The Northeast Organic Farming Association of NY’s 2016 on-farm field days has two host farms in Cazenovia, one on Saturday, July 9, at Greyrock Farm, and the other at Yoder farm on Aug. 31.
The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY’s) 2016 season of Organic On-Farm Field Days provides opportunities to see new farms, learn about new methods and network with others around New York State.
“We are proud to participate in more than 20 statewide events this year, led by some of the most knowledgeable organic farmers, gardeners, and researchers in New York,” said Bethany Wallis, NOFA-NY education director. “Farmer-to-farmer education is the backbone of our organization, so we would like to thank our generous field day hosts who share their time and knowledge and welcome us onto their farms.”
On-Farm Field Days kick off in June and continue into October, covering 10 counties with wide-ranging topics including organic wheat, women in agriculture, pest and disease management, soil health, horsepower, tillage, carbon farming, buckwheat, grass based dairy, marketing, edible gardens, organic transitioning and more.
Cazenovia events are as follows:
- Saturday, July 9,1 to 4 p.m.“Developing a Diversified Horse-Powered Farm.”
Participants will join Matt Volz from Greyrock Farm (6100 East Lake Road, Cazenovia) for a tour of his horse-powered farm that includes a raw milk dairy, and meat and vegetable production. Discussion features how to grow a farm with multiple complementary enterprises including how to handle the management, production and business challenges on a diversified farm.
Registration fees are $15/person or $25 for two or more people/farm. Sponsored by NOFA-NY through the NYFVI Beginning Farmer grant.
- Wednesday, Aug. 31, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. “Grass-Based Milk Production.”
NOFA-NY and Organic Valley invite participants to learn how to make milk with a no-grain feed ration. Host Mark Yoder from Yoder Farm (2869 Fenner Road, Cazenovia) will provide a tour of this pasture setup and share his insights on maintaining milk production and animal health in a grass-fed dairy production system. Organic Valley Ruminant Nutritionist Silvia Abel-Caines will share her research and practical experience on how to balance high-forage diets for optimal animal health, milk production and milk nutritional profile.
Registration cost is $15/ person or $25/farm. Lunch will be provided. Sponsored by Organic Valley; registration is complimentary for OV members.
For more information, visit nofany.org.
