NOFA/Mass podcast

This episode's continues the farm workers discussion from both the positions of employer and employee.  We'll focus on navigating the hiring of H2A workers as well as resources for documented & undocumented workers.  Hear real stories and experiences from our panel of farm allstars and prepare for your seasons to come!  RESOURCES:  https://labor.vermont.gov/sites/labor/files/doc_library/Vermont-Farm-Labor-Wage-and-Hour-and-Housing-Fact-Sheet.pdf www.roxburyfarm.com  Farm Labor Dashboard https://www.uvm.edu/aglabor/dashboard https://agriculturaljusticeproject.org https://www.goodfoodjobs.com

This episode's discussion is centered around both the farm employer and employee.  From resources on where to find job postings, to understanding different models of operating a farm business.  Hear real stories and experiences from our panel of farm allstars and prepare for your seasons to come!  RESOURCES:  https://labor.vermont.gov/sites/labor/files/doc_library/Vermont-Farm-Labor-Wage-and-Hour-and-Housing-Fact-Sheet.pdf www.roxburyfarm.com  Farm Labor Dashboard https://www.uvm.edu/aglabor/dashboard https://agriculturaljusticeproject.org https://www.goodfoodjobs.com

Join our host, Tony Kennette, our staff soil scientist Ruben Parilla, and guests William Padilla-Brown and Jake Tulius in a discussion about Soil Microbes & Citizen Science!  From tardigrades, and algea, to mycorrhizal networks, this crew will get you salivating for successful soil!   This Episode has been brought to you by MDAR    PERTINENT LINKS: https://microbiometer.com/ www.R-Soil.com  https://www.mycofest.net/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLLc79M4OqQ  www.nofa.org  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b1P8jCbjIg&list=OLAK5uy_mmECE0x8KPzkhCh_pDZmjnYb3GV7CpYi0  www.TonyAndTheTrees.com 

This episode is a culmination of voices and stories of our NOFA community members that visited the in person Winter Conferences.  For those of you who don't already know, most of the NOFA state chapters host an annual Winter Conference.  Some are jam packed single days, others are weekend long intensives, and others have been held in a more virtual online format.  None-the-less the Winter Conference is filled with workshops, presentations, and experiences for Farmers, Gardeners, Foodies, Chefs, and Agricultural and Environmental Policy advocates.  And it's one of the greatest places to connect with other people who are equally, and sometimes even more passionate about the work we're all doing.  Hear the stories and intentions of people like YOU from NY, NJ, CT, VT, MASS, RI, NH, PA and MA!

Closing the Mushroom Production Loop: Evaluating Soil Microbe Changes Following Field Application of Compost Inoculated with Spent Mushroom Substrate with host, Tony Kennette, Ruben Parilla Soil Tech Coordinator and Education Dir NOFA MASS and Elizabeth Almeida of Fat Moon Farm.  In this episode we discuss the use of compost inocullated with "spent" mushroom substrate, and the scientific discoveries found regarding increased fungal activity in the soil when applied. This podcast episode is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number ONE20-378. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. To find out more about Fat Moon Farm visit https://fatmoonmushrooms.com/ To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at https://nofa.org/  For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list.  https://www.nofamass.org/    Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube Music By Tony & The Trees https://tonyandthetrees.com/    NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Tony Kennette of https://nofanj.org/ and https://martenettefarms.com/       

In this episode I am joined by Central Massachusetts cattle farmer, Ridge Shinn to discuss the amazing possibilities that good management of cattle can have on soils and land as a whole. Ridge Shinn is the founder of Big Picture Beef in Hardwick Mass. Big Picture Beef is an aggregator of grass-fed cattle and an educational resource for cattle farmers interested in a Grass-Fed paradigm.  Ridge is also frequent and long time contributor with us at NOFA and most recently co-author with Lynne Pledger of the book Grass-Fed Beef for a Post-Pandemic World.  This podcast episode is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number ONE20-378. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More information on Ridge and Big Picture Beef you can visit the website bigpicturebeef.com  To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt  

