Published: June 30, 2009 12:00 am      

Three local events set for Organic Field Days

Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York announced its 2009 Organic Field Days schedule, including several local events.

NOFA-NY is a nonprofit membership-based organization of farmers, gardeners, and eaters creating a sustainable regional food system that is ecologically sound and economically viable. For more information and to view the full Organic Field Days schedule, visit www.nofany.org or call 652-6632.

All field days are open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is requested at some sites, as noted. Donations are accepted. All events are held rain or shine. Driving directions are posted at www.nofany.org one week before each event. Local events are as follows:

Wednesday, July 15: Go Organic with Sheep and Goats, 1 to 4 p.m., Kortright Creek Creamery/Stone & Thistle Farm, 1211 Kelso Road, East Meredith.

Tom and Denise Warren will discuss the organic production methods on their farm, which produces grass-fed meat and certified organic raw and pasteurized milk and yogurt. The farm is also home to Fable, a farm-to-table restaurant.

Sunday, Aug. 16 : Small-Scale Grain Growing and Weed Biology, 2 to 6 p.m., Crimson Clover Farm, 1124 County Route 38, Bainbridge.

For those interested in growing small grains, from 2 to 4 p.m., there will be an overview of crop and variety options and seed sources and a demonstration of planting, harvesting and seed cleaning and milling and processing techniques. From 4 to 6 p.m., the focus will be on weed biology and labor-saving methods to control problem weeds. Participants may come to one or both sessions.

Wednesday, Sept. 2: Targeted Dairy Cattle Grazing for Fall and Winter, 10 p.m. to 2 p.m., Raindance Farm, 2454 County Highway 35, Schenevus.

Siobhan Griffin will talk about how she targets grazing to optimize her pasture rotation. There will be a tour of the farm, including Griffin's no-till brassica trial and participants will learn how she manages more the 200 acres of pasture. This field day is co-sponsored by the NY Organic Dairy Initiative. Pre-registration preferred. E-mail fielddays@nofany.org or call (315) 806-1180. A light lunch will be provided.