Register Now for Upcoming Groundswell Workshops

Organic Livestock Production Basics Series

July 3 - August 7, 2013

This workshop series is a required component of our Sustainable Farming Certificate Program but is also open to non-certificate trainees. The series consists of six 3-hour sessions, 5-8 PM on Wednesday evenings, except for the Sheep Basics class which meets on Sunday, July 7, 1-4 PM. 

You may also register for individual sessions:

July 3: Grazing Basics 
Instructors: Troy Bishopp, Grazing Specialist with Madison County Soil & Water Conservation District, and Maryrose Livingston, Grass Farmer
Location: Northland Sheep Dairy, Marathon, NY 

July 7: Grass-Fed Sheep Basics (Sun 1-4 PM)
Instructor: Maryrose Livingston, Sheep Farmer
Location: Northland Sheep Dairy, Marathon, NY

July 17: Pastured Poultry Basics 
Instructor: Karma Glos, Poultry Farmer
Location: Kingbird Farm, Berkshire, NY

July 24: Grass-Fed Beef Basics 
Instructor: Brett Chedzoy, Beef Farmer
Location: Angus Glen Farm, Watkins Glen, NY

July 31: Pastured Pigs Basics 
Instructor: Karma Glos, Pig Farmer
Location: Kingbird Farm, Berkshire, NY

Aug 7: TBA 

Cost: $250-$325 for entire series; $45-$60 for individual workshops. Voluntary sliding scale. Pay more if you can and help support our low-income trainees. Scholarships may be available depending on tuition received -- let us know if you need support.

Commercial Organic Vegetable Production Workshops

Instructors: Todd McLane and John Bokaer-Smith, West Haven Farm

June 26: Understanding and Managing Weeds 

July 10: Understanding and Managing Pests & Diseases

Aug 14: Sourcing, Conserving and Using Water

Aug 28: Making and Using Compost 5-8 PM

Sep 11, 4-7 PM: Improving Efficiency of Harvest and Labor

Oct 9, 4-7 PM: Record Keeping and Enterprise Analysis

TBA: Hoophouse Building Practicum 

Cost: $350-$425 for entire series; $45-$60 for individual classes.  Voluntary sliding scale. Pay more if you can and help support our low-income trainees. Scholarships may be available depending on tuition received -- let us know if you need support.

Advanced Intensives

Our advanced-level "Intensives" are specialized, full-day programs designed for those with previous agricultural production experience.  Conventional and low-input producers interested in learning about certifiable organic production systems are encouraged to attend. Class size is limited and priority will be given to farmers and farm employees with at least one full year of production experience, or who are simultaneously enrolled in the Sustainable Farming Certificate Program. (Certificate Program tuition does not include Intensives - you must register separately.) Others are welcome to apply for these programs and may be accepted if space is available. Once you are accepted into the program, your tuition must be paid in full to reserve your space. Tuition will be refunded only if we are able to fill your space.

Organic Pastured Poultry Intensive
Monday, Aug 12, 10 AM - 4 PM
Instructor: Karma Glos  Location: Kingbird Farm

Poultry Processing Practicum
Sundays, dates TBA, 9 AM - 3PM
Instructor: Karma Glos
Location: Kingbird Farm

Organic Sheep Dairy Intensive
Sunday, Aug 18, 10 AM - 4 PM
Instructor: Maryrose Livingston
Location: Northland Sheep Dairy 

Hog Breeding & Farrowing Intensive 
Monday Sep 16, 10 AM - 4 PM
Instructor: Karma Glos
Location: Kingbird Farm 

Draft Horse Intensive, Part I 
Saturday, Sept 14, 10 AM - 4PM
Instructors: Donn Hewes, Maryrose Livingston
Location: Northland Sheep Dairy
Prerquisite: Experience with horses and premission of Instructor. 

Draft Horse Intensive, Part IISunday, Sept 15, 10 AM - 4PMInstructors: Donn Hewes, Maryrose LivingstonLocation: Northland Sheep Dairy
Prerequisite: Completion of Part I

Cheesemaking Practicum 
Part I: Sunday, Oct 6, 9 AM - 3 PMPart II: Monday Oct 7, 2 PM - 4 PMInstructor: Maryrose Livingston Location: Northland Sheep Dairy

Cost: $120-$150 per class (the Poultry Processing Practicum is $60-$80). Voluntary sliding scale. Pay more if you can and help support our low-income trainees. Scholarships may be available depending on tuition received--let us know if you need support.