In this episode I am joined by my colleague Ruben Parilla our NOFA/Mass Soil Tech Coordinator and together we interview Lincoln Fishman of Sawyer Farm in Worthington, MA. Lincoln is presenting at our upcoming NOFA/Mass Winter Conference happening the weekend of January 14th & 15th, 2022.  Lincoln Fishman is co-owner/operator of Sawyer Farm. In 2010 they started raising vegetables and livestock, and using only draft power. In 2020, Sawyer Farm started experimenting with no-till systems and an the spring of 2022, sold their team and bought a tractor to allow them to fully explore tillage-reduced systems. They currently grow most of their crops in perennial Dutch White Clover, with some high value crops in other no-till systems.  More information on Lincoln and Sawyer Farm you can email him at sawyerfarmshare@gmail.com or visit their website at sawyer.farm  To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

In this episode I interview Mary Sage Napolitan and Evan Abramson about their collaborative work on re-establishing ecologically diverse landscape to the properties of Island Grown Initiative in the town of Vineyard Haven on the island of Martha's Vineyard.  Mary Sage and Evan are presenting their work on this project at our upcoming NOFA/Mass Winter Conference happening the weekend of January 14th & 15th 2022.  Mary Sage Napolitan is the Regenerative Landscape Manager at Island Grown Initiative. Born and raised on the island, her work focuses on collaborative design, farms as an intersection of social & environmental issues in the landscape, and perennial and native foods for ecosystem health and food sovereignty. Evan Abramson is the Founder and Principal of Landscape Interactions, creating functionally diverse and ecologically resilient landscapes for campuses, conservation properties, farms, municipal parks, and more and is responsible for over 300 acres of habitat installed in the Northeast United States, specifically targeting at-risk bee, butterfly and moth species. You can find more information on Mary Sage and Island Grown Initiative at igimv.org More information on Evan Abramon and Landscape Interactions as well as the downloadable .pdf of this project and others, visit landscapeinteractions.com To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and engineered by Jason Valcourt

In this episode I interview my colleague Andrew Laurion to discuss the bioremediation project underway in Springfield, MA. We talk about the changes in the soil, the properties and the community now that this project has been underway for two years.  Andrew Laurion is the Bioremediation Project Coordinator for NOFA/Mass and the Youth Program Coordinator of the food justice organization Gardening the Community (GTC) in Springfield, Massachusetts. Andrew is also an avid urban grower, a woodworker and loves his role mentoring the youth and helping to create healthy, sustainable communities To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list at NOFAmass.org. Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

In this episode I am joined by two of my NOFA colleagues Monique Bosch from our CT NOFA chapter as well as Ruben Parilla of NOFA/Mass and they introduce us to the world of microscopy. We discuss the advantages of looking at your soil and compost under the microscope to determine the state of affairs and influence your soil management strategies.  Monique Bosch, is the Organic Land Care Coordinator and the Soil Health Technician at CT NOFA and an avid microscopy enthusiast.  Ruben Parilla, is the NOFA/Mass Soil Tech Coordinator and is also an avid microscope enthusiast. You can find more microscopy info and resources from CT NOFA at ctnofa.org/microscopy You can find Soil Health and microscopy info and resources at nofamass.org and navigate to the soil health technical services page.  To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

In this episode I am joined again by our NOFA/Mass Soil Tech Coordinator, Ruben Parilla. We interview Yoko Takemura of Assawaga Farm in Putnam, CT. This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. Yoko Takemura owns and operates Assawaga Farm with her husband Alex Carpenter in Putnam, CT. Since 2016 they've grown organic vegetables with an emphasis on Japanese varieties, flowers and fruits on less than an acre using no-till and regenerative practices. Here's our conversation with Yoko where we discuss their approach to soil health and various no-till practices.  You can find more info on Assawaga Farm at assawagafarm.com and on FB and Instagram at Assawaga farm To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

