Farmer to Farmer Sessions and Other Eventspumpkin

Tuesday

12:45 - 1:45 pm
HOT WATER TREATMENT OF SEEDS (WITH DEMO) AND SEEDS FOR QUALITY PLANTS
Location: SALON A
Seeds are critical to all farmers and learning the importance and methods for hot water treating seeds will be discussed and demonstrated. Share your thoughts on all aspects of seeds, seed quality, seed companies, storage, etc.

12:45 - 1:45 pm
SOIL QUALITY AND CREATING HEALTHY SOILS FOR HEALTHY PLANTS
Location: CURRIERS
Come ask questions of other knowledgeable growers; learn how to build and maintain healthy soil and how to define it.

4:30 - 6:00 pm TRADE SHOW SOCIAL
Location: EXPO CENTER

5:00 - 7:00 pm
SUCCESSFUL WINTER GROWING & WINTER PRODUCTS EXCHANGE Location: HAWTHORNE (UPSTAIRS)
Discuss profitable winter growing: high and low tunnels, varieties, planting dates, protection, marketing, etc. The second hour will be a mixer and exchange of winter grown foods. Come and join in and bring samples of what you are growing in the winter.

 

Wednesday

12:45 - 1:45 pm
TRACTOR & HAND CULTIVATION EQUIPMENT FOR WEED CONTROL
Location: SALON A
The biggest challenge on organic farms is weed control. This session will explore new and old techniques that work. Come bring your expertise and questions.

12:45 - 1:45 pm
POST HARVESTING HANDLING & WINTER STORAGE FOR YEAR- ROUND QUALITY
Location: BALLROOM BCD
With the many year-round markets and CSAs now, learning how to cure and store produce is critical to long-term quality storage. Tips for timing of harvest, evnironmental conditions, publications, and produce/varieties that store well are on the list for discussion.

12:45 - 1:45 pm
MASSACHUSETT'S FRUIT GROWERS' ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
Location: CURRIERS

4:45 - 5:45 pm
ORGANIC DISEASE CONTROL: WHAT'S NEW & WORKS, INCLUDING MUSTARDS & MYCORRHIZAE
Location: SALON A
New and exciting options for organic disease control will be discussed, as well as rotations, sprays, soil additions, etc. Can scab on potatoes and beets be eradicated? What about Fusarium in the soil? Bring your challanges and let's share in solutions.

4:45 - 5:45 pm TIPS, TRICKS & NEW THINGS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CSA
Location: CURRIERS
CSAs are diversifying and expanding with various offerings; ask questions of long-time farmers and bring your ideas to the group. Share in the excitment of a great marketing tool.

6:00 - 7:30 pm SOCIAL MIXER AND AWARDS PROGRAM
Location: SALON BCD

 

Thursday

12:45 - 1:45 pm
ROWCOVERS, NETTINGS, AND INSECT CONTROL FROM A TO Z
Location: SALON A
New and old products for organic insect controls are available now. Samples of netting for thrips, flea bettles, cabbage moth, etc will be on display. Let's talk about Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Carrot Rust Fly, and any other insects that are bugging you.

4:45 - 5:45 pm
EXCITEMENT & PITFALLS OF FARM START UP
Location: CURRIERS
New farmers can share their concerns, ideas, and what they've learned from their successes and their failures to create a viable farm. Come be inspired and join in some lively talk.

 

Sessions: