Production Skills

Making the Most of a Hoophouse

Media:

  • Digital Download

This presentation was developed for a non-refugee audience but the content can be adapted. The main objective of the presentation is for growers to understand that some crops are better suited to hoop-houses than others, based on seasonality and spacing. Growers will think about which crops to put inside the hoop-house, which I like to call the “high rent district,” and which to plant outdoors, for the greatest sales potential over the course of the season. Farmers will understand the concept of degree days and that both temperature and day length affect plant growth. Finally, an overview of marketing options is presented, so that farmers can begin to think about this before learning more in-depth marketing information in future presentations.

Plant Spacing Tool

Media:

  • Digital Download

This is a tool (not a lesson) for farmers or gardeners to use in the field as a reference for plant spacing when planting out crops. Growers should be oriented to this tool before using, but in lieu of an actual lesson plan, see tips below.

BCS Safety Checklist

Media:

  • Digital Download

The BCS Safety Checklist and Parts Diagram is a resource designed to be incorporated into a field workshop to train multi-farming and language/literacy farmers how to safely operate and maintain a BCS machine and roto-tiller attachment. This resource should be used by staff as a guide to teach farmers during a workshop, but can also stand alone as a handout or sign after an initial workshop. Staff will use hands-on demonstration to show farmers how to operate machines and attachments.

Crop Production Manual

Media:

  • Digital Download

This is a resource designed to provide farmers with readily accessible, technical information and cultural practices for organic vegetable production without relying on advanced English literacy skills. This manual can be introduced in pre-season crop planning settings and subsequently used throughout the planting season. Though the practices and suggested planting dates presented are specific to our New England growing season, the icons can be easily modified to represent practices and timing suited to your farm and locale.

Season Extension

Media:

  • Digital Download

This guide helps trainers deliver a series of trainings or activities to refugee farmers on season extension in temperate regions. The trainings were designed as a package, but each session or activity can be done independently. Graphics can be used both during and after the activities.This teaching resource was developed by Global Garden in Chicago, Illinois in partnership with the Institute for Social and Economic Development (ISED Solutions). Refugee farmer training programs across the country provided feedback on this lesson, which is now integrated throughout the guide.

Cornell GAP's Sample Soil Amendment Template

Media:

  • Digital Download

Use this soil amendment application template developed by Cornell's GAP program (https://gaps.cornell.edu/educational-materials/decision-trees/log-sheets...) to help record what, how much and where you apply fertilizers on your farm.  This template will help you with both the Nutrient Management Plan required by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultual Resources (starting in 2016) and to help with your farm's food safety plan.   

Field Planting Records Template

Media:

  • Digital Download

This record keeping template is meant to help you plan out timing and location of crops on your farm.  It also helps you record actual field data once crops have been planted or seeded.   

8.30.17 // 4:00pm to 6:00pm

CANCELLED: EMASS CRAFT Workshop: Tools for Small Scale Farming

This is a Show and Tell Workshop in conjunction with Eastern Massachusetts CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training). A wide variety of tools including walk-behind tractors, wheel hoes, flame weeders and more that are used in small scale farming will be examined and demonstrated. Please bring your own favorite tool for small scale farming to demonstrate!

6.13.17 // 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Irrigation Field Workshop

Our Farm Manager will be teaching a Field Workshop on irrigation, its uses, limitations, and problem-solving. Focus will be on drip and overhead systems, as well as on irrigation scheduling and plant water use.

CLASS OUTLINE - Class 2 for new participants -Farming 101

Gives a very basic introduction to the principles of growing produce in Maine with an emphasis on highlighting both what is similar to farming in Africa and what is different from farming in Africa.

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