BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//EFAO - ECPv6.14.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:EFAO X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://efao.ca X-WR-CALDESC:Events for EFAO REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Toronto BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240813T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240813T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20240718T150506Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240718T150506Z UID:19874-1723550400-1723561200@efao.ca SUMMARY:Kitchen Table Seed House Farm Tour and Seed Saving Demo DESCRIPTION:Come see a seed farm in action and learn about small scale seed cleaning equipment\, cover cropping and selling fresh produce in conjunction with seed saving. \nKathy Rothermel and Annie Richard – the humans of Kitchen Table Seed House – are dedicated to providing the most productive and flavourful varieties of organic vegetables\, herbs and flowers to grow and enjoy – both in the garden and in the kitchen. They grow over three acres at two separate sites on Wolfe Island\, to allow for crop rotations and necessary isolation distances. They are working to improve existing varieties to better perform in our region’s climate and soils as well as develop new varieties of vegetables that are flavourful\, productive and better suited for organic systems. \nJoin these experienced seed growers and farmers for a day on Wolfe Island and an in-depth tour and conversation about their story and systems\, as well as a seed cleaning demonstration. \nAbout the hosts \nAnnie is an eater\, seed producer and budding plant breeder. While in culinary school\, Annie rounded out her experience with a summer farm internship where she discovered the incredible range and potential of flavour possibilities in the garden. She went on to learn on numerous farms\, studied Sustainable Agriculture at Fleming College and worked at Kingston’s Heirloom Seed Sanctuary. These experiences reinforced her interest in producing and developing quality seed. A growing knowledge of plant breeding and the ways it can best serve farmers and gardeners lead to her working under Dr. Michael Mazourek in the Plant Breeding department at Cornell University. Her current work to improve and develop varieties\, with flavour at the forefront\, is her central focus at Kitchen Table Seed House. \nKathy is a gardener\, organic seed producer and mother. A life-long love of the country\, and a desire to share that experience with her family\, led to a move to Wolfe Island. Meeting local seed savers opened her world to the necessity of regional seed for the growth of a resilient and robust food system. She is a founding member of the Kingston and Area Seed System Initiative (KASSI)\, co-founder of Kitchen Table Seed House and is active in National Farmers Union Local 316. This work has been a natural extension of her socially active family and community life\, and her strong belief in the importance of gathering to share good food around the kitchen table. \nPreparation \nPlease bring your own lunch and snacks. \nAccessibility information \nTo access Wolfe Island\, please take the Wolfe Island ferry\, free from downtown Kingston. Carpool is encouraged! Look for the Kitchen Table Seed House farm sign off Hwy 95 – this indicates the lane to turn into. \nParking information \nParking along farm lane\, and if need be on the side of the road URL:https://efao.ca/event/kitchen-table-seed-house-farm-tour-and-seed-saving-demo/ LOCATION:Kitchen Table Seed House\, 602 Rd 95\, Wolfe Island\, Ontario CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/image-7-1-e1721314970701.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240810T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240810T210000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20240726T144130Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240726T144130Z UID:19943-1723307400-1723323600@efao.ca SUMMARY:Young Farmer Potluck at Cedar Down Farm DESCRIPTION:Join your fellow young farmers for a tour of Cedar Down Farm followed by a potluck! \nThis gathering is a continuation of the young farmer meet-up series planned for this season\, hosted by the EFAO and NFU locals in the Southwest region. This series will be an opportunity for young farmers\, such as farm staff and start-up farmers\, to socialize and tour other farms in the region. \nThe inspiration for this series comes from a gap left behind by CRAFT\, the former regional network for internships on ecological farms. Something we miss about CRAFT was that it provided opportunities for the next generation of farmers to meet and tour other farms. The EFAO and the NFU are enthusiastic about filling that gap! This event is hosted by the EFAO and NFU Local 344 (Grey County). \nKeep an eye on the EFAO website for the next young farmer potluck and field day! \nAgenda \n4:30 – 5:30 pm: Introductions and tour of Cedar Down Farm and Orchard\n5:30 – 9:00 pm: Young Farmer Potluck\nPreparation \nCome prepared to be outdoors and please bring: a potluck dish with a list of ingredients used\, your own plate/bowl\, cutlery\, drinks/water bottle \nAccessibility information\n\nOuthouse available onsite. Please let us know about any accessibility needs\n\nParking information\n\nPark on the grass past the yellow cabin meet at the red tent in the orchard URL:https://efao.ca/event/young-farmer-potluck-at-cedar-down-farm/ LOCATION:Cedar Down Farm\, 222145 Concession 14\, RR#1\, Neustadt\, ON\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/0e26e7cd-9d8f-41b8-a5a6-47e0d4b2dc3b-1-e1722004819575.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240724T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240724T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20240624T210431Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240627T153041Z UID:19759-1721818800-1721833200@efao.ca SUMMARY:Grey Wolf Gardens Field Day DESCRIPTION:La version française suit la présente version anglaise (The French version follows the English version). \nJoin us for an in-depth field day on sub-arctic ecological market gardening and starting a farm from scratch as part of our Northern Field Day Series. This session will cover the foundational aspects of establishing and maintaining an ecological market garden in the challenging sub-arctic environment. We’ll begin by exploring the geographic history of the Claybelt region\, focusing on the unique formation and characteristics of its soils. Participants will gain insights into the nursery’s layout and heating systems. \nWe will also delve into the 30-inch bed system used in market gardening\, highlighting crucial practices such as soil biology management\, no-till farming\, the creation of permanent paths\, and techniques to limit soil compaction. We’ll discuss the various irrigation systems\, including both overhead and drip methods\, to ensure efficient water use. We’ll also cover strategies for extending the growing season through the use of caterpillar tunnels and low tunnel systems\, enabling successful cultivation despite the short growing season and severe climate conditions. \nAbout the host \nLuke Dinan’s passion for providing a sustainable lifestyle for future generations began in his late teens when he purchased property in Prince Edward Island. Concerned about climate change and the threat of rising ocean levels\, he sought a safer location for future generations and settled in Cochrane\, Ontario\, where many of his family members are from. \nToday\, Luke and his wife Eva Dinan are the proud owners of Grey Wolf Gardens in Cochrane. As first-generation farmers\, they focus on growing high quality vegetables. Their mission is to supply the local community with fresh\, nutrient-dense produce and high-quality plant starts\, encouraging people to reconnect with their food sources and learn to grow their own food. \nAgenda \n11:00-11:30am – Gather for introductions\, EFAO information and land acknowledgement \n11:30-1:00pm – Tour/teaching – farm story\, starting from scratch\, history of the region and soils. \n1:00-1:30PM – Lunch ( please bring your own lunch!) \n1:30-3:00pm – Tour/teaching – farm set-up\, no-till beds\, nursery and much more! \nPreparation \nAs always please come prepared for any weather and bugs. This event is held 100% outdoors! \nIn order to make our training and community building events accessible to all farmers and future farmers in Ontario\, EFAO strives to reduce financial barriers for registration by using a Pay What You Can model. To register please complete this form! \nThis field day is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. \n \n  \n  \n  \n\nVenez vous joindre à nous pour une journée champêtre portant sur le maraîchage écologique subarctique et sur la création d’une ferme à partir de zéro. Cet événement est offert dans le cadre de notre série de journées champêtre dans le Nord et couvrira les aspects fondamentaux de l’établissement et du maintien d’un jardin maraîcher écologique dans un environnement subarctique difficile. Nous commencerons par explorer l’histoire géographique de la région de la ceinture d’argile\, en nous concentrant sur la formation unique et les caractéristiques de ses sols. Les participants auront un aperçu de l’aménagement de la pépinière et des systèmes de chauffage. \nNous aborderons également le système de plates-bandes de 30 pouces utilisé en maraîchage\, mettant en relief des pratiques importantes telles que la gestion de la biologie des sols\, la culture sans labour\, la création de sentiers de parterre permanents et les techniques permettant de limiter le compactage des sols. Nous discuterons des différents systèmes d’irrigation\, y compris les méthodes par aspersion et par goutte à goutte\, pour garantir une utilisation efficace de l’eau. Nous aborderons également les stratégies