We honor one of our own! 

 

Pleasant Valley Gardens owner Richard Bonanno has been named the Methuen Board of Trade's 2011 Person of the Year for his dedication to the industry, his willingness to share his knowledge with students and fellow farmers, and for the time he gives to his community. We thank you, Rich, for all that you do!

 

Backyard Farmer Workshop

 

Are you interest in raising chickens or other

livestock at your home? Do you have questions about what's legal and what isn't? How to properly manage manure? How to keep your animals healthy? How to deal with neighbors and town officials? If you want answers to these questions, plan to attend this workshop on Saturday, April 2nd from 9am to 12:30pm at Coolidge Hall, Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield, MA.  Agricultural Commission members and Farm Bureau members are free. A fee of $20 for the general public. For registration, call Susan at 508-481-4766 or email Susan .

  

Meet the Cows!

 

Got milk? We do! Bring the kids to Appleton Farms in Ipswich on Saturday, April 19th from 3:00-4:30pm for ages 5 and up. Join us to learn about our dairy operation. Visit with calves, explore the pastures and meet the milkers in the dairy barn during milking - ordinarily closed to the public. Or, visit on Saturday, April 26th from 3:30-4:30pm for ages 2-5 for a program designed especially for toddlers.  Small fee to attend either program.  For more information call (978) 356-5728 ext 15 or email the farm.

Verrill Farm Welcomes Spring

 

During this spring vacation, April 18-22, there will be four kids' cooking classes. Classes are approximately 1.5 hours, take place in the farm stand kitchen and are limited in size - so sign up soon! $25 per child. Reservations & prepayment are required.

Tuesday, 3-4:30pm - grades 4-6

Tuesday, 5-6:30pm - grades 7 & 8

Wednesday, 3-4:30pm - grades 3-5

Thursday, 3-4:30pm - grades 1-3 

For more information visit Verrill Farm.

 

The ABC's of Farm Education

 

Appleton Farms' Center for Agriculture and the Environment is partnering with Shelburne Farms and the Farm Based Education Association to offer a hands-on farm education training workshop.  At this 2-day workshop, you'll learn how to develop hands-on education programs for your farm that encourage school groups and visitiors to learn and explore.  The dates are Thursday & Friday, April 7th & 8th. Cost is $200 which includes materials & meals.  For more information call (978) 356-5728 ext 15 or email the farm.

Farmers' Market Coupon Program Training for Growers & Market Managers 

 

Trainings are required for all growers and market managers new to the program this season.  Coupons cannot be accepted or redeemed prior to training and signing an agreement. If you are unable to attend any of the sessions and would like to begin accepting coupons at your farmers' market, contact Lisa Damon at (617) 626-1731 to make other arrangements. Growers and market managers returning to the coupon program do not need to attend a training session. Recertification is conducted through the mail. Upcoming training will be held on Tuesday, April 5th from 4-5pm at Boyden Library, Bluemer Room, Foxborough. Sign-up is required. Click here to contact Lisa Damon and click on Farmers' Market Coupon Program for more information.