"Your descendants shall gather your fruits."
- Virgil
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Farmer to Farmer Conference
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The 2009 conference will be held in Northport, Maine
at Point Lookout on November 6-8th.
**** Conference Registration is CLOSED. *****
jump to accommodations * schedule * farm tours * keynote * session details * registration * scholarships
MOFGA’s Farmer to Farmer Conference is known for its intimacy, its in-depth treatment of topics, and its amazing discussions. It is based on the idea that farmers learn best from their peers and other practitioners. MOFGA and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension plan the conference so that farmers can talk about what works for them – and what doesn't – while learning new ideas from university faculty, extension educators, and other agricultural professionals. People who have hands-on experience and first-hand knowledge give the presentations and workshops, but also spend a lot of time interacting with their audiences. We also make sure there is a lot of time for talk in informal settings throughout the weekend.
The conference features a unique 3-hour workshop session format, in which the first half is dedicated to talks by both ag service professionals and farmers, and the second half to a roundtable discussion intended to solicit and capitalize on the accumulated knowledge of all the farmers in attendance.
As always, conference-goers will be treated to delicious meals featuring local, organic food.
The conference is also a rare and wonderful opportunity to get off the farm and catch up with fellow farmers from around New England. It is a place where old friendships are strengthened and new ones are formed. We hope you will join us!
Accommodations & Venue
Point Lookout Northport, ME
www.visitpointlookout.com
207-789-2000 or 800-515-3611
We’re excited to host the conference at a new venue located in the heart of Mid-Coast Maine. Point Lookout features tremendous views, hiking trails, bowling alley, and pleasant guest accommodations and meeting spaces.
Each of Point Lookout’s spacious, all-pine cabins-one, two, or three bedroom- feature:
* kitchen with refrigerator and coffeemaker
* a table large enough for everyone to share a meal
* queen and king-size beds
* wireless internet access
* central heat and propane fireplaces
* stand-up shower in each of the one or two bathrooms
Room rates from $75-$150 Arrange to share with friends and save!
To explore cabin options and to make your reservations, please call the resort directly at 207-789-2000 or 800-515-3611 and be sure to mention the Farmer to Farmer conference. If you would like to share a cabin, please indicate this during the reservation process.
Check In will begin Friday, November 6th at the Fitness Center (see the venue map). At this time you will also receive your conference packet.
Friday Farm Tours
Tours begin at 1:30 pm and run concurrently at farms and Farmers' Fare Market.
Farmers' Fare, Rockport Tours at 1:30 pm & 3:15 pm - Route 90 and Cross Street, Rockport
Farmers Fare will be running a "MOFGA" special made lunch item with 100% Mofga Certified Ingredients. Check out the full lunch menu!
Beau Chemin Farm, Waldoboro
1:30 pm - 1749 Finntown Rd, Waldoboro
Beau Chemin Farm is a diversified, MOFGA certified farm specializing in raising, selling and teaching about heirloom produce, heritage livestock and traditional farm practices. The farm preserves endangered, heritage breeds of livestock for fiber and breed stock, and raises heirloom vegetables and flowers. This is a visitor farm and the farm owners Joann & Wayne provide education and information about organic sustainable farming and how these management practices ensure not just healthful foods but a healthy environment.
Hatchet Cove Farm, Warren
3:15pm - 1133 Finntown Road, Waldoboro
Hatchet Cove Farm is a young, diversified family farm. After working on several local vegetable & dairy operations and a stint in MOFGA’s Journeyperson Program, Bill Pluecker and Reba Richardson began farming independently in Friendship, and then moved to their current location in Warren 3 years ago. Their produce finds its way to numerous retail outlets and restaurants throughout the mid-coast. Hatchet Cove is exploring innovative CSA models, and in 2006 partnered with First UnitarianUniversalist Church in Rockland to grow this portion of their farm business.
Farm Tour map & directions (pdf)
Local Restaurants & Pubs
The following list includes a range of meal options for attendees. MOFGA does not assume any responsibility of overall experiences at any of the below-listed establishments.
