Calendar
Calendar - Events of Interest and Grant Deadlines
Updated 10/02/2024
October 4, Friday
Bale Grazing for Success
10:00 am-12:00 pm
2908 Sheffield Square Rd., Sheffield, VT 05866
Description: Curious about extending the winter grazing season but concerned about logistics, compaction, or stunting your forages? Ed’s done bale grazing on hayfields and pastures for over 10 years and has gone through the trial and error for you! Equipment, techniques, and planning for Northern VT landscape challenges will be discussed at this practical demo. NRCS Soil Conservationist Hannah Wigginton and CCNRCD staff will review cost share and technical assistance options to implement this practice on your farm.
Organized by: NRCD-Caledonia County. To learn more, contact:
Taylor Johnson, taylor.johnson2@vt.nacdnet.net, 802-424-3164
October 5, Saturday
Foundations of Organic Orcharding and Hard Cider Tasting
10:30 AM - 1 PM
Location: Bird Dog Farm (150 Bayside Rd, Greenland, NH 03840)
More information: https://www.nofanh.org/intensiveworkshops
20th Anniversary Open House at all three CAE Locations: Atkins Field, Food Hub, Vermont Food Venture Center
2 - 5:30 pm, Hardwick, VT
CAE will hold open houses at all 3 of its facilities in Hardwick on Saturday, October 5! The public is invited to come learn about CAE’s work supporting local agriculture, VT food businesses and the community. Please park at Atkins Field and take the FREE Rural Community Transportation shuttles to each location. Then Join CAE at the Food Hub, at 5:00 pm for a Grand Welcoming to the new facility, and celebration of 20 years of CAE! Learn more here.
October 7-8, Monday/Tuesday
Introduction to Butchering III: Beef
Mon, Oct 7 2024, 9am - 4:30pm
Tue, Oct 8 2024, 9am - 4:30pm
Roma's Butchery, Sharon, VT
Join us for VTSU CAFE's Introduction to Butchery III: Beef - happening October 7th-8th. This two-day hands-on workshop led by Elizabeth Roma of Roma's Butchery will focus on breaking down a beef half into primal, sub-primal, and retail cuts, including steaks, roasts, and stew meat.
Participants will refine their butchering skills, take home their own prepared meat cuts, and receive an entry-level meat cutting knife. Additionally, each participant will earn a certificate of training completion. Read more about Introduction to Butchering III: Beef
October 10, Thursday
The Cheshire County Conservation District is excited to host Annual Celebration: Celebrate 79 Years of Conservation in Cheshire County!
6:00 - 8:00 PM, Stonewall Farm, Keene, NH
Registration is required and limited tickets are available: RSVP By October 1st
October 14 - 17 (Mon - Thurs)
Organic Regulations 101
This training is for anyone interested in learning more about the organic regulations and how organic certification works. Participants gain specialized knowledge of organic regulations and certification, useful for farms interested in organic certification or practices (whether already certified or interested in transitioning), government agencies, non-profit organizations, technical service providers, or people interested in careers in organic certification. Read more here.
Dates: In-person training for Crops October 14th-15th, In-person training for Livestock October 16th-17th
October 21-22, Monday & Tuesday
Introduction to Butchering I - Poultry, Lamb, and Goat
9:00AM-4:30PM
Roma's Butchery, South Royalton, VT
Description: Join us for this two-day course, Introduction to Butchering I - Poultry, Lamb, and Goat, hosted by Vermont State University's Center for Agriculture and Food Entrepreneurship (CAFE), and led by Elizabeth Roma of Roma's Butchery in South Royalton, Vermont. Learn the art of butchering poultry, lamb, and goat, ideal for those pursuing a butchery career or interested in meat preparation. Discover the global appeal of poultry, particularly chicken, valued for its quick maturity and efficiency in feeding. Gain essential skills in poultry cutting and effective marketing strategies. Explore the unique role of lamb in the meat industry, shipped predominantly as whole carcasses to retailers and food services. Participants will gain hands-on experience, and will get to take home their very own prepared meat cuts as well as an entry level meat cutting knife. Cost: $495. Accepting VSAC Advancement Grant and AmeriCorps Segal Grant.
