NEWS

Farmers Market Season Is Here!
Those us who love local food know that April showers bring much more than May flowers. Starting this month, Farmers markets will open to offer early greens, asparagus, bedding plants, vegetable starts and all the delights of early Spring. Local farmers markets are a great way to meet your local farmers and stock up on delicious in-season produce, while chatting with neigbhors and supporting the local economy.

There are now 21 farmers markets in our region! To find one near work or home, click here.

For a list of Farmers Markets across the state click here.

Markets seeking vendors
Catamount Farmers’ Market of Shelburne Falls
The Catamount Farmer’s Market (located 1 mile west of Shelburne Falls) is still accepting vendor applications for the 2007 season. Local farmers, crafters, musicians and other interested persons please contact Market Manager Ivy Palmer at 413-625-8174 (before 7pm) or email pitchforkfarm@yahoo.com. We are located on Route 2, the Mohawk Trail, one mile west of Shelburne Falls. The market begins May 25th and runs Tuesday 2-6, Friday 2-6, and Saturday 9-1, ending October 6th. There are tents provided and electricity is available. The market opens rain or shine, and there is plenty of parking.

MassPike Farmers Markets
This year's annual MassPike Farmer's Market Program will begin the week of May 17, 2007 and run through fall 2007. All Massachusetts farmers are invited to sell their freshly grown fruits and vegetables as well as their made-in-Massachusetts products. On a first-come, first-served basis, free selling space is made available at all eleven (11) service areas along the MassPike. Farmers can sell their goods as long as they do not compete with the service area stores and restaurants. If you are interested in participating in this year's program or have any questions, please contact David Fenton at (413) 572-3171, Dave.Fenton@Masspike.com.

Farmers’ Markets Outside of Western MA
Many new and existing Farmers markets in Eastern MA and on the Cape are looking for vendors. For more information contact David Webber at 617-626-1754 or david.webber@state.ma.us.

Shepherd’s blog chronicles life on a fiber farm

Ever wondered what it would be like to raise sheep in Paradise? Then check out Sheep Gal: Notes from a Shelburne Shepherd, a new bog created fiber artist Barbara Parry.

Parry is co-owner of Springdelle Farm, located on 220 acres in the Berkshire foothills in Shelburne, where she raises a growing flock of Cormo and Border Leicester sheep, chosen specifically for the fiber they produce. She hand-paints yarn made from the flock’s fiber in a cottage studio situated on the farm, choosing colors that reflect the natural beauty of the surrounding open fields and wooded hills.

In her blog, Parry describes lambing season on her farm, chronicling late night feeding sessions, the fickle behavior of expectant mothers, and her experiences as the ewes’ labor and delivery assistant. Parry’s photographs of her farm’s newest residents are guaranteed to entice “ooohs” and “aahhh” from even the most cynical viewers. Click the image to view Barb's blog.

Honey bee update
from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources April/May Farm and Market Report

Over the past month, news media reports indicate that thousands of honey bee colonies’ populations have collapsed throughout the United States. In some cases honey bee colony populations completely disappeared or in some cases just a cluster of worker bees and a queen remained in individual hives. Though the cause of the honey bees’ disappearance is uncertain, it may be the result of unchecked varroa mite populations. As varroa mite populations grow, bee populations eventually crash, leading to colony collapse.

The good news is that, with good management, colonies should survive. From observations in ten apiaries located in Hampshire, Franklin, and Middlesex Counties 146 of 256 hives were still alive. Mortality in 110 hives appeared to be due to starvation and or varroa mites. These colonies had not been adequately prepared for winter, and varroa mite controls had been applied too late. In one Concord apiary examined in mid-March, all 78 colonies prospered because varroa mite control measures had been effective and winter stores deficiencies had been corrected in September 2006.

If beekeepers suspect that their colony populations are collapsing, contact
Al Carl, Chief Apiary Inspector at 617-626-1802 or 413-253-2414 or al.carl@state.ma.us

Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar Photo Contest Returns
Amateur photographers, farmers, who enjoy capturing local rural scenes, farm animals and fresh produce are invited to enter the Massachusetts Agriculture Photo Contest sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. Winning photos will be featured in the 2008 Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar.

Twelve photos will be selected, one for each month. Photos will be selected that depict the diversity of agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources on the Commonwealth’s farms throughout the year.