Dining is available on-site all weekend long at the Copper Pine Cafe.
Closest to Venue:
Whale's Tooth Pub
http://whalestoothpub.com/
2533 Atlantic Highway, U.S. Route 1, Lincolnville Beach (207) 789-5200
Camden
Francine Bistro
www.francinebistro.com/
55 Chestnut St, Camden, ME - (207) 230-0083
Paolina's Way
http://www.paolinasway.com/
10 Bayview Lndg, Camden, ME (207) 230-0555
Cappy's Chowder House
1 Main St, Camden, ME - (207) 236-2254
Harstone Inn
http://www.hartstoneinn.com/dining.htm
41 Elm St, Camden, ME - (207) 236-4259
The Waterfront
http://www.waterfrontcamden.com/
44 Bayview St # 11, Camden, ME - (207) 236-3747
Peter Ott's
16 Bayview St, Camden, ME - (207) 236-4032
Keynote Address by E. Ann Clark, Associate Professor,
University of Guelph, Ontario Canada
Is Organic Farming Sustainable?
If you are tempted to retort - of course! - then you are not alone. This talk will explore the thesis that agriculture is not sustainable because it was never designed to be sustainable. Agriculture, as practiced in North America, was designed for one thing only - to export vast quantities of raw product back to the Mother Country, or more recently, to ADM, Cargill, Smithfield, and so on. To the extent that organic farming is modeled upon conventional farming, it suffers from many of the same failings - only partially moderated by approved organic practices. What would agriculture look like, if the design driver was ecological sustainability? Come prepared to share your thoughts.
Schedule
Saturday Morning Sessions
9:15 am - 12:15 pm
A. Farm in the Spotlight: Goranson Farm
Rob Johanson and Jan Goranson
Rob and Jan ran their farm on the edge of organic from the start. All it took was a tiny nudge from us folks at MOFGA and VOILA!, in 2002 they’re certified organic. Right from the start their production practices were geared to taking care of their soil and producing a beautiful, nutritious, and tasty crop for their customers- that’s organic. Come hear them talk about the transition to certified organic, what they grow and how they grow it.
B. Organic Seed Production: Focus on Seed Quality
Jodi Lew-Smith, High Mowing Seeds
Jim Gerritsen, WoodPrairie Farm & Organic Seed Alliance
Finding reliable sources of high-quality organic seed continues to be a challenge for farmers, and market development for organic seed has been slower than anticipated. This session will provide an opportunity for both seed producers and consumers to discuss issues of organic seed quality with Jodi Lew-Smith, Director of Research & Production for High Mowing Seeds, a leading regional supplier of organic seeds; and Jim Gerritsen, seed producer and president of the Organic Seed Alliance.
C. Balancing Farming & All the Rest of Life
John Bliss & Stacy Brenner, Broadturn Farm
Polly Shyka & Prentice Grassi, Village Farm
We will revisit this vital issue again this year. Managing a diverse, profitable farm in Maine is difficult enough without the demands that the rest of life places on us. How can we run successful farming operations, raise happy, healthy children, and achieve the balance of work and play that is the hallmark of true sustainability? We’ll all get a chance to contribute to this important discussion. We’ll start the discussion with some insights from a few young farm families, but most of this session will be in a discussion format in which all will have a chance to contribute.
D. Setting up a Small Dairy and Cheese Facility
Gary Anderson, University of Maine
Lauren Pignatello, Swallowtail Farm
Gary Anderson, associate extension professor and Lauren Pignatello coordinator of the Maine Micro Dairy will help folks interested in setting up a new facility or getting equipment for an existing facility. They will talk about different sources of equipment. They will also present views of existing facilities and talk about pros and cons of the set-up.