In this episode I am joined again by my NOFA/Mass colleague, Soil Health Projects Manager, Christine Manuck. We interview Meryl Latronica, Director of Farm Operations at Just Roots in Greenfield, MA. We continue our conversations with farmers working within our Compaction Mitigation grant as a collaboration with an MDAR 2020 Specialty Crop Block Grant titled Accelerating Soil Health Through Compaction Mitigation: A Data-Supported Peer-to-Peer Farmer Learning Project. Meryl Latronica is the Director of Farm Operations at Just Roots.  She is a dedicated and experienced production farmer, farm-based educator, community organizer, mentor to new farmers and devoted member of the New England farm community. She has been focusing her work on balancing intensive organic vegetable production with a commitment to building strong communities around food and farms. Just Roots provides educational programming on the farm, in schools and in the community and has a mission to create equitable access to healthy local food in Western Massachusetts, and work toward just, vibrant, and sustainable farm and food systems everywhere. You can find more info Meryl and Just Roots and the various programs they support at JustRoots.Org To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

NOFA/Mass Winter Conference Highlight - When and How To Kill (Winter) Cover Crops With Arthur Siller In this episode we're drawing another highlight from our annual NOFA/Mass Winter Conference that happened remotely in January 2022. We join University of Massachusetts at Amherst PhD student Arthur Siller as he outlines four different cover crop killing strategies that we can employ, and he also overviews our primary winter cover crops and their management strategies. Arthur Siller is a PhD student in the Hashemi lab at University of Massachusetts at Amherst's College of Natural Sciences Stockbridge School Agriculture. They have extensive experience in sustainable farming practices, doing current research on cover crop termination strategies to reduce off-farm resources and improve soil health.  You can find more information on Arthur Siller and the programs of UMass Amherst's College of Natural Sciences Stockbridge School of Agriculture at stockbridge.cns.umass.edu To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

In this episode we're drawing more highlights from our annual NOFA/Mass Winter Conference that happened remotely in January 2022. First we join Natural Farmer, Marco Thomas for an introduction to the Natural Farming technique of collecting of Indigenous Micro Organisms (IMOs).  Then, we join Richard Robinson of Hopestill Farm for a deep dive into mulching, and his impassioned reasons for using leaves as mulch as possible.  Marco Thomas is a natural farmer in Central Virginia, and is the founder of Microbes by Marco producing small batch craft inputs for soils. His work is focused on building soil and cultivating microorganisms to enhance his own garden and urban farm and he is guided by the principles, “Do as nature does.” and “Focus on the natural way.”  Richard Robinson began organic gardening over 40 years ago and became a serious farmer in 2004. He grows certified organic vegetables, small fruits, and Christmas trees at Hopestill Farm in Sherborn, MA. Richard has also a member of the NOFA/Mass Board of Directors since 2017. You can find Marco Thomas at MicrobesbyMarco.com  and on Instagram at: marco_is_growing More information on Richard Robinson and Hopestill Farm can be found at Hopestill.com To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

In this episode I am joined by our NOFA/Mass Soil Tech Coordinator, Ruben Parilla. We interview soil scientist, Dr. Justin Richardson, from University of Massachusetts Amherst, about the state of the invasive Jumping Worm in the Northeast.  Dr. Justin Richardson is an Assistant Professor of Geosciences at UMass Amherst working in the field of Biogeochemistry. Dr. Richardson studies metals and metalloids, examining metals due to their role as essential nutrients for ecosystems and toxicity to plants and humans. He also studies forest soils due to their impact on forest resources and their illustrative nature of vegetation-soil-rock interactions. You can find more of Dr. Richardson's work and many publications on his website Soilbiogeochemist.com To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

