FarmStart Training & Events Bulletin
February 2012
Highlights: Still time to register for Exploring Your New Farm Dream & Buying Your Farm workshops!
 FarmStart Events
1. Exploring Your New Farm Dream
Toronto, Ottawa, Guelph (new dates!)
2. Buying a Farm: Planning Ahead for Farm Ownership
Other Events
3. Other Training Opportunities
4. Conferences and Events
1. Exploring Your New Farm Dream Course
Over 12 hours and one day of farm tours, the Explorer course takes a learner-centered approach to exploring agriculture as a career. As a participant in the course, you will be guided through an in depth self-assessment process, designed to help you identify the specific aptitudes, interests, skills and resources that you can bring to a new farm business. You will receive support through the process of researching opportunities in agriculture and you will meet other serious gardeners, livestock enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs.
This course is right for you if you are considering…
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full-time farming,
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farming part-time while continuing other employment,
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changing your career to start farming,
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taking over an existing farm business,
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developing an existing but informal agricultural pastime into a more serious business activity,
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re-strategizing an existing farm business.
The course will enable you to…
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set personal and farm goals,
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assess available resources,
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determine if farming as a business is a good fit for you,
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develop an action plan to guide your next steps.
Toronto
When: Feb 18, & 25, March 17 & 24, 2012 (Snow Day: March 25th)
1:00 to 4:00 pm
Farm Tour / Panel: March 3rd
Where: The Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Toronto
To Register: Click explorer registration.
For more information contact: Cherie Bauman admin@farmstart.ca or 519-836-7046 ext. 103.
Ottawa
When: Wednesday February 22 & 29, 6:00 to 9:00 pm and Saturday March 17 & 31, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Farm Tours: Half days on both March 17 & 31
Where: TBA, Downtown Ottawa
To Register: Click explorer registration.
For more information contact: Cherie Bauman admin@farmstart.ca or 519-836-7046 ext. 103.
Guelph
When: Tuesdays February 28, March 6, 20, & 27, 2012 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Farm Tour / Panel: March 10 full day
Where: 10 Carden Street, Guelph
To Register: Click explorer registration.
For more information contact: Cherie Bauman admin@farmstart.ca or 519-836-7046 ext. 103.
2. Buying a Farm: Planning Ahead for Farm Ownership
Do you have the dream of buying a farm? If so, the earlier you begin to research and plan for it, the better! How should you begin your search? How do you find financing? How do you make an offer? These questions and lots more will be the focus of this workshop, geared towards first time buyers.
Topics to be covered will include:
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Setting priorities on what to look for in a farm, and where to look
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Financing: the process of getting approved for a mortgage, the role of a mortgage broker and the difference between a residential and agricultural mortgage
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The process of making an offer and learning the lingo (ex: signbacks, amendments, chattels)
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Who you need on your team (ex: mortgage broker, real estate agent, lawyer, home inspector)
This workshop will help demystify the process of purchasing a farm, and help you decide if this is the right choice for you.
When: March 31, 2012, 12:30pm to 4:30 pm
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, Toronto
Cost: $55 + HST per person or $100 +HST for a team of two
To register: Click workshop registration
For more information contact: Cherie Bauman admin@farmstart.ca or 519-836-7046 ext. 103.
3. Other Training Opportunities
a) Everdale
Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre
b) Canadian Organic Growers
c) Other
d) Webinars
e) Opportunities
a) Everdale Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre
Farmers Growing Farmers
Farmers Growing Farmers is our unique suite of programs that offers a complete range of farm- and mentorship-based trainings. Whether you are starting to explore the world of sustainable local agriculture or are committed to establishing or restructuring a local farm business there is something on the menu for you.
For more information contact: gavin@everdale.org or visit farmertraining.everdale.org .
b) Canadian Organic Growers
Growing Strawberries Organically
The Growing Strawberries Organically workshop is for organic growers wanting to diversify their farm or improve the quality and quantity of their organic strawberries, or conventional growers wanting to explore organic strawberries as an option, or simply to reduce their pesticide usage while still raising quality berries.
Date/Location:
Ottawa on Feb 11, 2012 (specific location still to be determined)
Guelph March 3rd.
