Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Friday, October 15, 2021
A Taste of Farming: An Online Series for Aspiring and New Farmers
Are you aspiring to farm or just starting out with farming? If so, this series is for you. We designed this “learn as you go” online series so you can get a taste of different farming practices and concepts to help you explore your interests, gain a basic understanding of many different farming topics, avoid common pitfalls, and get to know the Extension professionals in Virginia who are here to assist you. From October 2021 to March 2022, Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) agents and Small Farm Outreach Program Associates will be posting short videos (15-20 min) highlighting key information and considerations about different farming practices and concepts on topics they have had years of experience helping aspiring and new farmers navigate. A week after each video is posted, the VCE professional will offer a live-time Q & A session by Zoom where aspiring and new farmers can ask their questions directly and discuss their needs with the agent. We will also be sharing a collection of resources to follow-up with afterward. Check out our schedule below. Additional dates are forthcoming. Please reach out to Sarah Sharpe at seweaver@vt.edu or Katie Trozzo ketrozzo@vt.edu if you have questions.
Bio-Char: A Bridge from Fossil Fuel to Renewable Energy, Healthy Soil and A Better Climate
A two day intensive course on the production and use of bio-char for fuel and soil amending. From simple backyard production to high-tech machinery.
Instructors Dale Hendricks, Gary Gilmore, and Mark Cohen will demonstrate machinery, including the BioGen electricity generator, small engine machinery running solely on biochar, and the production and concepts of soil amendments and carbon sequestration.
Registration Includes Light Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, Lunch on Saturday, and Catered dinner Saturday night
Interactive Discussion & Demonstrations to include:
- Ecological Sourcing of Raw Materials for Making Biochar
- Gasification: Tractors, Generators & Internal Combustion Engines
- Space Heating & Cooling, Hot Water & Cook Stoves
- Combined Heating and Power Biochar (CHPB)
- Uses in Animal Agriculture, Soil Health & Carbon Sequestration
- Filtration & Sanitation
$75 Per Person - Register at vabf.org - VABF member event. Become a member today and get discounts on all VABF events as well as enjoy our member benefits and become a part of our network of farmers and gardeners.
Camping Available: Both wooded and meadow spaces available. Camping is 7.5 miles from the Catawba Sustainability Center and only a 10 minute drive. There are a couple port-a-johns and there will be a fire going. You can add on camping to your registration for only $15 a night, per tent. Campers may choose to camp Friday, October 22 and/or Saturday, October 23.
Hotel Rooms: Hotels are located 13 minutes drive from the Catawba Farm.
Be sure to ask for the VABF Room Block pricing! Room block is reserved for both October 22 and 23. Special pricing and room reservation availability ends at the cut off date.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
140 Sheraton Drive
Salem Virginia 24153
540-302-8779
King rooms
$149.85 / room/night plus tax
Book by October 8
Itinerary Number: 5136B264883279
This workshop will be outdoors. There are tents as well as a covered pavilion with picnic tables. There is an indoor facility if needed, with a kitchen as well as restrooms. Masks must be worn while indoors.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!
Thanks to a generous scholarship fund by US Biochar Initiative, https://biochar-us.org/, we are able to offer 10 partial scholarships to the BioChar workshop. If accepted, you'll receive $50 off the registration fee of the event. Apply by October 11!
APPLY HERE!
Questions? Contact Lindsay at coordinator@vabf.org
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Feeding Sheep?
Are you ready to put Purina’s research to the test?
Sign up for the Purina® Proof Pays feeding trial to test their feed against your current feed. Years of research and testing gives @Purina Sheep the confidence that you’ll see the difference in your flock’s performance.
Put your feed to the test: https://bit.ly/2YAWmVm
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Youth Conversations in Agriculture Series
Virginia Farm Bureau Young
Farmers hosts a Youth Conversations in Agriculture Series - Thursday, October
14th at 7:30 PM on Zoom!
Topic: Agritourism or Agri-trouble? Inviting people on the
farm!
Register for the Zoom Link
at: https://bit.ly/3Agq92K
About: This is part 1 in
a 4 part monthly series that is designed for youth with an interest in
agriculture to connect across the state with others who are passionate about
the industry. We'll do large and small group programming with lots of chances
to offer input, ask questions of speakers and discuss your thoughts on how we
can grow a better understanding of the industry! Our first program
includes an overview of Agritourism and a look into one farm that transitioned
from dairy to sunflowers by inviting thousands to visit, along with some
unintended visitors… The monthly programs will lead to an opportunity for
all participants to build their ideal virtual agritourism farm operation in
part 4 and some fun prizes too.
Be sure to register before
the event to receive your unique Zoom link!
