April, 2006
In this issue...

FEATURES

Spring has sprung!

The recent mild weather has gotten farmers and gardeners out early this year. We hear rumors of corn already planted under soil-warming plastic for an extra-early harvest by one Deerfield farmer. Here at the CISA office we’re a bit sore and sunburned from a busy weekend of yard, farm and garden chores. While we may see snow on the ground later this week along with some much-needed rain, there’s no stopping this springtime train!

If you are itching to get gardening this season be sure to visit Local Hero garden and nursery growers for all your vegetable and ornamental plant needs. Local Hero growers like Andrew's Greenhouse or Hadley Garden Center will help you select the right plant for your vegetable garden, perennial bed or planter on your deck. And plants grown and cared for here are more likely to survive and thrive in your backyard.

Looking for garden design help? Local Hero garden designers like Carol Pope and Julie Meyers are ready to help you design and install the locally grown garden of your dreams! [menu]

Local institutions increasing use of locally grown
This informative update by Kelly Erwin, Farm to School Consultant, will bring you up to speed on developments in the growing farm to school movement.

As Kelly mentions in her article, even MassDevelopment is taking notice of the potential business growth offered by farm to school initiatives. As reported by Michael P. Norton of the State House News Service, the Commonwealth’s MassDevelopment Agency is looking into ways to stimulate the economy in central and western Massachusetts by developing, “stronger commerce ties between farmers and the state's highly developed network of large, non-profit organizations, including colleges and hospitals that are major consumers of fresh foods. There's currently a "clumsy market" between farmers and major non-profit institutions and estimated a multi-billion market could be established if institutions agreed to purchase 30 to 40 percent of their food products from Massachusetts-based farmers… institutions most interested in formalizing relations with farmers include Amherst College, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College and UMass Amherst.” [Editor’s note: both UMass and Amherst College are 2006 Local Hero members.] [menu]

Hadley farmer builds niche to serve institutional food service
Local Hero farmer Joe Czajkowski will be delivering fresh produce and fruit from his and other local farms to Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield and Baystate Health Systems in Springfield. The arrangement expands Joe’s growing distribution business, which already serves other area institutions like UMass Amherst. Read more in this article from the Daily Hampshire Gazette (registration required) [menu]

Upcoming Pioneer Valley Women's Agricultural Network Meetings
Sponsored by CISA, these upcoming meetings feature topics of interest to women farmers and farmworkers. Please reserve your space by calling CISA at 413-665-7100 or emailing coordinator Therese Fitzsimmons.

How to Prevent Injuries on the Farm
Monday, May 8th, 6:30 PM
Diane Fisher-Katz, M.S.,M.D.T., a physical therapist from the Valley Medical
Group, will be demonstrating and discussing how to prevent back, knee, shoulder and other joint injuries. Location: CISA offices. Dinner provided. Registration preferred by May 3rd.

Second Annual Celebration of Women in Agriculture
Thursday, July 27th, 6:00 PM
Cheryl Rogowski, owner of W. Rogowski Farm in Pine Island, NY and MacArthur Foundation Genius Award recipient will speak. Dinner provided. Location: Whatley Town Hall. Registration preferred by July 24. [menu]

CISA’s agritourism manual helps farms and other businesses plan activities
Thinking about hosting a festival or tour of your farm or businees this season? Pick up a copy of CISA’s ‘Creating Successful Agritourism Activities for Your Farm.’ This readable, hands-on manual guides you through the process of conceiving, planning and implementing a farm event: from assessing what you have on your farm to publicity, promotions and identifying legal issues and risk. Tips and examples from Local Hero farmers and CISA staff give you new ideas for your farm. Order a copy of the manual today. [menu]

NEWS
Local Hero restaurant hosts benefit featuring Bobby Flay
Local Hero restaurant Holy Smokes is hosting two local events featuring celebrity chef Bobby Flay to benefit the Northampton-based Friends of Children.

