There's always something going on in the Valley—from farm festivals and seasonal events to workshops, film screenings, farm summer camps, and more.  Sign up for our free monthly e-newsletter for the latest events and happenings.

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Fresh! Movie Screening and Discussion
Monday February 8th, 6:00 pm
S. White Dickinson Library, 202 Chestnut Plain Road, Whately
New thinking about what we're eating!
"FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system." Join us after the film for a discussion led by Margaret Christie, CISA's Special Project Director. Visit www.freshthemovie.com for more information.

Farming Smarter, Not Harder: Tune-up your business and increase your net profit.
Tuesday, February 9, 6:00pm-8:30pm
At The Food Bank of Western MA
97 N. Hatfield Rd in Hatfield
Have an allergic reaction to business? Want to work less and make more money? Wonder where all the money comes and goes? Find out your farm's profit centers- which parts of your farm make the most money and which may actually lose money. Enterprise analysis looks at all the different things you do on the farm and rates them side by side for comparison and Richard Wiswall from Cate Farm, VT will teach you what you need to know so you can work on these important farm business concerns.  To find out more about this third workshop in the Financial Management Planning series click here.

Workshop on Agritourism and Culinary Tourism AND Vermont Farms! Association Annual Meeting
Tuesday, February 9, 9:30am-3:00pm
Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, VT
Hosting events on the farm? Having visitors in your sugarhouse? Serving food to your guests? What do you need to know? The workshop will help you develop a risk management plan for your farm. The workshop is open to the public. Sponsored by Vermont Farms! Association, the University of Vermont Extension, and Plymouth State University with grant support from the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education.For more information and to register, contact Sally Cleveland at sally.cleveland@uvm.edu or 866-348-FARM (3276).   

Mornings on the Farm
Tuesday, February 9, 10:00am - 11:30am
Red Gate Farm
Join us as we spend the second Tuesday of every month exploring the farm together. We will focus on a different theme every month, participate in fun, hands-on activities, and meet the animals! The theme for this class will be CHICKENS! Learn all about our chickens and hold one, if you dare! Ages 0-4, with accompanying adult. Backpack babies welcome. Please call the Farm Office to register. 10/adult & child, $3/each additional child babies under 6 months free. 413-625-9503.

How to Profit from Institutional Demand for "Locally Grown" Produce
Tuesday, February 9, 10:30am
Devens Common Center
MA Farm to School Project offers this free workshop primarily for wholesale fruit and vegetable growers. Topics include the current status of institutional demand for locally grown produce, evaluating the "direct sales to institutions" approach, a review of possible new methods for effective distribution/sales to school customers, and more. Email mafarmtoschool@gmail.com or call 413-253-3844 for dates and locations.

Public Forum on Forest Stewardship
Tuesday, February 9, 5-7pm
Jones Library (43 Amity Street), Amherst
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking public comment on the draft recommendations for the stewardship of over 300,000 acres in state- owned forests. Additional forums are planned for other areas of the state.

Winter Flower Growers-Retailers Program
February 10, 9:30am-3:30pm
D&D Greenhouses, 32 Hudson Rd., Stow, MA
Topics include: making your business profitable in 2010, using biological control for spring crops, reducing plant stretch, update on chrysanthemum white rust, and how a website can work for your businsess. For more information contact: Tina Smith, UMass 413-545-5306, tsmith@umext.umass.edu Paul Lopes, UMass 508-295-2212 ext 24, lopes@umext.umass.edu or Bob Luczai, MFGA 781-275-4811, bluczai@ballhort.com

North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program
2nd Annual Farmer-Mentor Circle Workshop
"The Art of Mentoring Apprentices"
Friday, February 12- Sunday, Feburary 14
Hawthorne Valley Farm, Harlemville, NY
Join for an exciting weekend of learning and fellowship as we explore the art of teaching on the farm, hear about successful apprenticeship programs, and develop a stronger network of farmer-mentor peers. Miranda Smith with keynote. Contact Kimberly Barnes at info@bdtraining.org for more information or to sign up!

Open Farm and Valentine Sale
Saturday and Sunday, February 13 & 14, 10am - 4pm
Craigieburn Farm Alpacas, Pelham, MA
We will be open Valentine's Day weekend for you to visit our alpacas and shop in our farm store. We have a new shipment of yarn from our own alpacas. See and feel for yourself the warmth and softness of alpaca. Our farm store stocks socks, gloves, scarves, and other items made from alpaca. See these whimsical creatures that produce the gift of alpaca fiber. For more information, contact Steve Rice at 413-253-4485.

Sprouts Vacation Days
for children ages 4 - 6
Tuesday - Thursday, Feb. 16th - 18th : 9:00am - 3:00pm
Red Gate Farm
Young children are invited to explore and discover the wonders of the farm in winter. We will be feeding the animals, making fiber crafts, going on a short hike and investigating our natural world. Come join us for one, two or three days of fun-filled adventures on the farm.
$45 per day for members / $55 per day for non-members
Or sign up for all three days: $110 all three days for Red Gate Farm members / $140 all three days for non-members. 413-625-9503

Winter Farm Fun (Winter Vacation Camp) for children ages 7 - 10
Tuesday - Thursday, Feb. 16th - 18th: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Red Gate Farm
Come join us for this special winter vacation program. Help us care for the animals, go snowshoeing, and play some great games. Of course, sledding will be a great part of our days! Each day will be unique, so come for one day, or all three. We will also be practicing fire building in preparation for ‘Fire and Ice!'.
$45 per day for members / $55 per day for non-members
Or sign up for all three days: $110 all three days for Red Gate Farm members / $140 all three days for non-members. 413-625-9503

How to Profit from Institutional Demand for "Locally Grown" Produce
Wednesday, February 17, 10:30am
Pittsfield Athenaeum
MA Farm to School Project offers this free workshop primarily for wholesale fruit and vegetable growers. Topics include the current status of institutional demand for locally grown produce, evaluating the "direct sales to institutions" approach, a review of possible new methods for effective distribution/sales to school customers, and more. Email mafarmtoschool@gmail.com or call 413-253-3844 for dates and locations.

Food, Inc. Screening and Discussion
Thursday, February 18, 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Isenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst
121 President's Drive, Room 137
Join Net Impact UMass Amherst for a screening of Food, Inc. Stick around after the screening for a conversation with Kerry Manire from Brookfield Farm, a community sponsored farm in Belchertown. Attendance is free and open to the public. Donations welcome. Please see http://netimpactumass.org for more information about our organization and future events or contact us at netimpactumass@gmail.com.

Volunteer Training Session
Saturday, February 20, 9am - 11am
CISA (One Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield)
Interested in volunteering with CISA? Want to help promote local agriculture? Come to this volunteer training session to receive an overview of CISA's history and programs and learn the fine points of staffing our information booths at local food and farm events throughout 2010. Contact Tracie Butler-Kurth at 413-665-7100 x 12 to register.

Fire & Ice!
Saturday, February 20, 5pm - 8pm
Red Gate Farm
Join us for this super special night at the farm. Warm yourself by the bonfire after sledding down the hill under the lights. There will be winter games and fun contests for children. We will also have a grill and food for dinner, so bring your appetite. Cocoa and s'mores for dessert! You can bring your own sled or borrow one of ours! All ages welcome. No registration required. RSVP appreciated. Free to all. $5 Suggested Donation to support the farm.413-625-9503

Shearing Day at Little Brook Farm
Saturday, February 20, 9:30am-12pm
Come to Little Brook Farm to join in on the fun at sheep shearing day! Andy Rice of Hoggett Hill Farm will be there to shear the sheep and get them ready for lambing. Learn why, when, and how we shear, handle some fleece (raw wool), and watch the border collies work. This is also a great opportunity to learn about the Summer Farm Camp at Little Brook, and registrations will be available. The event is free, but please call or email Kristen if you plan to stop by. 413-665-3802 or kristen@littlebrookfarm.com

1st Annual North Quabbin Food Forum
Saturday, February 20th, 10:00am-3:00pm
(snow date Feb. 21)
Orange Innovation Center, 131 W. Main St, Orange, MA
This day of activity, workshops, and conversation united North Quabbin residents to gain real skills and share innovative ideas for local, healthy food and a stronger community. The event is free, with priority give to those who live/work in or around North Quabbin. For more information and a schedule of workshops, visit www.seedsofsolidarity.org or call Deb at 978-544-9023.

How to Profit from Institutional Demand for "Locally Grown" Produce
Thursday, February 25, 10:30am
Wrentham Town Hall
MA Farm to School Project offers this free workshop primarily for wholesale fruit and vegetable growers. Topics include the current status of institutional demand for locally grown produce, evaluating the "direct sales to institutions" approach, a review of possible new methods for effective distribution/sales to school customers, and more. Email mafarmtoschool@gmail.com or call 413-253-3844 for dates and locations.

Arlington Farm Share Fair
Thursday, February 25, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Park Avenue Congregational Church, 50 Paul Revere Rd, Arlington, MA
A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) fair featuring twelve farms, one fishery, and one honey CSA. Farmers will be on-hand to tell you how their farm share works, what will be included, and how you can join. Share in the adventure of local farming this season! For more information please visit www.CSAFairArlington.wordpress.com.

Farm and Forest Winter Overnight
Saturday, February 27  10:00am
Open View Farm, 482 Newhall Rd, Conway, MA
Paul Wanta will lead a Farm and Forest Overnight or young people ages 9-14 and their parent. Paul Wanta will lead an exploration of the forest behind Open View Farm. Participants will be involved in tracking, shelter building, fire starting, story telling, stargazing and forest craft activities. Bring your own lunch on Saturday, Saturday night supper will be potluck and a simple breakfast and sandwiches on Sunday will be provided. Bring snowshoes if you have them. There is always sledding and baby lambs at the end of February at Open View Farm! $70 per person for the weekend- sliding scale available. Call Emmy at 413-369-0240 to register. Bring a sleeping bag, pillow and towel if you plan to sleep over. Check us out at: www.openviewfarm.org

UMASS Seminars for the Home Garden and Small Farm
Dates and locations listed below:
Feb. 27: Growing and Pruning Apples (Belchertown)
Mar. 6: Grafting Apple Trees (Peabody)
Mar. 13: Growing and Pruning Berries (Weston)
Mar. 20: An Introduction to Growing Grapes (Belchertown)
Mar. 27: Small-scale Viticulture (Belchertown)
Apr. 10: The 100-Square Foot, 25-Tree, 5-Variety Backyard Apple Orchard Fruiting Wall (Peabody)
Apr 17: Growing and Pruning Berries (Northborough)
Apr. 24: Managing Weeds Organically (Topsfield)
To register and learn more, visit http://www.UMassGarden.com

Family Farm Day
Saturday, February 27, 9:30am - 11:30am
Red Gate Farm
Join us on the last Saturday of every month for a fun filled morning exploring the farm. We will focus on a different theme every month. In February we will learn about maple sugaring. Learn to identify a Sugar Maple in winter, how we tap trees, and how the thin sap is made into thick, sweet syrup.
Ages 2 - 8, with accompanying adult. Backpack babies and older children welcome. Space is limited, Please call the Farm Office to register. $5 for Red Gate Farm member families / $10 for non-member familie. 413-625-9503

Financial Decision Making
Tuesday, March 2, 6:00pm-8:30pm
Potpourri Plaza conference room
241-243 King St., Northampton
Willie Gibson of NOFA-VT and farmer will introduce farmers to tools for assessing one-time large investment improvements. Partial budgeting and decision making tools will also be explored to help farmers make these decisions.  Find more details about this fourth workshop in CISA's series.

Dr. Temple Grandin Presents
Monday, March 1, 7:30pm
Old Sturbridge Village
Dr. Grandin will make a public presentation on "Animal Behavior and Autism" with a refreshment period.  There will be a book signing pportunity after Dr. Grandin speaks. Tickets at $15 each are available at www.osv.org or by calling Old Sturbridge Village at 800-733-1830. Advance tickets are recommended. For more information about the Old Sturbridge Village presentation please contact Alexis Conte at conte@osv.org 508-347-0396. 

Mornings on the Farm
Tuesday, March 9, 10:00am - 11:30am
Red Gate Farm
Join us as we spend the second Tuesday of every month exploring the farm together. We will focus on a different theme every month, participate in fun, hands-on activities, and meet the animals! The theme for this class will be Maple Sugaring. Come learn how we make sweet, thick syrup from trees. Ages 0-4, with accompanying adult. Backpack babies welcome. Please call the Farm Office to register. 10/adult & child, $3/each additional child babies under 6 months free. 413-625-9503

Community Tree Conference: Tree Invasives, what's next?
Tuesday, March 9th, 9:00am-4:00pm
Stockbridge Hall, UMASS Amherst
This one-day conference is designed for arborists, tree wardens, muncipal managers, city planners, foresters, sugar bush owners and landscape architects. To register and learn more visit http://umassgreeninfo.org/

CT- Women's Agricultural Network Conference on approved kitchens
Wednesday, March 10, 8:30am - 3:30pm
Crowne Plaza Cromwell
If you're thinking of producing a specialty or value added food product on a large scale, then join us at* farm to kitchen to market*! The day is designed to help you explore the hows and whys of bringing your product to market. Click here to download a brochure.

Raising Capital
Wednesday, March 10, 6:00pm-8:30pm
Potpourri Plaza conference room
241-243 King St., Northampton
Kate Hayes will lead this fifth workshop of the series to help participants look at how to assess and maximize existing capital resources, identify potential new sources of capital and how to match those sources to your capital needs.  The session will also discuss raising capital through programs such as APR and Farm Viability, cost-sharing programs, partnerships and private "investors."  More details about the session can be found here.

3rd Annual Cabin Fever Seed Swap
Saturday, March 13, 1 - 4pm
Upstairs Meeting Room, Green Fields Market
Bring the extra seeds you saved and leave with others.Call 774-2220 for more information.

New England Farm Energy Conference
Monday, March 15- Tuesday, March 16
Radisson Hotel, Manchester, NH
Keynote speaker: Dr. Mike Norris, National Center for Appropriate Technology. One conference track will focus on oilseeds and biodiesel, and the other will focus on greenhouse effciency and renewable energy.

Franklin Conservation District Spring Tree, Shrub and Plant Sale
Order Deadline: Monday, March 15
Pick Up: Saturday, April 24 at Williams Sugar House, Deerfield
Click here for brochure and order form. For more information contact Joan Deely at 413-772-0384 ext. 110.

Is credit good for your farm/business? 
Wednesday, March 16, 6:00pm-8:30pm
Potpourri Plaza conference room
241-243 King St., Northampton
Keith Stechschulte from First Pioneer Farm Credit, ACA and Carrie Novak from the USDA Farm Service Agency will lead this workshop. The session will focus on what financial information, business plans, projections and more you'll need in preparation for applying for a loan.  Participants will also review the 5-Cs of credit - Capital, Capacity, Character, Collateral and Conditions.  Find out more details about this final workshop in the series.

Winter 2009-2010 Agricultural Business Planning Courses
MDAR is planning to offer two very popular courses for both aspiring and experienced farmers during the coming winter months. There are tentative plans to offer a session of each in Amherst and a session of TTS in Southeastern Mass. The sooner farmers register (see information below), the sooner the classes can be scheduled.

Exploring Your Small Farm Dream (Explorer)
The Explorer Program is intended for those who are considering farming as a small and likely part-time business. Its purpose is to help pre-venture, aspiring farmers learn what it will take to start and manage their own profitable agricultural enterprise, and to decide whether this is a path they really want to/can take. Explorer makes use of four guided group sessions, an acclaimed workbook, Instructors experienced in starting ag businesses, and extensive supporting resources. The goal of Explorer is to help you decide whether starting an agricultural business is right for you and, based on that decision, to help you plan practical next steps. It was created to help you articulate the clear vision and goals you will need to guide a new agricultural venture. Explorer meets four times (6-9 PM) over a six week window, usually beginning in January or February.

Tilling the Soil of Opportunity (TTS)
This innovative, farmer friendly course focuses on existing agricultural businesses that will benefit from an organized look at their current operation in order to plan for growth and change. Over 240 Massachusetts agricultural enterprises have completed TTS. The course instructor guides participants through creation of a business plan to improve decision making on the owner/operator's farm. MDAR has enhanced the 35 hours of group meetings with additional individualized technical assistance and confidential one-on-one financial planning. The instructor visits every participant's farm/ag enterprise at least once during the course.TTS meets 10 times (6-9 PM) on a once weekly basis over an 11 week window that begins in January.

Small Farm Planner
MDAR will be piloting one session (in Amherst) of a new offering for past Explorer graduates who are still working on taking the next steps but are not ready for TTS. It will begin in December and will meet three times over three months, with extensive email interaction between. If you have completed Explorer - here in Massachusetts or elsewhere - and are familiar with the workbook for that course, please contact Rick Chandler.

To receive registration information or for more information, contact Rick Chandler at MDAR, 413-548-1905. 

Mornings on the Farm
Tuesday, April 13, 10:00am - 11:30am
Red Gate Farm
Join us as we spend the second Tuesday of every month exploring the farm together. We will focus on a different theme every month, participate in fun, hands-on activities, and meet the animals! The theme for this class will be Spring! Come see the farm come alive with baby chicks, greenhouse plants, and worms in the garden. Ages 0-4, with accompanying adult. Backpack babies welcome. Please call the Farm Office to register. $10/adult & child, $3/each additional child babies under 6 months free. 413-625-9503

Insect Laboratory: Hands-on Identification and Management Strategies
April 15, 9:00am-3:30pm
UMASS Cranberry Station, 1 State Bog Rd, E. Wareham, MA
For more information and a registration form visit www.umassgreeninfo.org

Annual Cape Cod Horticultural Conference
Saturday, April 17, 8:00am-4:00pm
Barnstable High Performing Arts Center
744 W. Main St, Hyannis, MA
$60, registration form and conference agenda available at www.capecodextension.org. Call 508-375-6690 with questions.

Family Farm Day
Saturday, April 24, 9:30am - 11:30am
Red Gate Farm
Join us on the last Saturday of every month for a fun filled morning exploring the farm. We will focus on a different theme every month. In April we will see how our farm is coming alive with the spring. The snow has melted, the seedlings are thriving, and the baby chicks are here! Ages 2 - 8, with accompanying adult. Backpack babies and older children welcome. Space is limited, Please call the Farm Office to register. $5 for Red Gate Farm member families / $10 for non-member families. 413-625-9503

Scouting for Pests and Problems of Woody Ornamentals: Diseases and Weeds
April 29, Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, MA
Visit www.umassgreeninfo.org for more information