Cost:Includes lunch and a copy of COG’s Practical Skills Handbook Growing Strawberries Organically
$60 COG members
$70 for non-members
$35 for additional people from the same farm business (excludes book).
Additional books are $15 ea (reg $19-$22).
Register with Canadian Organic Growers:
online at www.cog.ca/shop/ (click “Events”)
by email office@cog.ca
by phone 1-888-375-7383.
More info:
(Ottawa) Colin Lundy, colin@cog.ca, 613-493-0020
(Guelph) Tegan Renner, outreach@cogwaterloo.ca, 226-251-3012
Making the Transition to Small Scale Organic Produce Farming
This workshop will be held using a webinar/conference call. Feb. 28th is part one of the facilitated workshop (2 hours) and the second part will be held March 20th. The workshop is led by Theresa Schumilas, an experienced organic grower, and organic transition specialist with COG PWW. Anyone interested in going organic for their market garden is encouraged to participate. No need to leave home, just be sure to register today!
When: February 28
For more information: (Ottawa) Colin Lundy, colin@cog.ca, 613-493-0020
(Guelph) Tegan Renner, outreach@cogwaterloo.ca, 226-251-3012
c) Other
Free Online Advantage Food Safety Workshops for Producers
OMAFRA is here to help you keep up to date on the latest food safety practices!
Pre and Post Harvest Water Use
When:Tuesday, February 14, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Contact:Call 1-877-424-1300 or register online at http://omafra.webex.com
OR
Mix and Match Workshops– Select from a range of food safety topics to create a workshop day tailored to your producer organizations’ specific needs.
One on One Sessions– Review and discuss specific food safety plans and issues directly with a food safety advisor in Guelph.
Contact:Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: advantage@ontario.ca
www.ontario.ca/foodsafety
Holistic Management for Family Farms
This 6 day course guides your farm team through the creation of a Holistic Goal for your farm and the tools to keep making progress toward that goal- combines social, financial and environmental considerations. Learn to make better decisions.Also includes HM Financial Planning, Grazing, Land Management, and Biological Monitoring. For all types of operations.
When: March 5,6,7 and 26, 27, 28.
Where: Uxbridge (north of Toronto)
Contact: Fran McQuail; email mcqufarm(at)hurontel.on.ca or 519-528-2493. This course is eligible for OMAFRA GYFP cost sharing.
Learn to Propagate Fruit Trees
For more than 30 years the Ken Taylor has been involved in the study of organic and cold weather farming. His decades of experience and experimentation have made him one of the foremost authorities when it comes to hardy fruit trees and plants. His research and development efforts have enabled him to put together one of the most comprehensive and unique tree collections in the world.
Dates:
One Day - March 10
Two Day - March 10 & 11
Time:
9:30am - 4:30pm.
Where: London
Contact: http://www.thelivingcentre.com/cms/living-arts-institute/learn-to-propagate-fruit-trees-with-ken-taylor
Savour Muskoka Winter Farm Workshops
All classes run from 1pm ~ 4pm
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Planning your Vegetable Garden
Plan so you’re ready, w/ market gardener Diane Kretschmar of Grenville Farm
When:February 12th, 2012
Where:{Location TBA}
Contact:705.646.7118 to register or e-mail admin@savourmuskoka.com
Learn how to tap, collect and process Maple sap
When:March 25th, 2012
Where: W/ Art Robertson of Windy Acres Farm, Utterson
Contact:705.646.7118 to register or e-mail admin@savourmuskoka.com
d) Webinars & Websites
See the following links for internet based learning:
Urban Agriculture Business Information Bundle (BIB)
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/urbanagbib/welcome.htm
Farm Grants:A site making funds for farmers more accessible
http://farmgrants.wikispaces.com
Agriwebinar.com
http://www.agriwebinar.com/
Farminar:
http://www.practicalfarmers.org/farminar/
New Beginning Farmers Project from Cornell University:
http://nebeginningfarmers.org/online-courses/
New Beginning Farmer Offers New Production Videos: http://nebeginningfarmers.org/
High tunnel construction tutorial:
http://njsustainingfarms.rutgers.edu/hightunnels.html
e) Opportunities
Micro Grants from Green Belt Farmers Market Network
Send us an idea you want to try that responds to these customer demands, and we may be able to help you put your plan into action, with a micro-grant of $300-$1200 towards the cost of equipment and supplies.