There are just a few seats left for the Bobby Flay Luncheon on April 8th from noon til 1:30. When will you have the opportunity to eat lunch with Bobby, and have him personalize your cookbook in such intimate setting? Call the Friends of Children at 586-0011 to reserve your seat.

Later that evening come see Bobby Flay cook against one of three local chefs in the Friends of Children Iron Cook Event at the Calvin Theater! It will be an exciting culinary battle- who will win? Call the Northampton Box office to purchase tickets or click here to order online. Chef Seth of Holy Smokes will be Bobby Flay's Sous Chef for the evening. Lou & Leslie Ekus are the producers of the event, but night of they are the stage manager & director for the show, so you might catch a glimpse of them running around. [menu]

Sheep and Woolcraft fair brings fuzzy family fun to Cummington this May
This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair. One of the oldest of all the New England sheep fairs, the Cummington fair is a fun and affordable way to spend a day with family and friends discovering one of the oldest industries in the world.

Shepherds, spinners, weavers, and other fiber artists come from all over the Northeast to demonstrate their skills and sell their handmade fiber products. But the sheep are the real stars of it all, and there will be hundreds of them attending, both meat and wool breeds. They will be joined by a host of other fiber animals, including angora rabbits and goats, llamas, and maybe even a yak or two!

Other festival highlights include sheep dog trials, spinning and weaving contests,
a fleece sale, fiber workshops, a shearing service, live music, and workshops for kids. Breakfast and lunch items will be available at the food booth, including the popular lamb bits. Admission is only $5 per car. Come help celebrate 32 years of growing our own Massachusetts sheep! More info at the festival website. [menu]

Annual Sheep Shearing Day at Natural Roots Farm
Wednesday, April 5th, from 10am-1pm.
Come one, come all to our annual sheep-shearing day, here at the farm! Watch while Local Hero farmer David and renowned sheep shearer Kevin Ford shear our flock, using the old-time method of hand shearing,and get first dibs on the spinning fleeces, fresh off the sheep. Come and meet all the the new lambs and Poca Dot's calf, Isabella, and enjoy the farm as it awakens from its winter rest. CSA Note: We still have shares available, but not for long....David Fisher & Anna Maclay, Natural Roots, 888 Shelburne Falls Road Conway, MA 01341. phone (413) 369-4269 NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: csa@naturalroots.com [menu]

Raw goat’s and cow’s milk available
Local Hero member Goat Rising and the Farmstead at Minebrook in Charlemont are now offering raw Nubian goat and Jersey cow milk. The milk is bottled for pickup on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Please call ahead to be sure it is available. For questions or more information, call 413-339-8500. The farm is located at 8 Mountain Road. From Charlemont center turn north on Route 8A and look for us on the right, one mile up. Visit www.goatrising.com for more information on our farm. [menu]

Local cookbook author celebrates green tea
Friend of CISA and local gourmet and specialty food retailer Mary Lou Heiss of Cooks Shop Here (the Coffee Gallery) in Northampton is celebrating the release of her first cookbook! Green Tea: 50 Hot Drinks, Cool Quenchers, and Sweet and Savory Treats features versatile and delicious green tea. Mary Lou is an experienced tea traveler who, with her husband Bob, seeks out the very best teas from around the world for her store. Pick up a copy and try a locally-grown Green Tea, Watermelon and Pear Smoothie this summer. Yum! [menu]

Free pesticide collections in Northampton, Orange
Farmers encouraged to register for this last FREE collection
Dispose of unwanted and unusable chemicals that may pose a hazard to your family and your environment. Acceptable wastes include: pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, poisons, and unknown pesticide substances. Drums will be accepted. This is a non-regulatory collection service. Saturday, April 22, Smith Vocational School, Northampton and Saturday, May 6, Town of Orange Transfer Station. You must pre-register to participate.