permettant de prolonger la saison de croissance grâce à l’utilisation de tunnels et de mini-tunnels\, permettant une culture réussie malgré la courte saison de croissance et les conditions climatiques sévères. \nAu sujet du présentateur \nLa passion de Luke Dinan pour offrir un mode de vie durable aux générations futures a commencé à la fin de son adolescence lorsqu’il a acheté une propriété à l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard. Préoccupé par le changement climatique et la menace de l’élévation du niveau des océans\, il a cherché un endroit plus sûr et s’est installé à Cochrane\, en Ontario\, d’où sont originaires plusieurs membres de sa famille. \nAujourd’hui\, Luke et son épouse Eva Bonjour sont les fiers propriétaires de Grey Wolf Gardens à Cochrane. En tant qu’agriculteurs de première génération\, ils se concentrent sur la culture de légumes de haute qualité. Leur mission est de fournir à la communauté locale des produits frais et riches en nutriments et des plants de haute qualité\, en encourageant les consommateurs à se reconnecter à la provenance de leurs aliments et à apprendre à cultiver leur propre nourriture. \n\nHoraire \n11h00-11h30 – Accueil et présentation des informations relatifs à l’organisme EFAO et reconnaissance des territoires traditionnels \n11h30-13h00 – Visite/enseignement – histoire de la ferme et du terroir \n13h00-13h30 – Dîner (veuillez apporter votre propre dîner !) \n13h30-15h00 – Visite/enseignement – installation de la ferme\, parterres sans labour\, pépinière et bien plus encore ! \n\nDétails \nComme toujours\, préparez-vous à affronter les intempéries et les insectes. Cet événement se déroule entièrement à l’extérieur ! URL:https://efao.ca/event/grey-wolf-gardens-field-day/ LOCATION:Grey Wolf Gardens\, 1461 Concession 8/9\, Cochrane\, Ontario\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/grey_wolf_gardens-e1719262657210.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240724T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240724T140000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20240607T173519Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240718T174318Z UID:19681-1721815200-1721829600@efao.ca SUMMARY:Salad Production at the New Farm DESCRIPTION:Join the New Farm team for an in-depth farm tour outlining their production processes and practices\, with a special focus on their cut salad production from seed to sale. Following an in-depth farm tour\, join the New Farm team for a bbq lunch (provided to all participants) and opportunity for discussion and questions together. \nAbout the host: \nThe New Farm is a wholesale vegetable operation near Creemore\, run by Brent Preston\, Gillian Flies and their incredible team. Their certified organic vegetable production focuses on a variety of cut salads\, heirloom potatoes\, rainbow beets and hoophouse-grown cucumbers\, which they supply to specialty retail stores and restaurants. \nPreparation: \nBBQ lunch is provided – please fill in google form upon registration. Additional directions and parking information will be sent to all participants on Monday\, July 22. \nIn order to make our training and community building events accessible to all farmers and future farmers in Ontario\, EFAO strives to reduce financial barriers for registration by using a Pay What You Can model. To register please complete this form! URL:https://efao.ca/event/salad-production-at-the-new-farm/ LOCATION:The New Farm\, 9783 Sideroad 6 & 7\, Nottawasaga\, Creemore\, Ontario\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-06-07-at-1.33.23-PM-e1717781662338.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240720T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240720T130000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20240709T162353Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240715T184852Z UID:19818-1721469600-1721480400@efao.ca SUMMARY:Kirkview Farms Rotational Grazing Field Day DESCRIPTION:At Kirkview Farms\, Cora\, Mike and their team practice regenerative agriculture – raising grass-finished beef\, pastured poultry\, goats and pork in a way that prioritizes animal welfare and environmental sustainability while producing high-quality meats. \nJoin us for a half-day field day to learn how the Kirkview team uses rotational grazing to improve the health and welfare of their livestock\, reduce input costs and care for the soil. You will also get a chance to check out some of the tools they use as regenerative farmers\, including a demonstration of how electric bikes can be used as a climate-friendly tool in moving livestock across acreage. \nCora and Mike will give an overview of the grass fed market\, grass fed genetics\, pasture forages\, grazing plans\, fencing and water supply\, as well as logistics and timing of rotating the different groups of livestock through the paddocks. No matter what type of farming you do\, you will learn something during this field day! \nPreparation \nFeel free to bring your own bagged lunch for a community picnic after the tour. \nParking \nPeople are welcome to park at the farm. \nAccessibility information \nPortable washroom will be available. \nThis event is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Rotational Grazing Systems category. \nThis day is presented in partnership with Farmers for Climate Solutions and with funding support from the On-Farm Climate Action Fund. \nIn order to make our training and community building events accessible to all farmers and future farmers in Ontario\, EFAO strives to reduce financial barriers for registration by using a Pay What You Can model. To register\, please complete this form! URL:https://efao.ca/event/kirkview-farms-rotational-grazing-field-day/ LOCATION:Kirkview Farms\, 20921 Laggan Glenelg Rd\, Dalkeith\, Ontario\, K0B1E0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/20230812_11430621-scaled-e1721069266282.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240710T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240710T140000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20240618T172826Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240627T171345Z UID:19618-1720605600-1720620000@efao.ca SUMMARY:Field Day at Poschaven Farm DESCRIPTION:La version française suit la présente version anglaise (The French version follows the English version). \nJoin us for a Field Day in Kenabeek\, ON at Poschaven Farms for an inside look at this heritage flour mill operation. The event will include a steam traction engine demonstration\, a stone ground flour mill demonstration\, a 100+ year old roller mill demonstration (rolled oats) and a look into their innovative grain storage building! \nPlease note that flour is milled on demand therefore orders should be placed 1-2 weeks ahead of the field day if you plan to purchase products. Please call or order online to place orders. \nAbout the host \nGeorge Posch\, the owner of Poschaven Farms\, has over 50 years of experience in the farming industry. Born into a farming family in Brantford\, Ontario\, he always knew he wanted to be a farmer. Over the decades\, he has witnessed significant changes in farming\, particularly the shift towards industrialization and the decline of small farms. Despite these changes\, George has remained dedicated to his principles of organic farming. In 1980\, he relocated his operation to the New Liskeard area\, eventually settling on a 273-acre farm in 1991. \nSince then\, he has committed to using natural and certified organic methods for growing crops and raising livestock\, ensuring his products are free from chemicals. Poschaven Farms stands out for its commitment to quality and sustainability. George’s flour mill\, built in the 1980s\, utilizes Austrian craftsmanship and Italian granite stones to produce stone-ground flour without any damaging heat build up. The farm grows a variety of grains\, including spelt\, rye\, and wheat\, following a meticulous process that enriches the soil and maintains crop health. \nAgenda \n10:00am – 10:30am: Arrival and introductions \n10:30am – 11:30am: Tour of the steam traction engine and roller mill\, rolled oats demonstration. \n11:30-12:00pm – Lunch Break \n12:00pm-1:30pm – Tour the flour mill and grain storage \n1:30-2:00pm – Q & A \n2:00pm-2:15pm – Departure \nPreparation \nPlease make sure to bring your own lunch. Light snacks and refreshments provided. \nIn order to make our training and community building events accessible to all farmers and future farmers in Ontario\, EFAO strives to reduce financial barriers for registration by using a Pay What You Can model. To register please complete this form! \nThis field day is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. \n \nVenez vous joindre à nous pour une journée champêtre à Kenabeek\, Ontario\, à la ferme Poschaven Farms pour un aperçu de cette minoterie qui priorise l’utilisation des céréales patrimoniales. L’événement comprendra une démonstration d’un moteur à vapeur\, une démonstration de moulin à farine moulue sur pierre\, une démonstration de la production des flocons d’avoine sur une ancienne presse à cylindre de plus de 100 ans et un aperçu de leur bâtiment novateur d’entreposage de céréales ! \nVeuillez noter que la farine est moulue sur demande\, les commandes doivent donc être placées 1 à 2 semaines avant la journée champêtre si vous envisagez d’acheter des produits. Veuillez téléphoner ou commander en ligne. \n10h00 – 10h30 : Arrivée et présentations \n10h30 – 11h30 : Visite du moteur à vapeur et de la presse à cylindre\, démonstration de la production de flocons d’avoine \n11h30-12h00 – Pause dîner \n12h00-13h30 – Visite du moulin à farine et de l’entrepôt \n13h30-14h00 – Questions et réponses \n14h00-14h15 – Départ \nVeuillez vous assurer d’apporter votre propre dîner. Des collations légères et des rafraîchissements seront fournis. \nAu sujet du