Future Harvest-CASA

(Please bear with us, this page is under construction - but the info is current. Thank you!)

2010 Upcoming Events:

Future Harvest - CASA events -

Three Creameries & Their Strategies: Marketing Your Dairy Products
Date: Tuesday, September 28
Time: 10 am - 4 pm (Lunch included)
Location: Keswick Creamery, Newberg, Cumberland County, PA
$15 for Future Harvest-CASA and PASA members, $25 for non-members.
Gather round and let’s talk cheese! Join PASA and Future Harvest-CASA for a day exploring options for marketing dairy products. We’ve got three cheesemakers - each with very different dairies and very different markets and marketing strategies - ready to talk cheese with us. Melanie Dietrich Cochran from Keswick Creamery will be joined by Brad Parker of Pipe Dreams Fromage and by Candace Walker from Caprine Delight. Funds provided through grant support from National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC). For more info and registration, see the full description on PASA's website.

Finding a Niche for Heritage Breeds: Preserving Heritage, History & Genes
Date: Wednesday, October 6
Time: 10 am - 4 pm (Lunch included)
Location: Stonecroft Highlands, Petersburg, Huntingdon County, PA
$15 for Future Harvest-CASA and PASA members, $25 for non-members.
Venture to the hills of Huntingdon County to talk history, heritage and science at Stonecroft Highlands, a grass-based operation that is home to a herd of Scottish Highland cattle as well as a commercial herd of crossbred cows. We will spend the day exploring established and new ideas of how to find a “job” or niche for heritage breeds on your farm – and how you can use that niche to generate innovative marketing opportunities. We will be joined by Jeannette Beranger from the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) as we focus on heritage breeds of all sorts: cows, pigs, sheep, goats, turkeys, you name it. Funds provided through grant support from National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC). For more info and registration, see the full desription on PASA's website.

More local Field Days being planned for 2010, please stay tuned.

Other local events -

Farmers Markets in the Chesapeake Region
Delaware: DE Dept. of Agriculture
Maryland and DC: MD Dept. of Agriculture, Markets around DC, and Fresh Farm Markets in MD, DC and VA
Virginia: VADCS (Click on your region in the left menu, "Farmers Markets by Region")
West Virginia: Small Farm Center's listing

PASA Field Days - Full Education Calendar Now Online!
Dates: Throughout the Season
Locations: Farms across Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture's (PASA) Educational Outreach Department mission is to empower farmers to implement farming practices that improve farm profitability and reduce the farm’s environmental impact while producing safe and healthy food for the community. Educational Outreach events strive to offer delicious, local meals and provide ample farmer-to-farmer networking opportunities. For more information, see their events calendar. Upcoming events:
Pastures and Greenhouses and IPM, Challenges of a Diversified Farm, July 19
INTENSIVE: Capturing Sunshine: Solar Energy on the Farm, August 5
3rd Annual PASA Grass-Fed Beef Challenge Cook-Off, August 6-7

Chesapeake CRAFT
Date: July 21, 2010
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Country Pleasures Farm, Middletown, MD
The Chesapeake CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) organized by farmers in Virginia and Maryland interested in improving practical new farmer training and networking in the region. For 2010, there will be monthly events on Wednesday afternoons, a combination of on-farm classes, farm tours and potlucks. Useful to all farms seeking to enhance networking and farmer education in the region, to attract and retain good farm staff, and have a little fun, too. The class sessions will feature timely topics such as equipment safety, seed propagation, ecological pest management, as well as broader topics of concern for the beginning farmer. To find out more infomation and to see the full schedule got to: http://www.accokeek.org/CRAFT/

State Fairs in the Chesapeake Region:
Delaware, July 22 - 31, http://www.delawarestatefair.com/
Maryland, Aug. 27 - Sept. 6, http://www.marylandstatefair.com/
Virginia, Sept. 23 - Oct. 3, http://www.marylandstatefair.com/
West Virginia, Aug. 13 - 21, http://www.wvstatefair.com/

Virginia's Save Our Food Festival
Date: July 25
Time: 12:00 - 6:00
Location: Virginia Farm Bureau Center, Meadow Event Park, Caroline County, VA
Live music, fresh produce, flavorful Virginia wines, unbeatable barbecue and more can be found at Virginia Farm Bureau’s second food festival. The event will feature a barbecue cook-off, a showcase of local food, wine and specialty gifts from across the state, and a large farmers’ market. For more info, click here.

Conservation in Action Tour
Dates: August 2 (5:00pm-7:30pm); August 3 (8:00am-7:00pm)
Location: Colonial Williamsburg
The Conservation Technology Information Center's Conservation In Action Tour will visit innovative farm operations in east central Virginia. Presenters will initiate discussions about agriculture's role in addressing Chesapeake Bay water quality concerns and will demonstrate equipment, tools and technologies that help farmers use nutrients efficiently. For more info: click here or call (765) 494-9555.

Reading the Farm- Discovering Whole Farm Interactions
Dates: August 9, 2010, 8:00 AM to August 11, 2010, 4:00 PM
Location: Penn State Extension Office- Franklin County, Chambersburg, PA
Description: Reading the Farm is a professional development workshop and an on-farm training program on whole farm systems assessments funded by a Northeast SARE grant. Two dairy farms in Franklin County will serve as model systems to illustrate how interactions between different components of the farming system affect farm sustainability. For more information: website.