Examples of eligible costs include, but are not limited to:
-materials for hoop houses for season extension
-processing equipment such as pressure canners or dehydrators
-specialized harvesting or transplanting equipment or tools
-packaging or labeling equipment for new products
This program is open to farmers who have a confirmed commitment to participate in one or more Greenbelt Farmers’ Market Network markets in 2012 (visit greenbeltfresh.ca for a list of network markets).
Final deadline for submissions of February 27th. Funds are limited.
Not a grant writer? No worries, the application is brief, and if you wish you can call us to talk about your plans for 2012 and specific costs, and we will help with the paperwork.
To request an application, or discuss any questions, please contact Anne Freeman or Sara Udow by February 3rd, at: greenbeltfarmersmarketnetwork@gmail.com or 416-536-9103.
Farmers Invited to Test Business Management Software
We are inviting farmers to test and evaluate two new software tools for business performance monitoring and planning in FARM DIRECT MARKETING and VALUE ADDING. The tools are based on Microsoft Excel and were developed in the OMAFRA funded project Farm Direct Marketing Performance.
If you are interested in testing one of the following two tools, please contact the advisor by February 13, 2012:
Performance by Marketing Channel
The tool allows operators to input costs and sales data for up to six different channels: On farm market, CSA, Farmers Market, Roadside Stand, U-pick, Online store/Delivery service, and 15 products. It calculates gross and profit margins for comparing performance between channels.
Workshops: Feb 16, March 1 Guelph 10.am-2pm (lunch provided)
Contact: Andreas Boecker, aboecker@uoguelph.ca 519.824.4120 ext. 53332
On-farm Recipe Based Costing Tool
The tool allows operators to input costs and sales data for up to three product lines, each with up to 12 products. It reports mix costs and packaged products costs. Linking with sales data allows for margin comparisons by lines and by products.
Workshops: Feb 15, 29 Guelph 10.00 am – 2pm (lunch provided)
Contact: Angela Leach, angela@planinsight.ca 519.620.8716
Internships at Cedar Down Farm
We have two opportunities available for the 2012 farming season:
One beginner internship position: As a beginner intern, you may not have had a full season's experience on a working farm but have a keen interest in learning about sustainable farming and working full time on an organic farm.
One senior internship position: As a senior intern, you have had at least 1 full season's experience on a working farm and wish to further your education with more focused learning, the opportunity for a self-directed work project, and continued experience working on a farm.
Both interns will work and learn alongside Cedar Down's two farmers, Jeff Boesch and Leslie Moskovits from May 1 to November 10, 2012. These are working/learning opportunities for individuals who are considering farming as a career option and want to learn from hands-on experience working in the context of a functioning farm business. There will also be opportunities for more formal education days with workshops and farm visits.
For more information on the farm and the internship position visit http://www.cedardownfarm.ca or contact info@cedardownfarm.ca
Internships
Doing an internship on a farm is one of the best ways to develop the skills and practical experience you need to run your own farm business. If you're thinking about doing an internship this season, don't wait! Now is the time of year that farmers are looking to hire on interns for the coming season.
CRAFT Ontario (http://www.craftontario.ca/) and Goodworks (http://www.goodworkcanada.ca) are great places to find internship positions!
Ontariofresh.ca is now live! Join more than 1,000 registered users to grow your business and build your networks using this dynamic, online, business-to-business marketplace for Ontario food. Ontariofresh.ca is a totally free way to sell more Ontario food to corporate and institutional buyers across the province or in your own backyard, as well as a tool to learn more about what buyers are looking for. From single chefs or caterers to hospitals, universities, and major distributors, reach out and build connections with new business partners.
For more information visit Ontariofresh.ca, email info@ontariofresh.ca, or give us a call at (416) 960-0001 x.310 or x.315.
Nuffield Canada Scholarship
Nuffield Canada searches out enthusiastic individuals with a passion for agriculture and a desire to expand your knowledge, pursue new ideas and to share your findings with others. Desired scholarship candidates are mid-career, between the ages of 30 and 45 (although exceptions are made) with a minimum of five years of agricultural business or farming experience. Scholarships are awarded each year, with three scholarships of $15,000 each available in 2012. The funding is intended for farmers to travel within Canada and globally, to explore an area of farming interest in order to improve operations at home. Applications are due by April 30.
