Calendar

The MOFGA Calendar

May 2013

22 - MOFGA's Farm Training Project workshop: "Starting with the Soil: Sustainable Soil Management." Wednesday, 5 p.m., Six River Farm, Bowdoinham. Designed for and targeted to participants in MOFGA's Apprenticeship Program but are free and open to anyone who is interested.
23 - MOFGA's Farm Training Project workshop: "Starting with the Soil: Sustainable Soil Management." Thursday, 5 p.m., Village Farm in Freedom. Designed for and targeted to participants in MOFGA's Apprenticeship Program but are free and open to anyone who is interested.
24 - Note change of date - Maine Board of Pesticides Control meeting, Augusta. www.maine.gov/agriculture/pesticides/about/index.shtml#meeting
25, 26, 27 - Maine residents can visit Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay free during this holiday weekend, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information.
28 - Free webinar: How NRCS Technical Service Providers (TSP), NRCS Personnel, and Conservation Planners Can Support Biodiversity Conservation in Organic Systems. 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Promoting sound environmental practices that enhance biodiversity conservation and improve the production capabilities of organic farm, ranch, wild crop harvest and handling operations. National Organic Program (NOP) regulations require conservation of soil, water, wetlands, woodlands and wildlife resources. Registration.
28 - Conservation Farm Tour. 4 p.m., Goranson Farm, Dresden. View the farm's reduced tillage techniques. RSVP to kgreen@mofga.org

June 2013

June 30 - Deadline for applications to MOFGA Certification Services LLC for organic crop certification.
Weekly beginning in June - MOFGA's Farm Training Projects at locations around Maine. Workshops enable MOFGA apprentices and other young, beginning and aspiring farmers to visit other farms, learn from farmers about their areas of expertise, and network. Free.
1 to 2 - Maine Fiber Frolic, Windsor. www.fiberfrolic.com/
2 - MOFGA Board of Directors meeting, Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
5 to 7 - Slow Living Summit, Brattleboro, Vermont. Followed by the Strolling of the Heifers Weekend, June 7-9. Information.
6 - WERU Farm Fresh Live Radio Auction. 6 to 8 p.m. Featuring local farms and farm produce in celebration of WERU’s 25th anniversary. For information, call the station at (207) 469-6600 or email info@weru.org.
7 (and the first Friday of every month) - MOFGA’s Common Ground radio show. 10 to 11 a.m., WERU, 89.9 and 99.9 FM and weru.org
8 - Mad Hatter Seed Swap, Potluck & Tea Tasting Fun-draiser. Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., McLane Audubon Center, Concord, N.H. Raise money for NOFA-NH programs for Herbalists, and the Beginner Farmer Program. Share your organic seeds (give a seed package, take a seed package), bring a dish of delicious food made with local ingredients and herbs, enjoy lively music, network and get to know your neighbors and try various unique tea blends donated by the A-Market and from local tea producers. Information.
8 - Brucellosis Testing and Zoonotic Disease Clinic. 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, New Boston, N.H. Register and print a detailed brochure. Questions? Call 796-2151.
8 - Spring Herb & Garden Day. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., McLane Audubon Center, Concord, N.H. 12 Workshops including herbal product making, brewing herbal beer, organic heirloom gardening, permaculture for beginners, marketing, an All-Day Herbal Intensive, foraging walks and more! Early Bird Discount ends May 1st, register now! Information.
8 - Alpaca 101. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Northern Solstice Alpaca Farm, Unity. Sponsored by the Alpaca Center of New England. Fee. info@alpacacenterone.com
8 and 9 - Horse Power Show and Auction, Owls Head Transportation Museum, Owls Head, Maine. The Museum will host a draft powered vehicle auction and show on Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9. The Museum is seeking to contract additional exhibitors for the event. All types of working animal, animal care and other relevant demonstrators are encouraged to participate. For details, contact Ethan Yankura at (207) 594-4418. FMI and to view auction items: www.owlshead.org
9 to 14 - First International Symposium on Elderberry, Columbia, Missouri. Information.
12 - MOFGA Certification Services Management Committee Meeting. Wednesday, 2 to 5 p.m. Contact certification@mofga.org for location information.
13 to 15 - Maple Mania, Maine Maple Producers Assoc., Jackman. Trade show, tours of sugarhouses, tech sessions. www.mainemapleproducers.com
15 - Farm & Homestead Day at MOFGA. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Scything begins at 7 a.m. and classes start at 9 a.m.) Free! Information on our web page or contact Joe Dupere at jdupere@mofga.org
15 - FAMACHA Workshops for Sheep and Goat Producers at MOFGA. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Unity. Presented by Dr. Thomas Settlemire and Dr. Richard Brzozowski. Participants will receive an information packet, record sheets and a FAMACHA card. $20.00 per farm. Register online or download the registration form (PDF) and mail it in with a check for $20.00 made payable to "University of Maine Cooperative Extension" at least one week in advance of the workshop to: FAMACHA Workshop/UMaine Cooperative Extension, 75 Clearwater Drive, Falmouth, ME 04105. Website.
19 - MOFGA Poultry Processing Workshop. 9 am to 12 noon, MOFGA's Kitchen, Common Ground Education Center, Unity. Join Diane Schivera, MOFGA organic livestock specialist, and poultry processing professionals in a workshop that will guide you through a safe and humane process for turning live birds into oven ready roasters. Learn about poultry management, equipment and food safety. Please bring your favorite kitchen knife, an apron and a willingness to learn. $30. ; each participant takes home a processed bird. Limit: 20 participants. Information.
19 to 21 - 13th North American Agroforesty Conference, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown. Two days of plenary and concurrent sessions (June 19 and June 21) addressing many aspects of agroforestry. Conference field tour of agroforestry in the Charlottetown area on June 20. Information.
21 - Maine Board of Pesticides Control meeting, Augusta. www.maine.gov/agriculture/pesticides/about/index.shtml#meeting
27 - Public Conference: The Necessary (r)Evolution for Sustainable Food Systems. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., The Royall Tyler Theater at the University of Vermont. Influential thinkers and positive change makers will exchange their best ideas to inspire, focus, and strengthen individual and collective action for a sustainable food system. $25 per person (covers admission, two breaks and a reception with the presenters following the event from 5 to 6 p.m. with light refreshments). Information.
29 - Brucellosis Testing and Zoonotic Disease Clinic. 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Carroll County Farm, Ossipee, N.H. Register and print a detailed brochure. Questions? Call 796-2151.
29 and 30 - Maple Meadow Farm Festival. Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Maple Meadow Farms, 830 Mapleton Road, Mapleton, Maine 04757. Unique demonstrations, draft team farming techniques and field work with antique tractors. Mingle with friends, savor home-cooked food, browse the work of fine artisans and collections from discriminating antique dealers. Bluegrass music, childrens' area. Information and schedule on the web or call 207-764-6450.

