As the 2011 RAFI Farmer grant cycle draws to a close, folks are busy finishing their projects and organizing outreach events. One of the commitments that grantees make when receiving a grant is that they will find a way to share best practices and lessons learned with other farmers. Often they create events that are multi-faceted and open to the general public. Here are a few that you may want to attend:
Hardin Farm Day
When: Saturday, October 6th from 10am – 3pm
What: Antique tractors, produce for sale, petting zoo, hayrides, molasses making, hot dogs & more!
Hosted by: The Hardin Family
Where: Hardin Farm Store
8201 Millrun Road, Stokesdale, NC 27357-9324
(336) 643-4978
Small Dairy Workshop
When: Saturday, October 6th from 10m – 12pm
What: Learn how to navigate the process and regulations of constructing a farmstead dairy from two new goat dairies in Forsyth County
Hosted by: Harold, Carol and Jessica Penick of Once Upon A Meadow Family Farm & Johnny and Robin Blakley of Buffalo Creek Farm and Creamery
Where: Forsyth Cooperative Extension Office, Auditorium B
1450 Fairchild Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Catawba Valley Cattlemen’s Association – Open House
When: Sunday, October 15th 2-5pm
What: View the Association’s new cattle scale and load-out facility, and eat some icecream while you are there!
Hosted by: Catawba Valley Cattlemen
Where: Dennis and Tyler Lutz Farm on Rocky Ford Road, Startown Community in Catawba County. Call Jeff Carpenter at the Cooperative Extension Office for directions: (828) 465-8240
Solar Powered Pasture System
When: Saturday, October 22nd at 10am
What: Walking farm tour to view Worth’s solar powered irrigation system and fence for year round grazing of beef cattle as well as woodland managed pastured pork.
Hosted by: Worth Kimmel of Pine Trough Branch Farm
Where: Pine Trough Branch Farm
600 Church St. Ext., Reidsville, NC 27320
And finally, though they don’t currently have any events scheduled, please visit the Sparta / Alleghany Choose & Cut’s Facebook page and beautiful new website: evergreentrailchristmasfarms.com
Check back soon for more events coming up this fall!