By Kelsey Rideout, FarmStart Outreach and Resource Development Intern

Pastured Pigs and Poultry workshop participants walking through the meadow at Green Being Farm.

On Saturday July 10th, FarmStart held a workshop called “Pastured Pigs and Poultry” at Green Being Farm in Neustadt, Ontario. This full day of learning was facilitated by the farm’s manager, Tarrah Young, who raises healthily fed and happily roaming pigs, chickens, turkeys and lamb. Many of the participants had some history of farming, although had little background in raising animals on pasture. It didn’t take long however for the enthusiastic and open-minded group to begin discovering the medley of benefits that come from enabling livestock to embrace their instinctively nomadic way of life.

Farmer Tarrah Young teaching participants about raising chickens on pasture.

The workshop began with understanding the life cycle of a pastured chicken. Participants first gathered inside the Green Being Farm chicken coop, where newly born chicks freely grow within an open, spacious room and benefit from being fed certified organic grain. Tarrah emphasized the meticulous care that is needed to ensure the birds’ survival and healthy development. By closely observing the well being of the chicks every morning, Tarrah constantly watches for any sign of disease or illness that a youngster may appear to be suffering from. Participants then ventured out further on the farm to view laying hens and fully-grown broilers that are raised on rotated parcels of pasture. Each visit outdoors was complimented with some essential classroom-style learning that drew upon important lessons in starting a viable business and surpassing the major barriers that often prevent farmers from entering the small-scale poultry industry. To end the morning, Tarrah encouraged participants to know their farm animals inside out, and performed an autopsy on one of her birds that had fallen ill. Participants attentively watched as Tarrah demonstrated how organs unique to chickens both look and function.

Berkshire pigs enjoying a snack under the sun!

While the morning had been full of intensive learning, the excitement only grew when Tarrah moved onto the next topic – pigs! To the delight of the participants, Tarrah provided a thorough overview of pigs – from their history in agriculture to their amazing ability to restore the soil’s fertility. The group then headed back outside to look at Tarrah’s Berkshire pigs, a heritage breed of pigs known for their succulent flavor. The pigs seemed hardly disturbed by the group’s presence, as they continued to bask in the sun and sprawl out in their mud-filled playground amidst the crowd of strangers. In a few weeks time, they will be old enough to freely run around in the grass and enjoy exploring the land. Upon living healthy, balanced lives full of exercise and leisure, Tarrah explained what key steps come after in humanely processing the meat and successfully selling her pork. By marketing directly to her customers, Tarrah is able to capture the entire sale price of her meats, and can also set her own prices so that they reflect the full cost of production.

At the end of the day, participants went home from Green Being Farm with a great amount of new knowledge and inspiration to begin farming in a more caring, sustainable and viable way. But before they left, many wandered around a little while longer, finding solace in the sounds and sights of the farm’s majestic environment, and sharing in the simple, undeniable joy that comes from feeling free.

To learn more about Green Being Farm, visit the farm’s website at www.greenbeingfarm.ca.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to learn about livestock and raising animals on pasture in FarmStart’s upcoming Fall workshops.

By Kelsey Rideout, FarmStart Outreach and Resource Development Intern

Joyce Ramnarine, a test cropper at McVean, enjoying the ribbon test!

On Saturday, May 30^th, FarmStart conducted two workshops entitled, “The Dirt on Soil” and “Introduction to Cover Cropping” at the McVean Incubator Farm Facility in Brampton. Individuals from a range of backgrounds came together to attend the sessions. Some of the participants were farmers from McVean, others had access to land and were beginning to explore different cultivation methods, and then there were those who simply had great interest in the topics at hand. With a diverse range of attendees and two very well-versed presenters, the day consisted of a great amount of learning and a whole lot of fun!

Tarrah Young, presenting her workshop, called 'The Dirt on Soil.'

Tarrah Young, farmer from Green Being Farm, presented an introductory level workshop on soil, a subject that she has been passionately teaching for over 8 years. Tarrah covered a range of soil topics, from more descriptive concepts like soil colour and soil make-up, to more complex concepts such as the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). Tarrah’s hands-on style left participants smiling from ear to ear as they got up, close and personal with the underground world. The group learned how to physically test and observe the soil’s texture by performing what’s known as the “ribbon test”. By the end of the session, Tarrah’s central message evidently resounded within the minds and spirits of the group – the need to develop a sense of wonderment and appreciation for the millions of living interactions taking place right beneath our feet.