Chesapeake CRAFT (Class #3)
Date: August 11, 2010
Time: 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Moutoux Orchard, Purcellville, VA
The Chesapeake CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) organized by farmers in Virginia and Maryland interested in improving practical new farmer training and networking in the region. For 2010, there will be monthly events on Wednesday afternoons, a combination of on-farm classes, farm tours and potlucks. Useful to all farms seeking to enhance networking and farmer education in the region, to attract and retain good farm staff, and have a little fun, too. The class sessions will feature timely topics such as equipment safety, seed propagation, ecological pest management, as well as broader topics of concern for the beginning farmer. To find out more infomation and to see the full schedule got to: http://www.accokeek.org/CRAFT/

Heritage Harvest Festival
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2010
Location: Monticello, Charlottesville, VA
An annual celebration of gardening, sustainable agriculture, and local food, held at the home of Thomas Jefferson. Join us for tastings, workshops, hands-on demonstrations, and a variety of tours and exhibits. Thomas Jefferson championed vegetable cuisine, plant experimentation, and sustainable agriculture. The 4th annual Festival, hosted by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation in partnership with Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, celebrates Jefferson’s legacy in a fun, affordable, family-oriented, educational event promoting gardening, sustainability, local food and the preservation of heritage plants. For more information, please see http://heritageharvestfestival.com/

Chesapeake CRAFT
Date: September 15, 2010
Time: 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Ivy Brand Farm, Edgewater, MD
The Chesapeake CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) organized by farmers in Virginia and Maryland interested in improving practical new farmer training and networking in the region. For 2010, there will be monthly events on Wednesday afternoons, a combination of on-farm classes, farm tours and potlucks. Useful to all farms seeking to enhance networking and farmer education in the region, to attract and retain good farm staff, and have a little fun, too. The class sessions will feature timely topics such as equipment safety, seed propagation, ecological pest management, as well as broader topics of concern for the beginning farmer. To find out more infomation and to see the full schedule got to: http://www.accokeek.org/CRAFT/

Xerces Society's Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course
Date: TBD
Location: Maryland, TBD
An intensive, day-long training designed to equip conservationists, land managers, farm educators, and agricultural professionals with the latest science-based approaches to increasing crop security and reversing the trend of pollinator decline, especially in heavily managed agricultural landscapes. Topics include the basic principles of pollinator biology, the economics of insect pollination, recognizing native bee species, and assessment of pollinator habitat, farm management practices for pollinator protection, the development of habitat enhancements (including selecting appropriate plants) and using Farm Bill conservation programs to help farmers restore habitat. An overview of additional funding sources and technical support available to land managers will also be provided.To register please visit the Events section of the Xerces Society website. Contact: Eric Mader, eric@xerces.org, 503-232-6639

Past 2010 Events:

Free Grazing Workshop Featuring Karl Dallefeld
Dates: June 29, 30 & July 1, 2010
Location: Lancaster and Franklin Counties, PA
Organized by Midwestern Bio-Ag (MBA, Bio-Ag), a Wisconsin-based, whole-farm biological and organic support/educational/consulting company that has recently expanded to the Mid-Atlantic Region. Karl Dallefeld is a forage specialist for Barenbrug and MBA, a grazier/grass-finisher, and manager of Iowa-based Prairie Creek Seed Company. In this pasture walk/grazing workshop, Karl will address: *Managing soil for quality forage *Grass-based system management *Pasture species identification & benefits of pasture diversity *Biological and financial benefits of a tight crop/pasture rotation and *How to determine dry matter intake from pasture. For more information call Rebecca Brown at 774.521.6100 or email at brownsuffolk@hotmail.com

Sewing Seeds Here and Now: ECO Urban Farming Summit
Date: Friday, June 18
Time: 8:00 - 5:00
Location: Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland
A Chesapeake Urban Farming Summit featuring Will Allen of Growing Power. This day-long event will include hands-on workshops with Will Allen, a MacArthur Genius Award winner and urban agriculture visionary whose work in Milwaukee and Chicago has sparked new ventures across the country. The goal of our one-day hands-on learning and strategizing event is to catalyze and support urban farming throughout our metropolitan area – Washington, DC, Prince George’s and other local counties, and Baltimore –which we call the Chesapeake area. Organized by Engaged Community Offshoots, Inc. (ECO). For full details and registration information, go to the summit website.

Late Spring Field Day - Growing and Marketing Organic Vegetables
Date: Wednesday, June 16
Time: 10:00 - 3:00, Lunch Included
Location: One Straw Farm, 19718 Kirkwood Shop Road, White Hall, MD
(Baltimore County)
$10 for Future Harvest-CASA and PASA members, $20 for non-members.
Come take a tour and enjoy lunch at One Straw Farm, the largest organic vegetable farm in Maryland. Tended by Drew and Joan Norman since 1985, One Straw Farm supplies families, restaurants and wholesalers with certified-organic produce. Drew will describe the challenges of organic growing as you tour the fields, hoop houses, and warehousing facility, just as the Norman family enters the most busy months of the year. Joan will describe the diversified marketing approach they've adopted, selling at farmers' markets, restaurants, and grocery stores, and how she has grown her CSA business throughout Baltimore, by working with and giving back to the communities she serves. We will see the Normans' progress enabled by funding made available under the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), under a category specifically set aside for organic or transitioning to organic crop production. And hear about their participation in the Organic Cost Share Program and their past experience with a SARE grant to grow no-till. Held in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA). Funds provided through grant support from National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC). For questions, please contact Alice Chalmers, 410-549-7878, alice@futureharvestcasa.org

Chesapeake CRAFT (Class #2)
Date: Wednesday, June 16
Time: 3:00-7:00 pm
Location: Red Wiggler Farm, Clarksburg, MD
The Chesapeake CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) organized by farmers in Virginia and Maryland interested in improving practical new farmer training and networking in the region. For 2010, there will be monthly events on Wednesday afternoons, a combination of on-farm classes, farm tours and potlucks. Useful to all farms seeking to enhance networking and farmer education in the region, to attract and retain good farm staff, and have a little fun, too. The class sessions will feature timely topics such as equipment safety, seed propagation, ecological pest management, as well as broader topics of concern for the beginning farmer. To find out more infomation and to see the full schedule got to: www.accokeek.org/CRAFT.

