Calendar

May 2008

8 - Meeting of the Executive Committee of MOFGA's Board of Directors. 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
8 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting. 6 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
9 - Threat of Emerald Ash Borer Beetle Discussion. A panel discussion and public forum about the risks of the highly destructive Emerald Ash Borer Beetle to Maine forests is being presented by the Abbe Museum, College of the Atlantic (COA), and the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance. 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the COA campus in Bar Harbor. The beetle has already decimated ash populations in several states, including Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, killing more then 20 million ash trees. If the beetle reaches Maine, the state stands to loose more than 300,000,000 ash trees. Transporting of firewood, logs, and nursery trees that are infested have contributed to the introduction of this pest into new regions. Details at www.abbemuseum.org. For more information, contact Catherine Allen at catherine@abbemuseum.org or 207-288-3519.
10 - MOFGA’s Organic Orcharding Workshop. Organic Orcharding 101. Common Ground Education Center, Unity. Michael Phillips, author of The Apple Grower, on organic disease and insect control strategies. $25. Details.
10 - Upland Invasive Plant Species Identification and Control Workshop. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Sherwood Heights Elementary School in Auburn. Sponsored by the Maine Forest Service in cooperation with the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation Association, City of Bath, Town of Veazie conservation commission, Androscoggin Land Trust, Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA Forest Service and UAP Distribution LLC. The workshop will provide participants with an introduction to identification of common upland invasive plants. Participants will also be introduced to different control strategies for invasive plants, including both mechanical and chemical methods. The workshop will concentrate on plant species that are invasive in Maine’s forests. Anyone with an interest in invasive plants is encouraged to attend. The workshop is free and lunch will be provided. Workshop will have a field component so participants should bring appropriate field gear for the forecasted weather conditions. Workshop space is limited and registration is required. To register or for more information e-mail (preferred method) ken.canfield@maine.gov or call 207-657-3535. If registering please include the names of those attending and contact information for each person. Registration deadline May 7, 2008. CEU Credits available.
14 - Free Farm Energy Audit Workshop. Farmers interested in learning more about increasing energy efficiency on their farms are invited to attend this free workshop at Grassland Farm in Skowhegan. 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Registration requested. Please call 778-3885 or email tcook@westernmountainsalliance.org to register or for more information.
16 - Local Prosperity in a Global Economy. Hosted by Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility at USM's Abrohmson Center, Portland. Keynote Governor Angus King, joined by a full slate of speakers on four key business themes. Details.
16 - 18 - Northeast Livestock Expo at the Windsor Fairgrounds. Hosted by Maine Beef Producer’s Association, Maine Sheepbreeders Association, and Boer Goat Breeders of Maine. Details.
21 - Driving Maine’s Economy: A Governor’s Regional Conference on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Eastern Maine Community College, Bangor. www.smbiz4me.com or 974-4810.
31 - Small Farm Field Day. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center. A day of free workshops and demonstrations for farmers, gardeners and homesteaders.
31 - MOFGA Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. After Small Farm Field Day activities! All MOFGA volunteers welcome! Games starting at 4:15 p.m. Social hour at 5:00. Dinner at 6:00. Contra Dance at 7:30. John McIntire Caller. Please let us know if you can join us. We hope you can! If you don't want to drive home late, pitch a tent and spend the night. Call 568-4142 or email volunteers@mofga.org.

