West Cabarrus YMCA Afton Community Farm Design Development Report
cultivatis agriculturally focused sustainable environments
West Cabarrus YMCA
Afton Community Farm Design Development Report May 2015 Table of Contents: Site Plan Project Description
2
Site Development Irrigation
3
Storage
4
Post-harvest Handling
4
Distribution
4
Security
5
Facilities
5
Equipment
6-7
Materials
7
Site Development Schedule
8-10
Farm Management Farm Manager
11-13
Distribution Partnerships
14
Administration and Supervision
15
Fundraising and Promotional Coordination
15
Volunteer Coordination Strategies
16
Sustainability and Safety Recommendations
16
Costing
17-20
Appendix Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
1
Afton Community Farm is a collaborative projected sponsored by the West Cabarrus YMCA, McGill Baptist Church, Cooperative Christian Ministry and Concord First Assembly aimed at growing fresh vegetables to help alleviate hunger in Cabarrus County. Afton Community Farm uses commercial farming techniques and offers volunteer opportunities to citizens interested in helping feed those in our community who are food insecure. Many individuals, businesses, civic organizations and communities of faith in Cabarrus County recognize the need to help children, families and adults in need of food assistance in our community and are actively seeking a way to help! Afton Community Farm offers just such an opportunity. Afton Community Farm has three main objectives: 1. Alleviate hunger by providing fresh vegetables to established efforts to assist hungry families. 2. Raise awareness regarding hunger in our community and promote a volunteerbased solution to addressing the problem. 3. Educate our citizens about the values associate with sustainable agriculture and good nutrition. Afton Community Farm is operated by the West Cabarrus YMCA, relying on the expertise embodied in that organization regarding facilities management, volunteer coordination and community outreach. The farm site is hosted by Mc Gill Baptist Church, providing safe and easy access, utilities and operational support. Distribution of fresh vegetables produced at Afton Community Farm will be coordinated by ACF staff, ensuring produce is delivered to Cooperative Christian Ministry and Concord First Assembly to be further distributed using their existing food pantry network with the help of their established volunteer transportation network. Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
2
Site Development
Irrigation System o
Irrigation well with fixed speed pump, 64 gallon pressure tank, (LOMAX) vented well house with space heater
o
3 Zone Drip Irrigation System
4 header pipe setups
200’ schedule 40 – 1” PVC pipe
1” plastic microscreen Filter
1’ pre-set, 12 gpm pressure reducer
2 Rolls of 10,000’ 5/8” Drip tape
Mazzei injection liquid fertigation system
52 US Gallon Food Grade Drum
Injector Unit with bypass mainline, 8’ suction hose, backflow check valve, main line control valve, pressure gauge and stand
o
o
Overhead Sprinkler setup
4 sprinkler heads
4 stands
Hoses
(3) 100’ ¾” Commercial Hoses
(4) 50’ ¾” Medium Grade Hoses
(2) 25’ ¾” Medium Grade Hoses
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
3
Storage o
(1) 20’ Shipping container
o
(1) 20’ Modified shipping container
Electricity
Tool Shelving and storage
o
(2) Thermostatically-controlled ventilation systems
o
(2) Dayton U31 Portable Electric Radiant Convection Space Heater
Post-Harvest Handling o
(1) Modified shipping container
Electricity
Water
(2) 90 X 24 X 44” Triple bay wash sinks
(2) 84 X 24 X 35” packing tables with 5” backsplash
o
Kold Locker, Outdoor Cooler +35F 6'x 14'x 7'-7''
o
Thermostatically-controlled ventilation systems
o
Dayton U31 Portable Electric Radiant Convection Space Heater
o
(10) Igloo 94 quart marine cooler
o
5 gal. salad spinner
o
Ice-O-Matic 115V ICE0400 528 lb/day 20 x 30 x 24 Ice Machine
o
LEWISBins Stack-N-Nest Agricultural Container AF2013-6, 19-11/16"L x 13-1/8"W x 5-5/8"H
Distribution o
Used Truck
o
Modified refrigerated trailer
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
4
Security o
750’ Framed cattle panel fencing
o
Stafix X1 Energizer, 10 watt Solar Panel with voltage regulator, steel frame and battery box
o
12-volt deep cycle battery sold separately
o
Poly wire, insulators, and misc fittings
o
(2) Gates
Facilities o
34'X48' Noreaster heated, vented and cooled greenhouse
o
Logistics Center
(1) Modified Shipping Container
Electricity
Water
5’ ADA unisex bathroom
15’ Office space w window
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
5
Equipment o
Grillo G107D Tractor
11.5 hp Yamaha Gas Engine
Grillo Female Quick Coupling
FF Adder Foam Filled Tires 5x12
MISC. Debris Screen for Yamaha MZ360
Berta Franco Single Rotary Plow for Grillo
27" Tiller w/ Splined PTO