"Tour de Farms"
Date: Saturday, June 12
Time: 8:00 am (registration, with various ride start times)
Location: NCR Trail, Paper Mill Parking Lot
Family Bike Ride to benefit the New Farmer Training Program, run by North County Preservation, which offers workshops, hands-on training, farm tours and peer support. Refreshments, snacks and games. $25 for adults, $10 for children under 15, children under 10 free. Regsiter online at www.northcountypreservation.org

Pasture Walk: Putting Beneficial Management Practices in Place
Date: Wednesday, June 9
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Peace Hollow Farm, 2148 Rohrersville Road, Knoxville, MD
A Planning Walk on Watering Systems, Flexible Fencing, Stream Corridor Management and Grazing System Economics and Design. Special Invite for Conservation District Design and Planning Staff and All Farmers. As a group we will go through various conservation alternatives and the advantages and ways to fund each. Great training session for conservation planners and technicians! Sponsored by the Maryland Grazers Network. Please call if you plan to attend, we will provide a free locally cooked lunch: 301-797-6820 ext. 3

Canning and Food Preservation Series
Dates: June 5, 12, and 19
Times: Varies, see website
Location: Accokeek Foundation, 3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD
Preserve summer's bounty and enjoy it all year! A food preservation series to discuss the equipment, recipes, tips and tricks, and the other information you'll need to process and preserve your harvest in a delicious, safe, and successful way. Each session can be taken individually, or you can take the entire series at a discount. We will have a canning demonstration, samples, and an informational packet for you to take home. Workshop instructor Marla Luther has a PhD in Food Science from the University of Maryland, is ServeSafe certified, and has been canning since childhood. For more info - Accokeek Foundation.

Chesapeake CRAFT (Farm Visit #2)
Date: Wednesday, May 19
Time: 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: The Farm at Sunnyside, Washington, VA
The Chesapeake CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) organized by farmers in Virginia and Maryland interested in improving practical new farmer training and networking in the region. For 2010, there will be monthly events on Wednesday afternoons, a combination of on-farm classes, farm tours and potlucks. Useful to all farms seeking to enhance networking and farmer education in the region, to attract and retain good farm staff, and have a little fun, too. Regional farm visits/ potlucks will emphasize site tours and networking. To find out more infomation and to see the full schedule got to: www.accokeek.org/CRAFT.

Pasture Walk
Date: May 13
Location: Andrew Toms, 3949 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD
Grazing of small grains, new grass seedings. Organized by the University of Maryland Extension, in partnership with the Maryland Grazer's Network. For more information, contact: Stanley Fultz, 301-600-3578, sfultz@umd.edu or Jeff Semler, 301-791-1304, jsemler@umd.edu

Hay for Livestock
Date: Thursday, May 6
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Accokeek Foundation, 3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD
If you own or manage livestock, you are well aware of the expense of buying hay. Join Dr. Lester Vough and learn tips for making the best use of your hay dollar. In this workshop, you will learn how to choose the right hay for different livestock, how to evaluate the quality of hay, and how to find the best source for your hay. There will also be an opportunity to discuss hay production, storage, and planning. The workshop will include hands-on opportunities to see, feel, and smell samples of different types of hay and hay of different quality. $20 Non-members, $15 members. Pre-registration required, 5 people minimum. For more info - Accokeek Foundation.

Chesapeake CRAFT (Farm Visit #1)
Date: Wednesday, May 5
Time: 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Good Fortune Farm, Brandywine, MD
The Chesapeake CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) organized by farmers in Virginia and Maryland interested in improving practical new farmer training and networking in the region. For 2010, there will be monthly events on Wednesday afternoons, a combination of on-farm classes, farm tours and potlucks. Useful to all farms seeking to enhance networking and farmer education in the region, to attract and retain good farm staff, and have a little fun, too. Regional farm visits/ potlucks will emphasize site tours and networking. To find out more infomation and to see the full schedule got to: www.accokeek.org/CRAFT.

Animal Welfare Approved Presents: Green Pastures, Bright Future
Date: Tuesday, May 4
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Pew Conference Center, 901 E Street, NW, Washington, DC
"Taking the Meat We Eat Out of the Factory and Putting it Back on the Farm" will be a panel discussion to discuss the future of farming. Panelists: author of Animal Factory, David Kirby; author of the best-selling Righteous Porkchop, Nicolette Hahn Niman; Maryland's own chicken farmer and whistle-blower in the Oscar-nominated documentary "Food, Inc." Carole Morison; and rancher, veterinarian and president of the American Grassfed Association, Dr. Patricia Whisnant. Please RSVP at www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org by April 30. Call 202.446.2135 with any questions.

