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Vegetable Program Upcoming Events

Mar
27
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 - 10:00am
In-person
Atlas Farm
In this session, Gideon Porth, the owner of Atlas Farm, will share his experiences growing transplants with different systems as he has scaled up over the last 20 years, troubleshooting issues common in certified organic seedling production such as potting mixes, fertilizers, and pest control. Currently the farm has a large seedling production greenhouse with automatic watering, requiring a high degree of uniformity of the transplants trays to be successful. Over the years they have honed their greenhouse seeding techniques to include an automated tray filler, vacuum seeders, and a home-made vermiculite seed topping conveyor. With this system, three workers can fill and seed up to 200 trays per hour.
Apr
10
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - 10:00am
Online
Since the organic pesticide toolbox is limited is size and efficacy, cultural controls are very important tools. Learn how to use cultural practices like crop rotation and variety selection to minimize pest pressure, use mechanical controls to avoid pests, how to harness the power of beneficial organisms for biocontrol, and safely and effectively use OMRI-approved pesticides when necessary. How do you determine when it is necessary to spray? How do you go about doing that? What are the options if you are certified organic? We will also share resources you can use to identify pests on your farm, scouting protocols, the decision-making process growers use to make pest management decisions, and tools you can use to improve your success each year.
Apr
24
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - 10:00am
Online
There are points of both overlap and tension for farms trying to meet organic and food safety standards. In this workshop, we’ll cover the principles and requirements of both and the ways that growers can meet them effectively and streamline their efforts as much as possible. Topics will include selecting and handling soil amendments, agricultural water management, and recordkeeping.

The Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment and UMass Extension are equal opportunity providers and employers, United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Contact your local Extension office for information on disability accommodations. Contact the State Center Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 413-545-4800 or see ag.umass.edu/civil-rights-information.