For additional information, application forms and background materials.
For more information: visit the Nuffield Canada website at http://www.nuffield.ca
Find Organic Seed Right Here!
Canadian Organic Growers Perth-Waterloo-Wellington is pleased to announce the release of its latest support tool for organic farmers: an online, searchable database of exclusively certified organic seed.
You can access the tool at: www.FindOrganicSeed.ca
STEP UP Mentorship Program
STEP UP is an on-farm learning placement that matches those planning or considering a farming career with an experienced farm manager so that they can learn critical aspects of farm business management in a hands-on setting.
We are accepting applications for Mentors and Mentees now! (You can also apply with a mentor in mind.)
Click here to learn more.
4. Upcoming Conferences & Events
Feb 2 – 29, 2012
February is Farm Month
Eat Local Hamilton is presenting their 3rd annual celebration of Homegrown food in Hamilton events include:
Feb. 2 FOOD & FAITH: Organic Food Panel & Film
Feb 4 FEBRUARY IS FARM MONTH Launch Event
Feb 25 HAMILTON COMMUNITY FOOD & FARMING FESTIVALS
Feb 25 RURAL ROUTES visits Old 99 Farm
Feb 29 FOOD 'N' FARM DAY & THIRD ANNUAL FARMERS‘ FORUM
For more details visit: The Hamilton Eat Local Blog
February 7-9, 2012
26th Canadian International Farm Show
Showcasing all the leaders of Canada’s thriving AG market. This is Canada’s Largest Indoor Farm Show. “Hundreds of exhibitors will encompass massive space in the International Centre,”
For more details visit: www.canadianfarmshow.ca
February 7 & 8 2012
Canadian Food Summit 2012
Location:Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto
For more information: http://www.conferenceboard.ca/conf/12-0018/default.aspx
February 17th, 2012
2012 Farmland Preservation Forum
Balancing Agriculture and Resource Demands in Rural Ontario
How do we effectively balance the use of our land resources while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of farming? Do existing policies lead us toward balance?
Join us for a collaborative dialogue about intensifying land use demands in rural Ontario. How do we support both land conservation and rural economic development?
Where:Guelph
For more information: http://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/resources/2012-forum
February 18, 2012
Your Food, Your Choice: The Value of Organic
The Toronto Chapter of Canadian Organic Growers 6th annual organic conference. For consumers and growers with an interest in healthy food that nourishes people and the environment. Keynote speaker is Kristin Kimball, author of The Dirty Life, recounting her journey from high-heeled urbanite to hoe-wielding farmer. Topics include: Is Organic Too Extreme? Something Fishy Here, - GE Salmon, Your Food - Your Health, Our Organic Neighbors, Is Organic for Everyone, Growing Desserts, Organic for Schools, Deconstructing Organic Pricing and more. Join us for practical answers to serious questions that won’t be green washed. It’s not about the money; it’s about your food, your health and the future.
Info and registration: http://www.cogtoronto.org/COG_Toronto/Conference_2012.html
February 22-23, 2012
Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention (OFVC)
Location:Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls
For more information: visit the website at http://www.ofvc.ca
February 24-25th, 2012
Eco Farm Day 2012 - “Vibrant Business in Organic Agriculture”
Eastern Ontario’s premier farm Conference, hosted by the Canadian Organic
Location:The Ramada Inn, 805 Brookdale Ave., Cornwall, Ontario
For more information:visit the website at http://www.cog.ca/ottawa/ecofarmday/or email info@ecofarmday.ca
Seedy Saturdays and Sunday 2012
For dates and locations: http://www.seeds.ca/ev/events.php
March 5 – 7, 2012
Growing the Margins Conference,
Location: London Convention Centre, London, ON.
Contact: http://www.gtmconference.ca/site/index.php/growing-the-margins
March 7 – 9, 2012
Western Fair Farm Show, Western Fair
Location: London
Contact: http://www.westernfair.com/shows/farm.html
March 19 &20, 2012
Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic
Location: London Convention Centre
Contact: http://www.gfo.ca/
Interested in submitting an event to this Bulletin? Send a short description to admin@farmstart.ca
 
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