To protect your family, pets, livestock, soil and drinking water you are encouraged to participate in this environmentally responsible and FREE collection program!

Sponsored by the Northampton Department of Public Works and Franklin County Solid Waste District, with funding from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources through a grant from the USEPA. Call 413-587-1059 to register for the April 22 collection or call 413-772-2438 to register for the May 6 collection. For more information call (413) 772-2438.[menu]

Wanted: Full-Time Forest Products sales manager
Looking for entrepreneurial self-starter with knowledge of the lumber industry and sales experience to develop sales for progressive start-up business created to market wood from family woodlots in western Massachusetts. Products are Forest Stewardship Council-certified and meet LEED building criteria. Product lines include flooring, hardwood and softwood lumber, timbers and beams. Customer base spans architects, contractors, millwork and homeowners in western Massachusetts. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. For more information on the Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative, visit our web site. Send letter of interest and resume to Sales Position, Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative, LLC, 1 Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield, MA 01373. [menu]

Conservation District volunteers needed
The Hampshire Conservation District is looking for a couple of new board members. A conservation district is a subdivision of local government, established under state law to carry out programs for the conservation and wise management of soil, water and related resources. There are fourteen conservation districts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Each district is governed by a board of supervisors--locally elected citizens who volunteer their time and leadership to the conservation effort. Conservation district supervisors work hand-in-hand with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to deliver technical assistance to the people of Massachusetts. NRCS provides technical services while the districts provide representation from the local community and the leadership to set priorities for conservation activities and develop new programs. If you are interested in volunteering call (413) 585-1000 x 5.

Conservation District Tree Seedling and Plant Sale
Orders for the Annual Conservation District sales are now being taken - contact your local Conservation District office to see what's available this year and get an order form. Click here find your local District contact info. [menu]

Can stone dust boost soil fertility?
Local nonprofit promotes benefits of ‘remineralization’
Remineralize the Earth, a nonprofit organization based in Northampton promotes the regeneration of soils and forests worldwide with finely ground gravel dust as an economically and ecologically sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, creating fertile soils much as the Earth does. Not only do we need to recycle and return the organic matter to the soil, we can also recycle the mineral nutrients to create fertile soils and produce healthier crops.

Larger remineralized carrots from garden in Orange, MA

Rock dust samples. Basalt rock dust available at the Notch in Amherst for free.

Adding finely ground gravel dust to soils is a tremendous boost to organic agriculture and can make it truly viable by adding up to a hundred elements and trace minerals needed by all life and can assist in transitioning to organic agriculture more quickly through soil remediation. It provides a slow, natural release of elements and trace minerals, can increase yields as much as 2-4 times, counter soil acidity, increase the growth of microorganisms and earthworm activity, build humus complex, prevent soil erosion, increase the storage capacity of the soil, deter insects and increase resistance to disease, frost, and drought, and produce more nutritious crops with enhanced flavor. Click here for a rock dust primer.

Farmers, visit remineralize.org for more information on how you can remineralize your farm.

We Want Real Food is a book and campaign that calls for the remineralization of soils and is currently receiving much publicity in the UK. According to the book, in the past 50 years vegetables on sale there have lost 24% of their magnesium, 27% of their iron and 46% of their calcium due to mineral depleted soils. The campaign for real food begins with us, whether we shop at farmers markets, organic suppliers or at the supermarkets. We Want Real Food by Graham Harvey sets out what we can do to win the fight back for 'nutrient-rich' food that will stop us from damaging our health - in fact, a fight for real food. Remineralize the Earth will be coordinating the campaign here in the US. Join the campaign and read more at WeWantRealFood.com. [menu]

