Jim Ulager, Author & Seed Saver Designed for folks interested in saving seed on homesteads and small farms (where seed saving has both special challenges and opportunities compared to commercial scale production), this workshop covers seed saving benefits, how to ensure high quality seed, necessary population size, and preventing unintended crossing. Information is targeted for folks new to seed saving, but some more advanced topics will be discussed.
Utilizing Draft Horse Power in Your Commercial Operation Kate Adams, Ascutney Mtn Horse Farm L3C; Gregory Witscher, Understory Farm; Jesse Kayan & Caitlin Burlett, Wild Carrot Farm; Becky Frye, Ironwood Farm Join this panel of farmers from Understory Farm and Wild Carrot Farm who utilize draft horse power as their primary power in both cut flower and mixed vegetable businesses. These experienced teamsters share the successes and struggles of draft powered systems, favorite equipment to use, bed spacing and when to utilize additional tractor power. Horse expert Kate Adams will add her vast equestrian knowledge on horse health, horse safety and choosing the right animal for the specific farm task and your specific operational needs.
Worker Co-ops for Food Businesses Matt Cropp, Vermont Employee Ownership Center; Jaquelyn Rieke, Rabble-Rouser; Lucy Kahn, Real Pickles This workshop will feature an introduction to the worker co-op model as a path for start-up and ownership succession presented by Matt Cropp of the Vermont Employee Ownership Center. This will be followed by the stories of two food businesses that have walked that path: Real Pickles, which became a worker co-op in 2013, and Rabble-Rouser, which converted in early 2019.
Sunday Session 3 3:45–5:00 pm
rt See insem o o r r o f s location
“&*@!” 11 Mistakes We Made as New Business Owners Aubrey Schatz & Scott Hoffman, Family Cow Farm Aubrey & Scott will present a broad overview of mistakes, some big and some small, they have made in running a small farming business and how they used the lessons learned to direct their business and farming in a positive direction. They will discuss small scale dairy production, marketing, data tracking, accounting, debt, being young farmers, and more. Aubrey Schatz & Scott Hoffman have owned and operated the Family Cow Farm, a 12 cow 100% grass-fed raw milk dairy in Hinesburg, for the past 4 years. Family Cow Farm is a direct-market dairy but many of their lessons learned would be applicable to any beginning farmer looking to start their own enterprise.
Farming for Profit: Changing your Paradigm Bruce Hennessey & Beth Whiting, Maple Wind Farm; Shona Sanford-Long, Luna Bleu Farm; Jenn Colby, Howling Wolf Farm “Is your farm a collection of expensive assets and low paying jobs … or is it a business?” This was the question that hooked a number of Vermont farmers last year into dropping everything to spend seven days diving deep into their business and the businesses of other farmers from all over the country and the world. The course (Ranching for Profit) is described as a “boot camp” for farmers and ranchers serious about turning their farm into a business that serves them. Come hear stories of the farms that participated, the problems they face, and the solutions they’re crafting to meet those challenges. Engage in activities that will get you thinking differently about how you are approaching your own operation. A quick introduction to tools for developing gross margins for different enterprises, making big decisions and clarifying your farms’ mission, vision and core values will be part of the discussion.
Hemp Discussion for Seasoned Growers Scott Lewins & Heather Darby, UVM Extension Join Dr. Heather Darby and Scott Lewins from UVM Extension for a discussion about growing industrial hemp. This workshop is geared toward commercial growers or market gardeners with prior experience growing hemp; audience participation will be strongly encouraged.
SUNDAY SESSION 2 • 2:15–3:30 PM / SUNDAY SESSION 3 • 3:45–5:00 PM
Practical Seed Saving on the Small Farm and Homestead
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