présentateur : George Posch\, propriétaire de Poschaven Farms\, possède plus de 50 ans d’expérience dans le secteur agricole. Né dans une famille d’agriculteurs à Brantford\, en Ontario\, il a toujours su qu’il voulait devenir agriculteur. Au fil des décennies\, il a été témoin d’importants changements dans l’agriculture\, notamment la transition vers l’industrialisation et le déclin des petites exploitations. Malgré ces changements\, George est resté fidèle à ses principes d’agriculture biologique. En 1980\, il a déménagé son exploitation dans la région de New Liskeard\, pour finalement s’installer sur une ferme de 273 acres en 1991. Depuis\, il s’est engagé à utiliser des méthodes naturelles et certifiées biologiques pour cultiver et élever du bétail\, en s’assurant que ses produits sont exempts de produits chimiques. \nPoschaven Farms se distingue par son engagement envers la qualité et la durabilité. Le moulin à farine\, construit dans les années 1980\, utilise le savoir-faire autrichien et des pierres de granit italiennes pour produire de la farine moulue sur pierre sans aucune accumulation de chaleur. La ferme cultive une variété de céréales\, notamment de l’épeautre\, du seigle et du blé\, selon un processus méticuleux qui enrichit le sol et maintient la santé des cultures. URL:https://efao.ca/event/field-day-at-poschaven-farm/ LOCATION:Poschaven Farms\, Kenabeek\, Ontario\, P0J 1M0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-06-18-at-1.33.15-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240622T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240622T210000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20240510T171753Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240617T162842Z UID:19545-1719073800-1719090000@efao.ca SUMMARY:Young Farmer Potluck & Field Day #1 DESCRIPTION:Join your fellow young farmers for a tour of Aldergrove Farm\, followed by a potluck! \nThis is the first in a series of young farmer meet-ups planned for this season\, hosted by the EFAO and NFU locals in the Southwest region. This series will be an opportunity for young farmers\, such as farm staff and start-up farmers\, to socialize and tour other farms in the region. \nThe inspiration for this series comes from a gap left behind by CRAFT\, the former regional network for internships on ecological farms. Something we miss about CRAFT was that it provided opportunities for the next generation of farmers to meet and tour other farms. The EFAO and the NFU are enthusiastic about filling that gap! \nThis event is hosted by the EFAO and NFU Local 344 (Grey County). Keep an eye on the EFAO website for the next young farmer potluck and field day. \nAbout the host: \nFraser and Glynis started Aldergrove Farm as a small-scale intensive market garden back in 2016\, and have grown to employ a seasonal farm crew of 6\, plus part-time market staff in Toronto. The tour will include our vegetable and cut flower gardens\, our 3 automated greenhouses\, our propagation greenhouse\, wash station and coolers\, and our farmworker accommodations. \nSchedule: \n4:30 – 5:30 pm: introductions and tour of Aldergrove Farm \n5:30 – 9:00 pm: Young Farmer Potluck \nPreparation: \nCome prepared to be outdoors and please bring: \n\nA potluck dish with a list of ingredients used\nYour own plate/bowl\, cutlery\nDrinks/water bottle\n\nThis event will be occurring rain or shine. There is enough indoor space for the potluck in case of inclement weather. \nAccess information: \nFor the most accurate directions\, please refer to the Google Map instructions. If you do not have a car\, check the GOST bus schedule for options (Take the Highway 6 route between Guelph and Owen Sound\, stop in Mount Forest). \nParking: \nPlease follow on-farm instructions when you arrive. \nThis event is held in partnership with the National Farmers Union Local 344 – Grey County URL:https://efao.ca/event/young-farmer-potluck-field-day-1/ LOCATION:Aldergrove Farm\, 211537 Baseline Road\, Mount Forest\, Ontario\, N0G 2L0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/aldergrovecrew23.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240614T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240614T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20240529T174238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240611T142756Z UID:19648-1718362800-1718377200@efao.ca SUMMARY:Field Day at New Leaf Health Centre DESCRIPTION:La version française suit la présente version anglaise (The French version follows the English version). \nJoin us on June 14th for a farm tour of New Leaf Health Centre just north of New Liskeard\, Ontario. This is the first of our northern Ontario field days this season! \nNew Leaf Health Centre is an off-grid natural health clinic owned and operated by Geraldine Deenik\, Clinical Herbalist and Ecological Farmer\, that focuses on the connection between high quality foods\, human health/healing and responsible environmental stewardship. \nJoin us as we explore food and medicine permaculture gardens\, off-grid infrastructure\, high quality grain and hay production as well as a northern hardy “mother apple orchard”\, planted for propagation purposes. \n About the speaker \nGeraldine Deenik was born and raised on a remote dairy farm in Thunder Bay\, ON. As a child she developed severe allergies and had to avoid chemicals in food and as a result her family began practicing natural agriculture to improve her health. She was later educated in agriculture at the New Liskeard College of Agriculture followed by several years of feed and food research for Maple Leaf Mills Food and Master Feeds. She later took over her fathers farm and began studying herbal medicine through Wild Rose College. After many years of successful practice in Southern Ontario she was drawn back up north where she now operates New Leaf Health Center on her off-grid farm just outside New Liskeard\, ON. Her mission is to teach others about the important relationship between the quality of the food we eat\, our personal healing and the health of the land. \nAgenda \n11:00am-11:30am – Welcome and Introductions\n11:30am-12:30pm – Tour the permaculture gardens\, buildings etc\n12:30pm-1:00pm – BYOL (Bring your own lunch)\n1:00pm-2:30pm – Tour the apple orchard and grains/hay operation\n2:30pm-3:00pm – Grounding activity and farewells \nPreparation \nPlease bring your own lunch and prepare to finish the day with a grounding exercise! Raincoats\, sun hats\, water bottles\, snacks\, bug spray/bug protection and warm socks are all recommended for events in June in Northern Ontario \nIn order to make our training and community building events accessible to all farmers and future farmers in Ontario\, EFAO strives to reduce financial barriers for registration by using a Pay What You Can model. To register please complete this form! \nThis field day is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \nVenez vous joindre à nous le 14 juin pour une visite de la ferme New Leaf Health Centre située au nord de New Liskeard\, en Ontario. C’est la première de nos journées champêtres dans le nord de l’Ontario en 2024 ! \nLe New Leaf Health Centre est une clinique de santé naturelle hors réseau détenue et gérée par Geraldine Deenik\, herboriste clinicienne et agricultrice écologique\, qui se concentre sur le lien entre les aliments de haute qualité\, la santé/guérison humaine et la gestion responsable de l’environnement. \nVenez explorer les jardins de permaculture alimentaire et médicinale\, le système hors réseau\, la production de céréales et de foin de haute qualité ainsi qu’un verger de pommiers de la variété « mother » rustique du Nord\, planté à des fins de propagation. \nAu sujet de la présentatrice \nGeraldine Deenik est née et a grandi sur une ferme laitière située dans un lieu isolé près de Thunder Bay\, Ontario. Lorsqu’elle était enfant\, elle a développé de graves allergies et a dû éviter les produits chimiques qui se retrouvaient dans les aliments qu’elle consommait. Afin d’améliorer sa santé\, sa famille a commencé à pratiquer l’agriculture sans l’utilisation des produits chimiques. Elle a ensuite fait des études en agriculture au New Liskeard College of Agriculture\, puis a effectué plusieurs années de recherche sur l’alimentation animale pour Maple Leaf Mills Food et Master Feeds. Plus tard\, elle a repris la ferme de son père et a commencé à étudier la phytothérapie au collège Wild Rose. Après de nombreuses années de pratique fructueuse dans le sud de l’Ontario\, elle a été rappelée dans le nord où elle exploite maintenant le New Leaf Health Centre sur sa ferme hors réseau située près de New Liskeard\, en Ontario. Sa mission est d’enseigner le rapport étroit existant entre la qualité de la nourriture que nous mangeons\, notre guérison personnelle et la santé de la terre. \nOrdre du jour \n11h00-11h30 – Accueil et présentations \n11h30-12h30 – Visite des jardins de permaculture et bâtiments \n12h30-13h00 – L’heure du dîner (apportez votre propre dîner) \n13h00-14h30 – Visite du verger de pommiers et de l’exploitation de céréales/foin \n14h30-15h00 – Activité de conscience de l’ici-maintenant et départ \nDétails \nVeuillez apporter votre propre dîner et préparez-vous à terminer la journée avec une activité de conscience de l’ici-maintenant ! Des imperméables\, des chapeaux de soleil\, des bouteilles d’eau\, des collations\, un produit chasse-moustique/une protection anti-insectes et des chaussettes chaudes sont tous recommandés pour les événements de juin dans le Nord de l’Ontario. URL:https://efao.ca/event/field-day-at-new-leaf-health-centre/ LOCATION:New Leaf Health Centre\, 963151 Development Rd\, Harley Township\, New Liskeard\, Ontario\, P0J 1A0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/NewLeafHealth-e1717004541600.