The Meatrix returns!
Web movie The Meatrix II: Revolting, follow up to the wildly successful award-winning The Meatrix, is now viewable online! The Meatrix II: Revolting went live March 30, bringing an important message to food buyers nationwide — manure and deceit might just lurk beneath the packaging of dairy products in your shopping cart. The cliffhanger sequel to the award-winning Meatrix movie takes on another facet of the factory farm industry, exposing the ugly truth behind factory dairy farms. The film’s companion site includes The Meatrix 360° Interactive, an animated educational tool with more than 20 hot buttons linking to resource pages that offer in-depth information about factory farm issues. [menu]

Forest Viability Grant Program Applications Now Available

The Forest and Wood Products Institute at Mount Wachusett Community College, announces that applications are now available for forest landowners interested in participating in the Forest Viability Grant Program. The program is being administered by the Institute in partnership with the Nature Conservancy on behalf of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. It is intended to provide business planning assistance and implementation grants to land owners wishing to establish or improve forest-based businesses. Eligible landowners may receive up to $5,000 in technical assistance for the preparation of a Forest Viability Business Plan in return for a 5-year covenant protecting the land from development. Landowners with a Forest Viability Plan are then eligible to receive grants worth $250 per acre, up to $20,000, for implementation of the plan in return for a 20-year covenant. Any private landowner with at least 20-acres of forest land that is not currently protected by a deed restriction is eligible to apply. Applications are available on the Internet at www.comm-pass.com. The application deadline is May 1, 2006.

For more information please contact Joseph Smith, The Forest and Wood Products Institute, Mount Wachusett Community College, 978-630-9360 jsmith@mwcc.mass.edu or visit their web site. [menu]

Farmers Market Resource Guide released

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service recently announced publication of the Farmers Market Resource Guide. The Guide list grants, programs and other financial and information resources available from public and private organizations and gives details about more than 100 projects and grants available to help start or improve farmers markets.

The Farmers Market Resource Guide, which will be periodically updated, is available online or a printed copy can be obtained by contacting the Agricultural Marketing Service, Marketing Services Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 2646, South Bldg., Washington, DC 20250, 202-720-8317. [menu]

USDA announces crop insurance program for MA nursery growers
Deadline for enrollment is May 1

Massachusetts nursery producers should be aware that the final date for a new applicant to apply for the 2007 nursery crop insurance is May 1, 2006, according to the Raleigh Regional Office, USDA Risk Management Agency. New applications for crop year 2007 may be accepted until May 1, 2006, with coverage beginning 30 days after receipt of your signed application. Crop insurance provides protection for field-grown and containerized nursery plants against losses due to adverse weather conditions, fire, failure of irrigation water supply, and wildlife. Insurance premium subsidies have been significantly increased in recent years, particularly at the higher levels of coverage. Producers are strongly urged to contact a local crop insurance agent as soon as possible for a premium quote and additional details. For a list of crop insurance agents in your area, contact the local USDA Farm Service Agency office or logon to the Risk Management Agency web site or contact Scott Lucas at 919-875-4880. [menu]

New primer advises small-scale farmers and backyard poultry growers on avian flu risks
Free range poultry farmers have unique advantages and challenges

The rapid spread of avian flu across Asia and Europe has heightened concerns that the disease will arrive in North America soon. By acting now, small-scale poultry farmers in the U.S. can reduce the risk to their operation of contracting the disease, according to a new primer by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP).

Dead Birds Don’t Fly: An Avian Flu Primer for Small-Scale Farmers, by Lindsey Hillesheim, Ph.D., educates farmers with free-range or pasture poultry operations about the basic biology of avian influenza in birds and humans to help evaluate the risk of an avian flu infection in their flocks. Although every farm is unique and its response will be different, this primer offers a basic description of H5N1 Avian flu, how it can spread, how to reduce risks of infection of poultry and workers, and appropriate responses in the event of an outbreak. The primer and full report can be found at: www.iatp.org. The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy works globally to promote resilient family farms, communities and ecosystems through research and education, science and technology, and advocacy. [menu]