July 2013

5 - MOFGA’s Common Ground radio show. 10 to 11 a.m., WERU, 89.9 and 99.9 FM and weru.org
11 - MOFGA Executive Committee meeting, Thursday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
18 to 21 - Timber Framing Workshop for High School Students. Thurs. to Sunday, Hidden Valley Nature Center, Jefferson. 4-day workshop starts with standing trees, model and a drawing; finishes with a completed cabin. Competitive application process, required recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor. Applications due by June 16 (decisions made by June 28). $50, includes all materials. No previous experience necessary. Applications and Letter of Recommendation at www.hvnc.org, or contact Andy at andy@hvnc.org or 200-8840.
25-26 - Kneading Conference, Skowhegan. www.kneadingconference.com
26 - Maine Board of Pesticides Control meeting, MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center, Unity. www.maine.gov/agriculture/pesticides/about/index.shtml#meeting
26 to 28 - MOFGA's Low Impact Forestry Level II, Draft Animal Logging. Bethel. 3-day workshop builds on the skills that students developed in the Level I Draft Power Logging Workshop. Information.
27 - Maine Artisan Bread Fair, Skowhegan. www.kneadingconference.com
27 - MOFGA’s Organic Orcharding Workshop: Bud Grafting. $30. Thorndike. Learn this method to propagate fruit trees and many ornamentals. Taught by Delton Curtis of Curtis Pond Nursery, grafter for FEDCO trees. Course will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information here.

August 2013

2 (and the first Friday of every month) - MOFGA's Common Ground radio show. 10 to 11 a.m., WERU, 89.9 and 99.9 FM and weru.org
8 - MOFGA Board of Directors meeting, Thursday, 1:30 pm to 5:30 p.m.
9 to 11 - Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Summer Conference. UMass, Amherst, Mass. Keynote speaker Friday, Aug. 9, 7:30 pm: Atina Diffley is an organic farmer, consultant, activist, and author of the 2012 memoir, Turn Here Sweet Corn: Organic Farming Works. Information.

