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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260610T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260621T200000
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SUMMARY:Vote NOFA/Mass for River Valley Co-op's July Change for Change
DESCRIPTION:If you’re a River Valley Co-op member-owner\, we’d love your vote in the Change for Change program—where shoppers round up their purchases to support local non-profits. \n  \n🗳️ Voting for July’s non-profit is open! Vote through June 21 at 8:00pm. \n\nIt only takes a minute: \n  \n✅ Visit https://rivervalley.coop/community/co-op-change-for-change-program \n      → Use the scrolling form in the center of the page to submit your vote! \n✅ Have your co-op member-owner number ready \n✅ Vote for NOFA/Mass \n  \nEvery vote could help strengthen local farms\, support organic agriculture\, and build a more resilient food system across Massachusetts. \n  \nThank you for showing up for local food and farming!
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/vote-nofa-mass-for-river-valley-co-ops-july-change-for-change/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T160000
DTSTAMP:20260603T175731Z
CREATED:20260422T165529Z
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SUMMARY:Scale & Strategy: Building a Viable\, Healthy Farm
DESCRIPTION:Managing a farm at the right scale is essential to finding your place within the broader network of Massachusetts growers. If you’re considering expanding your operation— or questioning whether scaling up is the right move— join us for a day-long workshop grounded in practical experience\, reflection\, and peer learning. \nHosted at Upswing Farm\, this workshop will explore the real-world decisions that shape a farm’s growth over time. We’ll learn from Upswing’s journey on the land: how they’ve approached soil stewardship in a certified-organic system\, their approach to infrastructure and equipment\, and strategic choices they’ve made to support long-term viability. Through a mix of tours\, discussions and on-farm demonstrations\, participants will engage with both the opportunities and trade-offs that come with operating at different scales. \nWe’ll dig into both the day-to-day realities and the bigger-picture considerations of scaling a certified organic farm\, from crew management and workflow logistics\, to financial planning and risk\, all within the framework of organic certification requirements. \nRegister Online Now\nThroughout the day\, we’ll: \n\nExplore how to determine the “right” farm scale for individualized goals within a certified organic system\nDiscuss labor structures\, crew management\, and daily operational flow\nReview equipment decisions\, including tools for cover cropping and compost production\nLearn about Upswing Farm’s approach to producing certified-organic compost\, including a close-up look through a microscope\nExamine financial decision-making\, including borrowing\, risk tolerance\, and long-term planning\nDiscuss funding opportunities\, such as grants and programs through NRCS and AMA\nReflect on how business decisions and ecological stewardship intersect in certified-organic production\n\nBy the end of the day\, you’ll come away with a clearer understanding of what scaling means for your own operation\, along with practical insights from a certified organic farm navigating those decisions in real time. We’ll also share a locally sourced lunch and create space for informal conversation and connection. \nRegister Online Now\nAbout: \nUpswing Farm stewards 131 acres of APR farm land purchased after leasing land for 5 seasons. The farm grows on 20 acres\, utilizing 6 high tunnels for year-round production. CSA is the farm’s primary market outlet\, with 500+ members in the summer and 400 members in the winter. The farm also attends one farmers’ market\, and offers farm stand sales during CSA pick up hours. Demand is high\, with CSA shares selling out earlier each year without any marketing. The farmers have been scaling every year since the farm began\, and are considering staying at this scale\, even though demand is high\, or expanding through major infrastructure and systems changes in order to serve a larger community. \nAbout the Instructors: \nBrittany Overshiner has been managing CSA vegetable farms organically for 16 seasons\, and has extensive experience starting farms on a budget. Kevin Overshiner\, her husband and business partner\, has similar experience.  \nAccessibility: \nThere are bathrooms on site that can be made wheelchair accessible. The tour portion of the farm will include walking\, but farm trucks can be used\, or folks can use personal vehicles if they are willing to drive them on farm roads to participate in the tour if there are mobility concerns. \n  \nRefund/Inclement Weather Policy: \nEvent is rain or shine. For information on our refund and inclement weather policy\, click here.  \n  \nCapacity: \nCapacity for this event is limited to 25 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space! \n  \nRegister Online Now\n  \nQuestions? \nContact Hannah at events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com \n  \nPartners and Sponsors