Saulis Tribinevicius, presenting the afternoon workshop on cover cropping.

Saulis Tribinevicius, Farm Manager at McVean Farm, presented the afternoon workshop. Topics such as soil structure and soil fertility were once again explored, but this time through the new lens of cover cropping. As cover crops play a fundamental role in naturally sustaining essential nutrients within the soil and ridding crops of harmful pests, this workshop provided participants with essential tips for their farm and gardening plans. Saulis went over a variety of cover crops, including green manure, clovers, vetch, buckwheat, and sweetclovers. After a long and windy day full of stimulating conversations, participants left McVean with a head full of new knowledge and an itch to get back in the dirt and learn some more!

FarmStart will be running several workshops throughout this summer. Make sure to keep yourself updated by signing up for our Mailing List or checking our website for upcoming workshops and events!

Ready to Buy a Farm?

Thinking you’d like to buy a farm? Is this the right choice for you? How should you begin your search? How do you find financing? How do you make an offer? These questions and lots more will be the focus of this workshop, geared towards first time buyers. Topics to be covered will include:

- Setting priorities on what to look for in a farm based on your farm vision, and where to look.

- The process of getting approved for a mortgage, the role of a mortgage broker, and the difference between a residential and agricultural mortgage.

- The process of making an offer, knowing your rights and leaning the lingo (e.g., signbacks, amendments,chattels).

Workshop Level: Introductory

When: Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Where: The Stop, Green Barn, 601 Christie St.  View map.

Cost: $55

To Register and arrange for payment: Click on Course Registration

Running a sustainable and efficient market garden business requires the right tools! Knowing how to use them is almost as important as knowing how to grow.  Join Leslie Moskovits for a half day workshop to discuss, share ideas and learn about tools and supplies available to the small market gardener, from hoes and seeders to row cover and harvest bins.

When: June 5, 1pm-4pm

Where: Ebenezer Chapel & FarmStart McVean Incubator Farm Facility (directions will be sent to registrants), Brampton

Cost : $55

For more information and to register visit: www.farmstart.ca/workshops

The root of all life, including human life, is in the soil.  In this half-day workshop, join Tarrah Young from Green Being Farm(www.greenbeingfarm.ca/), to learn the basics of soil science in an accessible and hands-on way.  Rather than relying on inputs for fertility, get ready for ideas on how to optimize your soil’s health, and ultimately the health of your crops, by using the biological community to unleash the tremendous potential in your soil!

Workshop Level: Introductory

When: May 29, 2010, 10am – 1pm

Where: FarmStart McVean Incubator Farm Facility, Brampton. View map.

Cost: $55 or $95 for full day including the afternoon workshop Introduction to Cover Cropping

To Register and arrange for payment: Click on Course Registration.

Introduction to Cover Cropping

Tilling the soil is the beginning point of many agricultural problems. So what is a solution?  Cover cropping!  This workshop, led by McVean farm manager Saulis Tribinevicius, will discuss why cover crops are important, what the different types of cover crops are, how to choose and when to plant a cover crop, and how to manage them effectively.

Workshop Level: Introductory

When: May 29, 2010, 2pm – 5pm

Where: FarmStart McVean Incubator Farm Facility, Brampton. View map.

Cost: $55 or $95 for full day including the morning workshop The Dirt on Soil

To Register and arrange for payment: Click on Course Registration.

To learn about other upcoming FarmStart workshops visit www.farmstart.ca/workshops

Position Description:

Employer: FarmStart (www.FarmStart.ca)

Position Title: New Farmer Coordinator Intern

Location: Guelph, Ontario

Deadline: May 15, 2010

Eligibility:

- between the ages of 15 and 30;
- unemployed or under-employed;
- have graduated from an agriculture-related program in a university, college or CEGEP; or a provincial program focusing on biological, agricultural and veterinary science or applied technology
- Canadian citizens or have landed immigrant status.

