The Field School series for homesteaders and farmers concludes for 2018 at 9 Bean Rows. Delve deeply into one of these three tracks for a full day of learning—each track has a morning and an afternoon session:
Advanced Beekeeping with Dr. Meghan Milbrath of Michigan State University.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS TRACK IS TAKING PLACE AT THE NORTHWEST MICHIGAN HORTICULTURE RESEARCH STATION AT 6686 S. CENTER HIGHWAY IN TRAVERSE CITY.
This two part seminar will focus deeply on bacterial diseases in the hive: how to recognize and diagnose sick bees, and how to coordinate with your vet for treatment. Then a focus on winter: winterizing the hive, understanding bee activity during the winter with guidelines for managing for winter success.
Farm Resilience: Soil Health + Farm Design with Nic Welty of 9 Bean Rows.
First, an overview of soil management in permanent beds, including a overview of soil physics, chemistry and biology. Topics: no-till-/low-till options, soil mindfulness, soil building, nutrient application, compost production and some hands-on tool talk. Then, a look at whole farm management and design. Topics: goal setting, strategic farm planning, equipment purchasing and business planning.
Seed Saving with Ben Cohen of Small House Farm.
First, a brief farm walk to discuss flower structure, pollination and isolation requirements for seed production. Learn how to hand pollinate and process dry seed by threshing and winnowing. Also, processing wet seeds, with hands-on how-to instruction in harvesting and clean seeds from squash, melons, peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes. Finally, the day discussing packing and storing seeds.
AGENDA:
8:30 to 9am: Welcome with coffee and pastries
9am to noon: Morning sessions
noon to 1:30pm: Local foods lunch + Ask An Expert
1:30 to 4:30pm: Afternoon sessions
4:30 to 5:30pm: Social hour with drinks and music
PRICING:
Ticket sales are now open until September 22. Click here for registration.
Thank you to our generous sponsors for their support:
4Front Credit Union
Fischer Insurance
Freemont Insurance
Oryana Community Co-op
SNAP! Printing
WNMC
Edson Farms Natural Foods
Image360 - Traverse City