Winning photographers will be credited in the calendar, will be invited to attend a winner’s ceremony at the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) in Springfield in September and will receive copies of the calendar. To view last year’s winners, click on Calendar at www.mass.gov/agr. Deadline for photographs: June 1, 2007. For more details and an entry form (in PDF) for the 2007 Calendar photo contest, click here, or contact Rick LeBlanc, richard.leblanc@state.ma.us.

New bakery opens in South Deerfield
El Jardin Bakery, makers of excellent organic hearth baked breads has opened a new retail location at 265 Greenfield Rd (Routes 5&10) in South Deerfield, 1.5 miles north of Yankee Candle. Their new café serves fair trade coffee, hand made desserts and their organic wood fired sourdough breads.

El Jardin Bakery’s production is still based in the Centro Agricola of Nuestras Raices in Holyoke and you will still be able to find its delicious healthy bread at the Holyoke Farmers Market among other farm and retail locations. For more info: www.eljardinbakery.com or (413) 315-6330.

2007 Harvest Awards: Nominate Someone that Inspires You
Glynwood Center’s 5th Annual Harvest Awards will recognize innovative farmers, organizations, and businesses from across the U.S. that are doing an exceptional job of supporting local and regional agriculture. The goal is to encourage this growing movement by inspiring others to take action within their own communities. You can help by nominating someone whose work you admire. This year’s categories include a Farmer Award, Good Neighbor Award, and Connecting Communities, Farmers, and Food Award. Additional categories will be announced on June 4, 2007. The deadline for nominations will be July 17th. To receive nomination forms and final award categories when they become available, please contact Kim Vargo at kvargo@glynwood.org or (845) 265-3338. For information about past winners, please visit www.glynwood.org.

School garden wish list

Project Green Up is a community project to restore and revitalize a greenhouse and courtyard at Sullivan Elementary School in Holyoke, MA. This will be our first growing season using the greenhouse that has been restored through the help of students and community volunteers, but we are still in need of donations of supplies for the project.

Our wishlist includes:
-Vegetable potting soil
-70 6 inch terracotta pots
-stepping stone kits
-seasonal annuals for planting
-storage shed
-lumber (hemlock or cedar)
-grape trellis materials
-2 25 foot hoses
-garden clogs (all sizes and colors) mesh bag for storage
-2-water catchment barrels
-plastic pots 2''; 4 and 6 packs, seedling trays to hold 4/6 packs
-picnic table with umbrella
-benches
-grass seed

Educational items:
-interactive outdoor education tools that focus on habitat, ecosystems,
trees, plants, birds, bugs
-outdoor microscopes/ hand lenses
-field guide books (trees, insects, butterflies, rocks, soil)
-handscopes
-observation containers
-gardening resource books

Please e-mail Jonah at resisting@riseup.net or call 413-585-6718 if you are interested in donating to this very special project!

FDA aware of dangers to food
The Food and Drug Administration has known for years about contamination problems at a Georgia peanut butter plant and on California spinach farms that led to disease outbreaks that killed three people, sickened hundreds, and forced one of the biggest product recalls in U.S. history, documents and interviews show. Info here.

NOFA Seeks Organic Dairy Technical Advisor

The NOFA/Mass Organic Dairy Program continues to grow as more dairy farmers seek alternative, sustainable production methods to keep their farms viable. NOFA/Mass is looking to hire a person whose primary responsibility will be to provide direct technical assistance to farmers wanting to transition to organic or raw milk production.

Total compensation for this position is $2,500 including expenses. Expected hours are between 5 – 10 hours per week from June 1 through September 30, 2007. Possible grant funding will increase position to 15 hours per week and will continue the position into the future. NOFA/Mass consultants are required to attend the annual board/staff retreat in February and staff meeting in October and must be current NOFA/Mass members.

Please send a resume with three references to NOFA/Mass Organic Dairy Coordinator, Kate Rossiter at krossiter@nofamass.org (email preferred), 68 Elm Street, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370. Questions, call (413) 625-0118. Deadline for applications is May 15, 2007.

Space available at the 2nd Annual Specialty food Show May 31 in Northampton
The Franklin County CDC's Food Center program is putting on its second annual Specialty food Show. There are still spaces available for the May 31 show being held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Northampton from 12:00 Noon to 6PM. The show is nearly twice the size of last year, and we expect to see an even larger number of buyers this year.

