May 26, 2017
On-farm field days scheduled at host farms in New York state

From Niagara to Suffolk County and from pest management and high tunnel tomatoes to soil health and grass-based dairy management, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY) kicks off its 2017 statewide organic on-farm field days. The 15 field days begin in mid-June and run through mid-October, covering 14 counties. 

“We strive to serve many parts of New York’s organic community with our on-farm events,” said Bethany Wallis, NOFA-NY education director. “We look forward to farmers taking advantage of our great opportunities to see other farms, learn about new methods, and network with others.” 

Registration is open, and the June schedule is as follows:

  • June 13, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, What’s New in Insect Pest Management for Organic Apples. Location is Bittner-Singer Orchards at Marjim Manor, 7171 East Lake Road (Route 18), Appleton, NY 14008 (Niagara County). Participants will learn about established and newly-developed organic orchard management tools and techniques for plum curculio (PC), codling moth (CM) and oriental fruit moth (OFM). Trials utilizing entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control of PC show promise. Participants will learn how the nematodes can be reared on the farm, applied, and their effectiveness evaluated. Mating disruption has been available for CM and OFM control for a number of years; presenters will review some of the most promising methods of implementing this tactic, such as hand-applied dispensers and automated misting devices. Finally, this farm is using pest-specific insect viruses against these moth pests, so a review of the principles and preliminary results of pest-specific viruses in a pest control program will be included. This event is produced by NOFA-NY with support from the following: The New York Farm Viability Institute, NYS Specialty Crops Block Grant Program, and Toward Sustainability Foundation. 
  • June 15, 1:00 – 4:00 pm, What’s New in Insect Pest Management for Organic Apples. Location is Prospect Farm, 4 Deyo Dr., Gardiner, NY 12548 (Ulster County). (Same description as June 13 event.)
  • June 20, 3:00 – 6:00 pm, Starting a Farm: From Land Acquisition to Markets. Location is Biophilia Organic Farm, 211 Manor Lane, Jamesport, NY 11947 (Suffolk County). Phil Barbato at Biophilia Organic Farm offers a look at how he got started as a farmer on Long Island. He will discuss how he has been creative in acquiring land, developing the markets that surround his farm, and planting his crops. By immersing himself in the middle of his customer base, he is able to provide a high quality, fresh product, with low transportation costs. Starting a farm is not an easy task; NOFA-NY will be reviewing the beginning farmer worksheet as tool for developing and tracking new farmers.
  • June 20, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Diversifying your Agricultural Offering: Adding Meat to your Veggies! Location is Grindstone Farm, 780 County Route 28, Pulaski, NY 13142 (Allegany County). Grindstone Farm’s Dick and Lucas de Graff will discuss the challenges and successes of adding livestock to their established vegetable operation. Grindstone Farms’ diversified offerings have opened up new market doors, providing Central New York with healthy organic products for over 25 years and growing over 120 different types of fruits and vegetables. Grindstone Farm is a supporter of the NOFA-NY’s On Farm Skills Guide as a tool for training interns. NOFA-NY staff will provide a brief overview on how this tool can assist farmers in their training programs. This event is produced by NOFA-NY with support from the New York Farm Viability Institute.

The remainder of the 2017 field days will take place through mid-October. Complete details can be found here: http://bit.ly/2q9qnto

Pre-registration online is strongly encouraged for all field days, but walk-ins are welcome. Unless otherwise noted, cost is $15/individual, $25/two or more people from same farm. To register, visit http://bit.ly/2qkSwsJ or call the NOFA-NY office at (585) 271-1979, x512.




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