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240605T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240605T153000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20240417T134532Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240417T134532Z UID:19414-1717579800-1717601400@efao.ca SUMMARY:Field Day at Rumar Farm & Manorun Farm DESCRIPTION:This in-person field day is part of the Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program – a collaboration between Ignatius Jesuit Centre\, EFAO\, Everdale and the National Farmers Union – Ontario.  \nJoin us for one or both of these field trips.  \n9:30am – 11:30am – Rumar Farm\, Ridgeville: In the morning we will meet at Rumar Farm in Ridgeville.  Rumar is a certified organic farm that uses biodynamic farming principles and practices. They grow tender fruit\, berries\, heirloom vegetables and melons. \n1:30pm – 3:30pm – Manorun Farm\, Ancaster: In the afternoon\, we will tour Manorun Farm. Chris Krucker and Denise Trigatti\, alongside their four children\, have been farming organically here for 25 years\, offering organic vegetables through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Working to mitigate climate change is a large priority at their farm. They have moved the farm away from a monocrop and pesticide reliant system towards a more natural one called an Oak Savannah. The advantage of growing food using the savannah is that natural eco systems thrive. Soil fertility is built up through deep rooted plants\, swales lined with trees act as a water source and a home for pollinators and wildlife\, and food is produced on multiple layers. They believe that through the Oak Savannah and other regenerative agricultural practices we can rebuild our organic matter\, increase biodiversity\, which in turn provides us with more nutrient-dense crops. \nIf you are attending both field trips you are welcome to bring a bag lunch and eat as a group at Rumar Farm before we head to Manorun Farm. \n  \n  URL:https://efao.ca/event/field-day-at-rumar-and-manorun-farm/ LOCATION:Rumar Farm\, 219 Canboro Road\, Ridgeville\, ON\, L0S 1M0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2023-06-30-at-11-41-55-Manorun-Organic-Farm-@manorunorganicfarm-Instagram.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240424T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240424T113000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20240401T153956Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T161043Z UID:19267-1713951000-1713958200@efao.ca SUMMARY:Small Plot Agriculture at Ignatius Farm DESCRIPTION:This field day is part of the Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program – a collaboration between Ignatius Jesuit Centre\, EFAO\, Everdale and the National Farmers Union – Ontario.  \nJoin us for a tour of Ignatius Farm’s small plot agriculture program. We will walk through the 3 acres of community gardens\, the community orchard\, and the rented small plot gardens. Please dress for the weather – the ground may be wet and muddy and the wind can be very chilly in the open areas. \n  \n  URL:https://efao.ca/event/small-plot-agriculture/ LOCATION:Ignatius Farm\, 5420 Hwy 6 North\, Guelph\, ON\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Ignatius-sunset-1024x380-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20231014T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20231014T140000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230925T174832Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230929T172711Z UID:17606-1697277600-1697292000@efao.ca SUMMARY:Rotational Grazing at Black Barn Farms DESCRIPTION:This day is made possible thanks to funding from Farmers for Climate Solutions and the On-Farm Climate Action Fund. \nAt Black Barn Farms\, Sarah and Phil practice regenerative agriculture – raising grass-finished beef and forest-raised pork in a way that prioritizes animal welfare\, environmental sustainability and producing high-quality meats. Join us for a full-day workshop (including a catered\, local lunch!) to learn how they use rotational grazing to improve their soils\, reduce input costs and improve animal health and welfare. You will also get a chance to check out their fodder production system for supplementing their livestock with fresh microgreens during the winter months. \nThe day will start out with a tour of Black Barn Farms to see rotational grazing in action\, including fencing choices\, watering set-up\, logistics and timing of rotating livestock through the paddocks as well as winter bale grazing. After that\, we will head down the road to the Oxdrift Hall for a catered\, local lunch from the 807 Food Co-operative\, followed by an informal discussion and Q&A with Sarah and Phil. \nSchedule: \n10am – 12pm: Farm tour of Black Barn Farms \n12pm – 1pm: Lunch \n1pm – 2pm: Discussion and Q&A \nThis event is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the rotational grazing category. URL:https://efao.ca/event/rotational-grazing-black-barn-farms/ LOCATION:Black Barn Farms\, 271 Stephenson Rd\, Oxdrift\, Ontario\, P0V 2J0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Black-Barn-Farms-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20231014T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20231014T160000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230906T151457Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230919T181249Z UID:17210-1697274000-1697299200@efao.ca SUMMARY:Intro to Practical Biodynamics DESCRIPTION:Members of the Society for Biodynamic Farming and Gardening can register by contacting Edward Battiston at 613-390-1971. All others must register through EFAO. Preparations will be available to BioD members at no cost. \nThis tour is intended for gardeners and farmers curious about how basic and practical BioDynamic processes can augment their soils. \nThere are two practical ways to apply the seven herbal ‘preparations’ (yarrow\, chamomile\, nettle\, oak\, dandelion\, valerian\, horsetail) to gardens and fields. The morning session will go through the steps of layering and inoculating a compost pile. In the afternoon\, you may participate in a stirring and liquid application on Littlefoot Fields. These Biodynamic activators are a simple way to augment well tended soils\, bringing them to greater health and balance. \nThis is a collaborative\, hands-on learning experience. Farming clothes\, boots and gloves are recommended. The day will include a tour of the rotational grazing system of the farm’s herd of French Canadienne cattle. Littlefoot Fields is a new farm located in a vintage farming village on the marginal soils of the Upper Ottawa Valley. \nSchedule: \n\n9AM to 12PM\nLearn how to layer and inoculate a biodynamic compost pile.\n12PM\nPotluck lunch. Please bring a dish to contribute\, as well as a plate\, bowl\, cup and utensils.\n1PM to 4PM\nFields tour of cattle and rotational grazing system on marginal meadows. Discover techniques for stirring and spraying the Barrel Compost Preparation.\n\nThe purpose of the Society for Biodynamic Farming and Gardening is “to promote\, develop and guide the application of biodynamic agriculture methods\, in accordance with the principles set forth in the agriculture course given by Rudolf Steiner in 1924\, in Koberwitz\, Germany”. \nIn order to make our events accessible to all current and aspiring farmers in Ontario\, EFAO uses a “pay what you can” model. To register using this model\, please complete this form! URL:https://efao.ca/event/intro-to-practical-biodynamics/ LOCATION:Littlefoot Fields\, 23 John Watson Road\, Wilno\, Ontario\, K0J2N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/BioDynamic-Photo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20231004T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20231004T153000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230731T163642Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230919T181211Z UID:16920-1696426200-1696433400@efao.ca SUMMARY:Market Gardening with Cover Crops and Season Extension at Milky Way Farm DESCRIPTION:Join us for this informative field day! Milky Way Farm is a mixed vegetable\, four season\, ecologically focused family farm owned and operated by Jesse Way and Meghan Brandenburg growing on 1.5 acres just south of Woodstock Ontario. With a regenerative agriculture approach\, Jesse and Meghan strive to improve soil health and produce fresh\, nutrient-dense and organic vegetables for their local community. \nJoin Jesse and Meghan to tour the farm\, including their garden fields\, greenhouse\, and hoophouses as they prepare for the winter growing season\, and see how they are using late season cover crops like oats\, peas\, rye\, and vetch to prepare some of their outdoor production areas for winter and the next season. They will also discuss how they are learning to use the nutrient status of their cover crops and soil to determine plant available nitrogen from cover crops during the growing season. \nThis event is held in partnership with Farmers for Climate Solutions \nThis event is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Nitrogen Management or Cover Cropping category. Questions about OFCAF should be directed to OFCAF@ontariosoilcrop.org. \nIn order to make our events accessible to all current and aspiring farmers in Ontario\, EFAO uses a “pay what you can” model. To register using this model\, please complete this form! URL:https://efao.ca/event/cover-crops-milky-way-farm/ LOCATION:Milky Way Farm\, 484872 Sweaburg Rd\, Woodstock\, Ontario\, N4S7V6\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/4.Soil-sampling-for-soil-nitrate-analysis-at-Milky-Way-Farm12.