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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for NOFA/Mass
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260806T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260806T140000
DTSTAMP:20260630T143336Z
CREATED:20260325T162343Z
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SUMMARY:Growing Specialty Crops & Natural Dyes: Organic Diversification & Soil Decisions
DESCRIPTION:If you’re curious about growing more than just vegetables\, or want to explore how diverse crops can enhance both production and soil health\, this field day is for you. We’ll focus on natural dye plants—annual and perennial species that often also serve as cut flowers—alongside garlic\, rhubarb\, and seeds\, showing how multiple enterprises can fit into a practical organic farm system. This is a great opportunity for farmers\, homesteaders\, and growers interested in soil-building practices\, adaptive farm management\, and how to integrate it all into an Organic Systems Plan (OSP). \nDuring this on-farm field day at Hilltop Farm & Fiber Arts\, we’ll explore how the farm’s management systems have evolved over time and how those changes shape day-to-day soil and crop decisions whilst referencing a soil test. Hilltop Farm once integrated livestock but now sources composted manure off-farm\, offering a practical example of adapting nutrient management while maintaining fertility and organic certification. We’ll also discuss how scale\, labor\, and cost considerations influence decisions about which practices to keep\, modify\, or replace. \nThrough a farm tour and discussion\, participants will: \n\nVisit the certified organic processing areas used for dried plant material and seed handling\nSee how the farm’s OSP guides everyday soil health and crop management decisions\nExplore production strategies for natural dye plants alongside garlic\, rhubarb\, and seeds in niche organic markets\nEnjoy a locally sourced lunch\nObserve low-till bed preparation with a rototiller\, cover-cropped beds\, and techniques for maintaining soil structure\nLearn how soil test results can be interpreted and applied to real-world fertility management\n\n  \nRegister Online Now\n  \nAbout: \nHilltop Farm & Fiber Arts is a small but diverse\, certified organic farm growing natural dye plants\, flowers\, garlic\, rhubarb\, and seeds. We’re all about building healthy soil through organic methods and exploring unique markets beyond veggies—like natural dyes\, flower-based products\, and specialty crops. \nLisa has over 35 years of experience growing vegetables and spent more than 20 years raising sheep for both fiber and lamb. A fiber artist and natural dyer\, she now focuses on dye plants\, flowers\, garlic\, and rhubarb at Hilltop Farm & Fiber Arts. Lisa teaches natural dyeing workshops and enjoys helping others explore the creative and economic potential of plant-based color in small-scale farming. Her work is grounded in organic practices and informed by training in Biodynamics. \n  \nAccessibility: \nThe farm is not wheelchair accessible and has sloped\, rough ground. Location is not accessible by public transportation\, but carpooling is encouraged. The dedicated rideshare site for this event is available here.  \n  \nCapacity: \nCapacity for this event is limited to 30 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space!  \n  \nRefund/Inclement Weather Policy: \nThe rain date for this event is scheduled for August 11. For information on our refund and inclement weather policy\, click here.  \n  \nRegister Online Now\n  \nQuestions? \nContact Hannah at hannah@nofamass.dreamhosters.com \n 
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/growing-specialty-crops-natural-dyes-organic-diversification-soil-decision/
LOCATION:Hilltop Farm and Fiber Arts\, 1 Partridge Rd.\, Lanesborough\, 01237\, United States
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event,TOPP
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ORGANIZER;CN="NOFA/Mass Ed Events":MAILTO:events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com
GEO:42.4918878;-73.2183385
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Hilltop Farm and Fiber Arts 1 Partridge Rd. Lanesborough 01237 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1 Partridge Rd.:geo:-73.2183385,42.4918878
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T193000
DTSTAMP:20260710T153544Z
CREATED:20260331T000556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T153544Z
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SUMMARY:Soil Health in Organic Systems Monthly Calls: Soil Stewardship in the Heat of Summer
DESCRIPTION:Soil Stewardship in the Heat of Summer \nWith Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammad \nAugust brings some of the season’s greatest challenges and opportunities for your soil. Join NOFA/Mass and Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammad\, Food Sovereignty Director with the Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust\, for a community conversation on practical strategies to improve water retention\, keep soils covered\, and build resilience through the hottest weeks of the growing season. Drawing on her work supporting community gardens and food sovereignty initiatives across western Massachusetts\, Sister Anna will share approaches to soil stewardship that strengthen both our growing spaces and our communities. Bring your questions\, experiences\, and ideas as we explore cover cropping\, moisture management\, and simple practices that help soils thrive now and into the seasons ahead. \nRegister in advance for this meeting: \nRegister Online on Zoom\nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nAbout: \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 \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-7/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Beginning Farmers,NOFA/Mass Community Call,NOFA/Mass Event,Online,Soil Health,TOPP
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ORGANIZER;CN="NOFA/Mass Ed Events":MAILTO:events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260826T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260826T190000
DTSTAMP:20260715T205224Z
CREATED:20260624T141221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T205224Z
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SUMMARY:On-Farm Fertility & Ferments: Farmer Networking Session
DESCRIPTION:Join us at Benson’s Pond Farm for a look at building on-farm fertility through fermented plant & fruit inputs. This casual\, educational and networking session will explore how these foliar fertilizers and amendments are made on-farm\, applied\, and tracked over time using both mineral and biological testing. We’ll dig into the methodology\, pricing\, and observed benefits after five years of use in a transitioning system: what’s changed\, what’s worked\, and what’s still evolving. Out in the bog\, we’ll observe plant & soil conditions as indicators of biological activity and health. \nWe’ll touch on shared water considerations and the realities of moving toward organic certification\, and close with time to connect\, share experiences\, and continue the conversation with fellow growers. This session is designed for fellow cranberry growers as well as anyone who is interested in developing on-farm fertility strategies rooted in biology. \nRegister Online Now\nAbout the Instructors: \nCass Gilmore is a third-generation cranberry grower in Massachusetts who\, since 2020\, has been transitioning the farm from conventional chemical inputs to regenerative practices. Central to this shift is a commitment to closing the loop on farm inputs – reducing external dependencies while building on-farm fertility. As the transition has progressed\, biological life across the farm has surged\, with beneficial organisms emerging at levels not previously observed on this or other cranberry operations.  \nAccessibility: \nThis event takes place on a working cranberry bog\, which includes uneven\, soft\, and potentially wet terrain. Participants should be prepared to walk on irregular ground. Due to these conditions\, accessibility may limited for those with mobility challenges or who require firm\, level pathways during the tour. There is an ADA accessible bathroom on site. \nRefund/Inclement Weather Policy: \nFor information on our refund and inclement weather policy\, click here.  \nCapacity: \nCapacity for this event is limited to 20 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space!  \nRegister Online Now\n  \nQuestions? \nContact Randy at events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com with any questions. \n  \nPartners & Sponsors
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/on-farm-fertility-ferments-farmer-networking-session/
LOCATION:Benson Pond Cranberries and Barn\, 6 Pine St.\, Middleboro\, 02346\, United States
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event,TOPP
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