June 2008

1 - MOFGA Landscape Volunteer Day. At MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center. For more information, contact C.J. Walke at 568-4142 or cjwalke@mofga.org.
1 - Fiddlefest. Hosted by Slow Food Portland at the Southern Maine Community College in South Portland. 4 - 7 p.m. Local chefs present dishes of spring foods such as fiddleheads, ramps, and early foraged mushrooms. for more information, contact Leslie Oster at Aurora Provisions, 871-9060.
3 - How to Attract Butterflies to Your Garden. At Merryspring Gardens in Camden. Noon. Presentation by Holly Emmons. Details at www.merryspring.org.
5 - Organic Blueberry Farm Tours in Cherryfield. 1:30 p.m. Visit Burke Hill Farm, and Hugh Lassen Farms. Learn about late spring insect and diseases. Researchers from the University of Maine's Organic Transitions Research Project and other organic growers will discuss the challenges of growing wild blueberries organically. Burke Hill Farm is located at 520 Black Woods Road in Cherryfield. The farm is about 4 miles west from Route 1 on Route 182 -- about 0.7 miles west of the Sprague Falls Road on the left or south side of the road. From Ellsworth on Route 183, after the Cherryfield town line, the farm is 0.3 miles past the Welcome to Cherryfield sign on the right side of the road. The meeting will progress to Hugh Lassen (next door) later in the afternoon.
6 - MOFGA Board of Directors Meeting. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
7 - MOFGA El Salvador Sistering Committee Yard Sale. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 214 Norway Road in Bangor. Rain date - June 8.
7 - Upland Invasive Plant Species Identification and Control Workshop. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at University of Maine in Orono (exact location TBA). Sponsored by the Maine Forest Service in cooperation with the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation Association, City of Bath, Town of Veazie conservation commission, Androscoggin Land Trust, Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA Forest Service and UAP Distribution LLC. The workshop will provide participants with an introduction to identification of common upland invasive plants. Participants will also be introduced to different control strategies for invasive plants, including both mechanical and chemical methods. The workshop will concentrate on plant species that are invasive in Maine’s forests. Anyone with an interest in invasive plants is encouraged to attend. The workshop is free and lunch will be provided. Workshop will have a field component so participants should bring appropriate field gear for the forecasted weather conditions. Workshop space is limited and registration is required. To register or for more information e-mail (preferred method) keith.kanoti@maine.gov or call 207-287-2428. If registering please include the names of those attending and contact information for each person. Registration deadline June 4, 2008. CEU Credits available.
7 & 8 - Maine Fiber Frolic. At the Windsor Fairgrounds. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Details.
10 - Starting with the Soil: Sustainable Soil Management. The season premier of MOFGA's Farm Training Project Workshops. 5 p.m. at New Leaf Farm in Durham. Healthy, living soil is the foundation of successful organic agriculture. Join Eric Sideman, MOFGA’s crops specialist, and several successful organic farmers, including Dave Colson of New Leaf Farm, for an introduction to organic soil fertility management and the use of rotation, composting, green manures, cover crops, and tillage strategies to build organic matter and enhance the health and productivity of farm soil. This is also the inaugural event of the 2008 MOFGA apprentice season, and a good chance to meet MOFGA staff and fellow apprentices from other farms.
10 - Yardscaping. Presentation by Gary Fish of the Maine Board of Pesticides Control. At noon at Merryspring in Camden. Details at www.merryspring.org
12 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting. 6 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
13 - Maine Board of Pesticides Control Meeting. 9:30 a.m. at the John E. Dority Safety & Performance Training Center in Fairfield. Details.
16 - 24 - The Organic World Congress. Modena, Italy. Details at www.ifoam.org.
17 - The Little Green House. Presentation by Sarah Holland. Noon at Merryspring in Camden. Details at www.merryspring.org.
18 - Introduction to Farm Equipment: Safety, Operation, and Basic Maintenance. 5 p.m. at
MOFGA Headquarters in Unity. Join staff from MOFGA and University of Maine Cooperative Extension for an introduction to basic farm equipment anatomy, safe operation, and maintenance. We’ll cover tractor operation and safety; attaching, adjusting, and operating farm implements; and basic preventative lubrication and maintenance. Participants will get a chance to practice driving tractors of different models and sizes and attaching and operating implements. This offering part of MOFGA's Farm Training Project Workshop series that runs through the growing season.
22 – Solstice Celebration and Workshops. 2-6 p.m., Rippling Waters Farm – Standish. Celebrate the summer solstice with workshops on herbs for healthy skin, and getting kids in the gardening act, as well as swimming, boating and a potluck cookout, Donation requested, registration required, FMI – www.ripplingwaters.org, or 642-5161, or farmprograms.ripplingwaters@gmail.com.
22 - Pasture Walk at Tir na nOg Farm in Pownal. Holly Morrison. 2 - 4 p.m. Focus on installing high-tensile fencing and pasture planning at this small, family farm with Scottish Highland cattle, free-range poultry and pastured pigs - managed with minimal start-up resources and no barn. See a frost-free field-hydrant system. To register and get directions, contact Holly Morrison at 688-4483 or MaineCelt@maine.rr.com. See also umaine.edu/umext/mgfn.
24 - Weed Management and Intro to Mechanical Cultivation. 5 p.m. at Goranson Farm in Dresden. Weed control is a primary challenge in organic farming systems. This workshop will offer ecological and cultural approaches to weed management with experts from MOFGA and the University of Maine. It will also feature a primer on mechanical weed control using the various forms of cultivation equipment available to vegetable growers. This offering part of MOFGA's Farm Training Project Workshop series that runs through the growing season.
24 - Biofuel. Presentation by Peter Arnold. At noon at Merryspring in Camden. Details at merryspring.org.
28 - Canning Class at Hosanna Church in Oxford. A Cooperative Extension agent will teach water bath canning as well as pressure canning. $5.00 registration fee. Class is limited to 15 people. Hosanna Church is located at 109 Schoolhouse Road in Oxford. For more information, contact Paula Stotts at 345-9005.
28 - 29 - Maple Meadow Farm Festival. 830 Mapleton Rd, Mapleton, Maine. A Celebration of Country Camaraderie. Horse, oxen and antique tractor farming demos, homesteading skill demos, children’s play area, local vendors selling antiques, crafts, farm products and food. For more information contact the Gregg Family: Andrea (207)764-3942 or Miriam (207)764-6450 or email farmfestival@adelphia.net.

July 2008

1 - Rose Day. Presentation by Glenn Jenks at Merryspring in Camden. Details at merryspring.org
3 - 6 - Houlton Fair. A small fair featuring livestock, crafts, midway and state entertainment. Contact: Lori Weston, 25 Chandler Street, Houlton, ME 04730, 207-532-2977, http://www.houltonfair.com
6 - MOFGA Landscape Volunteer Day. At MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center. For more information contact C.J. Walke, 568-4142 or cjwalke@mofga.org
8 - Selling what you Grow: Marketing Basics. 5 p.m. at Broadturn Farm in Scarboro. Small farmers need to be creative and innovative marketers to be successful. The best are those that cultivate community involvement in their farms and nurture face-to-face relationships with their customers. Learn from several of Maine’s veteran farm marketers about their diverse strategies for marketing their products, including Community Supported Agriculture, Farm Stands, Farmers Markets, and cooperatives. We’ll also hear about innovative partnerships with non-profits that incorporate education and community service. This offering part of MOFGA's Farm Training Project Workshop series that runs through the growing season.
8 - Herbs for Tea. Presentation by Deb Soule at noon at Merryspring, in Camden. Details at merryspring.org.
10 - Meeting of the Executive Committee of MOFGA's Board of Directors. 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
10 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting. 6 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
10 - 13 - Ossipee Valley Fair. Old-fashion fair. Unique exhibit halls, lots of livestock, midway and drag racing, animal pulling events. Location: Hiram, Maine. Contact: Kathleen Haley, Box 548, Limington, ME 04049, 207-793-8434, http://www.ossipeevalleyfair.com
13 – Weed n' Feed/Foraging – Wild Edibles. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Rippling Waters Farm – Standish, Join us for our first annual Weed n'Feed where we'll spend the first part of the day in the garden picking out those pesky plants we call weeds and then stick around to munch on a locally raised lunch. Afterwards we'll embark on a treasure hunt for wild edibles through the forest, registration required. FMI – www.ripplingwaters.org, or 642-5161, or farmprograms.ripplingwaters@gmail.com, rain date July 20.
14 - 18 - IOIA Organic Crop Inspection Training. Sponsored by MOFGA Certification Services and Unity College. Organic producers may be interested in these classes as they provide in-depth coverage of the National Organic Program regulation. Details.
15 - Deadline for Organic Research and Education Grant Applications. Organic Farming Research Foundation, www.ofrf.org.
15 - Owls from Wild Haven. Presentation by B. Tomlinson at noon at Merryspring, in Camden. Details at merryspring.org.
16 - From Apprentice to Farmer: taking the next steps. 5 p.m. at Fishbowl and Six River Farms in Bowdoinham. MOFGA estimates that Maine needs about 150 new farmers a year just to maintain the infrastructure we need to support our local food system – so every new farm operation in Maine is a reason to celebrate. But it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get started in farming. Join several of MOFGA’s current Journeypeople as they share their insights and enthusiasm about how they are managing their first few years farming independently. If you are considering farming for a living, please come and contribute to this important discussion. This offering part of MOFGA's Farm Training Project Workshop series that runs through the growing season.
18 - 20 - Waterford World's Fair. A small community fair. Contact: Penelope Hill, P.O. Box 174, Waterford, ME 04267, 207-583-4160, http://www.nwwf08.org.
19 - 23 - IOIA Organic Crop Inspection Training. Sponsored by MOFGA Certification Services and Unity College. Organic producers may be interested in these classes as they provide in-depth coverage of the National Organic Program regulation. Details.
19 & 20 - Experience Kidding Season at Springtide Farm in Bremen. 9:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. The workshop includes basic goat husbandry such as nutrition, hoof trimming, fencing and housing (day 1) as well as fiber classing and individual goat evaluations (day 2). Take time to address individual questions and concerns. $85 for one day, or $150 for two days. For more information, call 207-529-5747 or visit www.springtidefarm.com.