Healthy Foods Foundation Conference
Date: Saturday, May 1
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Mansion at Fort Chiswell, 325 Factory Outlet Dr., Max Meadows, VA
Key Ingredients for Life “Another Healthy Day” presents Seed to Soul’s Healthy Foods Foundations Conference. Workshops include: Food Safety and GAPs, Integrated Pest Management, Blue Ridge Plateau Farms CSA and Whole Foods Nutrition. For more information call 304.323.5435

Working Lands Forum II: The Growing Local Challenge
Date: Wednesday, April 21
Time: 8 am to 5 pm
Location: Frederick Fairgrounds Eventplex, 797 E. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD
Agricultural land is an integral part of green infrastructure. The 3,000 square mile Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) is home to more than 3 million people with a population projected to grow to 4.5 million by 2030. Given these population growth projections, there are significant challenges in meeting the growing demand for a secure, high quality local food supply. The purpose of this forum is to both examine and discuss the role of agriculture in the rapidly growing WMA, as well as the opportunities that enable local agricultural producers and markets to flourish in this highly competitive landscape. $25 fee. For more info, please go here.

Future Harvest - CASA Spring Field Day -
Pasture Based Dairy: Restorative Grazing Strategies
Date: Thursday, April 22
Time: 10:00 - 2:00, Lunch Included (NO FEE)
Location: Long DeLite Farm, 16136 Spielman Road, Williamsport, MD
(Washington County)
RSVP requested to Alice Chalmers, 443-243-2998 or futureharvestcasa@gmail.com
Come spend the day on this eighth generation dairy in Central Maryland. Part of the Maryland Grazer’s Network (managed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation), Long DeLite farm transitioned to pasture based dairy, converting crop land into improved pasture. Check out their new manure storage facilities recently installed to better handle winter weather conditions. We'll tour Long DeLite Farm and learn about the transition to a pasture based system, and how federal funding from the Farm Bill was used to help. Held in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA). Funds provided through grant support from National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) and sponsorship from the Grazer's Network.
There is NO FEE for this event (as previously advertised), but space is limited, please RSVP to reserve your space.

Answering the Call of the Land: A Conversation with Steven McFadden
Dates & Location:
April 17th, 7pm, Takoma Park Coop, 201 Ethan Allen Ave., Takoma Park, MD
April 18th, 1-3pm, The Lodge at Little Seneca Creek, 14500-A Clopper Road,
Boyds, MD
Author Steven McFadden has been writing about Sustainable Agriculture since the first Community Supported Agriculture Programs. His most recent book, Call of the Land, provides a road map for communities seeking food security and sustainability. It provides success stories for the front lines of the local food movement and highlights the connections between local food, the economy, our health, and the health of our shared environment. For more information and to reserve a spot, please go here.

Chesapeake CRAFT (Class #1)
Date: Wednesday, April 14
Time: 3:00-7:00 pm
Location: Mountain View Farm/Blue Ridge Center, Purcellville, VA
The Chesapeake CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) organized by farmers in Virginia and Maryland interested in improving practical new farmer training and networking in the region. For 2010, there will be monthly events on Wednesday afternoons, a combination of on-farm classes, farm tours and potlucks. Useful to all farms seeking to enhance networking and farmer education in the region, to attract and retain good farm staff, and have a little fun, too. The class sessions will feature timely topics such as equipment safety, seed propagation, ecological pest management, as well as broader topics of concern for the beginning farmer. To find out more infomation and to see the full schedule got to: www.accokeek.org/CRAFT.

Learn How to Seed Grass
Date: Friday April 9th (Rain date Friday April 16th)
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: David Greene's Farm, 2014 White Hall Road, White Hall, MD
Seeding demonstration sponsored by Maryland Grazers Network. David is known throughout the state for his expertise in raising and managing sheep for most of his life and is a mentor in the Maryland Grazers Network. You will learn about sheep as well, but this seeding demonstration will be useful for all types of pasture including beef and horses. For more information and to sign up, Elmer Dengler elmer.dengler@md.usda.gov

Beyond the Grass Ceiling: Less lawn, More Natives
Date: Thursday, April 8
Time: 5:30
Location: Ward Museum, 909 South Schumaker Drive, Salisbury, MD
To get ready for the spring planting season and our Native Plant Sale, Lower Shore Land Trust is pleased to present Nancy Beaubaire, gardener and horticulturist. Nancy's talk shares how Americans spend much money, energy and time in pursuit of the perfect front yard lawn. But there is life beyond a green monoculture. Come learn how this homeowner created a beautiful, biologically diverse and socially acceptable front landscape with native plants. For more information or to rsvp: kpatton@lowershorelandtrust.org, 410-641-4467. Save the date: Lower Shore Land Trust 3rd Annual Native Plant Sale is May 8th!

Organizing Meeting for Slow Food Tri-State Area
Date: March 7, 2010, 7:00 pm
Location: Hagerstown, TBD
Come learn about an opportunity to start a Tri-State area Slow Food USA Chapter. The goal is to provide an opportunity for members to come together for events that could be educational, recreational, beneficial to the community, and hopefully would always involve good food and fun. For more information, contact Ann and Jeff Lucas at 301.393.5616 or jlucas@myactv.net

"Balance Meets Taste" A Chef Inspired Evening to benefit Future Harvest-CASA
Date: Thursday, March 4, 6:30 -10:00 pm
Location: Pier 5 Hotel, 711 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD
A dinner celebration to highlight hospitals that have taken the Balanced Menus Challenge, as a climate mitigation, sustainable food and nutrition strategy. The challenge includes a commitment to permanently reduce meat purchasing (i.e. beef, pork and poultry) by 20% over a 12 month period, and increase sustainable meat purchasing. To learn more and buy tickets, please go to the MedChi webpage (scroll down). Organized by the Health Care Food Leadership Council of Maryland and DC. Proceeds will be donated to Future Harvest-CASA!

