) 355-2853 or nofa@nofamass.org.
- 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.
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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 |
Division Directors
Next issue to be published for August / September. Please send news, calendar
and/or classified information by July 31st 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.
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