20 - Open Farm Day. Almost 100 farms throughout Maine will open to the public. Visit a farm and see what farm life is all about. Watch farm activities and demonstrations from milking to felting; pet farm animals, pick berries, tour a barn or go on a hay ride. There will be farm-raised products for sale, displays to see and samples to taste. The list of participating farms will be posted on the Department of Agriculture website.
22 - Farming for the Common Good. 5 p.m. at the JED Collective & Giant’s Belly Farm in Greene. Come explore an innovative farming initiative in central Maine. The JED Collective is a group of organizers, parents, cultural workers, farmers and health workers who share a commitment to living in mutually-supportive community, working together towards increased self-sufficiency and sustainability, and dedicating energy in diverse ways towards the work of building social and economic justice, ecological health, and a culture of solidarity and care. This offering part of MOFGA's Farm Training Project Workshop series that runs through the growing season.
22 - Floral Design. Presentation by Shelley Pease at noon at Merryspring in Camden. Details at merryspring.org
24 - 27 - Pittston Fair. Small, family oriented country fair with midway, animal pulling events, children's games, woodsman contest. Contact: Hope Ricker, PO Box 351, Gardiner, ME 04345-0351, 207-582-4969.
25 - August 2 - Northern Maine Fair. Large family fair lot of rides, exhibits, horse pulling, harness racing, tractor pulling, demo derby. Contact: Lynwood Winslow, PO Box 804, Presque Isle, ME 04769, 207-764-2927, http://www.northernmainefairgrounds.com.
25 - August 3 - Bangor State Fair. A Large family fair featuring a midway, animal exhibits, crafts, commercial exhibits, flower show, animal pulling events, and harness racing. Contact: Sally Bilancia, 100 Dutton Street, Bangor, ME 04401, 207-947-5555, http://www.bangorstatefair.com.
26 & 27 - WERU Full Circle Fair. At the Blue Hill Fairgrounds, Blue Hill, Maine. Music, food, crafts, and other vendors support and celebrate Community Radio WERU 89.9 FM (Blue Hill) & 102.9 FM (Bangor). Details at www.weru.org.
29 - How to Clean Up Your Annuals. Presentation by Jan McDonald at noon at Merryspring in Camden. Details at merryspring.org.
30 - On-Farm Vegetable Breeding (with the Organic Seed Alliance). 5:30 p.m. at MOFGA Headquarters in Unity. Diverse, regional food production requires availability of plant varieties that perform well under local climatic challenges and organic production conditions - varieties that do well with low inputs, and that have broad genetic adaptability, but can be selected for locally specific environmental conditions and aesthetic qualities such as flavor. Seeds people, organic farmers, and the MOFGA community are invited to join Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) hands-on session focusing on one strategy for achieving local seed security, participatory plant breeding. A slide show presentation and discussion will be followed by a field walk to view plant populations and varieties from the Heirlooms of Tomorrow participatory plant breeding projects. This offering part of MOFGA's Farm Training Project Workshop series that runs through the growing season.
30 - August 2 - Monmouth Fair. A small family agricultural fair with a midway, animal exhibits, crafts, and animal pulling events. Contact: Lisa Cunliffe, PO Box 327, Monmouth, Maine 04259-0327. 207-933-5053. http://www.monmouthgrows.com/monmouthfair.
31 - August 3 - The Kneading Conference. In Skowhegan. Progressive ideas in the art of: wood-fired bread baking; food production; grain growing & milling; oven building. Bakers, farmers, millers, oven builders and innovative people are encouraged to participate in hands-on demonstrations and lectures. Partners and Sponsors include: Main Street Skowhegan; Maine Wood Heat Company; The Bread Bakers Guild of America; Western Mountains Alliance; MOFGA; and Heart of Maine Resource Conservation & Development. Details.
31 - Buffers and Invasives. Talk and slide show by Liz Stanley, UMaine Extension, and Annette Naegel, Georges River Land Trust. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Old Town House in Union. For more information contact Georges River Land Trust, 594-5166; www.grlt.org; info@grlt.org.ds.