Last year, 35 exhibitors of specialty, natural, organic, and farm value-added products had a captive audience of more than 100 buyers. Among the attendees were representatives from co-ops, natural/specialty/organic stores, independent chains, and large players such as Whole Foods (nearly all of the individual New England stores), Associated Buyers, United Natural Foods, and brokers to the specialty food trade.

Don't miss out! If you have specialty products that you would like to exhibit, please contact Herb Heller at herbh@fccdc.org for registration details.

Martin’s Farm Compost approved for organic farms and gardens
Local Hero member Bob Martin announces that his compost has been approved by Baystate Organic Certifiers for use on organic farms and gardens.

Martin’s Premium compost is a blend of approximately 50% manure, 50% leaves. They also will offer a ‘humified’ compost ready in April, made from a wide variety of organic materials. “We use only local, compostable materials in our products,” says Bob. “Many farmers and gardeners in the area report great success with our products. We hold our compost piles at around 150 degress for several weeks to destroy all weed seeds and other pathogens.”

Pickup at the farm or delivery is available. Call Bob at 774-5631 for more info or visit their web site, www.martinsfarmrecycling.com.

Workshops, Events, Announcements

Local Hero winery hosts season opener June 2 & 3

Chester Hill Winery, in Chester, MA will celebrate the season with an even that’s free to the public, offering music, wine tasting and finger food.
For more information go to www.blueberrywine.com

Daylily Sale Open House

At Local Hero member Glenbrook Gardens
Many Colors & Sizes!
June 16, 2007 and August 18, 2007

Dayliliy Festival July 14, 2007
9 AM to 4 PM

Located off Leyden Rd. in Greenfield, MA
Info: Richard Willard ~ 413-772-6997

Red Fire Farm is looking for your farm product to sell at the farm stand

The stand located in a 1922 barn sells it's organic vegetables, local grocery items and non food items. Everything from El Jardin bread to Songline Emu oil. Especially needed are jams and jellies. Send a letter with your product information and prices to Red Fire Farm, 7 Carver Street, Granby, MA 01033...attention Deb. Be sure to visit the web site to see the farm stand: www.redfirefarm.com.

Climate change events and activities

The Rising Tide Road Show's Climate Action Tour Comes to Western MA

The Rising Tide Road Show's Climate Action Tour uses music, theater, and multi-media presentations to address climate change and environmental justice. The Road Show will travel the continent in a bus powered by recycled veggie oil, bringing the struggle for justice and sustainability to community centers, churches, and schools around the continent.

Two performances will take place:

-May 11th 7 p.m. at Food For Thought Books in downtown Amherst
-May 12th at Noon on the steps of the Unitarian Universalist Society downtown
Northampton between Town Hall and Pulaski Park.

For more info go to their web site or email enviroshow@valleyfreeradio.org.

Community Solutions to Global Warming
Climate Change: From Despair to Empowerment
Featuring John Seed, Founder & Director: The Rainforest Information Center, Australia
Awarded the Order of Australia Medal for Services to Conservation & the Environment.
Fellow of the Findhorn Foundation. Occasional Scholar-in-Residence at the Esalen Institute.

Evening Forums
ALL EVENING FORUMS ARE FREE
Greenfield – 2nd Congregational Church - Wednesday, May 9th – 7-9 pm
6:30 – 7:00 pm – Guitar & Voice by Pamela Wyn Shannon:
Pastoral Songs Celebrating The Seasons, Botanica & Rural Rambling

Amherst – University of Massachusetts - Thursday, May 10th – noon–2pm
Northampton – Friends Meeting – 43 Center Street - Sunday, May 13th – 7-9 pm

WORKSHOPS AT EARTHLANDS*
May 12th 9:30am – 5:30 pm & May 13th 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
*Workshop Pre-Registration Required: earthlands@earthlands.org or 978-724-3428

Co-sponsors: Earthlands, Sirius Community, Traprock Peace Center, Peace & Justice Ministry of 2nd Congregation al Church of Greenfield , Clean Water Action, Human Ecology Department of GCC, Peace & Social Justice Department of GCC, The Hampshire Interfaith Council Environmental Task Force, Interhelp, Citizens Awareness Network, MA, Greenfield Energy Committee

Garden like the pros with free spring seminars at New England Wild Flower Society’s Nasami Farm

The New England Wild Flower Society is a leader in horticulture workshops both at it’s Nasami Farm site and throughout the region. Here’s just a sampling of what is coming up this spring.