To learn more & register: https://www.enrole.com/vsc/jsp/session.jsp?sessionId=24CY-CED-0587-S02&courseId=CED-0587&categoryId=7204F9C0
October 20, Sunday
Adapting to Farming in a Flood Plain
9:00 am - 1:00 pm, Intervale Community Farm, 180 Intervale Rd., Burlington, VT
October 21, Monday
Project Results - Understanding the Sensory Quality of Grassfed Beef
12:00 PM 3:00 PM, American Legion, 100 Armory Lane, Vergennes, VT
Join us to hear the results of our two-year study on the sensory quality of grassfed beef!
Roy Desrochers, Sensory Specialist and leader of UVM's sensory team, will present findings from the multiple sensory profiling panels conducted, highlighting the unique flavor profiles of grassfed beef. You’ll gain insight into descriptive terminology and consumer acceptance specific to grassfed beef. You will also have the opportunity to share your thoughts on what future work can be undertaken to expand the markets and improve the viability of grassfed cattle production in Vermont.
October 23, Wednesday
Walpole Town Hall
Join Cheshire County Conservation District for the wrap up of the Forest Stewardship Series and a forest landowners gathering! RSVP
October 30, Wednesday
Vermont Compost Operator Certification Training
Williston, VT
The 131° School of Composting is excited to announce that we will be hosting the Vermont Compost Operator Certification Training, presented by the VT Agency of Natural Resources (ANR). Through this workshop, participants will receive a Compost Operator Certificate, which meets the requirements of ANR for small, medium and large compost facility site operators. Read more about Vermont Compost Operator Certification Training
November 1 & 2, Friday/Saturday
Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee Vt 82 Clubhouse Rd, Fairlee, VT, United States
November 6, December 4
Women Farmers Aging Strong - November Online Session
12:00 - 1:00 each day
Are you a woman farmer (or hope to be) who wants to keep farming and ranching in a healthy manner for a long time?
Join the Farm Labor Dashboard for monthly online series through May covering a range of topics to help us preserve and protect our most important farming tool: our own bodies. Read more about Women Farmers Aging Strong - November Online Session
November 12, 13, 14, Tues-Thurs
Women Farmers Aging Strong - November Online Series
12:00 - 1:30 each day, online
After a busy summer season, take some time this fall to step back, reflect and learn how to better care for our physical and mental health. Join this unique, virtual series for woman-identifying farmers to connect and learn together on key elements of body mechanics. Back by popular demand -- the pilot for this series sold out in 2023. Read more about Women Farmers Aging Strong - November Online Series
November 20-21, Wednesday/Thursday
Farm to Plate annual gathering
January 21 - 23, Tues - Thurs
Protect & Preserve Your Most Important Tool: You - January 2025 series
12:00 - 1:30 each day
After a busy summer season, take some time this fall to step back, reflect and learn how to better care for our physical and mental health. Join this unique, virtual series for woman-identifying farmers to connect and learn together on key elements of body mechanics. Back by popular demand -- the pilot for this series sold out in 2023. Read more about Protect & Preserve Your Most Important Tool: You - January 2025 series
Grant Opportunities
October
10/1 - RFSI Equipment-only Grant deadline
November
11/12 - NE SARE Farmer Grants
Farmers in the Northeast can apply for up to $30,000 in funding for sustainable agriculture projects starting in 2025. These projects can range from experiments to on-farm events and demonstrations or other educational activities.
The Call for 2025 Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Farmer Grants is now available. Approximately $850,000 has been allocated to fund projects. Awards of up to $30,000 are available. Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on November 12,2024.
Q&A Sessions are taking place alternating Tuesdays and Wednesdays in October. Register once to attend any of the sessions.
Sessions will take place on: Oct 8, 16, 22, 30. from 12 to 1 EST
Learn more about Farmer Grants