August 2008

1 - MOFGA’s Organic Orcharding Workshop. Bud grafting, with Delton Curtis, grafter for Fedco Trees. Thorndike. $25. Details.
1 - Maine Board of Pesticides Control Meeting. 9:30 a.m. at the John E. Dority Safety & Performance Training Center, Fairfield. Details.
1 - 3 - Athens Fair. Small country fair with animal exhibits, crafts, and midway. Contact: Donna Avery, PO Box 111, Athens, ME 04912. 207-654-2028.
3 - MOFGA Landscape Volunteer Day. At MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center. For more information contact C.J. Walke, 568-4142 or cjwalke@mofga.org
3 - 9 - Topsham Fair. Agricultural exhibits, animal pulling events, 4-H, crafts, midway, and harness racing. Contact: Tad Hunter, P.O. Box 236, Topsham, Maine 04086, 207-729-1544, http://www.topshamfair.net
5 - Caring for the Perennial Garden. Presentation by Wendy Andresen at noon at Merryspring in Camden. Details at merryspring.org.
6 - Livestock in the Farm System. 5 p.m. at Little Creek Farm in Brunswick. An important principle of sustainable small-scale farming is diversity, and livestock play many key functional roles in a diverse farm system. MOFGA Journeypeople Brenna Chase and Susan Meredith run a diversified, pasture-based livestock operation and sell their meats directly to consumers. Come learn how they manage their critters and the benefits of their system. This offering part of MOFGA's Farm Training Project Workshop series that runs through the growing season.
7 - 16 - Skowhegan State Fair. A large family fair featuring a midway, animal exhibits, crafts, commercial exhibits, flower show, animal pulling events, and harness racing. Contact: Rebecca Turner, PO Box 39, Skowhegan, ME 04976-0039, 207-474-2947, http://www.skowheganstatefair.com
8 - 10 - Northeast Organic Farming Association’s 34th Annual Summer Conference. Keynote Speaker Mark McAfee, founder of Organic Pastures Dairy Company. More than 150 workshops on organic farming, gardening and land care, homesteading, sustainability, nutrition, spirituality, food politics, activism, and more. Special workshops specifically for children and teens. Family contra-dance, zydeco, drumming, Old-fashioned Country Fair, live music, farmer’s market, games and fun. Modest registration, inexpensive dorm rooms, and camping and wholesome organic meals. For more information, visit www.nofamass.org or call Julie Rawson at 978-355-2853 or e-mail julie@nofamass.org.
10 - Garlic Braiding. 2 - 4 p.m. at Rippling Waters Farm – Standish. Make your own garlic braid with Rippling Waters' fresh organic garlic and learn the health properties of different garlic varieties and also how to grow your own. $10.00 fee for the garlic, registration required, FMI – www.ripplingwaters.org, or 642-5161, or farmprograms.ripplingwaters@gmail.com.
10 - Pasture Walk at Orchard Hill Farm. Stan Maynard, 3 - 5 p.m. Woodland, Aroostook County. Grazing system for about 90 Scottish Highland cattle. One area was reseeded with orchard grass, timothy, birdsfoot trefoil and California white clover. To register and get directions: Stan, 498-8541, orchhill@ainop.com. See also umaine.edu/umext/mgfn/
12 - Hydrangeas. Presentation by Jeff O’Donal. At noon at Merryspring in Camden. Details at merryspring.org.
13 - Preserving the Harvest: Pickling, Canning, Freezing, etc. 5 p.m. at MOFGA Headquarters in Unity. “Putting food by” is a fundamental skill to master if you want to be able to enjoy your garden’s bounty all winter long. Join MOFGA staff for a session on the basics of food preservation and all its various strategies – from pickling, to canning, to freezing, to root cellaring. Be prepared for a hands-on workshop. This offering part of MOFGA's Farm Training Project Workshop series that runs through the growing season.
14 (tentative) - MOFGA Board of Directors Meeting. 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
14 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting. 6 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
14 - 17 - Breaking Bread: Exploring the cultivation, creation and culture of local food. Retreat on Cow Island on Casco Bay. Keynote speakers: Alisa Smith and James MacKinnon, authors of Plenty and creators of the 100-mile-diet. Details.
16 - 23 - Union Fair. A large agricultural fair famous for the annual Blueberry Festival-large midway, crafts, animal pulling events, harness racing. Contact: George L. Field, 1501 Western Road, Warren, Maine 04864, 207-273-2772, http://www.unionfair.org
19 - Vegetable Variety Trials and Highmoor Farm Tour. 5 p.m. at Highmoor Farm in Monmouth. Mark Hutton, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Vegetable Specialist, will show us around his vegetable trials at Highmoor, the University Research Farm. Come learn which veggie varieties are tastiest, pest resistant, and best adapted to our local conditions. This offering part of MOFGA's Farm Training Project Workshop series that runs through the growing season.
19 - Green Clean, 100 Ways to Use Vinegar. Presentation by Tim Sullivan. At noon at Merryspring in Camden. Details at merryspring.org.
21 - 24 - Acton Fair. Exhibits, 4H, livestock exhibit, flower show, animal pulling events, midway. Contact: Lisa Staples, 178 Nason Road, Shapleigh, ME 04076, 207-636-2026, http://actonfair.tripod.com.
21 - 24 - Piscataquis Valley Fair. A milking parlor with home made ice cream, agricultural exhibits, crafts, midway, animal pulling events. Location: Dover-Foxcroft. Contact: Deanne Merrill, PO Box 197, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426, 207-943-2650, http://www.PiscataquisValleyFair.com
24 - September 1 - Windsor Fair. A large fair with agricultural, craft, art exhibits. Large midway, animal pulling events, harness racing, and mechanical pulling. Contact: Lincoln Orff, PO Box 971, Jefferson, ME 04348, 207-549-7121, http://www.windsorfair.com
26 - Heirloom Dahlias with Demo Plot. Presentation by Rebecca Sawyer-Fay. At noon at Merryspring in Camden. Details at merryspring.org.
27 - Biodynamic Farming. 5 p.m. at Hope’s Edge Farm in Hope. Biodynamics is a mystical, holistic approach to agriculture that has something to offer every farmer and gardener. Join Tom Griffin of Hope’s Edge Farm for an introduction to the Biodynamic approach, and see how he incorporates it into his operation. This offering part of MOFGA's Farm Training Project Workshop series that runs through the growing season.
28 - September 1 - Blue Hill Fair. Country fair midway, exhibits, non-parimutuel racing, animal pulling events, entertainment. Email: office@bluehillfair.com. Contact: Robert Eaton, PO Box 390, Blue Hill, ME 04614, 207-374-3701, http://www.bluehillfair.com
29 - Deadline for processor/handler organic certification application. MOFGA Certification Services LLC.
29 - September 1 - Harmony Free Fair. Small free fair featuring rides, crafts, food and motor sports, as well as animals. Contact: Mel Chadbourne. 177 Chadbourne Rd, Harmony, Maine 04942. 207-683-5873. http://www.harmonyfreefair.org
August 29 - September 1 - Springfield Fair. Stage show, animal pulling events-antique auto, midway, livestock exhibits. Location: Route 169, Springfield, ME. Contact: Kirk Ritchie, PO Box 342, Lee, ME 04455, 207-738-2888, http://thespringfieldfair.com
31 - Pasture Walk at Cold Spring Ranch in North New Portland. 2 p.m. Led by Gabe Clark. Try the new Maine Grass Farmers Network (MGFN) Manure Spreader and No-Till Drill. Learn how it works, proper use, calibration, applying best management practices, and about MGFN equipment use agreement and requirements. $25 donation to MGFN requested for equipment use, maintenance and transportation. Training required before use. To register and get directions: Gabe, 340-0098. See also umaine.edu/umext/mgfn/

