Education
learn to farm in alaska
Calypso Farm and Ecology Center, located in Fairbanks, Alaska, is now accepting applications for their 2016 farmer training program! Calypso's Training Program is an intensive experiential education program focused on providing the skills, inspiration and experience necessary for participants to embark on starting their own small farm with confidence. A small group (5-6 people) of […]
rocking co-op in montana
[vimeo 131463009 w=500 h=281] Putting food from local farm fields onto dinner tables in Polson, Montana, (pop. 5,000) is about healthy eating and a whole lot more.The Polson Food Hub, part of the Montana Co-op, is a place where people not only pick up locally produced food, they might also stop by to take boxing lessons, […]
food waste and folly
Although his jokes are goofy, he makes some very important points. Thank you for bringing these issues to the mainstream, John Oliver.
great michigan resource for new farmers
The MSU Farmer Field School is comprised of intensive one and two day hands-on workshops. They are tailored to deliver in-depth, practical information building on the decade of farmer training on-going at the MSU Student Organic Farm and the wealth of knowledge in Michigan’s farming community. Experienced farmers and premier agriculture educators from our region […]
california matters
Here is an awesome video series on food in California. Topics include: the health of farming families , UC Santa Cruz's farm program, school lunches for food justice, the pollinator project at Full Belly Farm, wage justice in the restaurant industry, monitoring ocean acidification with oysters, the history of Chinese food, and wild edibles as meaningful […]
defending new england's family fisherpeople
The next generation of fisherpeople are facing policies that force consolidation, privatization, and corporate takeover of the ocean and rights to fish. In 2010, the New England Fisheries Management Council implemented a Catch Share policy to manage New England's fish populations. At the time, the council promised protections against Fleet Consolidation for family fisherpeople. The […]
wool symposium, nov. 7, point reyes station, california
The fourth annual Fibershed Wool & Fine Fiber Symposium November 7th, 2015 • Dance Palace, Point Reyes Station 10:00 am to 6:00 pm In addition to hands-on activities and demonstrations, there will be informative presentations on collaborations between fiber farmers and designers, as well as on carbon farming, soil carbon sampling and drought tolerant breeds. […]
soil and water conservation policy conference november 19 and 20 at drake university
The Drake University Agricultural Law Center, in cooperation with the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, will host a two-day, state-wide conference on soil and water conservation policy. The conference will bring together individuals and organizations working to protect Iowa’s soil and water resources to consider the role of policy and law in shaping our stewardship […]
solution to pollution (or overfishing), is it really aquaculture?
As scientists struggle to count fish, and conservationists attempt to save them, America’s oldest fishing community – Gloucester, Massachusetts is dying. Fishermen are losing their livelihood and even their homes. Last year, NOAA imposed a historic cut to the cod quota — a 78% catch reduction. Then, on Nov. 10, 2014 — the U.S. government […]
birthing a new compton: richland farms
Birthing a New Compton Matthew Williams, September 14, 2010, KCET '"My neighborhood, explain it...it's joy, peace, love, and happiness, and the best riding we can do," Richland Farm resident and town horseshoer, Andrew Johnson explains at the end of Birthing a New Compton, a short documentary video produced by high school students from Environmental Charter High […]
ithaca, ny: 2015 cornell sheep and goat symposium, october 2-4
Calling all sheep and goat enthusiasts! Mark your calendar to spend the weekend learning from featured speakers, veterinarians and crop experts at Cornell University. Don't be afraid to get dirty with hands-on learning opportunities, covering everything from eartagging to foot rot. The three day symposium will wrap-up with two tours at local sheep farms where you […]
enroll in farm school for august 2015!
Innovative New Farm School Prepares Students to Feed People and our Planet A new farm school grows up in Sebastopol, CA, preparing a new generation of farmers to grow food in the face of changing climate, mounting challenges for family farmers, and a growing public desire for more sustainable ways to feed our world.
