Workshops
Stone Barns reaches hundreds of young farmers across the region every year with conferences and hands-on workshops that increase their technical knowledge and share lessons learned at our farm. Workshops are taught by seasoned farmers, and topics have included raising heritage swine, poultry processing, securing farmland, financing a farm, and launching a grass-based dairy operation. Recognizing that farming is by nature a solitary profession, our conferences and workshops provide invaluable opportunities for young farmers to share ideas and learn from each other.
2012 Workshops
NRCS High Tunnel Cost-Share Program
Saturday 4/14/12 10:00 AM –12:00 PM $10/person
How to Apply for the USDA NRCS High Tunnel Cost-Share Program
and other cost-share opportunities under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
This workshop will guide beginning farmers through a federal cost-share application process, the High Tunnel program. (This application process is also good for the Micro-Drip Irrigation program and other EQIP programs.)
The goal is to have workshop participants understand the entire application process, and be fully prepared to meet with their Farm Service Agency staff. The workshop covers all steps of the application process, including registering with the Farm Service Agency, confirming eligibility, and completing the full Natural Resources Conservation Service application and application packet. Workshop participants will also learn how to find out more about receiving technical assistance from NRCS staff in their region.
This workshop is for beginning and other farmers who own or lease land for their own farm operation.
If you are considering starting a farm enterprise, you might be interested in attending this workshop for informational purposes, but will not currently qualify for the program. Call Ruth Katz at 914.366.6200 ext. 158 for further information.
Click here to register for this workshop.
Low-Stress Stockmanship
Thursday 4/26/12 9:00 AM –12:00 PM $10/person
Stone Barns is pleased to welcome Braden Hurst of Montana’s J Bar L Ranch, for a morning workshop on the basics of Stockmanship. J Bar L Ranch is located in the Centennial Valley, covering thousands of acres of pasture where their herd is raised naturally, on grass. The beef is sold through the Yellowstone Grassfed Beef Cooperative.
This workshop will cover several areas related to working with these animals including moving and loading cattle and understanding pressure and flight zones. A live demo and hands-on instruction will also round out the class.
Click here to register for this workshop.
Beekeeping for Newbees: Part II
Saturday 6/9/12 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM $10/person
On Saturday, June 9 join us for the second installment of our beekeeping series for beginners! Farmer Dan Carr will take you to visit our beehives, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how the bees are cared for and why their honey is so delicious. The class will focus on bee health, spring inspection and working in the hive. Everyone will get to taste a sample of our honey. Whether you are an aspiring backyard farmer, a veteran grower, or a home cook who is interested in learning more about your ingredients, you’re sure to enjoy this unique chance to meet our farmers face to face.
This workshop is the second in a four-part series for “Newbee” beekeepers. Future workshop topics may include: insecticide-free treatments for Varroa mites, supering the hive, harvesting and processing honey, and preparing for winter. It is not necessary that you attended Part I of this series in order to enroll in this class.
Working with the Soil Food Web: Biological Inoculation*
Saturday 7/7 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM $10/person
Join us for this workshop focused on the role bacteria and fungi play in our soil food web! Field Foreman, Max Apton, will share his expertise on how best to work with these organisms to maximize your growing potential. The workshop will address the vital role bacteria and fungi play in healthy crop production (with a focus on perennial fruits and annual vegetables), and participants will leave with a basic understanding of which crops prefer soil dominated by fungus as opposed to bacteria and how to assist in fostering these desirable microbe communities. We’ll also cover methods and conditions under which you can culture active biological inoculants and how to best apply these materials.
Beekeeping for Newbees: Part III*
Saturday 8/11 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM $10/person
On Saturday, August 11, join us for the third installment of our beekeeping series for beginners! Farmer Dan Carr will take you to visit our beehives, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how the bees are cared for and why their honey is so delicious. The class will focus on honey harvesting and all the steps and techniques necessary including: clearing bees from the supers, removing the honey, using an extractor, and learning the difference between ripe honey and nectar. Dan will also touch on how to prep your hives for fall. Everyone will get to taste a sample of our honey. Whether you are an aspiring backyard farmer, a veteran grower, or a home cook who is interested in learning more about your ingredients, you’re sure to enjoy this unique chance to meet our farmers face to face.
This workshop is the third in a four-part series for “Newbee” beekeepers. It is not necessary that you attended Parts 1 or 2 of this series in order to enroll in this class. If you own a veil, please bring it with you to class.
Compost Systems Management*
Saturday 8/25 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM $10/person
Join us for a combination of classroom and hands-on learning to improve your compost operation. Stone Barns Director of Nutrient Management, Gregg Twehues, will cover designing and building a compost system (including sizing and materials); microscope analysis of compost samples (including identification of components and organisms); working with a forced-air system; developing and setting up recipes for your compost; and an in-depth tour of Stone Barns composting operation. Participants are asked to bring samples from their farms for microscope activity.
Winter Greenhouse Planning*
Saturday 9/15 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM $10/person
On Saturday, September 15, learn ways to produce food year round with high diversity and efficiency. Jack Algiere, Vegetable Farm Manager at Stone Barns, will lead the group in discussing greenhouse systems and their role in season extension and winter production, as well as laying out strategies for timing and value. This will be a hands on class in the greenhouse and will be covering records, planning, soil preparation, seeding techniques and cold season greenhouse health and maintenance.
Mushroom Cultivation*
Saturday 10/13, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM $10/person
Join us for this farmer-hosted class focusing on mushroom cultivation. Vegetable Farm Manager Jack Algiere will lead the group through the basics of growing mushrooms and participants will help inoculate logs with Shitake and Oyster mushroom spawn.
*Registration opens 6-8 weeks prior to workshop date
Save the date for this year’s Young Farmers Conference: December 6-7, 2012!