Crop Production: Annual and Perennial
Date: February 24, 2010, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Location: Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Road Cockeysville, MD The 3rd of the New Farmer Training Program educational series. Topics discussed include suitable cover crops and timing, determining what varieties to grow and when, succession and companion plantings, planting calendars and on-farm decision making. Presenters: Jack Gurley, Calvert's Gift Farm and Eva Delp-Cole, Manager, USDA-Farm Services Agency. For more info, contact Cathy Tipper, crtipper@aol.com or see www.northcountypreservation.org.

Strategic Planning Member Listening Session
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Pearlstone Center, Baltimore County, MD
A facilitated listening session where members and potential members offer their opinions and feedback about the strategy and direction of Future Harvest - CASA for the next five years. Some questions to consider: Where are we now? Where should we go? What do we need to support us to get there? How have we been doing in promoting profitable and environmentally sound agriculture? For more information about the location, please see www.pearlstonecenter.org. For questions and to RSVP, call 410-549-7878 or email futureharvestcasa@gmail.com. See more detailed information here.

Getting EQIPed: USDA Conservation Programs for Organic & Transitioning Farmers Webinar
Date: February 23, 2010, 2:00 pm
Location: Online at http://www.extension.org/article/25242
Through eOrganic eXtension. Featuring Jim Riddle, UMN and Ariane Lotti. Two webinars a month, to find out the details, check the website, http://www.extension.org/article/25242

Strategic Planning Member Listening Session
Date: Monday, February 22, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Bethesda Green, Montgomery County, MD
A facilitated listening session where members and potential members offer their opinions and feedback about the strategy and direction of Future Harvest - CASA for the next five years. Some questions to consider: Where are we now? Where should we go? What do we need to support us to get there? How have we been doing in promoting profitable and environmentally sound agriculture? For more information about the location, please see www.bethesdagreen.org. For questions and to RSVP, call 410-549-7878 or email futureharvestcasa@gmail.com. See more detailed information here.

19th Annual MOFFA Winter Meeting
Date: February 20, 2010, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Location: MD Dept. of Agriculture, 50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis MD
A regional networking event for farmers, gardeners, consumers, and suppliers of sustainable, organic & certified organic products and food. Program will include speakers on sustainable and organic farming and gardening. For more information, click here.

Soil Fertility and Conservation on the Small Farm
Date: February 17, 2010, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Road Cockeysville, MD
The 2nd of the New Farmer Training Program educational series. Topics will include assessing, maintaining and enhancing soil fertility, innovative, low-cost methods for improving soil fertility, and an overview of conservation programs. Presenters: Dr. Ray Weil, Professor of Soil Science at the University of Maryland and Jim Ensor, District Manager, Baltimore County Soil Conservation District. For more info, contact Cathy Tipper, crtipper@aol.com or see www.northcountypreservation.org.

Marketing Essentials
Date: February 9, 2010, 6:30 to 8:30 PM - TO BE RESCHEDULED
Location: Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Road Cockeysville, MD The first of the New Farmer Training Program educational series. Topics discussed briefly will include developing a marketing plan, determining the potential of sales opportunities, finding a niche, value added products, starting a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) on your farm, and other opportunities in direct marketing and wholesale. Presenters: Ginger Myers, University of MD Extension Regional Marketing Specialist and Greg Lambrecht, owner of Serpent Ridge Vineyard. For more info, contact Cathy Tipper, crtipper@aol.com or see www.northcountypreservation.org.

Grafting Tomatoes for Organic Systems Webinar
Date: February 2, 2010, 2:00 pm EST
Location: Online at http://www.extension.org/article/25443
In this webinar, David Francis of Ohio State University will share research findings and experience from an integrated organic program (IOP) project that has been addressing the use of grafting for organic systems.

Future Harvest - CASA's 2010 Annual Conference!
Rebuilding the Real Economy: Nourshing Local Foods and Farmers
Dates: January 15 & 16, 2010
Location: National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Workshops on grazing, sustainable fruit and vegetable production and disease management, urban homsteading, adding value to your farm through processing and agritourism and much more. Delicious local food! Children's programming!
Check our conference page for more details.

Strategic Planning Member Listening Sessions
More sessions will be planned for the Lower Eastern Shore, Maryland and in Northern Virginia. Dates TBD. More information will be posted soon. If you are interested in helping to plan these, please email futureharvestcasa@gmail.com.

Young Farmers Conference: Reviving the Culture of Agriculture
Date: December 3-4, 2009
Location: Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, Pocantico Hills, NY
Highlights include: over 30 workshops at beginning and intermediate levels; keynote addresses by Wes Jackson of the Land Institute and Fred Kirschenmann of Stone Barns Center and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture; the opportunity to network with other new and beginning farmers; and more! For more info go to : www.farmbasededucation.org

Small Farm Conference
Date: November 6 & 7, 2009
Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD
Learn about a variety of alternative enterprises, opportunities, and other strategies to increase farm income and sustain small-scale agriculture. For more information, contact Berran Rogers at blrogers@umes.edu or see website.

Environmental Excellence in Health Care
Date: Friday, November 6, 2009, 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: University of Maryland School of Nursing.
Topics will include purchasing environmentally preferable materials, taking action to reduce the impact of climate change, developing and implementing an integrated waste management program, and purchasing and promoting sustainable foods. 2 DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER - see website.