E. From Poplar to Peppers: Bringing Land into Production
Simon Frost, Thirty Acre Farm
Paul Volckhausen, Happy Town Farm
Join farmers Simon Frost and Paul Volckhausen for a discussion of methods to reclaim woodland for pastures and crop production. Paul will provide perspective as he discusses his farm, largely made up of reclaimed forest and Simon will talk about methods he currently employs to increase his farm’s acreage.
F. Farm Financial Planning
Richard Wiswall, Cate Farms
Farmers enjoy their work for lots of reasons: working the soil, sowing seeds, marveling at the plants that grow. There is a fundamental satisfaction of producing food, working outdoors, being one’s own boss, and working intimately with nature. But many farmers avoid learning about the business end of farming, and because of this often end up working harder than necessary, or quitting farming altogether.
Richard Wiswall will share business ideas learned from his 28 years of farming that help increase efficiency and profits on the farm. Step by step procedures for analyzing crop profits will be the core of the workshop, with some hands-on crop budgets done in class.
Richard has just published “An Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook” which will be available for those interested. Handouts from the book will be distributed in the workshop that contain valuable information for figuring your own farm’s crop budgets. There will be ample time for questions and answers and creating your own crop budget.
Saturday Afternoon Sessions
2:30 - 5:30pm
G. Crop Rotation on Organic Vegetable Farms
Eric Sideman, MOFGA Organic Crop Specialist
Seth Kroek, Crystal Spring Farm
There are many benefits gained from rotating crops including soil building, pest management and weed control, but doing it effectively is harder than it looks. Eric Sideman and Seth Kroeck will discuss the principles and strategies behind planning an effective rotation.
H. Bringing Out the Best in Your Soil
Ellen Mallory, University of Maine Cooperative ExtensionSustainable Agriculture Specialist
Joey Kline, Littlewood Farm
Building and maintaining soil health is the foundation of successful organic farming. But, some soil building practices may create new challenges, such as weed seed production in long-term cover crops, and some necessary practices, such as tillage and cultivation, can degrade soil health. Ellen Mallory and Joey Kline will team up to explain how to bring out the best in your soil. Ellen will discuss the principle strategies for improving soil health, reaping its benefits, and balancing it with other production goals. Joey will reveal the deliberations he has with himself when deciding between farm practices that build or destroy soil health.
I. Managing and Mentoring Labor on your Farm
Andrew Marshall, MOFGA’s Education Director
Elizabeth Henderson, Peacework Farm & Agricultural Justice Project
Judith Gillan, New England Small Farm Institute
Farming demands a very broad skill-set, and labor management is one of those skills that, depending on the scale of your operation, is crucial but undervalued. We’ll take a broad view of some important issues involved in being a boss and a mentor, from legal considerations to effective recruitment strategies to interpersonal relationships and communication.
Both Judy and Liz have been working on these issues for years, and have developed valuable tools and strategies for labor management. Liz will share her experience with labor management and mentorship from her dual perspectives as a farmer and long-time advocate for the inclusion of social justice issues in Organic agriculture.
J. Pasture Management for Wellness and for Wealth
E. Ann Clark,University of Guelph, Ontario
Gabe Clark, Cold Spring Ranch
Organic standards require strong reliance on pasture, where feasible, for livestock production. Managing pasture for efficient utilization by healthy and happy livestock requires understanding and respect for soil, plant, animal, environment, and human dimensions. Learn some of the tricks of the trade in fencing, sward management, and animal behavior that can enrich your life as a grazier. Gabe will explain how he manages the grass and forage production on his farm; Cold Spring Ranch to produce grass fed beef that is slaughtered nearly year round.
K. Marketing Cut Flowers: Adding value through bouquets, arrangements & more
Lois Berg Stack University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Jim & Linda Mercer Sheepscot Flower Farm
If customers stop, look at your beautiful cut flowers, smile and walk away, then it’s time to take charge! Help your customers stop, look at your beautiful cut flowers, smile and buy. Learn how to create displays that draw people in, assemble simple bouquets that add value without too much labor, and create arrangements that are irresistible. Your customers will come back every week.