NOFA/Mass Winter Conference Highlight - Seed Sovereignty Means Land Sovereignty In this episode we're drawing highlights from our Round Table discussion on Seed Sovereignty at this year's annual NOFA/Mass winter conference.  You will hear two inspiring opening statements that preceded the discussion from Amirah Mitchell and Luke Jeffries. You can find Amirah Mitchell at Sistahseeds.com and on Instagram at SistahSeeds. More information on Luke Jeffries and Kenhteke Seed Sanctuary can be found at kenhtekeseedsanctuary.com as well as on Facebook To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org   Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt   Biography Information Amirah Mitchell is a farmer, seedkeeper and community educator. She holds a B.S. in Horticulture from Temple University and has worked in agriculture since 2007. She has worked on urban farms in Massachusetts, Georgia and Pennsylvania, including four years at Truelove Seeds, a Philadelphia-based farm and seed company. Currently, Amirah is working to start her own farm business, Sistah Seeds, growing heirloom seeds from across the African Diaspora. Luke Jeffries is a Mohawk from Tyendinaga, Mohawk Territory. He is a language learner, avid gardener, and Project Coordinator for Ratinenhayénthos, who operate the Kenhté:ke Seed Sanctuary in Tyendinaga. They have rematriated a seed collection in the last few years and have been working to ensure that the living collection remains viable for future generations.

In this episode I'm joined by Suzie Flores of Stonington Kelp to discuss her adventures in farming…the sea. We discuss the tools and practices of ocean farming as an introduction to what it takes to farm on the water, how an entire season of ocean farming progresses and the developing industry that is thriving in East Coast waters. You can learn more about and Suzie and Jay's work at StoningtonKelpCo.com and also on Instagram as StoningtonKelpCo For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

In this episode I'm joined by my colleague Christine Manuck, who leads our NOFA/Mass Soil Health Program and we interview Julie Rawson, owner of Many Hands Organic Farm in Barre, Massachusetts and formerly the executive director of NOFA/Mass.  We discuss a variety of compaction mitigation methods that she employs in her management practices on her fully diversified farm and get a glimpse into her three decades of experience running Many Hands. You can find out more about the practices and products of Many Hands Organic Farm at MHOF.net as well as on various social platforms. https://mhof.net https://www.instagram.com/manyhandsorganic/ https://www.facebook.com/manyhandsorganicfarm For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

In this episode I interview Dan Kittredge, founder and Executive Director of the Bionutrient Food Association. We discuss both Dan's and the BFA's origins, soil health philosophy and practices and the bionutrient meter – a hand-held, non-invasive consumer-priced spectrometer that can be used to get relative nutritional scores off of food at point of purchase with a flash of light. Dan Kittredge has been an organic farmer for more than 30 years and is the founder and executive director of the Bionutrient Food Association (BFA), a non-profit whose mission is to “increase quality in the food supply.” Known as one of the leading proponents of “nutrient density,” Dan works to demonstrate the connections between soil health, plant health, and human health. https://Bionutrient.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

In this episode I sit down with Deb and Ricky to discuss the challenging endeavor of farming and we get into some methods they employ to keep their farming lifestyle vibrant and nourishing.   https://seedsofsolidarity.org/  https://makinglovewhilefarming.org/  https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCardboardMethod 

Noah Kellerman and his partner Sophie run Alprilla Farm in Essex MA. They rotate four acres of storage vegetable crop for their winter CSA with two acres of grains for human consumption. The farm is run using a system of rotational tillage using a mix of tractor, ox and human power to care for the soil and grow the best crops they can. Noah is a tinkerer, striving to tighten nutrient cycling on his farm at every level from small scale no till equipment design to crop, tillage and cover crop sequences.   For more information on Noah or Alprilla Farm:  http://alprillafarm.com/  https://www.nofamass.org/ https://mattjatkola.com/  https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/  NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

This year marks NOFA's 50th year since the first summer meeting happened in June of 1971 and we celebrate with a fantastic NOFA Summer Conference program July 31 - August 6th.