September 2008

3 - Farm Woodlot Management and Portable Sawmill Demo. 5 p.m. at the Sass Woodlot, in North Anson. Woodlots are an important part of a diverse farm system, providing fuel, building materials, and other value-added products such as maple syrup to supplement income. Join Jerry Sass, woodlot owner and manager, and Consulting Forester Sam Brown for a teaching tour of Jerry’s woodlot. They will talk about why and how they manage the woodlot, with particular emphasis on long-term, low-impact forestry techniques using small-scale, multipurpose equipment. We’ll also get a demo of the small portable bandsaw mill that Jerry uses to add value to his timber. This offering part of MOFGA's Farm Training Project Workshop series that runs through the growing season.
4 - Pasture Walk at Springside Farms. 577 Anson Valley Rd., New Vineyard, Randall and Jill Bates and family. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring a bag lunch if you want to visit both farms (1 mile apart) and stay for conversation! This 80-cow herd, about 35 milkers, is certified organic. Cows graze during spring, summer and fall, being moved every two to three days. See sudan/sorghum crop and 2 acres of squash, pumpkins and potatoes. The pasture walk will start at the milk farm on the Holbrook Rd., a dead end dirt road. Take 234 (Anson Valley Rd.) about 3 miles in from Rt. 27 in New Vineyard, turn left onto Holbrook, a dirt road. Or take 234 from N. Anson, go about 8 miles, turn right on Holbrook and go to the end. See Map 21 in the Maine atlas. FMI: 652-2375. See also umaine.edu/umext/mgfn/
4 - 7 - Clinton Lions Fair. Family atmosphere, midway, animal pulling events, mechanical pulling events, exhibits, stage entertainment. Contact: Jon Whitten, Sr., 12 McNally Road, Clinton, Maine 04927, 207-426-8013 or 207-474-8287. Email:jonw1@verizon.net. Website: http://www.clintonlionsfair.com
5 - 7 - Litchfield Fair. Country fair with large midway, agricultural exhibits, livestock, animal pulling events. Contact: G. David Bryas, Sr., 125 Dennis Hill Road, Litchfield, ME 04350. 207-683-2487. Physical address is 44 Plains Road. From I-95 get off at the Richmond/Litchfield Exit. Turn on Route 197 (away from Richmond). At the Litchfield four corners turn right.
6 - Green Development and Low Impact Forestry. Jan Wirth of Old Woods Farm and Jim Ostergard, Certified Master Logger. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Old Woods Farm, 47 Port Clyde Rd., Tenants Harbor. 594-5166; www.grlt.org; info@grlt.org.
7 - MOFGA Landscape Volunteer Day. At MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center. For more information contact C.J. Walke, 568-4142 or cjwalke@mofga.org
7 - 13 - Oxford County Fair. Livestock Shows, animal pulling events, midway, crafts, exhibits and harness racing track. Contact: Susanne Grover, Box 193, Norway, Maine 04268, 207-743-9594, http://www.oxfordcountyfair.com.
8 - Cornish Fair. This is a horse racing venue. Contact: Joan Bettencourt, 12 Cumberland Street, Cornish, ME 04020, 207-625-4469.
11 - Meeting of the Executive Committee of MOFGA's Board of Directors. 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
11 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting. 6 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
12 - Maine Board of Pesticides Control Meeting. 9:30 a.m. at the John E. Dority Safety & Performance Training Center, Fairfield. Details.
12 - 14 - New Portland Lions Fair. Midway, exhibit hall, animal pulling events, crafts, livestock exhibits. Contact: John Duff, 6 Winter Drive, Embden, ME 04958, 207-566-5722.
13 - 14 - Cultivating Wellness Conference. D Acres, Dorchester, N.H. www.dacres.org. info@dacres.org. 603-786-2366.
14 - Preserving the Harvest – a Fall Equinox Tradition. 2-4 p.m. Rippling Waters Farm – Standish. In this hands-on workshop, you will preserve fresh Rippling Water’s produce, $5.00 fee for produce & storage containers, registration required, FMI – www.ripplingwaters.org, or 642-5161, or farmprograms.ripplingwaters@gmail.com
14 - 20 - Farmington Fair. Large midway, exhibit halls, livestock exhibits, animal pulling events, harness racing. Contact: Neal Yeaton, P.O. Box 652, Farmington, ME 04938. 207-778-6083
17 - Common Ground Country Fair Planning Team Pot-Luck Supper and Meeting. 6 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
18 - Medicinal Plant Walk. Presentation by Allie Willenbrink. At 10:00 a.m. at Lone Pine Farm, 929 Oyster River Rd., Warren (Route 131). For more information and to register: 594-5166; www.grlt.org; info@grlt.org.
19, 20 & 21 - Common Ground Country Fair: Mark your calendars! The Fair will take place, as always, on the third weekend after Labor Day. Details.
21 - 27 - Cumberland Fair. Large exhibit halls, midway, and livestock exhibits. Animal pulling events and harness racing. Contact: Michael Timmons, 140 Bruce Hill Road, Cumberland, Maine 04021, 207-829-4856, http://www.cumberlandfair.com.
26 - 28 - Northeast Animal Power Field Days. Tunbridge Fair Grounds, Tunbridge, VT. Details.
28 - October 5 - Fryeburg Fair. Maine's largest agricultural fair. Exhibit halls, museum, harness racing and livestock shows. Contact: June Hammond, Box 78, Fryeburg, ME 04037, 207-935-3268, http://www.fryeburgfair.org.
30 - Deadline for winter greenhouse grower organic certification application. MOFGA Certification Services LLC.