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/scale-strategy-building-a-viable-healthy-farm/
LOCATION:Upswing Farm\, 65 Brookline St.\, Pepperell\, 01463\, United States
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event,TOPP
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260617T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260617T193000
DTSTAMP:20260520T163948Z
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SUMMARY:Soil Health in Organic Systems Monthly Calls: Maximizing Photosynthesis & Summer Growth
DESCRIPTION:By June\, plants are shifting into rapid growth and photosynthesis is in full swing. In this one-hour call\, we’ll explore how to support peak plant energy and nutrient cycling through methods like foliar sprays\, biologically active soils and management practices that strengthen the soil carbon pathway. We’ll discuss topics like the relationship between photosynthesis and soil biology\, and practical strategies for keeping crops thriving through the early summer season. \nRegister in advance for this meeting: \nRegister Online on Zoom\nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \n—— \nJoin NOFA/Mass for our monthly soil health calls\, where we explore the on-farm processes and practices that shape resilient\, thriving soils. Our facilitators will guide participants through practical strategies that influence soil integrity in organic systems. Each session offers space to ask questions\, discuss specific methodologies\, and learn directly from peers about what’s working on their farms. \nTopics range from organic amendments\, cover cropping systems\, reduced tillage and compaction mitigation strategies\, nutrient cycling\, soil biology and microbial life\, organic systems plans\, and other stewardship practices designed to strengthen the long-term health and productivity of your farm. \nDate: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month starting in March – September\n \nTime: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM \n  \n  \n \nTOPP is a network assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources. Farmer-to-farmer mentorship\, workshops\, webinars\, field days\, technical assistance\, and other educational events will offer opportunities to learn about organic production\, the certification process\, market opportunities\, and more. Read more and sign up to be a mentor or transitioning farmer mentee at organictransition.org
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/soil-health-in-organic-systems-monthly-calls-5/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Beginning Farmers,NOFA/Mass Community Call,NOFA/Mass Event,Online,Soil Health,TOPP
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T190000
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SUMMARY:Whole-Farm Stewardship: Buffers\, Perennials & Biodiversity - registration closed
DESCRIPTION:Stewarding your farm as an interconnected landscape is both deeply rewarding and undeniably complex. At Indian Line Farm\, this approach is taking shape through the integration of perennial plantings\, native species\, pollinator habitat\, and managing ecologically disruptive\, or invasive\, plants – all as essential elements of a resilient\, whole-farm ecosystem. Join us for an on-farm networking event and farm tour where farmers can connect\, share experiences\, and see firsthand how these practices are being implemented across the landscape. \nTogether\, we’ll explore how Indian Line Farm is transforming buffer areas into intentional\, productive spaces that support biodiversity while contributing to the farm’s overall viability. Along the way\, we’ll discuss the benefits of pollinator habitat\, and how whole-farm thinking can strengthen soil health\, improve water infiltration\, and support resilient organic management systems. Come ready to ask questions\, exchange ideas\, enjoy a local meal\, and learn alongside fellow farmers working toward more integrated\, ecologically grounded farms.\n\nEvent at capacity. Registration closed.\n \nAbout  \nIndian Line Farm is a 17 acre farm growing vegetables\, herbs\, flowers and fruits. They have been working with NOFA/Mass partner Evan Abramson at Landscape Interactions since 2019:  first to develop a large Pollinator Garden at French Park in Egremont and more recently at the farm.  As part of the Healthy Soils Action Plan\, they have implemented a pilot project using buffer areas to plant perennials specifically for attracting native bees as well as increase production capabilities for farm income.  \nAbout the Project: \nThis event is sponsored by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and co-sponsored by NOFA/Mass.  \n  \nAccessibility: \nAn ADA bathroom is available but the farm tour terrain will be very uneven.  We do permit driving down to fields to meet accessibility needs. \n  \nMore Information: \nPortions of our farm tour will cover uneven terrain.  We want to make sure your accessibility needs are met during the event. Please share with us your needs regarding (but not limited to): physical accessibility\, allergies\, noise\, scent\, gender\, intellectual accessibility\, and any instructions or tips to help you fully participate.  \n  \nRefund/Inclement Weather Policy: \nFor information on our refund and inclement weather policy\, click here.  \n  \nCapacity: \nCapacity for this event is limited to 20 people. Event at capacity. Registration closed. \n  \nQuestions? \nContact Hannah at events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com \n  \nPartners and Sponsors
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/whole-farm-stewardship-buffers-perennials-biodiversity/
LOCATION:Indian Line Farm\, 57 Jug End Road\, South Egremont\, 01258\, United States
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260626T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260626T160000
DTSTAMP:20260518T151336Z
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SUMMARY:Biological Soil Health: Cultivating Microbial Diversity for Ecosystem Resilience
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this deep-dive into the soil biology that underpin resilient plants and healthy soils. We’ll journey into the dynamic world of soil microbes\, organic matter\, and nutrient cycling as we unravel the essential role of biological processes in soil health. \nThrough hands-on activities and insightful demonstrations\, participants will gain a deeper understanding of microbial communities and their impact on soil fertility and plant resilience. Attendees will also learn some techniques that the NOFA/Mass soil technical team employs to assess and enhance biological diversity in their agricultural systems. Whether you’re a farmer\, gardener\, or environmental enthusiast\, this workshop offers invaluable knowledge and practical skills to cultivate thriving soils and sustainable landscapes. \nThroughout the day\, you’ll learn: \n\nThe basics of the Soil Food Web\nTools for assessing soil biology and microbial diversity in your soil\nHow to inoculate soils with beneficial microbes\nThe role of soil biology in disease suppression\, nutrient cycling\, and decomposition\nThe basics of paper chromatography\nThe importance of root exudates and species diversity in supporting soil biology\nNatural farming as a way to support microbial communities\nHow to make a few simple amendments to increase biological activity in your soils\n\n\n  \nRegister Online Now\n  \nRubén Parrilla\, Soil Technical Coordinator\, NOFA/Mass  \nRubén is a Certified Lab Tech with 15 years of experience working at different capacities in the environmental laboratory industry. He trained in microscopic soil microbial identification through the Soil Food Web School and studied Environmental Design at the University of Puerto Rico. He leads and performs all components of NOFA/Mass soil technical services and has extensive experience farming and working with growers\, including beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers. Rubén performs soil health-related outreach and education for NOFA/Mass through monthly farmer learning calls\, hands-on workshops and instructional events\, and networking with farmers and individuals in the agricultural industry. Finalmente\, Rubén es bilingüe y quiere saber de usted. \nRandy Violette\, Field Engagement & Technical Learning Coordinator\, NOFA/Mass \nRandy has been farming for seven years on small\, diversified vegetable and flower farms across the United States. He worked as a technical assistance provider on a USDA climate-smart grant\, collaborating with farmers to implement more climate-smart agricultural practices on their farms. His interests lie at the intersection of environmental and social sustainability–how do we take care of soil health and the whole farm environment  while also prioritizing the health of the farmer and farm business? Randy loves supporting educational farming content and talking to growers of all experience levels about their soil and crops. His latest experiments include making Korean Natural Farming inputs and developing a foliar fertility management program for small farms. \n  \nAbout the Project: \nThis event is sponsored by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and co-sponsored by NOFA/Mass.  \n  \nMore Information / Accessibility: \nThe series will take place at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner\, MA. While attending all three sessions provides the most complete learning experience\, participants are welcome to attend one\, two\, or all three workshops throughout the season. The workshop is being held on the first floor and is wheelchair accessible. Seats will be provided throughout the duration of the workshop. \n  \nRefund/Inclement Weather Policy: \nEvent is rain or shine. For information on our refund and inclement weather policy\, click here.  \n  \nCapacity: \nCapacity for this event is limited to 24 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space!  \n  \nRegister Online Now\n  \nQuestions? \nEmail Hannah at hannah@nofamass.dreamhosters.com \n  \nPartners and Sponsors \n \n \n 
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/biological-soil-health-cultivating-microbial-diversity-for-ecosystem-resilience/
LOCATION:Mount Wachusett Community College\, 444 Green Street\, Gardner\, 01440\, United States
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event,Soil Health,TOPP
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