Beginning Farmer Get Together
Date: November 1 at 2:00 pm
Location: Meadowview Morgans Farm, Upper Marlboro, MD
A potluck to share dreams, exchange ideas, and make plans for future farming. To RSVP or find out more contact Kristin at Vivala@mutualaid.org or 202.744.0373

MD Grazers Network Field Day -
Date: October 12, 2009
Location: Waffle Hill Farms, Churchville, Harford County, Maryland
Contact: Elmer Dengler, elmer.dengler@md.usda.gov

National Farmers Market Week
Dates: August 2-8, 2009
Each year, more Americans in more communities get more of their food from farmers markets. In August, 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported 4,685 farmers markets operating in the United States. The 2007 Census of Agriculture reported a remarkable $1.2 billion in food sold directly from farmers to consumers. Help communicate the importance of markets in your community! For more information and to get involved see: www.farmersmarketcoalition.org/membership/

PASA's 2nd Annual 100% Grass-fed, Grass-finished Beef Cook-off!
Date: August 2nd
Time: 1:00 - 4:00
Location: Glasbern Inn, Fogelsville, Lehigh County
Come spend the afternoon with some of PASA's best grass-fed, grass-finished beef producers. This Beef Challenge Cook Off provides farmers a chance to share proven methods and growing techniques and enjoy sampling tasty, professionally prepared beef. For more info, click here or see the PASA events calendar.

Maryland Farm to School Workshop
Date: Wednesday, July 29th
Time: 9:00 - 3:30
Location: Indian Creek Upper School, 1130 Anne Chambers Rd., Crownsville, MD
Maryland farmers, food service staff, parents, teachers, and interested citizens can collaborate toward growing healthier children and a healthier economy and environment. To register ($25 by July 15; later $35) or learn more, go to www.mdfarmtoschool.org.

Educational Farm Visit
Date: Wedensday, July 29th
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: One Straw Farm, 19718 Kirkwood Shop Road, White Hall, Maryland
Contact: Mike Snow, msnow@accokeek.org
Come learn about the largest organic vegetable farm in Maryland. Joan and Drew Norman grow great veggies and sell them through CSA shares, at farmers markets, and to restaurants, local stores, and Whole Foods (both outside at the WF farmers market and inside in the produce department).

Chesapeake Folk Festival
Date: Saturday, July 25th
Time: 10:00 - 6:00
Location: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, 213 N. Talbot Street, St. Michaels
Talk about the nuts and bolts of eating local at this celebration of life by the Bay: its people, food, music, work and traditions. For more info: CBMM website

Organic Cooking Classes at the Kayam Farm
Date: July 19th (all levels)
Location: Kayam Farm, 5425 Mt Gilead Rd, Reisterstown, MD
Contact: Becca Weaver, becca@pearlstonecenter.org , 410-429-4400, ext. 232
Cook with farm-fresh produce, learn wholesome, healthy recipes and create community! With Richele Henry: www.richelehenry.com . Fall classes also offered. To learn more see the flyer.

Buy Local Challenge Week
Dates: July 18th – July 25th
Buy Local Challenge Week, a statewide campaign in which consumers, businesses and institutions pledge to eat or serve at least 1 local food each day during the week. You can pledge to eat at least one thing from a local farm every day during Buy Local Week, or you can register your restaurant, store, hospital, business, etc. to showcase local food. To learn more and participate: http://www.buy-local-challenge.com/challenge.asp

An Evening with Will Allen at Great Kids Farm
Date: July 17, 2009
Location: 6601 Baltimore National Pike, Baltimore, MD 21228
For more information: Baltimore Green Works
Will Allen, Founder and President of Growing Power, Inc., shares his experience in building an internationally acclaimed urban farm rooted in community, sustainable agriculture and a commitment to making good food available to all.

Deale Farmers Market
Date: July 2, 2009
Location: 5965 Deale-Churchton Rd, Cedar Grove Methodist Church
Times: Thursdays, 3:00 to 6:00 (July to Oct.)
For more information http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Gail Wilkerson 410-867-4993

Washington County Hospital Farmers Market - NEW
Start Date: July 1, 2009
Time: Wedensdays, 3:00 - 6:00
Location: Elks Lodge No. 378, Hagerstown, MD
For more information: Louise Mitchell, lmitc001@son.umaryland.edu

St. Joseph Medical Center Farmers Market - NEW
Date: Summer, 2009, Times TBA
Location: 7601 Osler Drive, Towson, MD, Baltimore County
LOOKING FOR FARMERS! Please contact heatherkeller@catholichealth.net, 410-337-1699

The Centre at Glen Burnie Farmers Market
Date: June 24, 2009
Location: Glen Burnie, in mall parking lot by Best Buy
Times: Wednesdays, 9:00 to 12:00 (June to Oct.)
For more information http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Lisa Barge 410-222-7410

Department of Natural Resources Farmers Market - NEW
Date: June 18, 2009
Location: DNR parking lot off Taylor Avenue, Annapolis
Times: Thursdays, 3:00 to 6:00 (June to Aug.)
For more information http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Lisa Barge 410-222-7410

Anne Arundel County Farmers Market
Date: June 9, 2009
Location: Riva Rd & Harry Truman Pkwy
Times: Tuesdays, 7:00 to 12:00 (June to Oct.)
ALSO Saturdays, 7:00 to 12:00 (April to Oct.)
For more information http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Brenda Conti 410-349-0317

Johns Hopkins Hospital Farmers Market - NEW
Start Date: June 4, 2009
Location: 601 N. Broadway, Baltimore
Times: Thursdays, 10:00 to 2:00
For more info, email Roneet Mallin rmallin2@jhmi.edu or Shannon Gregor sgregor7@jhmi.edu

Whole Foods Annapolis 5% Day Supporting Future Harvest-CASA
Date: Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
Location: New Store - 200 Harker Place, Suite 100, Annapolis, MD 21401
Contact: Amanda Behrens, futureharvestcasa@gmail.com
Part of Whole Foods Market community giving program for 2009, Future Harvest-CASA was chosen to be the recipient of 5% of the proceeds from this shopping day at the new Whole Foods Market - Annapolis location. Come and meet Future Harvest staff, board and members, who will be on site throughout the day. Some of our farmers will be there at a special FARMERS MARKET by the entrance on Harker Street, from 4:00 - 7:30 pm. Shop for local and organic products and support our organization! To learn more about the 5% Day, click here.