Food, sustainability, and the environmentalists
Food for thought from farmer and writer Tom Philpott
What these two facts -- cheap food, stagnating wages -- reveal to me is a vicious circle. We need our food supply as cheap as possible to feed low-wage people; we need lots of low-wage people -- farm workers, slaughterhouse workers, clerks at our number-one grocer, Wal-Mart, and so on -- to sustain our cheap-food system. Whatever else it does -- and it works pretty well, if you're a major shareholder in transnational corporations -- this cycle consumes enormous resources and, yes, severely damages the environment. Read more here. [menu]

Wal-Mart to double offerings of organic food
Wal-Mart is the top U.S. grocery seller and also No. 1 in organic milk sales. It carries organic baby food, juice, produce and pasta sauce, but will be expanding its offerings to include products ranging from pickles to macaroni and cheese. Wal-Mart has paid close attention to the small-but-growing organic market for several years, and decided to make its move now as studies show a majority of U.S. consumers buy at least some organic food. Read more here. [menu]

Wal-Mart's organic ambitions worry farmers
Not everyone is pleased by the giant retailer's push into natural foods, starting with some very anxious U.S. farmers. Richard DeWilde has a long history with organic farming. His grandfather, Nick Hoogshagen, adopted the organic approach five decades ago on his farm in South Dakota, well before it became popular with consumers. The juggernaut retailer said recently that it plans to double its offerings of organic products, including produce, dairy, and dry goods. But DeWilde isn't thrilled. Instead, he's dismayed at the prospect of Wal-Mart becoming a player in the organic market. He fears that the company will use its market strength to drive down prices and hurt U.S. farmers. "Wal-Mart has the reputation of beating up on its suppliers," says DeWilde. "I certainly don't see 'selling at a lower price' as an opportunity." Full article here. [menu]

Termite concerns unfounded
Rumors of infested post-Katrina mulch from Louisiana examined
Have well meaning friends or associates forwarded you a warning about mulch from hurricane-ravaged parts of Louisiana being infected with Formosan termites? It’s not true. Read all about it here. And remember, friends don’t let friends spread urban legends via the Internet! [menu]

Florida Students Protest Candy Sale
Proving that kids can be smarter than adults, more than a dozen elementary school students in Florida refused to sell candy and chips to raise money because they learned in class about the health dangers of such snacks. "If they tell us to don't eat junk food and then after school we sell it, that disobeys what they said," explained 10-year-old Daphnie Auguste, a member of the defiant class of 19 gifted fourth- and fifth-graders. The students have until the end of February to raise the remaining $12,000 needed for a weeklong trip in May to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Read more here. [menu]

Industrialized Food Linked to Mental Illness
Two recent British reports came to the same worrying conclusion: that diet plays an important part in mental illness. The Mental Health Foundation says that studies clearly linked attention deficit disorder, depression, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia to junk food and the absence of essential fats, vitamins and minerals in industrialized diets. Another report released by the advocacy group Sustain found, “Food can have an immediate and lasting effect on mental health and behavior because of the way it affects the structure and function of the brain.” Dr Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: "We are well aware of the effect of diet upon our physical health. But we are only just beginning to understand how the brain as an organ is influenced by the nutrients it derives from the foods we eat and how diets have an impact on our mental health." Researchers said the proliferation of industrialized farming had introduced pesticides and altered the body fat composition of animals due to the diet they are now fed. Read both reports here. [menu]

China's Rising Fruit and Vegetable Exports Challenge U.S. Industries
China's rising fruit and vegetable exports may soon challenge U.S. producers, according to a new USDA report. While most of China's fruit and vegetable exports are processed fruits and vegetables that do not yet pose a serious challenge to U.S. exports, China's fresh vegetable sales to Japan and other Asian markets compete directly with U.S. products. In addition, the U.S. has been the largest market for China's apple juice exports and over time, China's growing domestic market may absorb more of its production. Read the full report here. [menu]

Workshops, Events and Announcements

April 4
Climate change and agriculture: promoting practical and profitable responses
This day-long event is a Professional Development Workshop for Extension and Agricultural Service Providers, funded by Northeast SARE and held in Windsor, CT. The agenda looks at climate change and its potential impacts on crops and livestock. Insect and weed management, nutrient cycling, and biofuel sessions are also scheduled. For more info. [menu]

April 15
Food Production Workshop: Starting the Season. Located in Barre, MA.
Many Hands Organic Farm, a family organic farm, market garden, and center for organic activity, offers a series of one-day workshops in 2006. The first workshop offers basic information and skills necessary for a healthy and successful small farm or garden, including variety selection, seed starting and transplanting, and greenhouse maintenance. Planting and succession schedules will be given and discussed. Field work will cover siting, fertility and preparation of the soil, and planting various crops. For more info, click here. [menu]

April 21
Nasami Farm New England Wild Flower Society Native Plant Nursery opens for weekends. Our spring season starts April 21st at 128 North Street, Whately, Massachusetts, right off Interstate I-91. Open Friday-Sunday 9-5 through June 4 and reopening in September. Find rare and unusual shrub, tree, wildflower, and fern varieties. Begin your native plant garden. FREE demonstrations on Saturdays in May at 11 and 1. 413-397-9922. Info: www.newfs.org. [menu]

April 22
Horses, Livestock and Heritage Breeds Day with Pesticide Safety and Equipment. The University of Massachusetts is sponsoring a Horses, Livestock & Heritage Breeds Day with Pesticide Safety and Equipment, part of its Small Farm and Garden Day series. This one day educational event will be held at the UMass Eastern Extension Center at 240 Beaver Street in Waltham. This all-day program will appeal to back yard gardeners and beginning or part-time farmers. The program will feature UMass Extension Educators and University of Massachusetts faculty. Instruction will emphasize how to manage livestock and small farms in a sustainable manner. The following topics will be presented: exploring the heritage breeds of livestock & poultry, managing pastures for horses and livestock, managing nutrients and manure on horse farms, west nile, encephalitis, lyme disease, and rabies, understanding hay quality for horses and livestock, proper use of lawn spreaders and pesticide sprayers, poisonous weeds in pastures, tips for proper use of pesticides (insecticides and herbicides).

Preregistration is required. You can register for individual sessions for $20 each or for the whole day for $50. For a registration form click here or call the 413-545-0895 to have a form mailed or faxed to you. [menu]

April 24, April 29, May 1, May 6
CLASS: Wildflowers of New England. Held at Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven CT. Pre-registration required at registrar@newfs.org $132 non-members, $110 members. Learn how to identify wild plants and the flora of New England, and experience identification both in the field and the classroom with expert field botanist Bryan Connolly. This botany course is perfect for people who wish to understand the flora of our own home region. Info: www.newfs.org. [menu]

April 29
Japanese Knotweed Control Workshop. The Deerfield River Watershed Association and Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge are sponsoring a Japanese Knotweed Control Workshop on Saturday, April 29, 2006, from 1:00 to 4:30 pm. This free workshop will take place at the Discovery Center in Turners Falls, Massachusetts. The workshop will focus on up-to-date methods of controlling knotweed in wetland and upland areas. Three experts will conduct the workshop. Don Bishop (owner of “Gardens Are,” an organic landscape service) and Jeff Taylor (Vegetation Control Service, Inc.) have extensive experience controlling knotweed using mechanical and chemical methods. Scott Jackson (University of Massachusetts Extension Program) will discuss the regulatory issues associated with controlling invasive plants in wetlands or areas with rare animal and plant communities. Ample time for questions is planned and handouts will be provided. Please register by April 21st as space is limited. The Great Falls Discovery Center is located at 2 Avenue A in Turners Falls, MA. Directions can be found here. For more information or to register, please call Cynthia Boettner at (413) 863-0209, ext. 6 or Cynthia_Boettner@fws.gov. This workshop is funded in part by grants from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [menu]