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230929T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230929T160000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230907T155635Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230919T181047Z UID:17220-1695978000-1696003200@efao.ca SUMMARY:Biodynamic Prep-Making Day DESCRIPTION:Members of the Society for Biodynamic Farming and Gardening can register for this event by contacting Zeb Landon 519 429 4482 or Uli Hack 519 396 8098. All others must register through EFAO. \nJoin the Society for Biodynamic Farming and Gardening in Ontario for this hands-on field day at the Hack Farm! Making of various biodynamic preps is done twice per year\, differently in Spring and Fall. Particular preps go into the ground in Fall\, and are unearthed in the Spring\, or vice versa. The preps\, once made\, must be stored carefully\, and have various uses as field sprays or to add to compost. They are used in conjunction with other biodynamic and organic farming methods. \nOutline of activities: \n\n9 AM to 12: Carry out steps for making the biodynamic preps Horn Manure ‘500’\, Silica ‘501’\, Yarrow ‘502’\, Camomile ‘503’\, Oak Bark ‘505’\, and Dandelion ‘506’.\n12 noon: Potluck lunch. (Bring a food contribution\, your plate\, bowl\, cup and utensils\, please.)\n1 PM to 4 PM: Continue making Preps and burying what was made\, as appropriate.\n\nNote: Work wear\, boots\, gloves are recommended. Dress for the weather. \nThe purpose of the Society for Biodynamic Farming and Gardening is “to promote\, develop and guide the application of biodynamic agriculture methods\, in accordance with the principles set forth in the agriculture course given by Rudolf Steiner in 1924\, in Koberwitz\, Germany”. Please realize that this event is tentatively planned\, but circumstances outside our control could influence a change of plans. Therefore\, check your e-mails once more before you come to make sure no cancellation happened.\n \nIn order to make our events accessible to all current and aspiring farmers in Ontario\, EFAO uses a “pay what you can” model. To register using this model\, please complete this form! URL:https://efao.ca/event/biodynamic-prep-making-day/ LOCATION:Hack Farm\, 1017 Concession Road 7\, Tiverton\, Ontario\, N2Z 2X6\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/zeb-biodynamic-.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230918T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230918T123000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230821T143258Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230821T184145Z UID:17059-1695033000-1695040200@efao.ca SUMMARY:Farm Tour\, Growing Ginger\, and Adding Prepared Foods to a Farm Business DESCRIPTION:In 2013\, Xiaobing Shen and his then partner Jonathon Davies started Long Road Eco-Farm\, a small\, mixed\, ecologically-run farm business raising livestock and growing specialty crops like ginger and garlic. Farm Sum Food is a key part of their business. They produce prepared peasant-style Chinese steamed buns\, dumplings\, and ferments with organically produced pork\, eggs\, vegetables and herbs from their farm\, and sell at Memorial Centre Farmers Market. Farm tours\, forest walks\, and popular cooking classes are also part of their offering to the community. \nParticipants at this field day and farm tour will learn about seasonal greenhouse use\, growing ginger\, raising animals\, and more. You can also expect to learn about developing prepared foods as part of your business\, with regard to considerations like kitchen space\, equipment\, health & safety regulations etc. \nFolks are invited to stay after the event formally ends (at 12:30) to enjoy a Farm Sum Foods meal! Lunch can be added on at registration at a cost of $15/person.  \nPlease dress in layers for the elements and bring a refillable water bottle. There will be a washroom for use on-site. \nFind Xiaobing on Instagram @FarmSumFood or on TikTok @chn.can.Farmer URL:https://efao.ca/event/farm-tour-growing-ginger-and-adding-prepared-foods-to-a-farm-business/ LOCATION:Long Road Eco-Farm and Farm Sum Food\, 3757 Rd. 38\, Harrowsmith\, Ontario\, K0H 1V0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/IMG_20230715_112740656_HDR.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230916T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230916T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230720T185551Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230727T144508Z UID:16869-1694858400-1694876400@efao.ca SUMMARY:Willow Creek Permaculture Farm DESCRIPTION:Rob Read and Julie Walter and their children are integrating permaculture into their lifestyle on the 50 acre farm they care for near Dutton\, Ontario. This field day will be a tour with a brief overview of the Willow Creek interpretation of permaculture. Depending on interest and time available\, more focus can be brought to topics of most interest to the group that attends. \nTrees and perennial foods are a big focus at Willow Creek. Hazelnut trees are integrated into pasture land. A substantial hedgerow with hundreds of trees is being established. Dozens of named varieties of fruit trees\, and many berry shrubs and culinary and medicinal herbs\, including some unusual ones\, will be on show. Learn about the concepts of forest gardening/food forests\, and techniques to protect trees from wild and domestic animals. \nLarge annual vegetable gardens with a focus on no-till and mulch in wide-beds are another primary way food is grown at Willow Creek. EFAO Farmer Led Research projects are underway on growing potatoes using the mulch method\, and breeding a landrace of large butternut-style squash. CANOVI research trials on carrots and heat-tolerant lettuces are also underway this season\, as well as many less formal trials such as paste tomatoes\, and OP broccoli and cauliflower. Learn what taking part in this kind of trial is like\, and perhaps hear about some preliminary results on this year’s trials. \nSoil analysis and remineralization became a big focus starting in 2021. Learn more about how to grow in clay-silt calcareous soils\, and how to get started with applying soil amendments to balance minerals in any soils\, using specific soil tests. \nLivestock at Willow Creek include chickens\, turkeys\, pigs\, and cattle. Learn about livestock guardian dogs\, Kunekune pigs (whose primary diet can be pasture and hay)\, and rotational grazing. \nField crops at Willow Creek are hay (7 acres)\, and switchgrass (25 acres). Learn ways to work with large acreage without actually owning your own tractor or equipment\, and about switchgrass\, a native perennial grass usable as both hay and bedding\, depending on when it’s harvested. Learn also about grassland-nesting birds\, and choices that can be made to protect them\, and programs that have been created to support this. \nAt Willow Creek lifestyle is integrated with the land. Learn how it’s possible to live in abundance\, in collaboration with nature\, without off-farm jobs. \nAttendees are asked to please bring a picnic lunch for this field day. \nNote that the farm entrance is on Chalmers Line\, just west of Willey Rd\, not on Willey Rd\, as some mapping software may indicate. \n  \n  \n  URL:https://efao.ca/event/willow-creek-permaculture-farm/ LOCATION:Willow Creek Permaculture Farm\, 31018 Chalmers Line\, Dutton\, Ontario\, N0L 1J0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/wcpf2-e1689783157546.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230915T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230915T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230830T200405Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230901T191020Z UID:17126-1694772000-1694790000@efao.ca SUMMARY:Cover Cropping Strategies for Market Gardeners DESCRIPTION:This day is made possible thanks to funding from Farmers for Climate Solutions and the On-Farm Climate Action Fund. \nCover crops are a key component of building soil health\, cycling nutrients\, and practicing ecological and regenerative agriculture – but it takes some learning to find the right cover cropping mixes\, timing\, termination strategies\, and rotations for your context. Join us at Field Good Farms for a full day tour and workshop to hear what strategies are working for them\, and learn how you might incorporate more cover crops into your garden rotation. \n*Please bring a bagged lunch with you. There will be a sheltered space to eat and chat with fellow participants. \n10:00 AM – 12:00AM\nFarm tour of Field Good Farms / Ferme j’me champ bien \n12:00 PM – 1:00PM\n Lunch (please bring your own lunch) \n1:00 PM – 3:00 PM\nCover cropping discussion and Q&A (seed mixes\, tools\, settings\, etc) \n\nAbout the farm: \nRyan Spence operates Field Good Farms / La ferme j’me champ bien in Cache Bay\, Ontario alongside a wonderful group of people. They have been in operation since 2011 and cultivate approximately 5 acres (2 hectares) of fruits\, vegetables\, and cover crops. Their farm is guided by a simple principle: working every day to increase biodiversity\, improve biome health indicators (such as water and soil quality)\, and reduce/eliminate waste\, in order to produce healthy foods and healthy habitats for the benefit of all beings.Currently Field Good Farms operates a 40 member winter CSA program\, a 60 member spring CSA program\, a 90 member summer CSA program\, a 70 member fall CSA program and also sells wholesale vegetables to Click Fork\, an online farmers market they helped to create in 2018.  \n*This event is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Cover Cropping category. URL:https://efao.ca/event/cover-cropping-strategies-for-market-gardeners-2/ LOCATION:Field Good Farms/Ferme j’me Champs Bien\, 1345 Levac Road\, Cache Bay\, Ontario\, P0H 1G0 CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/field-good.