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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T183000
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SUMMARY:Soil Health in Organic Systems Monthly Calls - Getting Soils To Hum Early: Transplanting & Spring Conditions
DESCRIPTION:May in the Northeast brings a mix of warming days and sometimes stubbornly cool\, wet soils. In this one-hour call\, we’ll focus on transplanting into variable spring conditions\, priming soils with biology\, and practical bed prep strategies. We’ll also cover spring amendments\, inoculations & preps\, with an eye toward how temperature\, moisture & pH influence what actually responds early in the season. Bring your experience and discussion points\, and have your questions ready! \nRegister Online on Zoom\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  \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 \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-4/
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:20260529T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260529T160000
DTSTAMP:20260416T151003Z
CREATED:20260406T162622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T151003Z
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SUMMARY:Physical Soil Health: Our Critical Soil Infrastructure
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this full-day workshop about the physical component of soil health where we’ll explore the essential principles that shape soil structure and vitality. This intensive will mix classroom-based learning with hands-on demonstrations and activities assessing soil structure. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of soil physical properties\, including texture\, structure\, porosity\, and compaction.  \nEquipped with tools such as penetrometers\, shovels\, and infiltration rings\, attendees will learn how to assess and evaluate these critical aspects of soil health directly on the farm. We will also explore the synergies between the physical component of soil health and the chemical and biological components. Whether you’re a seasoned agricultural professional or a curious novice\, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical skills to enhance your understanding of soil and optimize farm management practices. \nThroughout the day\, you’ll learn: \n\nSoil compaction mitigation and remediation strategies\nThe importance of soil physical properties for water and gas management\nThe inherent and dynamic properties of soils\nHow to use tools for evaluating soil structure\nThe impact of different forms of soil disturbance on soil physical properties\nThe role of organic matter in soil structure\nHow to use cover crops to improve soil structure\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/physical-soil-health-our-critical-soil-infrastructure/
LOCATION:Mount Wachusett Community College\, 444 Green Street\, Gardner\, 01440\, United States
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event,Soil Health,TOPP
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