Male Quick Coupling 5 CM
Berta 26" Flail Mower for Grillo
Aldo Biagioli Root Digger Plow
Mini-bedshaper (32" wide beds max) w/ Disk Hillers
Tool Carrier w/ Mounting Slot (fits Aldo Biagioli
Aldo Biagioli Tow Hitch/Drawbar For Grillo 5cm
Set of "Barbell" Wheel Weight Hanger Posts - Short-Grill0
1 Ramp G-3
7.5 lb. Std "Barbell" Weight Plate with 1" center hole
10 lb. Std "Barbell" Weight Plate with W2 A-1 1" center hole
o
Husqvarna 430LS commercial weed trimmer
o
Husqvarna Husqvarna YTH23V48 Mower 48" Deck 23 HP Briggs Engine
o
Seed Starting Equipment
Flat Trays of various sizes
(4) Commercial heat mats
Four outlet digital thermostat
o
(2) 5’ X 4000’ Black Plastic Mulch
o
(2) 5’ 4000’ White Plastic Mulch Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
6
o
(4) 4X4 150’ weld wire (for support)
o
(25) 16’ X 60” cattle panel (for crop support)
o
(200) 6’ Tpost
o
(3) Backpack sprayers
o
County Line Trailer Sprayer, 30 gal. Capacity
o
Jang Seeder
o
Glasser Wheel Hoe
o
Red Dragon Flamer
o
Hand Tools
roundhead shovels
cultivators
squarehead shovels
wire weeder
straight hoes
digging forks
stirrup hoes
broadfork
collinear hoes
tilther
trapezoid hoes
trowels
wheel hoes
seeders
hard rakes
pruners
bed prep rakes
Materials o
Soil Amendments
50 Yards Worm Castings
360 Yards
Tractor work
Cover crop seed
o
Fertilizers
o
Pesticides
o
Herbicides Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
7
Site Development Schedule
Signed Lease Agreement
Irrigation System
June 2015
o
Well Installation
July 2015
o
Drip and Spray System Installation
September
2015
o
System Winterization
October 2015
o
System Testing (warm season operations and fertigation)
March 2016
o
Shipping container setup
August 2015
o
Modified shipping container
August 2015
Storage
Post-Harvest Handling o
Modified shipping container
January 2016
o
Kold Locker
February 2016
o
Ice-O-Matic 115V ICE0400
February 2016
o
Other Supply Purchases
March 2016
Distribution
o
Truck Purchase
July 2015
o
Pack N Cool Construction
February 2016
Security o
Fence Installation
September
2015
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
8

Facilities o
Greenhouse Installation
November
2015 o
Logistics Center
December
2015 
Equipment o
County Line Trailer Sprayer
June 2015
o
Grillo G107D Tractor
September
2015 o
Husqvarna mower and trimmer
April 2016
o
Other Equipment Purchases
October 2015
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
9

Soil Conditioning Schedule o
Herbicide Spray #1
June 15th 2015
o
Herbicide Spray #1
July 1st 2015
o
Herbicide Spray #1
July 15th 2015
o
Grading
July 21st 2015
o
Worm Castings Application #1
August 1st
2015 o
Worm Castings Application #2
October 1st
2015 o
Worm Castings Application #3
April 1st 2015
o
Worm Castings Application #4
August 1st
2016 o
Compost Application #1
October 2015
o
Compost Application #2
April15th 2016
o
Cover Crop Installation #1
August 1st
2015 o
Cover Crop Installation #2
October 1st
2015 o
Cover Crop Installation #3
April 15th 2016
o
Cover Crop Installation #4
June 1st 2016
o
Cover Crop Installation #5
August 1st
2016
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
10
Farm Management General Farm Management Plan Afton Community Farm daily operations will be overseen by Farm Manager POSITION DESCRIPTION
Full-time farm manager: 40 hrs/week
Staff employee with benefits
One year contract on a renewable basis, pending further funding o Compensation: $40,000/yr
Reports to Executive Director West Cabarrus/Harrisburg YMCA; quarterly written reports to YMCA Board of Directors, biannual in-person reports to YMCA Board of Directors
QUALIFICATIONS: The Farm Manager should have the following qualifications and experience
A minimum of three years farming experience
Familiarity with all aspects of running a small scale intensive farm
Knowledgeable and committed to upholding sustainable principles and requirements
Experience with basic farm equipment operation, maintenance and upkeep
Proficiency in Word and Excel for recordkeeping and reporting purposes
Maintain filing system for all records
Develop budget for Farm Manager expenses (in conjunction with YMCA)
Keep ledger of Farm Manager expenses
Keep calendar/schedule
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Experience working with volunteers and interns Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
11
RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversee day-to-day operations of Afton Community Farm, including but not limited to: maintenance and upkeep of farm equipment and farm buildings used in projects; coordination of water needs and irrigation set-ups for project operations; primary volunteer coordinatorserving as information resource for volunteers; coordination of produce deliveries biweekly to hunger relief agency partners, project-related farm tours and educational workshops.
