Calendar

Raising Grazers with Grain-fed Animals: 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Simple Gifts Farm, N. Amherst, MA. $25 NOFA members; $31 non-members. This workshop helps producers plan how to integrate multiple livestock species into a whole farm system. While the primary focus of this farm is vegetable production, livestock make crucial contributions to the whole of the farm. This workshop will cover scale thresholds that make animal operations an appropriate size relative to labor input, market potential, and husbandry needs. www.nofamass.org/events/type/animal-husbandry

Summer Field Day: Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston. Sponsored by:  The MA Nursery Landscape Association (MNLA), MA Flower Growers Association (MFGA) and University of Massachusetts Extension. Join Massachusetts' largest green industry associations - MFGA and MNLA - for their annual collaborative event, the 2013 Summer Field Day and Trade Show. Take advantage of the newest ideas and cutting edge information, tours of the Tower Hill Botanic Garden, trade show, networking and great food!  Featuring Keynote speaker: Dr. Bethany Bradley, UMass Amherst for an eye opening look at climate change and implications for Massachusetts horticulture. Details on Conference: www.mnla.com/

Certified Organic Poultry, Pigs, Steer, and Worms: 10:00am to 3:00pm, Many Hands Organic Farm, Barre, MA. $30 NOFA members; $38 non-members. In this workshop, Julie will discuss and participants will see two sizes of meat birds, layers, brand new turkeys, pigs, cows, and worms. Participants will learn about the management of all these species and their relationships to each other on this tightly organized and rotated farm system, which includes 2 ½ acres of vegetables and 1 acre of orchard. http://www.nofamass.org/events/type/animal-husbandry

Northeast Organic Farming Association Summer Conference - Join NOFA for a weekend of learning, networking, and fun with people who are transforming the food system in the Northeast. In addition to hundreds of practical skills and farming workshops, the conference features live entertainment, children's and teen conferences, a country fair, organic meals, 100 exhibitors and much more. The conference will take place August 9-11 on the University of Massachusetts, Amherst campus. www.nofasummerconference.org

100% Grass-Fed Seasonal Raw Milk Dairy: 2:00pm to 5:00pm, Blue Hill Farm, Great Barrington, MA. $25 NOFA members; $31 non-members. The workshop will cover the basics of raw milk production, seasonal dairy management, and intensive rotational grazing, as well as fencing options and water systems for cows and calves. www.nofamass.org/events/type/animal-husbandry

New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Show (formerly known as the New England Products Trade Show), Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge, MA. Features over 150 manufacturers of unique, quality New England made products including home décor, pottery, apparel, accessories, jewelry, toys & games, candles, books, cards & prints, glassware, bath & body products, furniture, spices, candy, sauces, gourmet mixes, baked goods and other specialty food items. www.nemadeshows.com/2012-fall-show/