April 30
Going Wild in the Kitchen--Easy Vegetarian Gourmet Cooking. Join Organic Gourmet caterer and cookbook author Leslie Cerier (Going Wild in the Kitchen, The Quick and Easy Organic Gourmet, and Sea Vegetable Celebration) for a creative, hands-on cooking class. We will prepare and feast on a delicious meal. Participants will learn: time saving tips for quick meals with whole foods; to include power foods in their daily diet; art of cooking with herbs and spices; how to mix and match ingredients to invent their own recipes and much more!. This class is guaranteed to inspire your home cooking. Bring your own vegetable knife and cutting board. Class held from 11a.m.-2p.m. at Leslie Cerier's house 6 miles from center of Amherst. Cost: $60. To register, send a check made out to Leslie Cerier, to 58 Schoolhouse Rd., Amherst, MA 01002. Please include your name, address, email and phone number or call 413-259-1695 or www.lesliecerier.com. [menu]

May 6, 13, 20, 27
Free native plant seminars Saturdays. 11a.m. and 1p.m. in May at Nasami Farm. No reservations required. Visit this rustic farm location with 375 native species offered, convenient for those near I 91 at 128 North Street, Whately. Meet wildflower guru Bill Cullina, learn how to plant trees like the pros, and meet favorite plant and gardener friends. Open 9-5 weekends. Info: www.newfs.org. [menu]

May 8
How to Prevent Injuries on the Farm. Diane Fisher-Katz, M.S.,M.D.T., a physical therapist from the Valley Medical Group, will be demonstrating and discussing how to prevent back, knee, shoulder and other joint injuries. Location: TBA. Scheduled for 6:30 p.m. For more information, check the Pioneer Valley Women’s Agricultural Network page in April. [menu]

The Pioneer Valley Women’s Agricultural Network is funded by the USDA/RMA, Harry Chapin Foundation, and CISA, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture.

May 13
Design and plant a native border. Held at Nasami Farm at 128 North Street in Whately, MA fron 2-5 p.m. Learn with James McSweeney about designing and planting a mixed border and as he demonstrates techniques for native trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials, including difficult areas. This is a MUST for both beginners and advanced gardeners looking to do more with natives. Pre-registration required at registrar@newfs.org $36 non-members, $30 members. Info: www.newfs.org. [menu]

May 13
Field trip to Mount Toby in Sunderland, MA. Explore the diverse spring flora of this beautiful area with varied natural communities and outstanding spring ephemerals. This moderately strenusous hike lead by plant ecologist Julie Richburg may reveal wild ginger, hepaticas, trout lily, trillium, bloodroot and a spectacular view! 12-4:30 pm. Pre-registration required at registrar@newfs.org $36 non-members, $32 members. Info: www.newfs.org. [menu]

May 20
Restoring the residential landscape with Owen Wormser of Tree Frog Landscapes. Are you planning a significant landscape renovation? You have the opportunity to learn methods minimizing impact and cost of construction on the landscape, also using native plants. Participants may bring photos of their own properties to use as case studies. Held at Nasami Farm at 128 North Street in Whately, MA. Pre-registration required at registrar@newfs.org $25 non-members, $20 members. Info: www.newfs.org.[menu]

June 7-11
Place, Taste and Sustenance: The Social Spaces of Food and Agriculture. Boston, MA. The Joint 2006 Annual Meetings of the Agriculture, Food, and Human Values Society (AFHVS) and the Association for the Study of Food and Society (ASFS) include tours, workshops, opportunities to listen to and present papers and panels, chances to participate in roundtable discussions, and times to meet formally and informally with colleagues. For more info, click here. [menu]