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230906T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230906T183000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230814T194016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230814T194329Z UID:17033-1694010600-1694025000@efao.ca SUMMARY:Growing Vegetables\, Flowers & Community on The Carrot Green Roof and Garden DESCRIPTION:Join Priya and the garden team at The Carrot Green Roof and Garden to learn about the interaction of food growing with community and art\, what grows well on the roof\, and more lessons learned on urban ag stewardship. Later in the day\, hear from others tending The Carrot Green Roof and Garden about beekeeping\, rooftop landscape design\, and seed saving. This field day will conclude with a BIPOC Farmers Network Meetup and a BBQ social. \n2:30-2:45 pm Meet & Greet! \n\nArrival\, introductions. A welcome lemonade / iced tea with herbs from the roof gardens.\n\n3:00 – 4:00 pm Tour of the Gardens: \n\nA little history of the rooftop garden and the current vision of a growing space where plant cultivation is entwined with art\, healing\, joy and community building\, led by Priya Jain\nCrop Lessons from an Urban Rooftop: What’s thriving? What’s challenging? Favourite community crops? Best practices?\nThe role of native plants in ecological growing spaces\nIrrigation and water stewardship in challenging spaces\n\n4:00 pm Snack break \n4:15 pm – 5:30 pm Workshops: \nBee-keeping Workshop \n\nLearn about keeping bees in an urban rooftop garden! Led by Gillian Leitch\, beekeeper and landscape designer (AlterEden)\, member of Toronto’s Pollinator Advisory Group\n\nSeed Saving Workshop \n\nLearn the basics of seed-saving and bring home seeds for your garden\, led by Carrot Green Roof staff\n\n5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Social Connection and Food\n \n\n EFAO Black\, Indigenous\, People of Colour (BIPOC) Farmers Network Meetup – BBQ Social\n\n  \nABOUT THE SPACE\nThe Carrot Green Roof & Gardens\, is on the second floor and rooftop above The Big Carrot at 348 Danforth Avenue. It is a few minutes from Chester Subway Station. There is an indoor space\, Room 212\, that can also be used throughout the day. \nAccessibility to the Space: through outdoor staircase\, west of the entrance to The Big Carrot\, with alternative to accessing the roof & gardens from 348 Danforth Avenue entrance\, where an indoor chairlift is available and a ramp leading to the outdoor deck area. A public wheelchair accessible washroom is on the ground floor in The Big Carrot and a private washroom is on the 2nd floor. There is an active beehive in the gardens. \nAttendees are encouraged to dress for the elements and to bring a water bottle for the day. URL:https://efao.ca/event/growing-vegetables-flowers-community-on-the-carrot-green-roof-and-garden/ LOCATION:The Carrot Green Roof and Garden\, 348 Danforth Avenue\, Toronto\, Ontario CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/carrot-roof-.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230905T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230905T180000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230810T191220Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230815T185735Z UID:16993-1693929600-1693936800@efao.ca SUMMARY:Food\, Climate Justice and Farmer Researcher Field Day at Shade of Miti DESCRIPTION:Shade of Miti is a small-scale\, ecological farm in the Region of Peel that specializes in South Asian vegetables. Advocacy and education are at the heart of the farm. Participants for this field day will join Rav Singh for a walk around Shade of Miti to learn about growing and selling cultural crops like ginger and bitter melon\, hear about being an Okra farmer-researcher\, and see Rav’s off-grid solar-powered pond irrigation system. \nThis time of year is excellent to observe the 5 different types of Okra that Rav grew in 2023\, and to ask about the productivity potential for what is often a low yield and high demand crop in Ontario.  See first hand what a farmer taking part in crop trials needs to do as a farmer researcher\, and learn about what kinds of research questions you might be able to investigate in future. \nLearn what informed Rav’s choices about off-grid solar-powered irrigation systems: the research process\, what kinds of irrigation are suitable\, understanding ponds etc. Rav will also discuss legal considerations\, food safety\, what equipment is best\, cost\, and the time-frame required to get this type of irrigation system up and running. \nLand Access: This field day will also include a conversation about how Rav came to farm on this land. The landowner\, a retired farmer\, can speak to how he and Rav connected during her land search and developed their agreement. EFAO and NFU-O (National Farmers Union Ontario) staff will also be available on the tour to talk about broader land access concerns and opportunities in the GTHA. Participants will also get to learn about the farm’s composting toilet\, chickens and bees. \nParticipants are encouraged to dress for the elements and bring a water bottle for the day. There will be access to an indoor space in the event of rain\, as well as access to an indoor bathroom throughout the event time. \nWhen the event ends at 6:00 pm\, members of the EFAO BIPOC Farmers Network are invited to stay for a group meet-up and picnic from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Details to be confirmed with registrants prior to the event. \nNOTE:  EFAO’s Demonstration Garden Tour will be held on August 23  and will address the okra seed selection process. Consider coming to both if you can! URL:https://efao.ca/event/food-climate-justice-and-farmer-researcher-field-day-at-shade-of-miti/ LOCATION:Shade of Miti Farm\, 14130 Credit View road\, Cheltenham\, Ontario\, L7C 0R1\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Shade-of-Miti-2023.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230831T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230831T153000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230706T181908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230824T193251Z UID:16766-1693477800-1693495800@efao.ca SUMMARY:Ironwood Organics: Selecting the Seed DESCRIPTION:On Thursday August 31st\, join Chris Wooding and other EFAO members for a hands-on demonstration of harvesting and cleaning small to medium scale heritage grains. Chris will take us out to the fields so we can see some of his harvesting techniques\, and then we’ll head to the barn to have a walk through of all his equipment from threshing boards to combines. \nChris will give us an overview of this season’s harvest: how planting timing and seeding rates impacted the grain as well as his drying\, cleaning and storing methods. Named varieties are handled differently than Ironwood’s custom polycultures and maslins – learn all about Chris’s methods! Remember that it’s never too early to start thinking about seeding for next season – especially if you’re using seed from your own farm! \nChris\, like farmers and seed stewards before him\, is working to create and adapt an incredible diversity of grains through both on-farm plant breeding and selection. This work is at the heart of seed security and emerging regional seed systems\, and it is vital to sustain climate resilient agro-ecological agriculture. \nChris is excited to talk about grain seed including: how to source varieties\, how and why to grow blends\, what policies affect this work\, and how his style of on-farm selection helps build resilience.  We will also spend some time on roguing selections\, and using environmental stressors\, as a means to fast track the local adaptation of grain. \nCome see\, touch\, taste\, and smell the beauty\, deliciousness\, and resilience of regionally bred and adapted varieties and how each of us plays an important role in supporting this work! \nPlease bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the farm! URL:https://efao.ca/event/ironwood-organics-selecting-the-seed/ LOCATION:Ironwood Organics\, 446 Lower Oak Leaf Road\, Athens\, ON\, K0E 1B0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/ironwood.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230830T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230830T200000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230706T175508Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230925T200613Z UID:16757-1693414800-1693425600@efao.ca SUMMARY:A case for the moldboard plough: Prudent tillage with cover crops DESCRIPTION:Brett Israel of 3Gen Organics reduced tillage for organic field crops using forage crops—and a moldboard plough. He shares his successes and challenges along the way. He will talk about the systems he is developing for organic reduced tillage soybeans with cereal rye and “alfalfa-fueled corn”\, which is organic field corn that they grow with alfalfa as the sole source of additional nitrogen. \nDinner will be provided by 3Gen Organics\, and made from ingredients grown on the farm to all attendees who registered by Monday (Aug 28) at no cost. If you registered after Monday\, there may be enough food prepared to accommodate you but be prepared for the possibility that you will need to provide your own packed meal. \nThe prospective menu is as follows (may change): Pulled pork on bun\, sliced smoked sausage\, coleslaw\, potato salad\, 7 grain salad\, mixed bean salad\, fruit\, and carrot cake. Please join us for the interesting and valuable conversations to happen between attendees and hosts at the meal table! \nThis event is part of EFAO’s Small Grains Network\, and is funded by the Weston Family Foundation. \nThis event is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Nitrogen Management or Cover Cropping category. Questions about OFCAF should be directed to OFCAF@ontariosoilcrop.org. \nNOTE: This event was originally scheduled for August 23 and was rescheduled to August 30th due to weather concerns by the host. URL:https://efao.ca/event/double-crop-3gen/ LOCATION:3Gen Organics\, 7875 4 Line RR2\, Wallenstein\, Ontario\, N0B 2S0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/brett-Corn-resized-e1688666046225.