October 2008

1 - Farmers Advocating for Organics Grant Proposal Deadline. Details.
5 - MOFGA Landscape Volunteer Day. At MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center. For more information, contact C.J. Walke at 568-4142 or cjwalke@mofga.org.
5 - Pasture Walk at Meadowsweet Farm in Swanville. 3 - 5 p.m. Sumner and Paula Roberts. Lambs and beef cattle finishing on grass in the fall. The flock of 50 sheep produces about 90 lambs in April and May, and 20 Angus cross beef cows calve in June. Cattle and sheep are sometimes pastured together, sometimes in leader/follower groups depending on each group's needs. Fencing, water systems and forage will be discussed. To register and get directions: meadowsweetfarm@gmail.com, 338-1265. See also umaine.edu/umext/mgfn/
9 - Common Ground Country Fair Planning Team Pot-luck Supper and Wrap-up Meeting. 6 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
11 - 13 (tentative) - Nose to Tail Pork Processing. MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center. A weekend-long, hands-on workshop on all aspects of raising, humanely slaughtering and processing pigs. Details.
12 - Open Creamery Day. Hosted by Maine Cheesemakers. Maine Cheese Guild members also offer classes on cheesemaking, and meet throughout the year. Details.
18 - Great Maine Apple Day. At MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center. Celebrate the history, tradition and flavor of Maine apples. Rare and heirloom apple displays, educational talks, apples and apple products for sale. Details.
19 - MOFGA Board of Directors Meeting. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
19 - Joint meeting of MOFGA's Board of Directors and Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee. Pot-luck lunch at noon. Meeting 1 to 3 p.m.
23 & 24 - Climate Change²¹. Choices for the 21^st Century. The University of Maine presents this interactive forum and environmental festival at the University's Wells Commons Conference Center in Orono. Register.
26 - Introduction to Ayurveda w/Nancy Tripp. 2-4 p.m., Rippling Waters Farm in Standish. Learn the fundamentals of this ancient healing art with a Certified Ayurveda Consultant, registration required, FMI – www.ripplingwaters.org, or 642-5161, or farmprograms.ripplingwaters@gmail.com.
30 - Deadline, winter greenhouse grower organic certification application (for new applicants). MOFGA Certification Services LLC.
31 - Deadline, winter greenhouse production organic certification update.
31 - November 2 - Farmer-to-Farmer Conference. Maine Cooperative Extension and MOFGA’s annual conference. Farmers talk about what does or doesn’t work; get new ideas from university faculty, fellow farmers and others. In Bar Harbor for 2008. Details.

November 2008

13 - Meeting of the Executive Committee of MOFGA's Board of Directors. 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
13 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting. 6:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
14 & 15 - Low Impact Forestry and Chainsaw Safety Workshops. MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center. Beginning and experienced woodlot managers learn and practice sustainable woodlot management, chainsaw safety, and logging with animals and low-impact machinery. Details.
17 - Deadline for Organic Research and Education/Outreach Grant Applications. Organic Farming Research Foundation. Details at www.ofrf.org.

December 2008

7 - MOFGA Board of Directors Meeting. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.
11 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting. 6 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center.