June 10
Annual Native Plant Sale of New England Wild Flower Society at Garden in the Woods. Our annual sale includes 11,000 choice plants for sale and world-class plant experts sharing custom advice for your garden. Kids’ Tables featuring Venus Fly Traps and other fun “creatures” and the used book sale includes garden classics. Afterwards, walk the garden trails. 508-877-7630. 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham 10a.m.-3 p.m. About two hours away but definitely worth the trip! Proceeds support our conservation work. Info: www.newfs.org. [menu]

June 11
Native plant makeover
Learn what it takes to convert a residential lot into an inviting garden integrating the home landscape and adjacent habitats with Liz Thompson of Cave Hill Landscape Architects, and Beth and Dan Russell, homeowners. Location in Easthampton, MA to be announced for registrants. 1-3 p.m. Pre-registration required at registrar@newfs.org $25 non-members, $20 members. Info: www.newfs.org. [menu]


Classified

Tools and lawn equipment wanted for CISA office. Do you have any tools or lawn equipment that you could donate to CISA to help us care for our new building? We could use basic tools as well as a push broom, rake, shovel, etc. Call Jennifer Williams to discuss your donation. Thanks! 413-665-7100.

Land for rent. Eligible for organic certification, in conservation reserve for 10 years. 10-15 acres in Old Deerfield. Adjacent to Deerfield River for irrigation water. Call Frank Ciesluk, 772-0790.

The University of Vermont (UVM) is searching for Director of Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The Center for Sustainable Agriculture was established in 1994 as a unit within the University of Vermont. It was designed to integrate university and community expertise to promote sustainable farming systems throughout Vermont and the region.The Center operates as an integral part of University of Vermont Extension, collaborating with faculty and staff on campus and across the state. The Center's programs always involve farmers, the University, and other organizations to insure quality and focus of mission. In 2005, the Center was awarded the State Merit Award for Program Achievement by the New England Board of Higher Education. Review the position description, visit the University of Vermont web site and consider the opportunities of coming to the University of Vermont to be a leader of the Center of Sustainable Agriculture. If interested, you can apply on-line at www.uvmjobs.com (#031359). Please include a cover letter describing your background and qualifications, why you believe you are qualified for the position, a current CV, and contact information for five references. Please include any additional materials that would be useful. Application deadline is April 24, 2006 or until position is filled. [menu]

Part time store product demonstrator and farmers market sales rep wanted. Terry Grinnan of Saw Mill Site Farm Horseradish Products is looking for someone to fill this flexible, part-time position. Duties include preparing for and implementing store sampling events and set up, staffing, sales work and breakdown at farmers markets, as well as strategizing with the owners as to marketing opportunities, networking and public relations to build brand recognition, product awareness and sales volume. For more information contact Terry Grinnan, 413-665-3005.

Farming opportunity. Hilltop market garden in Gill with two+ acres prepared beds, orchard, small CSA, hoophouse, dairy goats, interns, permacultural approach, etc... is seeking a full time, organic grower or trainee to collaborate with current owners on the maintenance, re-visioning and development of the farm. For further info visit our web site or email dbotkin@valinet.com

Goat boarding needed. Looking for full or partial board for 6 goats in the greater Northampton area. Please call Ruth Elgers at 413-320-5215. [menu]

For Sale: 1966 John Deere 3020 gas row crop tractor. Runs excellent. Good rubber. Good tin. Three point hitch. Live PTO. One set of remotes. $9500 or BRO. 413-498-2160.

Female llama for sale. Proven breeder, nice fiber, 4 years old, experienced with goats & sheep. BO. 413-498-2160.

Package For Sale: Bred female huacaya alpaca (with free breeding 2006) along with one female and one male cria. See details of package here. 413-498-2160.

Got Wood? If you have over 20 acres of forest land and would like to discuss your management options with a licensed forester, please call Shane at Cowls: 413-549-1403. [menu]

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Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture
1 Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield MA 01373
Tel: 413-665-7100  Fax: 413-665-7101
http://www.buylocalfood.com