May 6 Choice Native Plants for Containers
Nasami’s Nursery Grower Mariya Navazio shares her secrets of using native plants to create bold and beautiful container plantings.
May 13 Tips for PlantingTrees and Shrubs
Education Director Greg Lowenberg shows you how to install woody plants like a pro—it’s easy! Give your trees and shrubs the best start; avoid common mistakes.
May 20 Consult a Garden Designer
Master’s degree students from the Conway School of Landscape Design help you solve your own garden or landscape challenges. Bring your questions, photographs, or schematics for a free 15-minute design consultation.
May 27 Great Wildflowers for Shady Gardens
Nasami Farm Manager Miranda Fisk shows off an array of exciting species to light up your woodland or partial shade garden. Come see some of the Society’s favorite
natives for flowers, foliage, color, and texture.
June 3 Natural Pest Control: Insects,Weeds, Deer, Disease
Certified Horticulturist Jim McSweeney demonstrates how to have a beautiful garden or lawn without major pest problems. Learn some safe, pesticide-free methods, and find out which “bio-rational” products actually work.

Looking to dig a little deeper…get your hands dirty? Sign up for one of the Society’s many intensive classes. For the complete list visit http://www.newenglandwild.org/courses/s-s-07-hort.pdf. Here's just an example:

LOW MAINTENANCE DESIGN WITH NATIVE PLANTS
Nasami Farm Native Plant Nursery, Whately, MA
Saturday, May 5, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
It’s both possible and practical to lower your garden maintenance by using native plants and designing carefully. Learn how to design a unique garden space with strong connections to our spectacular New England landscape—one you can enjoy without a backbreaking effort. In this interactive format, you are encouraged to bring your ideas, along with photographs and plans or sketches of your own property. Landscape designer Owen Wormser will help you work on creating enjoyable, low maintenance, and sustainable garden paces while discovering important functional and aesthetic aspects of native plants and their relation to your landscape. Instructor: Owen Wormser, owner of Treefrog Landscapes Inc., a design/build/consulting firm in Northampton, Massachusetts Fee: $36M/$40NM Limit: 15 participants

The Society’s Nasami Farm offers 600 species and cultivars of native plants for sale to the public beginning April 20. All sales and membership supports the health of New England’s natural areas through the Society’s conservation programs. For a complete listing of the Society’s activities, visit their web site: www.newenglandWILD.org.

Nasami Farm, New England Wild Flower Society’s native nursery is located at 128 North Street, Whately, MA, 413-397-9922. It is just 2 miles from I 91, easily accessible to many local and regional plant lovers. It opens for weekends on April 20, Friday-Sunday 9-5 with 600 native plant species available this year, and free demos on Sundays at 1 in May and June.

A Celebration Of Sustainable Living
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Annual Summer Fair
August 10-12, 2007

Join NOFA for over 200 workshops, incredible keynote speakers, a fun Saturday afternoon fair, numerous exhibitors and vendors and great organic food at Hampshire College, Amherst, MA on August 10-12.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn all about organic agriculture, natural landscaping, organic gardening, homesteading, animal care, sustainable living, holistic healing and so much more. Separate conferences for children and teens. To receive a Registration Form contact Julie Rawson at (978) 355-2853 or julie@nofamass.org. Online registration available and complete schedle and info: www.nofamass.org.

NOFA is Still Seeking Exhibitors! If interested, contact Katie Campbell-Nelson at (413) 337-4327 or katiecampbellnelson@gmail.com. Fun-makers: lend your ideas or talents to the fun Saturday afternoon Fair: still seeking jugglers, musicians, gymnasts, dog-tricksters, game-makers, etc.
The Music Stage is open to those with a desire to play – if you want a venue, you’ve got it. For the above, contact Tricia Cooper at: (617) 558-3322 or triciacoop@hotmail.com.

CLASSIFIED

Saw Mill Site Farm is looking for a part-time (15 to 20 hours per month) person who is enthusiastic about horseradish. They are seeking a flexible self-starter to help with various tasks, including: help with Farmers' Markets; store demo's, outreach to stores outside of Boston. If interested, please contact Terry at sawmillsitefarm@comcast.net or 413-665-3005.