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230826T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230826T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230706T180427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230815T194454Z UID:16762-1693044000-1693062000@efao.ca SUMMARY:Rotational Grazing for Climate Resilience DESCRIPTION:This event is held in partnership with Holistic Management Canada. This day is made possible thanks to funding from Farmers for Climate Solutions and the On-Farm Climate Action Fund. \nMeeting Place Organic Farm has been raising grass-fed beef\, and pastured pork and chicken for over 40 years. The cattle on this farm are raised without antibiotics\, hormones or GMOs. \nThis full-day field day will include a tour of Meeting Place Organic Farm\, a multigenerational farm in Lucknow Ontario\, including cattle\, pigs\, horses and poultry on pasture using portable electric fencing and poultry hutches. The lunch for this event features ingredients from the farm and the fee is  included in the registration. The discussion will focus on how rotational grazing works and how you can integrate these methods into your own farm plans. Pasture charts will be available with a discussion of how to use them to keep track of your pasture activities during the grazing season. There will also be a discussion of the role of pastures and hay land in the carbon cycle and the water cycle.  We will consider how these impact carbon sequestration and farm resilience in the face of drought and flooding. This August tour will be a chance to see pastures after they have been through a significant portion of the grazing season. \n10:00 AM\nOrientation & Welcoming Note \n10:30 AM – 12:00 PM\nHilltop survey of Meeting Place Organic Farm & a history of the farm’s work \nDiscussion of grazing theories and record keeping: pasture charts\, pasture layout\, razing periods and recovery periods. \n12:00 PM – 13:00 PM\nLunch is provided and will feature ingredients from the farm (cost included in registration)– visiting and continuing discussion \n1:00 PM – 3:00 PM\nPasture tour & Animal and Pasture Monitoring. \n15:00\nEnd of Day – wrap up and questions. \nFor those interested – we will then go to Starsylvania – 4 KM from Meeting Place Organic Farm.  Jon and Marion Hustis will showcase and discuss their Farmer-led Research Trial looking at test strips of a many species diverse pasture mix and also a many species prairie seed mix in a pasture newly seeded in 2022. \nThis event is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Rotational Grazing Systems category. \nQuestions about OFCAF should be directed to OFCAF@ontariosoilcrop.org URL:https://efao.ca/event/rotational-grazing-climate-resilience/ LOCATION:Meeting Place Organic Farm\, 86016 Creek Line\, Lucknow\, Ontario\, N0G 2H0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1589_sq_400.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230823T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230823T143000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230802T142407Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230802T142407Z UID:16939-1692786600-1692801000@efao.ca SUMMARY:Demonstration Garden Tour & Vegetable Variety Tasting DESCRIPTION:Join us for a tour and tasting to learn about the incredible work of regional seed stewards! \nFertile Ground Farm is partnering with EFAO and the Bauta Initiative to be the host site for the Vegetable Seed Demonstration Gardens again this year. The goal of these demonstration gardens is to serve as a hub to showcase and evaluate varieties of interest for ecological farmers and growers that can contribute to a regional seed system. These gardens are sites for exploring and showcasing different vegetable varieties best suited for regional seed production\, growing crop varieties for conservation in partnership with Seeds of Diversity\, and trialing okra\, heat tolerant lettuce varieties\, and carrot varieties in collaboration with farmers across the province and Canada. \nThe farm is showcasing over 40 vegetable varieties that have been bred\, regionally adapted\, and stewarded by local farmers and seed producers or open-pollinated varieties that can be adapted to our region. Local seed is the basis for truly local food\, and farmers and growers in our region have been saving\, selecting\, and breeding interesting\, resilient\, and storied seeds for generations. Join us for this garden tour and tasting to learn about these varieties\, who grows them\, and what makes them so special and how you can incorporate them into your gardens so that we can all enjoy the diversity on our plates! \nCome be a part of a plant breeding project! At the garden\, we have both the okra varieties being researched as well as a mixed population called the Ultra Cross. Come join okra farmer-researchers and help us talk about what pod colour\, pod shape\, and plant height is desirable for growers and customers. We’ll save the seeds from those to grow out next year! \nThe farm tour begins at 10:30am. Participants are invited to bring a bagged lunch which can be eaten alongside some catered snacks that showcase the varieties grown in the gardens. There will also be variety tastings\, where you can help us pick which varieties in the trials taste the best! \nAfter touring the Demonstration Gardens\, those who would like to stay on and have a tour of the Fertile Ground Farm are invited to do so. Angie (of Fertile Ground Farm) is also participating in a Farmer-Led Research Trial on easy-picking green beans as well as working on a pepper breeding project\, which we can go see! Half Moon Herbals is also located on site and Nikola may be available to take folks on a tour as well. \nFor more information about the Seed Demonstration Gardens visit our Seed program page. The Seed Demonstration Gardens are funded in part by the Government of Canada through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP). URL:https://efao.ca/event/demonstration-garden-tour-vegetable-variety-tasting/ LOCATION:Fertile Ground Farm\, 1560 Carmel-Koch Rd\, St Agatha\, Ontario\, N0B 2L0 CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/vegdem12.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230815T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230815T160000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230720T185624Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230803T173826Z UID:16853-1692108000-1692115200@efao.ca SUMMARY:Trialing No-till Potatoes with Cover Crops: Year Three DESCRIPTION:Since 2021\, Ken has been developing a medium-scale production system for organic potatoes that requires no in-season hilling or weeding. Using winter rye as a cover crop\, he is now in the third year of testing the system with some success.  Field days are a great way to check out Ken’s innovations in person\, and pick his brain about all things vegetable growing. You can learn more about his no-till systems here. URL:https://efao.ca/event/trialing-no-till-potatoes-with-cover-crops-year-three/ LOCATION:Orchard Hill Farm\, 45415 Fruit Ridge Line\, St Thomas\, Ontario\, N5P 3S9\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5590_KenDone.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230812T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230812T130000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230727T194102Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230802T230039Z UID:16911-1691834400-1691845200@efao.ca SUMMARY:Rotational Grazing at Kirkview Farms DESCRIPTION:The team at Kirkview farms believes that adding rotational grazing to your land will provide significant benefits to your farm. It can aid in rebuilding soil health\, reducing input costs and improves animal health. Mike\, the host for this field day\, will review the holistic aspect of rotational grazing\, the how\, and the “dos and dont’s”. He will provide an overview on the grass fed market\, grass fed genetics\, pasture forages\, grazing plans\, fencing and water supply. \nThe majority of this field day will be spent on a tour of Kirkview farms to learn about the principles of rotational grazing in action: see how it supports our soil\, our animals\, the environment and in turn ourselves and our community. On the tour\, you will see how Kirkview farms is using the 6 regenerative farming principles combined with permaculture-based designs to create an unique agro-ecosystem model. \nAttendees are encouraged to explore regenerative agriculture as a topic before coming\, but no matter what type of farming you do\, you will learn something during this field day! \nBring your own bagged lunch for a community picnic during the day. Some refreshments will be provided. \nThis day is presented in partnership with Farmers for Climate Solutions and with funding support from the On-Farm Climate Action Fund.\n \nThis event is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Rotational Grazing Systems category. \nQuestions about OFCAF should be directed to OFCAF@ontariosoilcrop.org \n  URL:https://efao.ca/event/rotational-grazing-at-kirkview-farms/ LOCATION:Kirkview Farms\, 20921 Laggan Glenelg Rd\, Dalkeith\, Ontario\, K0B1E0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/kirkview-1-e1690485850275.