IllinoisFarmBeginnings.org helps attract and train new farmers
Three Illinois organizations have joined forces and answered the call to train more farmers and increase local food production. The Land Connection, Angelic Organics Learning Center, and Food Works recently launched www.IllinoisFarmBeginnings.org to attract prospective farmers across Illinois and neighboring states. These organizations are all part of the Farm Beginnings Collaborative (FBC), a national alliance that promotes the […]
apply now grange farm school fall term
As you may remember from our previous blog post, the Grange Farm School in Mendocino County, CA is a 3-month residential farmer training program that combines classroom instruction with experiential education. The program is halfway through its first term, and the fall session-- starts September 1st. The Grange School curriculum focuses on holistic crop and livestock production, and their […]
talking chadwick
More than thirty years after his death, people still refer to Alan Chadwick in the present tense, a fascinating testament to the power of his personality and ideas. It is challenging, perhaps even foolhardy, to attempt to capture this complex man – such a huge person and influence – in a few web pages. The […]
fall semester @ stone soup institute
Stone Soup Institute is offering a Fall Semester to four students who are curious and adventuresome enough to explore the experiential learning opportunities on a small homestead in Maine. The primary focus of the fall semester will be building a tiny house in addition to seasonal chores on a small homestead. Animal Husbandry Butchering pigs […]
A training facility for low-input and small scale dairy in new england
*they're also hiring! Wolfe’s Neck Farm Secures Major Grant from Stonyfield to launch an Organic Dairy Farmer Training and Research Program FREEPORT, Maine — For many years, the story of dairy farming in New England was a story of decline. But, a new program being launched by Wolfe’s Neck Farm in partnership with organic yogurt […]
grow your farm skills!
from the comfort of your own home. The Cornell Small Farms Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension offer a menu of 12 online courses each Fall and Winter to help farmers develop their businesses. These 5- to 7-week online courses cost $200 total for up to 4 members of the same farm to attend. They are an […]
NESAWG conference registration open
get all of the details HERE! Our 2014 It Takes a Region conference will be held November 11-12 at the Saratoga Hilton in Saratoga Springs, NY. Pre- conference sessions begin November 10. This year's theme: REGION-SIZING: MAKING IT WORK!What does it take to make our food system strong, resilient and region-sized? What does real collaboration and cooperation […]
the history of fair trade in comic book form
Fair Trade, like coffee, is complex, rich and fascinating. We now have available a new educational resource: The History of Authentic Fair Trade. In comic book format we present a version of Fair Trade that is shared by many Equal Exchange colleagues, allies, and partners. We hope that by presenting the material in this way, […]
north carolina: awesome panel on resiliency, apple genetics, rare livestock breeds and branding!!
Wake Forest University Wednesday, September 10th 7-8:30 PM. FREE! This exciting panel discussion will provide insights into the importance of biodiversity and sustainable land and water use to a resilient food system. Individually, and collectively, these entrepreneurs are contributing to the economic vitality of our region by offering value-added choices to the marketplace. !!FREE SIGN […]
farmscale permaculture
October 2-5, 2014 Iowa City, IA 52240 Do you want to plan, install, and operate large-scale permaculture systems for maximum resiliency and economic stability? Ready to learn from international experts in tree crops, keyline design, and multi-species grazing? We’re all in a unique place in history. Our motivations are clear: live an enjoyable life, […]
young farmer scholarships for CT NOFA gathering!
Take advantage, Connecticut greenhorns! Download more info here!
UVM summer experience
Study Sustainable Farming this Summer at the University of Vermont Learn sustainable farming at UVM’s Catamount Educational Farm this summer in beautiful Burlington, Vermont – a hot-spot for community-based food and agricultural systems. Be part of the vibrant learning environment of the farm that cultivates over 10 acres of vegetables and fruit for the UVM […]
negotiation training
Agrarian Trust has an upcoming negotiation training workshop in the Hudson Valley. The workshop will be held at the beautiful Carey Conference Center, located on an historic 100-acre estate overlooking Lake Myosotis in Rensselaerville, New York. Experts from NYS Agricultural Mediation Program and the New York State Dispute Resolution Association will provide the negotiation and business communication training. This […]
young ranchers: making sure you know about this program
Management Intensive Grazing School
farm advocacy 101
upcoming webinar from RAFI USA Farm Advocacy 101 Tuesday, March 11th, 3:00 – 3:45 pm ET >> Click here to register. Sitting across the table from a banker or a loan officer is often intimidating and scary, especially when the farm is on the line. Who can farmers depend on to sit on their side of […]
reminder: moses new farmer summit
New Farmer Summit April 4-5, 2014 Primrose Valley Farm, Belleville, Wisconsin (near New Glarus & Madison) Two full days of workshops, networking, hands-on learning, organic food and fun! 24 workshops focused on issues on the minds of new farmers $75 (includes meals and entertainment) Scholarships available! Apply here. $35 Pre-Summit farm tours with lunch April 3rd Friday evening […]
an mba student's guide to entrepreneurship (because farmers are entrepreneurs)
Dreaming of starting a farm? Running a farm business? You don't need an MBA to start a farm venture, but this online entrepreneurship guide does help shine light on the basics of starting a successful business. Included are free web resources to help you get off the ground. It's worth a look.
hub camp: the nuts and bolts of local food distribution
Los Angeles, CA: Mar. 16 – 18, 2014 Davis, CA: Apr. 27-29, 2014 Practical training for the entrepreneurs and organizations building the New Food Economy. Walk away from Hub Camp with a 6-month action plan to hit the ground running! An action-oriented approach to learning, launching and adapting as you grow your local food […]
educational opportunities in scotland's crofting community
Training The Scottish Crofting Federation offers a number of training opportunities, supported with funding from the Scottish Government's Skills Development Scheme and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Training is available for aspiring, new and existing crofters and open to anyone with an interest in learning more about rural skills and crofting. The training courses are aimed […]
allegheny mountain school fellowships
Deadline, December 15th Allegheny Mountain School Fellowships for 2014 Allegheny Mountain School is seeking nine inspiring individuals to participate in the fourth cohort of our 18 month fully-funded fellowship program. Applications are available on our website,www.alleghenymountainschool.org. The deadline to submit your application is December 15, 2013. Interviews begin January, 2014.
farm planning for women greenhorns, vermont
Whole Farm Planning for Women Beginning Farmers For women with two to 10 years in farm business management. Where: Lamoille County, VT Dates: Jan. 7, 21, Feb. 4, 18, March 11, 25, April 8, 22, May 6, 20, 2014. (snow date March 18) Time: 9:30 am-4 pm Application Deadline: Nov. 15, 2013 Fees: $150-$500 Online […]
much afoot, ahoof and aweft
at Fibershed. Always a good reminder. Fibershed is a non-profit organization that provides experiential education that both generates awareness, and teaches the necessary skills within our community to build and sustain a thriving bioregional textile culture that functions hand-in-hand with principles of ecological balance, local economies, and regional organic agriculture..
what is the political economy of farmland access?
Lets discuss it with leading political economist Gar Alperovitz at the Schumacher Center (founder of the first community land trust in the USA) and across the street from the first CSA ! Seems a pretty likely place for some insight. Severine will be there, and we hope for a strong young farmer turnout from the Barrington […]
small scale grain event
Coming up on Friday at Stonewall Farm in Keene, NH. Small Scale Grain Fodder & Demonstration Day, Friday August 16th, 9 am-12 pm Want to witness the next chapter of our farm story take shape? On Friday August 16th, with technical assistance and support from GreenStart New Hampshire, we will be demonstrating our first-ever barley […]
rooftop urban ag course
INTRODUCTION TO ROOFTOP URBAN AGRICULTURE Click here to register. Thursday, August 29, 2013 9:00 am - 12:30 pm BLDG 92, Brooklyn Navy Yard 63 Flushing Ave. (at intersection of Carlton and Flushing) Brooklyn, NY 11205 Learn about multiple approaches to growing food on rooftops through design, installation and maintenance principles, as well as case studies […]
essex farm institute
Up on the web! Recruiting soon for their first class of students. Watch this space. http://www.essexfarminstitute.org/
a new farm incubator project
At Pushing the Envelope Farm in Geneva, IL. We love seeing these projects pop up across the country! Download their advertisement HERE
museum of food and drink
The Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) is a 501©(3) non-profit chartered by the New York State Education Department that is in the early stages of launching a first-of-its-kind food museum in New York City. Our mission is to change the way people think about food and inspire day-to-day curiosity about what we eat and […]