September 2013

6 (and the first Friday of every month) - MOFGA's Common Ground radio show. 10 to 11 a.m., WERU, 89.9 and 99.9 FM and weru.org
6 and 7 - MaineFare. Friday and Saturday, Belfast. Events include a vibrant farmers market and food midway, meals prepared by some of Maine's best chefs, cooking demonstrations, films and presentations, music and art.
10 to 12 - The 2013 National Heirloom Exposition, Santa Rosa, Calif. www.theheirloomexpo.com
11 - MOFGA Certification Services Management Committee Meeting. Wednesday, 2 to 5 p.m. Contact certification@mofga.org for location information.
12 - MOFGA Executive Committee meeting, Thursday, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
20, 21 & 22 - MOFGA's Common Ground Country Fair
28 - The Maine School Garden Network's School Garden Open House, in conjunction with Maine Harvest Lunch week (September 23 to 27.) Open House events will take place at schools and educational gardens across Maine to promote garden-based learning and to highlight the many benefits of garden programs. MSGN will provide publicity, activity suggestions and logistical guidance. Participating schools plan and facilitate their own unique open house events. For more information, see www.msgn.org, email info@msgn.org, or call MSGN’s chair, Kat Coriell, at 926-3047.
28 - Apple identification workshop with John Bunker. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Deer Isle Hostel, Deer Isle, Maine. Learn to identify 10 of Maine's classic heritage apple varieties. Sponsored by MOFGA. $50. Scholarships available! Limited group size, early registration recommended. FMI, call the Hostel at 348-2308 or email info@deerislehostel.com.
28 - First Annual Maine Chicken Coop Tour. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Inspired by the Funky Chicken Coop Tour in Austin, Texas. Free, self-guided tour will bring together chicken enthusiasts while encouraging education, community and local food. Want to have your coop on the tour? Basic qualifying criteria include coop cleanliness, bird health, visitor safety and available parking for visitors. Contact kitchens.sharon@gmail.com and visit www.facebook.com/MaineChickenCoopTour?ref=ts&fref=ts for more information.

October 2013

4 (and the first Friday of every month) - MOFGA's Common Ground radio show. 10 to 11 a.m., WERU, 89.9 and 99.9 FM and weru.org
12 to 14 - Nose to Tail Pork Processing. MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center, Unity. Covers raising, humanely slaughtering and processing pigs. Registration opens June 15.
13 - (Tentative) Joint meeting of the MOFGA Board of Directors and the Fair Steering Committee, Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
16 - MOFGA Certification Services Management Committee Meeting. Wednesday, 2 to 5 p.m. Contact certification@mofga.org for location information.
24 - Third Annual Food Day. People from all walks of life come together to push for healthy, affordable and sustainable foods. In 2013, Food Day will focus on food education. To organize cooking lessons or gardens schools, community celebrations of healthy, local foods, hold food policy events or more, email foodday@cspinet.org or visit www.foodday.org.
27 - Great Maine Apple Day. 12 noon to 4:00 pm, rain or shine, MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center, Unity. Celebrate the history, tradition and flavor of Maine apples. Information.

November 2013

1 (and the first Friday of every month) - MOFGA's Common Ground radio show. 10 to 11 a.m., WERU, 89.9 and 99.9 FM and weru.org
2, 3 and 4 - MOFGA’s Farmer to Farmer Conference. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Farm tours on Saturday afternoon.
14 - MOFGA Executive Committee meeting, Thursday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
14 to 17 - Low-Impact Forestry Workshops. MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center, Unity. For beginners and experienced people. Sustainable woodlot management, logging with animals and low-impact machinery.
15 to 16 - Chainsaw and Forestry Safety. MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center, Unity. Level I: two days on basics of saw mechanics, operation, maintenance, safety; opportunity to learn and practice safe felling. Level II: for experienced saw operators; practice and improve techniques.

December 2013

1 - MOFGA Board of Directors meeting, Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
4 - Kitchen Licensing Workshop. MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center, Unity. For those interested in processing food at home for resale.
6 (and the first Friday of every month) - MOFGA's Common Ground radio show. 10 to 11 a.m., WERU, 89.9 and 99.9 FM and weru.org

January 2014

30 to Feb. 14, 2014 - Organic Seed Growers Conference, Corvallis, Oregon. www.seedalliance.org/organic-seed-growers-conference/