Piney Orchard Farmers Market
Date: May 13, 2009
Location: Stream Valley Dr. off Rt. 170, Piney Orchard Community Center
Times: Wednesdays, 2:00 to 6:30 (May to Nov.)
For more information http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Bill Morris 410-867-9162

Kenilworth Farmers Market Opening
Date: May 11, 2009
Location: Shops at Kenilworth, Kenilworth Drive , Towson
Times: Tuesdays, 3:30 to 6:30 pm
For more information, contact Ned Atwater, 410-744-2604

Catonsville Farmers Market Opening
Date: May 5, 2009
Location: Bloomsbury Community Center, 108 Bloomsbury Ave.
Times: Wednesday 10 am to 1 pm
For more information - http://www.catonsville.org/events/farmersmarket.html

University of Maryland Medical Center Farmers Market - NEW
Date: May 5, 2009
Location: University Plaza Park, across from main entrance
Times: Tuesdays, 10:30 to 2:30 (May to Oct.)
For more information http://www.umm.edu/features/farmers_market.htm

Inaugural Eco Ride to support the KAYAM farm
Date: May 3, 2009
Location: Starts at Kayam Farm, 5425 Mt Gilead Rd, Reisterstown, MD
Contact: 410-429-4400 x 203, http://www.pearlstonecenter.org/bikeride.html
We are having a bike ride to raise money for our local sustainable farm! Kayam is an organic educational farm located at the Pearlstone Center. In just two years Kayam has educated almost 6,000 participants of all ages and backgrounds. The farm gives participants a powerful, fun way to learn crucial lessons in health, community, and culture.

Westfield Annapolis Farmers Market
Date: May 3, 2009
Location: 2123 Generals Highway, mall parking lot next to Sears Automotive
Times: Sundays, 11:00 to 3:00 (May to Oct.)
For more information http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Brenda Conti 410-349-0317

Farming Profitably:
Business Planning, Management, Marketing, and Record-Keeping
Date: May 2nd, 2009
Locations: TBD, Centre County
Contact: PASA at 814-349-9856 ext. 205 or email Rachel@pasafarming.org
The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) will offer this Intensive Learning Program presented by the Univ. of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) with support from the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture and the Risk Management Agency. Cost: $50 PASA members, $75 all others (light breakfast & lunch included) Class is limited to 25 registrants. Click here for more info.

BUGS Farmers Market
Date: May 2, 2009
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Living Classrooms, 802 S. Caroline St., Baltimore, MD
Contact: 410-685-0295, www.bugsprogram.org
This one-day, kid-run event offers hundreds of vegetable, flower and herb seedlings, student made jewelry, paintings, ceramics, and homemade dressings and salsa. More than 50 members of the Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students (BUGS) After School Program have been growing, cooking and creating over the course of the fall and winter in preparation for the 12 th Annual BUGS Farmers Market.

2009 West Virginia Agritourism Conference
Dates: April 26-29, 2009
Location: Quality Hotel Conference Center, Harpers Ferry , WV
Contact: Cindy Martel, cmartel@ag.state.wv.us , 304-558-2210, or www.wvagriculture.org
Great presenters and good ideas: Good Agricultural Practices Training, A Crash Course in Group Sales, Agritourism in Action tour, Social Networking, and breakout sessions. The Conference will also feature a bus tour of agritourism attractions in the Eastern Panhandle, as well as a number of shorter informational workshops. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, notebook and photos and publications of their own operations to share with the group.

Maryland Day 2009
Date: April 25, 2009
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Contact: http://www.marylandday.umd.edu/location/ag_day.cfm
11th Annual Maryland Day Open House: All over Maryland's 1250 acre campus, visitors can 'Explore Our World' with tours, exhibits and demonstrations. Visit Ag Day Avenue to learn why the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is not just about farming.

Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Delaware Farmers Markets
As there are so many markets in our region, rather than list them all here, we are instead providing links to local listings. Please click on the area you are interested in: Maryland,
Northern Virginia, DC and surrounding areas, West Virginia, and Delaware.
In addition, we are listing the new hospital farmers markets below, as they are new and have not been included in the above lists.

Severna Park Farmers Market
Date: April 25, 2009
Location: Ritchie Hwy (Rt.2) and Jones Station Rd, Annapolis
Times: Saturdays, 8:00 to 12:00 (April to Oct.)
For more information: http://www.aaedc.org/anne_arundel_county_farmers%27_markets.html
Anita Robertson 410-827-9192

Organic Cooking Classes at the Kayam Farm
Dates: April 19, 2009 (beginner)
May, June and July classes also, see above.
Location: Kayam Farm, 5425 Mt Gilead Rd, Reisterstown, MD
Contact: Becca Weaver, becca@pearlstonecenter.org , 410-429-4400, ext. 232
Cook with farm-fresh produce, learn wholesome, healthy recipes and create community! With Richele Henry: www.richelehenry.com . Fall classes also offered. To learn more see the flyer.

Veggie 101 Class - Learn how to grow your own food
Dates: April 18, and April 30, 2009
Times: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Ag Center, 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD
Contact: Jeff Semler, jsemler@umd.edu, MD Cooperative Extension
Part of the "Grow It Eat It" campaign, this course will teach you how to grow the 10 easiest veggies, about different types of gardens, improving soil, tools, seeds, and pests. To register, print the PDF flyer.

Connecting Kids to Nature: Using the Outdoors as a Classroom
Date: April 18, 2009
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, Arlington, VA
Contact: Mary Pike, marypike@cox.net or evenings at 703-960-0577
Sponsored by UUCA Green Action and Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment. A day of discussion, presentations, exhibits and breakout sessions to enable teachers and parents to learn more about what is currently happening in the area of teaching kids outside. Concurrent sessions on grant writing tips; what can you learn from trees; teaching seasonal changes; how parents and volunteers can get involved at schools; how to start a school garden or outside classroom; practicing outdoor education at home and more. Further details and registration materials are available at www.arlingtonenvironment.org

Urb Ag Gala
Date: April 17, 2009
Location: St. John's Church at 2640 St. Paul Street
Contact: urbaggala@gmail.com , http://baltimoreurbanag.org/content/urb-ag-gala
The Baltimore Urban Agricultural Task Force will be hosting its first annual Urb Ag Gala celebration that will include delicious local food, artwork and entertainment in the setting of an old church transformed into a wildly lavish green atmosphere. The Task Force is a growing coalition of farmers, students, professionals, artists, parents, and concerned citizens. The long term goal of the Task Force is to acquire a 6-acre plot that can be farmed in Baltimore City and to create 500 new and sustainable jobs.

Fresh Fork Market Chesapeake Region Planning Meeting
Date: April 13, 2009
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Gramercy Mansion, 1400 Greenspring Valley Road, Baltimore, MD
Contact: Cathy Tipper, 410-472-0878 or 410-218-3620
New online marketing pilot project in Maryland - Fresh Fork Market Chesapeake Region. 20 diverse farms and 20 restaurants, retailers, and/or institutions are needed to start the launch. Interested folks are welcome to attend the upcoming meetings and learn more. Please sign on to Fresh Fork Market, as a New User, before the meeting. Please enter your address so you are put in the Maryland group (not another location). Please then email Trevor at trevor@freshforkmarket.com to let him know you would like a test account. Please contact Cathy Tipper at crtipper@aol.com with any questions.

Bel Air Farmers Market Opening
Date: April 11, 2009
Location: Thomas and South Bond St, Dowtown BelAir
Times: Tuesdays, 9 am to 2 pm, Saturdays, 7 to 11 am
For more information see http://www.belairfarmersmarket.com/

Intermediate Grape Grower Workshops
Date: April 9, 2009
Location: Northern/Western Maryland, Howard County Fairgrounds
Contact: Maryland Cooperative Extension Office, 410-666-1020
The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension is offering one-day regional workshops for grape growers in Maryland. This workshop continues where the New Grower Workshops left off, offering a detailed description of viticultural practices for commercial vineyards.
See PDF flyer for complete information

Farming Profitably:
Business Planning, Management, Marketing, and Record-Keeping
Dates & Locations:
April 4th, 2009; Storm Harbor Equestrian Center, Slippery Rock; Butler County
April 18th, 2009; Chester Co. EDC, Exton; Chester County
May 2nd, 2009; Location TBD, Centre County
Contact: PASA at 814-349-9856 ext. 205 or email Rachel@pasafarming.org
The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) will offer this Intensive Learning Program presented by the Univ. of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) with support from the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture and the Risk Management Agency. Cost: $50 PASA members, $75 all others (light breakfast & lunch included) Class is limited to 25 registrants. Click here for more info.

Organizing a Local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
Date: March 25, 2009
Friendly Farm restaurant (17434 Foreston Rd, Upperco, MD)
Contact: Baltimore County Extension office, 410-666-1020
Farmers interested in learning more about how to organize a new CSA or seek new ideas for an operating CSA are invited to participate in this program, offered by the Baltimore County office of Maryland Cooperative Extension. Click here (PDF) for more info.

“Intermediate Grape Grower Workshops”
Dates & Locations:
March 18, 2009 - Eastern Shore in Queen Anne's County
March 24, 2009 - Southern Maryland in Hughesville
Contact: Maryland Cooperative Extension Office, 410-666-1020
The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension is offering one-day regional workshops for grape growers in Maryland. This workshop continues where the “New Grower Workshops” left off, offering a detailed description of viticultural practices for commercial vineyards. See PDF flyer for complete information

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS) for the Production and Handling of Fresh Produce
Date: March 16, 2009
Location: Howard County Fairground
Contact: David Martin, 410-666-1022
A one-day program for commercial fruit & vegetable producers to learn about techniques and practices that can help minimize produce contamination. This program is suggested for growers who sell wholesale to grocery stores, organizations, food processors and selling directly to the public. Click here (PDF) for more info.

Upcoming Changing Ag Markets Series Seminar -
Processing for Profits: Moving from Concept to Consumers
Date: March 11th, 2009
Location: Friendly Farm restaurant (17434 Foreston Rd, Upperco, MD)
Download the PDF brochure here.

Future Harvest - CASA's 2009 Annual Conference
Connect Locally: Food, Farms and Community
Date: January 16-17, 2009
Location: Frederick, MD
Speakers presentations will be available soon. Click here to learn more.

Please note our new staff emails.

Future Harvest-CASA
P. O. Box 109
Fairplay, MD 21733-0109
phone: 410-549-7878
fax: 410-549-9778

Email -
Alice Chalmers, Executive Director:
alice@futureharvestcasa.org
Renee Catacalos, Community Outreach Coordinator:
renee@futureharvestcasa.org
Amanda Behrens, Website Manager:
amanda@futureharvestcasa.org