L. New Food Safety Policies: What do they mean for your farm?
Russell Libby, MOFGA Executive Director
Cheryl Wixson, MOFGA
Jim Ostergard
Congress, USDA, FDA, and buyers are all developing new standards for food safety. What do the various proposals mean for your farm? What could you do to improve procedures on your farm? Russell and Cheryl will provide an overview of the various policy issues, and then walk you through the process of developing a Food Safety Plan that will meet many of the required or recommended policies. The goal of this session is to provide farmers with the tools they need maintain or improve access to a wide variety of markets.
Sunday Morning Sessions
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
M. Natural and Organic Honeybee Keeping for Crop Pollination
Ross Conrad, Dancing Bee Gardens
Christie Hemenway, Gold Star Honeybees
Luis Feliciano, Miel Farm & Apiary
Roughly one-third of the world’s crop plants are dependent upon insects for pollination. On Maine farms and homesteads, where there is an emphasis on vine-ripe vegetables, tree fruits and berries, pollinators are important for fruit set and crop yield. A variety of environmental problems are reducing pollinator numbers. In spite of being under the care and custody of beekeepers, the European honeybee is also at risk, as Colony Collapse Disorder aptly demonstrates. This session will focus on how farmers can establish healthy honeybee colonies utilizing natural and organic apicultural practices. Topics will include selection of honeybee strains, options for hives and frames, promoting hygienic behaviors in bees, sanitation, nutrition, and other techniques and issues that factor into good colony vigor.
N. Fighting Weeds on a Small-Scale
Eric Gallandt, University of Maine
Mark Guzzi, Peacemeal Farm
Clayton Carter, Fail Better Farm
Beth Haines, Fisher Farm
There is a broad array of innovative tools that are available for tractor-mounted tool bars. However, many small growers, particularly diversified vegetable farms of 4 acres or less, do not own a tractor. Instead, they rely on walk-behind tractors or tillers, sometimes horses, to prepare seedbeds and often push-seeders for planting. Weed control is accomplished with the same tools that have been used for the past century: wheel hoes, long- and short-handled hoes and hand weeding.
In this session we will discuss physical weed control practices with a focus on hand tools and techniques appropriate for small-scale growers. During the 2009 field season the farmer panel members evaluated an innovative set of improvements to the old “wheel hoe” idea, incorporating two wheels, a tool bar, and lightweight cultivator attachments, some of which have a parallel-linkage design. They will share their experiences with these tools, and other favorites, during this session.
O. Small-Scale Value-Added Producers
Simon Frost, Thirty Acre Farm
Deborah Evans, Bagaduce Farm
Adding value to your farm product can be an excellent revenue stream. Our vegetable and sausage value-added producers will share their insight, experiences and wisdom.
P. Regano™ Project for Parasite Control
Diane Schivera, MOFGA’s Organic Livestock Specialist
Perry Ells, Ells Farm
Diane Schivera will explain the project and the results of the SARE funded project using Regano™ to control internal parasites in sheep, goats and beef. Perry Ells, a dairy sheep farmer will talk about how the project worked at her farm. Perry will also fill folks in on the results of a SARE grant she received on feeding brewers grains to her sheep all summer.
Q. Harness the Power of Web-based Marketing Tools
Monique Bouchard, Monique Bouchard Design
Gibran Graham, BangPop!
Monique Bouchard will explore your options for free & inexpensive web applications and DIY internet services, like starting your own blog or website, or starting an e-newsletter. What does it mean to “Tweet” someone and why should I be on Facebook? Social networking pro Gibran Graham will explain the power of social networking and walk you through the maze of options. Participants with semi-regular access to the internet and at least a small degree of confidence with computers will get the most out of this session.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available. Priority will be given to recent participants in the MOFGA Apprenticeship Program, but other new, beginning, and limited resource farmers may apply.
To apply, fill out this application and send it in with your registration form or email it to Andrew Marshall
.
Scholarship application deadline is October 1st.
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