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230726T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230726T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230630T154512Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230717T172653Z UID:16719-1690365600-1690383600@efao.ca SUMMARY:CSA & Livestock Farming on an Oak Savannah DESCRIPTION:Manorun Organic Farm is a family run farm set on the outskirts of Hamilton. They have been farming organically for 25 years\, offering organic vegetables through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). They have moved the farm away from a monocrop and pesticide reliant system towards a more natural one called an Oak Savannah. The advantage of growing food using the savannah is that natural eco systems thrive. Soil fertility is built up through deep rooted plants\, swales lined with trees act as a water source and a home for pollinators and wildlife\, and food is produced on multiple layers. \nThis full day farm tour offers an overview of Manorun’s operations\, including cover-cropping\, rotational grazing and vegetable production. You will learn how all this work fits into supporting a thriving Oak Savannah. It will close with a Q&A session focused on CSAs and climate resilience in a time of change. \nPlease bring a picnic lunch. URL:https://efao.ca/event/csa-livestock-farming-oak-savannah/ LOCATION:Manorun Organic Farm\, 782 Hwy #52\, Lynden\, ON\, L0R 1T0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2023-06-30-at-11-41-55-Manorun-Organic-Farm-@manorunorganicfarm-Instagram.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230721T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230721T160000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230630T160352Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230714T152630Z UID:16726-1689933600-1689955200@efao.ca SUMMARY:Ironwood Organics: Growing the Grain DESCRIPTION:This event will be offered in both English and French! \nPlease bring a bagged lunch to enjoy on the farm. \nChris Wooding has been growing small grains in Athens\, Ontario for many years\, with the mission to be a leader in growing nutrient dense heritage grains while supporting a strong baking and brewing community. He has bred and produced multiple varieties of regionally-adapted winter and spring wheat\, rye\, oats\, barley\, and buckwheat. Some he grows on 3 acres\, some on a quarter acre\, and some are only 10g seed-banks-sized plots! Ironwood Organics is committed to building soil health and building community health through sustainable agriculture. \nChris has accumulated plenty of technical knowledge – and lots of small grains equipment as well. Learning from Chris’s successes and challenges will give new small grain growers a head start on their journey\, and seasoned growers some new and innovative ideas. \nJoin Chris for a full day farm tour to see his crops growing\, and to explore new and exciting ideas for growing\, managing\, marketing\, and using various small grains. Bring your questions about ecological small grains management\, equipment for small and medium scale production\, and identifying marketing opportunities for your unique scale and style of production. \nThis is an opportunity to see numerous varieties of spring /winter wheat\, barley and rye\, all being grown at various scales. \nThe Quebec Regional Coordinator for the Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security\, Hugo Martorell\, will offer in-person French translation for this event. \n  URL:https://efao.ca/event/ironwood-organics-growing-the-grain/ LOCATION:Ironwood Organics\, 446 Lower Oak Leaf Road\, Athens\, ON\, K0E 1B0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/ironwood-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230720T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230720T153000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230612T144057Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230612T144405Z UID:16532-1689847200-1689867000@efao.ca SUMMARY:Field Day at Sunrise Heirloom Vegetables & Santosha Farm DESCRIPTION:*This event is part of the Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program. \n  \nJoin us for a full day\, in-person farm tour in the beautiful Almaguin Highlands region in Northern Ontario!  \n10am – 12pm: First stop will be at Sunrise Heirloom Vegetables in Kearney\, where Ron & Pauleen will take us on a tour of their market garden and greenhouse\, with a special focus on garlic production. Ron & Pauleen grow 7500 heads of more than 14 different varieties of hardneck garlic in the same plot each year\, with the help of cover crops to maintain fertility and suppress weeds.  \n12pm – 1pm: Bring a picnic lunch to eat at Sunrise Heirloom Vegetables! \n1pm – 1:30pm: Drive to Santosha Farms (34km) \n1:30pm – 3:30pm: Stop at Santosha Farm\, a 1 acre CSA\, market garden\, and ecotourism farm. Julia and Rob will talk about the farm-stays and cycling experiences they offer on their farm\, and how this integrates into their long-term goals for their farm and the land where it is situated. With a background in ecological restoration\, Julia will also talk about different approaches to on-farm ecological restoration\, and share some of the restoration work they have undertaken at Santosha Farm over the years.   \nParticipants will receive the farm addresses and map links upon registration. \n  \n  URL:https://efao.ca/event/field-day-sunrise-heirloom/ LOCATION:Sunrise Heirloom Vegetables\, 2851 Highway 518e\, Kearney\, Ontario\, P0A 1M0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Almaguin-Field-Day.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230716T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230716T170000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230630T152741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230630T171600Z UID:16708-1689516000-1689526800@efao.ca SUMMARY:Biodynamic and Organic Farm Tour with the Boettcher Family DESCRIPTION:Members of the Society for Biodynamic Farming and Gardening can register for this event by contacting Zeb Landon 519 429 4482. All others must register through EFAO. \nThe promise of this year’s harvest is already visible on Chris and Gabi Boettcher’s 400 acre farm near Brussels\, Ontario. Farming cooperatively with their children\, the Boettcher’s use ecological\, organic and biodynamic farming practices on their land. Their farm is operated without any outside amendments. The younger members of this family have continued converting conventional farmland\, remaining committed to the ecological and biodynamic practices of the generation that has come before them. \nBiodynamic agriculture focuses on enhancing the life processes of nature. Each biodynamic farm develops its own identity based on the relationships between the animals that provide fertility for the soil\, the fields that provide food for animals and people\, the plant life\, the meadows\, the orchards\, the forests and the wetlands giving space for birds\, insects and other wildlife. Farm balance and health are further encouraged by the use of biodynamic compost preparations and field sprays. \n  \nThe Program\n2pm \n\nIntroduction and opening remarks.\nWalking tour of the Boettcher’s home vegetable garden.\nDiscussion about composting as well as biodynamic preparations and practices\, including the use of sprayers and other equipment.\nTour of the wider farmland\, including this year’s crops\, livestock (sheep\, goats\, cattle)\, and rotational grazing fields.\nQ&A session.\n\n4:30pm \n\nRefreshments and closing remarks.\n\nParents and guardians are asked to please monitor children closely for safety reasons. URL:https://efao.ca/event/boettcher-biodynamic-farm-tour/ LOCATION:Boettcher Family Farm\, 44046 Moncrieff Rd\, Brussels\, ON\, N0G 1H0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Boettcher-Farm_400.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230513T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230513T160000 DTSTAMP:20260514T124436 CREATED:20230419T213223Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230427T195031Z UID:15801-1683968400-1683993600@efao.ca SUMMARY:Making Biodynamic Preparations DESCRIPTION:Join this workshop to learn how to make biodynamic preparations! \nLOCATION: Hack Farm. 1017 Concession Road 7\, Tiverton (Kincardine)\, N2Z 2X6\nMAP: Click here \nMembers of the Society for Biodynamic Farming and Gardening can register by contacting Uli Hack at 519 396 8098 (evenings) or Zeb Landon 519 429 4482. All others must register through EFAO. \nBiodynamic agriculture focuses on enhancing the life processes of nature. Each biodynamic farm develops its own identity based on the relationships between the animals that provide fertility for the soil\, the fields that provide food for animals and people\, the plant life\, the meadows\, the orchards\, the forests and the wetlands giving space for birds\, insects and other wildlife. Farm balance and health are further encouraged by the use of biodynamic compost preparations and field sprays. \nBiodynamic preparations are made twice a year. In this one-day workshop\, farmers interested in extending their knowledge of biodynamic practices will carry out the steps for making biodynamic preparation 500 (Horn Manure)\, as well as Silica 501\, Yarrow 502\, Dandelion 506 and Barrel Compost. \nThis is a collaborative\, hands-on learning experience on a 900-acre farm where biodynamic preparations and practices have been applied since 1982. \nSchedule: \n 9AM to 12PM\nLearn how to make biodynamic preparations. \n12PM\nPotluck lunch. Please bring a dish to contribute\, as well as a plate\, bowl\, cup and utensils. \n1PM to 4PM\nLearn how to set up the Barrel Compost. Discover techniques for handling and storing unearthed preparations that have overwintered. \nNote: Everyone will help clean up after the workshop. Farming clothes\, boots and gloves are recommended.\n\nThe purpose of the Society for Biodynamic Farming and Gardening is “to promote\, develop and guide the application of biodynamic agriculture methods\, in accordance with the principles set forth in the agriculture course given by Rudolf Steiner in 1924\, in Koberwitz\, Germany”. URL:https://efao.ca/event/making-biodynamic-preparations/ LOCATION:Hack Farm\, 1017 Concession Road 7\, Tiverton\, Ontario\, N2Z 2X6\, Canada CATEGORIES:Field Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Biodynamic-photo-1-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR