Exploring the Small Farm Dream

This past Wednesday, December 2, 2009, eighteen emerging new farmers gathered for the fourth and final session of this year's Exploring the Small Farm Dream Course, held right here at Airlie Center. The course, developed by the New England Small Farm institute, is designed to be a concise and effective catalyst for small farmers to better evaluate new enterprise ideas, identify resources, and determine next steps. The course is so valuable because of the holistic design of the sessions, helping small farmers look more closely at the dollars and cents of a particular production model, as well as quality of life and family dynamics.

Each session, we invite a local farmer or two to share their story, experience and advice for the group. The goal of the course is not to teach how to farm, but to facilitate the connection of aspiring farmers with one another, with experienced mentors, and with the right questions. At the end of four sessions, course participants create an action plan with next steps, from additional research to mentorship opportunities to launching an enterprise!

This year we took a field trip to Moutoux Orchard and helped Rob Moutoux plant garlic while learning about his developing CSA and local grain & flour projects.

It is our hope that Exploring the Small Farm Dream and other programs create the beginnings of a more effective infrastructure to advance new farmers and new farm projects throughout the region.

Celebrating Our Food Independence

Our July 2 workshop and food independence celebration was a fun and inspiring gathering of farmers and foodies alike. After performing a new skit about a crazy farmer’s market, the LFP crew showed visitors our small space growing areas—the favorite Parking Space Garden, the new Feed a Family Garden, and the emerging Urban Box Garden. We also demonstrated how to double dig a garden bed (using a spade and fork) and how to use a broadfork to work up soil without damaging its structure. As the sun set over the garden we enjoyed great conversation with friends, toasting our food independence and looking forward to our next chance to visit. See more pictures in our online photo album.

The Next Generation of Local Food Leaders

The Local Food Project at Airlie summer internship program helps prepare young growers to become the next generation of local food leaders. Not only do interns gain practical experience in sustainable agriculture, they also learn communication, decision-making, teamwork, and strategic planning skills that they can apply to future activities at school, in their careers, and around the community. Each intern designs and carries out a summer-long project, then presents it in a creative way at the end of their time with the LFP. You’ll also hear from them occasionally on this blog! View photos from the intern experience in our online photo album.

Grow a Lot in a Small Space

Looking for strategies to produce a lot of vegetables in your own backyard? Find out how you can garden using Small Space, High Yield growing techniques at the Local Food Project’s next evening workshop on Thursday, July 2 from 6-8 p.m. We’ll discuss biointensive methods and talk about ways to increase soil fertility, decide plant spacing, keep pests away, and more! Local wine and beer, as well as snacks made from local ingredients, will provide a delicious start to the night. A new skit performed by the LFP crew and friends will spark plenty of laughter. And we’ll kick off the July 4th holiday with a fun and relaxing evening in the garden. Cost, $20. Learn more on our website. To register, send an email to bslate@airlie.org by July 1.

Feed a Family Garden

In anticipation of the Local Food Project’s upcoming workshop on July 2—“Small Space, High Yield Gardens”—we’re working on a companion growing area to our popular 9x14 foot Parking Space Garden. Our new Feed a Family Garden covers approximately 700 square feet and we’re planting enough veggies and herbs to provide all the summer produce a family of four could ask for. The plot includes a wide range of crops—from tomatoes and basil, to watermelons and pole beans. We’ll be keeping track of the harvest yields, along with any unique problems or pests, so we can offer tips to visitors growing on a similar scale in their backyards. Come to our July workshop to learn more and check out the Family Garden’s progress!

Organic Garden Primer Workshop a Success

We had blue skies and plenty of sun for the Local Food Project’s first evening workshop of the summer. About 35 people joined us for “The Organic Garden Primer,” enjoying the chance to see the LFP garden’s recent updates, mingle with other local food enthusiasts, and sample juicy mini-burgers made with local beef. Yum! The sixteen foot ladder also made an appearance, reprising its role in last year’s skit about organic gardening techniques.

If you missed the workshop, plan to join us for another great celebration on July 2. An LFP favorite, “Small Space, High Yield Gardens” will gather urban growers, suburban gardeners, and small farmers alike to learn about maximizing vegetable production in tight quarters. We’ll also enjoy local food treats, wine, beer, and lots of great conversation. Learn more and plan to attend!

Techniques and Tips for Your Garden

Are you ready to dig into your own soil and begin harvesting a bounty of fresh produce this summer? Join the Local Food Project for our Organic Garden Primer workshop on May 21 from 6-8 p.m. and gather essential information for success in your backyard garden. This fun evening event will provide helpful ideas from the LFP crew and local small farmers, plus the chance to explore the LFP garden and hoophouse, try out handtools, and network with other local food fans. Light fare and local refreshments are in included in the $20 workshop fee. To register, send an email to Brynn Slate at bslate@airlie.org. See you there!

Planting Potatoes for Earth Day

The Local Food Project celebrated Earth Day by inviting Airlie Center staff to come visit the garden, enjoy the sultry warmth of the hoophouse, and join us for potato planting. Inside the hoophouse, we talked about the fast-growing Arugula we’re harvesting from the north bed and the soon to be transplanted Sun Gold cherry tomatoes that will thrive in the coming heat. Out in the field, a crew of energetic volunteers from Airlie’s housekeeping department planted an entire section (five 33-foot beds) of Russian Banana fingerling potatoes in only 20 minutes! We really enjoyed visiting with all of our Airlie colleagues and look forward to welcoming them back when the garden is in full bloom.

H.O.E.—Hands-on Organic Education

Last week, the Local Food Project crew led a fun team building workshop from our new menu of garden activities for groups staying at Airlie. In addition to tours, the LFP now offers interactive gardening projects we fondly call “H.O.E”—Hands-on Organic Education. Guests not only learn about the project and its role at Airlie and in the community, they also have the chance to experience the garden up close, try out our favorite handtools, and collaborate with their co-workers.

Our first H.O.E. activity was a great success with the two teams—who named themselves “The Double Diggers” (after our Parking Space plot) and “The Earthworms”—quickly getting into the rhythm of using broadforks to loosen the soil. They worked together to weed, spread compost, and rake the beds smooth, then planted Mei Qing pac choi in 12-inch triangles. For the finishing touch, they protected their neatly planted beds with fabric row cover draped over wire hoops. The new gardeners were rewarded with the knowledge that the crops they planted would eventually take their place on the Airlie Center buffet, feeding future guests like themselves. And after an afternoon of hard work, they relaxed in the garden with locally-sourced treats. We’re looking forward to our next opportunity to break out the H.O.E.!

Digging in to Small Farm Design

Participants at last weekend’s “Skills, Scale, Sustainability” workshop took home a whole new toolbox full of ideas and strategies for designing, managing, and enhancing a small-scale food-growing system. Facilitator Shane J. LaBrake drew on a lifetime’s worth of farming experience to inspire course attendees to put their sustainable agriculture dreams into motion.

During the 2.5-day workshop, Shane returned again and again to one of his favorite quotes from William McDonough—“Design is the first signal of human intention.” He showed participants how to apply that concept philosophically—in the way they set up and think about the integration of their farm system—and practically—as they lay out the beds and set the schedule for a vegetable garden. Shane’s approach to tractor operation and maintenance emphasized two simple policies: 1. Read the manual. 2. Safety, safety, safety. Attendees were empowered to understand how tractors work and feel comfortable operating them on their own farms. The workshop was a real success thanks to Shane’s depth of knowledge and the enthusiasm of the participants. View more photos from the weekend.

Holistic and Hands-On

Are you ready to take your gardening and farming skills to the next level? Join us April 3-5 for an exciting intensive workshop that will provide strategies and experiences for designing a more purposeful food production system. Farming consultant and trainer Shane J. LaBrake will share his holistic approach to small-scale agriculture, including field-based exercises using hand tools. This course is designed for emerging and intermediate growers who want to explore new ways to match their skills with appropriate scale in order to move toward greater sustainability. There’s still time to register—you won’t want to miss "Skills, Scale, Sustainability"!

The Integrated Homestead, April 17-18

The joys of cover cropping. Chickens as shredders and composters. Using cultivated fungi in the homestead. Where can you learn about these diverse topics and more? At the Local Food Project’s upcoming workshop starring local homesteading guru Harvey Ussery—“The Integrated Homestead: Elaborating the Theme.” On April 17 and 18 Harvey will build on his presentation from 2008 and provide a more in-depth look at specific homestead projects—from seed starting and transplanting, to vermicomposting and setting up a multifunctional greenhouse. You won’t want to miss this fun and informative event. Learn more and register today!

Real-Life Skills and Knowledge for Aspiring Farmers

The Local Food Project’s next event—“Skills, Scale, Sustainability”—will offer an exciting blend of farm design theory and hands-on learning. Facilitator Shane J. LaBrake is known for his unique approach to farmer training, emphasizing the importance of both management and practical skills.

Join us on April 3-5 to learn strategies for creating a farm plan that really works, communicating on the farm and at the market, and navigating the twists and turns of each season. You’ll also have the chance to get your hands dirty and become better acquainted with handtools for the small farm, tractor basics, and scale-appropriate field design. There are only 24 spots available in this unique intensive seminar. Register today!

Skills, Scale, Sustainability

How can you find greater success in your small-scale agricultural endeavors? Join the Local Food Project for a new course on April 3-5 and take home a wealth of proven strategies and hands-on skills that will help you refine your food production system. During “Skills, Scale, Sustainability”—a 3-day intensive immersion workshop for aspiring and experienced growers—agricultural consultant Shane J. LaBrake will combine sustainable farming philosophy with practical training and problem solving.

“As we consider small farm design, we’ll address real life skills and knowledge that aspiring need to know,” says Shane. Read more on our website and register early to secure your space in this essential course for small-scale growers.

Explore Creative Land Partnerships on March 11 and 25

What does a thriving small farm look like? Maybe it’s a few acres of heirloom vegetables near a bustling community with a successful farmer’s market. Or perhaps it’s a more remote grass-fed beef enterprise with a commitment to producing the best-tasting meats for miles around. It could also be a small-scale pastured poultry operation with a solid base of dedicated customers. The possibilities are virtually limitless.

Landowners who want to support and be a part of a flourishing farm operation, but don’t want to do the farming themselves have the option to host a small farm project on their land. The Local Food Project’s upcoming course—“Hosting the Small Farm Dream”—will guide participants through the decision-making process and explore options for creative land partnerships. The course will take place on two Wednesday evening sessions (March 11 and 25) from 6:30-9 p.m. at Airlie Center. Learn more and register today!

Hosting the Small Farm Dream, March 11 and 25

Last fall, the Local Food Project presented “Exploring the Small Farm Dream”—a course that led aspiring farmers through the decision-making process and helped them determine if starting an agricultural business is right for them. In March, we’re providing the same opportunity for landowners—those who are interested in hosting a small farm project on their land, but don’t want to do the farming themselves.

Through class exercises, discussion, research, and gathering insights from local landowners and farmers, participants will move toward deciding if a creative lease arrangement will meet their land-use goals. The course will take place on two Wednesday evening sessions (March 11 and 25) from 6:30-9 p.m. at Airlie Center. An optional networking reunion on April 2 will allow landowners to meet emerging farmers, other landowners, and helpful community resource people. Class size is limited to 24 participants, so register today!

A Tale of Two Farms: Conference Highlights, Part 4

Attendees at the Local Food Project’s 2009 conference—“Half Pint and Essex: A Tale of Two Farms”—had the chance to see a local draft horse team in action. Justin Lamountain, owner of Piedmont Virginia-based Greenman Forest Management, and his hardworking Suffolks gave conference attendees a sense of the horse power in use at Essex Farm. Justin and his team are also responsible for sustainably harvesting the wood used in the frame of our passive solar hoophouse. Conference participants had the chance to see these beautiful animals up close and ask questions about their work.

View more conference photos in our online album. Thank you to everyone who attended “A Tale of Two Farms”! We look forward to seeing you at the next Local Food Project at Airlie event. Our 2009 calendar will be available soon.

A Tale of Two Farms: Conference Highlights, Part 3

A memorable part of the Local Food Project’s 2009 conference—“Half Pint and Essex: A Tale of Two Farms”—was the delicious buffet lunch prepared by Airlie’s talented team of chefs.

Conference participants enjoyed a feast of seasonal, locally grown foods—roasted carrots and braised cabbage, braised pork with rosemary and shitake mushrooms, roasted red and purple potatoes with herbs, and other sumptuous dishes. Aside from the yummy feast of local foods, attendees had the chance to share new ideas sparked by the presentations and hear one another’s farming and gardening stories.

View more conference photos in our online album. Stay tuned for more highlights from “A Tale of Two Farms”!

A Tale of Two Farms: Conference Highlights, Part 2

The Local Food Project’s 2009 conference—“Half Pint and Essex: A Tale of Two Farms”—shared a peek into the innovative systems of two very different farms. Mara and Spencer Welton of Half Pint Farm (Burlington, VT) inspired us with their passion for farming and eagerness to have fun while doing it. They wowed our audience with their dedication to record-keeping, showing samples of spreadsheets with data on every aspect of running the farm—from weather and soil conditions, to market sales and production yields and beyond! Participants also got a kick out of Half Pint’s “annual meeting”—the demanding agenda for last year’s strategy session showed how comfortably Mara and Spencer take on various roles—CEO, farm manager, field worker, marketer.

Mark and Kristin Kimball of Essex Farm (Essex, NY) led an interactive presentation that mirrored how they describe their farm—high-energy and physical. A series of hand-drawn posters gave conference attendees a visual sense of the systems that make Essex go. Essex employees Sam Ehrenfeld and Matt Volz helped Mark and Kristin take questions from the audience and they all spoke about the farm’s main components: providing a full diet—veggies, fruits, dairy, meat, and baked goods; allowing its 75 members free choice in what they select each week (no pre-measured boxes or bags); feeding members on a year-round basis (summer and winter shares); working the farm with draft horse power; and operating as a membership organization where folks pay for the food at the beginning of each season.

Conference attendee Ellen Polishuk, owner of Potomac Vegetable Farms, appreciated getting such an up-close look into the farms’ systems: “The intensive study of these farms is exactly what made it so valuable, and of course the fact that they were so funny and amazing.”

View more conference photos in our online album. Stay tuned for more highlights from “A Tale of Two Farms”!

A Tale of Two Farms: Conference Highlights, Part 1

The Local Food Project’s 2009 conference—“Half Pint and Essex: A Tale of Two Farms”—was a great success! On January 9, we welcomed more than 100 participants to Airlie for a dynamic day of learning, networking, food and fun. We want to share some of the highlights from this fantastic event and welcome feedback from anyone who attended. If you weren’t able to make it, explore the blog for content summaries, photos, and other valuable info from the conference.

This photo shows folks gathered in our passive solar hoophouse for the networking social that wrapped up the day. After a morning of in-depth presentations on designing successful farm systems, conference participants had the chance to get to know one another and share their impressions. One attendee, Nancy Gravely, appreciated the opportunity to talk with other small farm enthusiasts: “It really makes a difference to spend time with other people who are doing it, seems as though something gets passed along just by being in their company.”

View more conference photos in our online album. Stay tuned for more highlights from “A Tale of Two Farms”!