DUTIES:
Mowing
Equipment procurement (as directed) and maintenance of tractors, tillers, pumps, mowers, weed trimmers, sprayers, cooler and other equipment.
Irrigation, fertility, greenhouse management, integrated pest management, soil conditioning, cover crop rotation and harvesting. Maintenance of post-harvest handling
Fuel supply: maintenance and keeping records
Track use of equipment and submit usage information to YMCA
Assist in design, procurement of materials and implementation and construction of infrastructure upgrades
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
12
Farm Manager is expected to
Consult with YMCA Executive Director and Board of Directors on farm operations, purchase of new equipment, replacement of equipment, marketing ideas, short and long range planning, troubleshooting issues
Cooperate with other non-profits, government agencies and non-government organizations to enhance Afton Community Farm productivity
Attend pertinent conferences, meetings, workshops whenever feasible.
Provide all volunteer information to YMCA Executive Director on a weekly basis, including dates and time worked on the farm.
Farm Manager has authority to:
Make daily operating decisions
Make purchases within budget limits as set by YMCA ED and BOD
Use office resources and assistance from Executive Director and YMCA office staff for conducting farm/garden related business
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
13
Distribution Partnerships Hunger relief agency partners in the area include Cooperative Christian Ministry and Concord First Assembly. Both agencies having existing hunger relief efforts serving the Cabarrus County community. Procuring fresh vegetables is a hardship for these aid agencies and produce grown at Afton Community Farm is dedicated to addressing this issue. Issues: 1 Vegetable distribution. . Cooperative Christian Ministry and Concord First Assembly are both limited in staff and volunteer capacity. Delivering vegetables to these agencies, and not relying on their existing resources for pickup of these vegetables, is key to the success of this project. Equipment in the form of a truck and refrigerated trailer will need to be acquired, appropriately registered, insured and maintained, as well as safely parked when not in use. The ACF Manager will oversee the appropriate delivery of vegetables to the aid agencies on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. 2. Variety Hunger relief agencies struggle to provide a variety of vegetables and are inundated with certain seasonal items. The ACF should coordinate with agencies to create production plans that avoid producing more of these vegetables already in large supply. 3. Educational Support Those individuals and families in need of hunger relief aid often lack knowledge and skills necessary to best use some fresh vegetables. A future project in need of coordination will be the education associated with preparing vegetables. Identifying cooking class, preparation handbooks and other community resources already in place would be a great first step, followed by the development of other resources specific to the needs identified in our community not being met.
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
14
Administration and Supervision The Farm Manager will report to the Executive Director of the West Cabarrus/Harrisburg YMCA. The Farm Manager will provide weekly in person or conference call reports to the Executive Director and will provide quarterly written reports to YMCA Board of Directors and biannual in-person reports to YMCA Board of Directors. The Executive Director will be responsible for fund acquisition and provide guidance and oversight to the Farm Manager during the annual budgeting process. YMCA staff will be responsible for assistance the Farm manager including volunteer recruitment and coordination, financial reporting and fundraising and record keeping.
Fundraising and Promotional Coordination The West Cabarrus YMCA will host an Afton Community Farm Strategy Dinner and invite partners and key community leaders to attend. The purpose of the dinner will be to capture ideas regarding the startup and operational funding of the Afton Community Farm. Partners should include but are not limited to: YMCA Board of Directors and key supporters McGill Baptist Church leaders Cooperative Christian Ministry Key Staff and Board of Directors Concord First Assembly Leadership CMC Northeast and Northeast Foundation Leaders The Cabarrus Farm and Food Council supports a Long Term Hunger Relief Committee capable of assisting in the preparations for such a dinner.
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
15
Volunteer Coordination Strategies The Cannon Memorial YMCA should develop promotional material aimed at recruitment of volunteers willing and wanting to aid in the labor of the Afton Community Farm including: Online and in print material aimed specifically at ACF recruitment. The incorporation of future broad-based Cannon YMCA promotional material to include information about ACF. Specific targeting of communities of faith already interested in growing food to alleviate hunger. Specific targeting of garden clubs interested in growing food to alleviate hunger. Partnerships with: Cooperative Extension Cabarrus County, the Master Gardeners of Cabarrus County, the Elma C. Lomax Incubator Farm, and the Cabarrus Farm and Food Council, CHA.