Looking for a part-time job farm laborer this summer? Contact Courtney Hall, 413-642-0681 or sawnfreckles@hotmail.com.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, RSVP, of Franklin and Hampshire Counties is looking for a volunteer to help at Buckland/Shelburne Elementary School in Shelburne Falls. The volunteer would function as a Volunteer Coordinator. Responsibilities include working with local education council to organize times and positions of volunteers working within the school. The position will be during the school year, and it can be done from the school or from the volunteer’s home, or a combination of both. If you are interested in this opportunity or in volunteering in the school itself, please contact the RSVP Volunteer Coordinator; Kelly Donahoe at 413.584.1300x183 or kdonahoe@uwshc.org.

Pasture available in North Amherst: Approximately 5 acres of pasture available (has been idle for 4 years) with access to brook. Needs new fencing. Willing to trade rent for fence installation. (sheep? goats? cows?) All considered. Joe or Sarah (413) 230-3137

Land/homestead wanted to buy: Looking to purchase that perfect little farm/homestead. A fixer-upper farmhouse with 2-10 acres (at least 2 open tillable) within 1 hour of Northampton. Please call Rachel at 413-268-7548.

Wanted: Used small farm/market garden tools, equipment, and supplies. Please call Rachel at 413-268-7548.

Ongoing classes on organic cooking. Visit http://members.aol.com/lescerier/pages/classes.html to learn more.

Farm for Sale: 20 acres of prime farmland along the CT River. Quiet country setting yet just 10 minutes from I-91. Hay fields, crop fields, woven wire & electric fenced-in pastures for rotated grazing. No commercial fertilizers used on the land. Barn w/new additions, outbuildings, portable sheds, retail shop. 1800+ feet of road frontage. Large, classic New England Colonial Farmhouse with wrap-around porch and large front & back yards. Many renovations since 2001. Lots of potential -- perfect setting for bed & breakfast; campground; retreat; stables/horse boarding or your own dream farm. Located in West Northfield, MA -- Chee Chee Mamook Farm. Contact us at alpaca0410@yahoo.com to be directed to online photos & more information.

For Sale: Tractor items.
A/C Pick Up Plow - one furrow - 2 way. Will fit Allis-Chalmers Model "B" & "C" tractors.
Also A/C Tractor Mowing Attachment (side bar mower).
Fits both "B" & "C" models. Complete with manuals. Both is good condition.
For further information contact
Terry Grinnan, prop
Saw Mill Site Farm Horseradish Products
287 Conway Road
So. Deerfield, MA 01373
p 413-665-3005
sawmillsitefarm@comcast.net
www.horseradishdirect.com.

Used books & ephemera relating to AGRICULTURE (also many other subjects including architecture, woodworking and regional history) are available for sale at:

Nancy L. Dole Books & Ephemera
32 Bridge St. 2nd floor
SHELBURNE FALLS, MA 01370
open everyday but Monday
(413) 625-9850
ndole@crocker.com

Farmland wanted. 10 acres+ sought by farmer interested in raising sheep. Prefers the Colrain, Shelburne, Buckland area. Contact Ginger Wall, Gmwall42@aol.com.

Help Wanted: Assistant Farm Manager for 2007 Season. Atlas Farm is a small family farm located in Deerfield, MA. We grow a wide variety of certified organic vegetables, herbs and flowers and sell our products at farmers' markets in Boston. We also sell wholesale to area grocery stores and grower co-ops throughout the season. We are entering our 4th season of operation and are committed to growing high quality produce. Currently 11 acres are in production with plans for expansion in 2007. We seek an Assistant Farm Manager for the 2007 growing season to assist with all aspects of production as well as supervision of the farm crew. Training by the farm manager will be provided. This is an ideal position for someone with previous farming experience looking to take on more of a management role. Salary is commensurate with experience. To begin the application process, submit a letter of interest to gideon@atlasfarm.com or mail to: Gideon Porth/Atlas Farm 8 Pine Street South Deerfield, MA 01373

Land for rent. 15 organic acres in Buckland close to Shelburne Falls. Large barn available. Owner will help skilled operator with start up expenses. Water available. Very low rent/barter possible. Call Michael 413 625-8300.

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.

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