Description:

The intern will ideally be a person who has knowledge of the agriculture sector in Ontario. The position involves substantial interaction with people of different backgrounds and cultures; hence he/she should have basic human resource skills and must be a good listener. He/she should be able to make decisions based on the needs of individual farmers and also must be able to gauge quickly each persons situation.

The internship will involve duties in the following two categories

I. New Farmer Communication and Coordination

• Communicate with the prospective new farmers who contact FarmStart
• Assess their individual needs and guide them to the possible next steps
• Provide them with access to the different resources within FarmStart and other agencies in the province
• Arrange farm tours for groups when necessary
• Coordinate with the Incubator Farm Manager & Program Manager to place new farmers on the incubator farms
• Assist farmers who complete their tenure in the incubator farms by linking them to farmland
• Assist with the Explore Your New Farm Dream workshop conducted for prospective new farmers

II. Direct Farmer Services Program Support

• Work closely with the Program Manager throughout the internship to acquire the skills needed to engage with new farmers
• Establish links with organizations that are working on new farmer issues
• Assist the Program Manager in managing the small grants program
• Present, either individually or with the Program Manager, FarmStart’s work at different forums/workshop/conferences
• Explore land tenure and land linking options for new farmers

Email resume and cover letter in a single document (Word or PDF) to:

sri@farmstart.ca

c/o Sri Sethuratnam

Director Direct Farmer Services, FarmStart

We regret that only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thursday April 22nd 7:30pm ET on ichannel http://www.ichannel.ca/global_footprints

“Find out the impacts city life has on the natural world. Learn what innovative things people are doing to help cities be more sustainable. We’ll feature green roofs and their importance in saving water and adding to the cities biodiversity; let the sun shine in with passive solar; get a tour of the eco home archetypes and finally growing food in a box, will have you thinking inside the box.”

Position Description

Employer: FarmStart (http://www.farmstart.ca)

Position Title: FarmLINK Outreach & Resource Development Intern

Length of Internship: 6 months, full time

Location: Guelph, Ontario

Start date: Flexible but must be completed by December 15^th

Eligibility: This position is funded through the Youth Eco Internship Program (YEIP)* (http://www.yeip.ca). Applicants for this position must be:

-       Between the ages of 18 and 30

-       Unemployed

-       A Canadian citizen

-       A high school graduate who has not graduated from College or University

Internship Description:

The FarmLINK Outreach & Resource Development Intern will work with the FarmLINK Program Manager to develop case studies and short video profiles of innovative and successful land tenure, farm business and mentoring arrangements for the FarmLINK website (http://www.farmlink.net). The Intern will also help to develop outreach, communication and resource materials.

FarmLINK.net is a matchmaking tool that brings together new farmers who are looking for land or mentoring with farmland owners who have land available or expertise to share. By documenting existing working models, the intern will be providing an invaluable resource to those considering similar arrangements.

Through this position, the intern will also have the opportunity to participate in various aspects of FarmStart’s daily operations (meetings, events, workshops) and to connect with individuals, resources and networks that are supporting new ecological farmers across the province.

We are looking for a results-oriented and self-motivated individual who can also work as part of a team. We hope to find a skilled writer and storyteller who is comfortable interviewing farmers and who can communicate complex ideas in straightforward and creative ways.

For a full position description and for information on how to apply click on FarmLINK Outreach & Resource Development Intern Posting

New Farmer Training Day, March 4^th – Come hear from Joel Salatin, grass farming guru from Polyface Farm as well as other experienced farmers on topics such as Pastured Pigs, Pastured Poultry, Intro to Sheep, Crop Planning for Vegetable Growers, Salad Bar Beef, Healthy Soils and Marketing. Or attend a full day CSA Mini-School!

March 5^th and 6^th – Pick from a variety of workshops on emerging issues in farming, including Urban Agriculture, the Local Abattoir Crisis, Accessing Land & Capital, and more!

When: March 4^th – 6^th, 2010

Where: Kitchener, Delta Hotel (105 King Street East)

Cost: $95 per day

For more information and to register visit http://www.bringfoodhome.com