Sustainability and Safety Recommendations It is recommended that the Afton Community Farm develop farm protocol in coordination with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). Decisions about appropriate types of seeds, farming techniques and use of specific chemical fertilizers and pesticides will need to be made. Rather than developing a farm protocol from scratch, it will be easier to follow existing protocol as described in the NOP. Use of this program will also decrease input costs over time. It is recommended that the Afton Community Farm adopt USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) as a protocol for food safety. Vegetables from ACF are not sold and therefore are not subject to existing food regulations or the planned FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA). However food safety is a real concern and proper harvesting, washing, packing, handling and transport are key to providing food safe to eat for hunger relief efforts.
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
16
West Cabarrus YMCA Afton Community Farm Costing Analysis *Costs that could be avoided or delayed shown in red Irrigation
$11,118.00
1 3 1000 3 3 4 2 1 4 3 4 2 1
Well Header Setups 1" PVC Filters Pressure Reducer frost free hydrant Drip tape rolls Mazzei Injector Sprinklers 100' Hosees 50' Hoses 25' Hoses Misc. Fittings and tools
$8,000.00 $61.00
$8,000.00 $183.00
$1.00 $35.00 $25.00
$1,000.00 $105.00 $75.00
$75.00
$300.00
$275.00
$550.00
$165.00
$165.00
$25.00 $80.00 $40.00 $20.00 $200.00
$100.00 $240.00 $160.00 $40.00 $200.00
Storage
$21,620.00
Sep15
Aug15
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
17
1 1 2 2
Shipping container Modified shipping container Ventilation Heaters
$8,000.00
$8,000.00
$13,000.00
$13,000.00
$175.00 $135.00
$350.00 $270.00
Post-harvest Handling
$42,885.00 1
Modified shipping container Walkin cooler Ice Machine
$28,000.0 0
$28,000.00
Jan16
$9,600.00
$9,600.00
$2,350.00
$2,350.00
$80.00
$800.00
$225.00
$225.00
40
Marine coolers Salad spinner Harvest Bins
$40.00
$1,600.00
1
Ventilation
$175.00
$175.00
1
Heaters
$135.00
$135.00
Feb16 Feb16 Mar16 Mar16 Mar16 Mar16 Mar16
1 1 10 1
Distribution
$11,000.00 1 1
Used Truck Pack N Cool Trailer
$7,500.00 $3,500.00
Security
$7,500.00 $3,500.00
Jul-15 Feb16
$3,190.00
Sep15
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
18
750 1 1 1 2
Feet of Fencing Energizer Marine Battery Misc. Fittings gates
n/a
n/a
$500.00 $90.00
$500.00 $90.00
$100.00
$100.00
$1,250.00
$2,500.00
Facilities
$54,851.00 1
Greenhouse
$13,851.00
$13,851.00
1
Logistics Center
$41,000.00
$41,000.00
Equipment
Nov15 Dec15
$20,387.00 1 1 1 1 2 2 4 25 200 3
Walk-behind $7,262.00 tractor Weed $450.00 Trimmer Mower $1,800.00
$7,262.00
Sep-15
$450.00
Seed Starting Black Plastic Mulch White Plastic Mulch Welded Wire Support Cattle Panel Support T Posts Backpack Sprayers
$915.00
$915.00
Apr16 Apr16 Oct-15
$250.00
$500.00
Oct-15
$250.00
$500.00
Oct-15
$125.00
$500.00
Oct-15
$20.00
$500.00
Oct-15
$4.00 $95.00
$800.00 $285.00
Oct-15 Oct-15
$1,800.00
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
19
1 1 1 1 1
Boom Sprayer Jang Seeder Glasser Wheel Hoe Red Dragon Flamer Set of Hand Tools
$350.00
$350.00
Oct-15
$750.00 $500.00
$750.00 $500.00
Oct-15 Oct-15
$275.00
$275.00
Oct-15
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
Oct-15
Materials
$16,350.00 50 360
Yards of worm castings Yards of compost
$75.00
$3,750.00
201516
$35.00
$12,600.00
201516
SITE DEVELOPMENT
$181,401.00
Labor
$15,200.00 1
Grading
416
Managemen $30.00 t - 8 Hours X 52 weeks Pack N Cool $30.00
$12,480.00
Greenhouse Construction
n/a
24
$2,000.00
$2,000.00
$720.00
Jul15 201 5-16 Feb -16 Nov -15
Design and development of agriculturally focused sustainable environments. 14 Oakland Ave SE
Concord NC 28025
704/305.6654
aaron@cultivatis.com
20