In this episode we discuss making your own amendments for the garden or farm with commonly available ingredients and simple recipes with author and gardener Nigel Palmer.   Nigel Palmer is the author of “The Regenerative Growers Guide to Garden Amendments”, Nigel is a lifelong gardener relying on the amazing complexity of nature to inspire his gardening practices. We are all experimental gardeners given a new canvas each year. He develops curriculum for and instructs the Sustainable Regenerative Garden Program at The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition. TIOSN.com.   Additional Resources from Nigel can be found here: https://www.nofamass.org/podcast-fans/ For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list.  NOFAmass.org  Music by Matt Jatkola  https://mattjatkola.com/  https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/  https://jatk.bandcamp.com/    Music by Jason Valcourt  https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/  JV on YouTube  NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt 

In this episode, I interview Jim Schultz of Red Shirt Farm to discuss backyard birding on a small to medium scale. Jim helps us get started skilfully and gives us insights on what to be prepared for in caring for birds for the long haul.  Jim Schultz runs Red Shirt Farm with his wife Annie. Red Shirt Farm is a small diversified farm in Lanesborough, Massachusetts and they are doing their part to preserve several heritage breeds; Buckeye and Australorp chickens and Standard Bronze turkeys. They also raise several breeds of pigs and all the animals are reared on pasture and humanely processed on the farm. The quality of the animal’s care is their highest priority.  www.redshirtfarm.com   Leave us a voicemail with your “Farm Fail” or “Farming Lessons Learned during Covid” at (508) 216-0790.  For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list.  NOFAmass.org  Music by Matt Jatkola  https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/   Music by Jason Valcourt  https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/  JV on YouTube  NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt 

In this episode I interview Kate Whelley McCabe of the Vermont Evaporator Company.  We dive into the world of maple syrup making at a hobby level. If you’ve been curious about what it takes to tap trees and make your own maple syrup, Kate’s practical approach will fill you in on how simple and rewarding an activity it can be. Maybe you can get started right away! To learn more about the Vermont Evaporator Company, please visit www.vermontevaporator.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook @vermontevaporatorcompany.  Leave us a voicemail with your “Farm Fail” or “Farming Lessons Learned during Covid” at (508) 216-0790. For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list.  www.nofamass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

In this episode we drop into five workshop sessions from our recent Winter Conference for quick bits of wisdom and insight.  Laura Davis runs Long Life Farm in Sunderland Mass and is a Soil Technical Assistant with NOFA/Mass.  Her workshop was titled, Exploring The Outer Limits Post Soil Test. Apollo Catala is the Farm Manager for Oasis on Ballou and a graduate of the Urban Farming Institute’s Farmer Training Program. His WKSP was titled, IPM for Home and Garden Heather Darby is a farmer and Extension Agent through the University of Vermont. She was a part of our Farmer To Farmer Intensive and presented in the Nutrient Management session.   Marty Dagoberto is the Policy Director at NOFA/Mass. His workshop was titled “Speak for the Soils”. Deb Habib co-founded Seeds of Solidarity Edu. Center in Orange, Mass. She was part of a Question and Answer session titled “Growing Community”.  Bonus Takeaway: Noah Kellerman runs Alprilla Farm. His workshop was titled Experiments in Reduced Tillage at Alprilla Farm. Leave us a voicemail with your “Farm Fail” or “Farming Lessons Learned during Covid” at (508) 216-0790. Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube  

In this session I talk to Julia Agron of NOSHA, who demystifies the botany, history, culture, and policy of hemp production in the Northeast. We also take a deep dive into the complexities of Massachusetts specifically, which has the tightest regulations on hemp production, and then discuss how to support local hemp farmers.  NOSHA https://www.northeastsustainablehemp.org/ More resources from Baystate Organic Certifiers: baystateorganic.org/hemp-production/ Here’s a link to our recent No-Till Hemp Webinar referenced in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2STmSP1rg0   Acoustic guitar music provided by Jason Valcourt

In this episode we speak with Connor Stedman from AppleSeed Permaculture to discuss the ecological benefits of hedgerow usage across the landscape and envision a plan that extends beyond farm boundaries to a watershed level of application. Connor Stedman is Principal and lead designer with AppleSeed Permaculture and a farm planner and supply systems educator with Terra Genesis International.  He is lead faculty for the Omega Institute’s Ecological Literacy Immersion Program and an affiliate instructor in the University of Vermont's Leadership for Sustainability program.  Connor is a technical advisor to the development of carbon farming and soil health policy initiatives in New York State. For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. Nofamass.org Chill acoustic guitar music provided by Jason Valcourt.

Remediation of soil is the work of re-establishing its healthy function. In this episode of the NOFA Podcast Nance Klehm and Willie Crosby delve into the work of revitalizing soil and the possibilities of restoring contaminated soils for food production. This episode’s guests are part of a collaborative, Springfield, MA-based project funded by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to build community knowledge about ecological approaches to remediating contaminated soils. For additional bioremediation workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. Nofamass.org Nance Klehm is the Founder and Director of Social Ecologies in Illinois. Willie Crosby can be found at Fungially.com Chill acoustic guitar music provided by Jason Valcourt.

This week on the NOFA/Mass Podcast we are talking about how to get your garden space buzzing with native plants that attract and support our favorite little buddies pollinators! Caro is back as my co-host to chat with me about bringing in native plants and her experience with growing them. We will also interview Dan Jaffe, author of the book Native Plants for New England Gardens, all about why we should be planting the plants that grow naturally in our regions. We also have a call to action, so stay tuned!  Special thanks to the New England Biolabs Foundation for their support for this podcast and our North Shore Pollinators Project

This week on the NOFA/Mass podcast we are going to get Nutty! Chesnuts that is! Caro Roszell is back as my co-host and we will be talking about the carbon sequestration possibilities of growing food from trees. Then we chat with Jono Niger about his farm Big River Chestnuts and his experience with markets, establishment strategies, integration with other crops and livestock and more. Plus another great question for our expert homesteaders in the ask a homesteader segment!   

This week on the NOFA/mass podcast we are going to be talking about how having a heard of heifers doesn’t have to hurt the soil. My co-host Suzy and I will discuss our experiences with grazing animals, remembering the cows we have loved! Then we will interview Sara Flack author of The Art and Science of Grazing. We will also be introducing a new segment “Homestead advice” where your questions are answered by some of the most experienced homesteaders in the commonwealth!

We are back for season 3 and this week on the NOFA Mass podcast we are going to be talking about glyphosate the ingredient in Roundup that has been making headlines and ending Monsanto in court. With my cohost Grant, we will discuss his personal journey with this harsh chemical that finds its way into our lives and then we will interview Carey Gillam author of White Wash and this years' Winter Conference keynote speaker. Plus, we play how many workshops can Lydia name in 30 seconds!

This week on the NOFA/Mass podcast it’s a total shit show! I mean for real, we are talking all things poop, turds and more as Caro and I discuss the process of making compost from our own waste. We gross-out and nerd-out on this topic and then get to interview the author of the groundbreaking book The Humanure Handbook Joe Jenkins on how he came to be the expert on excrement.

This week on the NOFA/Mass podcast we are going to be thinking about the setup, the beginning, the planning… of your garden or homesteading space! My co-host Anna Gilbert-Muhammad and I will discuss how we have thought about setting up garden and farm spaces in the past. Starting at conceptualizing all the way to our blunders in implementation. Then we will talk to permaculture expert and author Ben Falk about how he set up his farm and tips he can offer for people just starting out as well as folks who have been at it for eva. Ben Falk and his book on the Chelsea Green website https://www.chelseagreen.com/writer/ben-falk/

This week on the NOFA/Mass podcast we are going to be talking about how our livestock are smarter than we think they are and the lessons that they can teach us. My co-host will be Jack Kittredge of Many Hands Organic Farm in Barre MA and I will chat all about our own experiences with wise and often sassy livestock. Then we will interview Fred Provensia the author of Nourishment What Animals Can Teach Us about Rediscovering Our Nutritional Wisdom Fred Proenza and his book on the Chelsea Green website https://www.chelseagreen.com/writer/fred-provenza/

This week on the NOFA/Mass podcast we are giving you a sneak peek into what is going to be the most amazing NOFA Summer Conference ever! Joining me in the studio is Jason Valcort the NOFA Summer Conference Coordinator and we chat about all the things we are pumped about for this the 45th year of sustainable ag. fun in the sun. We also chat with this year's keynote speaker Sandor Katz the internationally renowned author of The Art of Fermentation. Grab your mason jars folks and stay tuned for some wisdom from the kraut-master! Sandor Katz website https://www.wildfermentation.com/  

This week on the NOFA/Mass podcast we are talking about how to get your kids to better appreciate and eat the animals you raise though mindful butchering and creative recipes. My co-host Christy and I will discuss the importance of using the whole animal as well as have a chat with Katie Stillman of Stillman Quality Meats about her journey to being a butcher, how she is raising her kids to appreciate the animals she raises and some of the uncommon meats she sells. Katie Stillman and Stillman Quality Meats website https://www.stillmanqualitymeats.com/

This week on the NOFA/Mass podcast we are going to be getting into some self-care, some herbalism and some ideas about sustainability by talking all about herbal skin care at home. My co-host Christy Bassett and I will chat about our own experiences with at home remedies and soaps and then we will interview Amber Kennedy of Boheme Botanika Herbals about her favorite herbs for first aid and skin care. Stay tuned because this episode will leave you glowing! Amber Kennedy, Boheme Botanika Herbals FB page https://www.facebook.com/bohemebotanika/

This week on the NOFA/Mass Podcast we are digging deep into the topic of carbon farming. My guest host Caro Rozell is back to get nerdy with me about pulling CO2 out of the air and putting it in the soil. After talking about carbon farming here in New England we will be chatting with Jeff Creque who is a co-founder of the Marin Carbon Project and a Director at the Carbon Cycle Institute all about carbon farming on the other coast. Jeff Creque and the Carbon Cycle Institute website https://www.carboncycle.org Podcast Sponsored by: Chelsea Green Publishing Dr. Bronner's The Pfeiffer Center

This week on the NOFA/Mass podcast we are talking about something so gouda, we will be leaving you saying bre-visimo! Cheese! My co-host Noah Courser-Kellerman NOFA/Mass board member and farmer at Aprilla Farm in Essex Ma. will chat about what is arguably the best food invention ever, our experiments in cheese making and what cheese makes the best building block for an igloo. Then we will interview Clifford Hatch of Upinngill Farm all about making soft cheese. As Avery Aames, author of The Long Quiche Goodbye says “Life is great. Cheese makes it better.” let's get cheesy! Cliff Hatch and Upingil website https://upinngil.com/ Podcast Sponsored by: Chelsea Green Publishing Dr. Bronner's The Pfeiffer Center  

This week on the NOFA/Mass podcast we are going to be getting friendly with the fungus amungus… We are talking all about mycorrhizal fungi and growing mushrooms at home! I will be joined in the studio by NOFA/Mass Executive director as my guest co-host and together we will chat about the amazing lil’ beings mushrooms and then we will interview Willie Crosby of Fungi Ally about his journey to being a mushroom master and his upcoming workshop that will be all about how you can grow fungus at home! Willie Crosby and Fungi Ally website https://fungially.com/ Podcast Sponsored by: Chelsea Green Publishing Dr. Bronner's The Pfeiffer Center

This week on the NOFA/Mass podcast it's all about community! We are going to be talking about getting the community involved on farms by volunteering, farmers feeding their communities and how the community can be involved in CARBON FARMING! Caro is back as my co-host and we will talk about all sorts of community-related stuff. How to use volunteers on your farm, food access and the micro-communities in the soil. If all that isn’t cool enough we also will be interviewing Doug Wolchik of Gaining Ground Farm in Concord MA on how is farm balances all the ways you can engage the community. Stay tuned! Gaining Ground farm website https://gainingground.org/ Podcast Sponsored by: Chelsea Green Publishing Dr. Bronner's  

This week on the NOFA/Mass we are getting back into a topic that gives us quite a buzz.. BEES! My co-host this week is Jeremy Barker-Plotkin farmer at Simple Gifts Farm in Amherst MA and we know almost nothing about bees BUT fear not dear listener because we interview Angela Roell who is a beekeeper extraordinaire who is teaching a workshop on Natural Beekeeping on April 28th. They will school Jeremy and I on things like bee treatments and give us hope for the future regarding bee population decline. Angela Roell website https://angelaroell.com/about/ Podcast Sponsored by: Chelsea Green Publishing Dr. Bronner's  

We are back for Season 2! And we kick off this week on the NOFA/Mass Podcast by taking on a big question that so many farmers face… How to make the farm profitable. My co-host Caro and I will be discussing what it means for many farmers to produce food and a solid income. And we will be interviewing Paul and Sandy Arnold of Pleasant Valley Farm, Argyle, NY about how they farm on a smaller scale and how they make it work financially.   Paul and Sandy Arnold of Pleasant Valley Farm, website: http://pvfproduce.com/   Podcast Sponsored by: Chelsea Green Publishing Dr. Bronner's

This week on the NOFA/Mass podcast we are going to get you all pumped up for our Winter Conference! We will be talking all about the theme with some Lydia style history. We are also bringing back the crowd favorite segment of Workshops in 60 seconds and two doubled up farm fails and hacks! Plus my interview with John Kempf of Advancing Eco Agriculture who is this year's keynote speaker!

This week on the NOFA Mass podcast we are talking getting back to our hunter-gatherer roots...Well, the gatherer part anyway! We are going to explore the wicked cool world of foraging. What is easiest to find and identify here in MA? Plus what livestock are the best foragers, a call to action from Marty and my interview with Marie Viljoen author of the book Forage, Harvest, Feast about how she forages year-round in New York City!

This week on the NOFA mass podcast we are going into the forest… But not in a spooky scary story way. This week we are talking all about Agroforestry! We will cover what agroforestry is, how it is used and why it is important. We will also get into what type of crops you can plant in Mass and have actually grow and thrive!  Plus an interview that will have you in awe of just how far one company will go to implement agroforestry practices when I talk to Ryan Zinn of Dr Bronners. Plus a long-armed hack and a suuuuuper epic fail!

This week on the NOFA/Mass Podcast we are talking all about critters and climate change. We go over the facts versus the myths of what livestock have to do with climate change and how some farmers are helping to heal the planet. Plus another rousing call to action from Marty and my interview with Ben Goldfarb the author and beaver believer who shares with us all about how beavers may save the world! I’m not even kidding…

This week on the NOFA/Mass podcast we are talking about the oldest trick in the book… gleaning! That’s taking one farmer's trash and using for the treasure it is! The history, significance, some crazy things farmers have repurposed and why gleaning and dumpster diving is a great practice for low and no-till farmers. We will also be having an inspirational chat with Danny Botkin of Laughing Dog Farm in Gill all about how he uses the regenerative power of gleaning on his farm. And guess what guys I have a farm hack, for real!

This week on the NOFA/Mass podcast we are getting down and dirty and talking about soil...AGAIN! Some new takes on why healthy soil makes for healthier food and a healthier planet. The world of things under your feet making soil better and the top 5 ways to get more worms in your soil. We talk to Caro Rozell NOFA/Mass Soil Carbon Testing Technician about the amazing workshops she is doing all over MA teaching folks how to test the quality of their soil.  And Farm Hacks and Fails are back with a trashy fail and a pumped up hack