Hudson-Conrod Elks Lodge
99 Park St., Hudson, MA 01749
There is a $20 registration fee, which is waived for members of NEV&BGA. Lunch buffet is an additional $20.
To register, please RSVP to 978-423-6694 or secretary@nevbga.org by February 5.
Agenda
8:30 - Registration
9:00 - New England Vegetable Management Guide Update – Katie Campbell-Nelson, UMass Extension
9:45 - Genetic Modification: The Science and The Issues – Jonathan D. Mahoney, PhD Candidate - Plant Breeding & Horticulture, Dept. of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture - University of Connecticut. Genetic modification is an umbrella term for describing various methods used to modify the genetics of a biological organism. Learn how genetic engineering and genome editing are being used to improve plants and the concerns that surround these new technologies.
10:45 - Life after Farming – What does retirement mean to you, and are you prepared? Panelists, Roy Henshaw, CPA, MBA and Attorney Richard Cavanaugh provide an overview of some of the issues facing farmers looking to transition from their day-to-day work obligations and the financial and legal tools available to help chart a successful plan of action. Topics include succession planning, estate planning, business structure, and their tax implications. The presenters will be available during lunch to answer questions.
11:45 - Crop Insurance Update – Tom Smiarowski & Paul Russell, University of Massachusetts Extension Risk Management/Crop Insurance Education
Noon - Lunch buffet, $20. To reserve a lunch, please contact the Secretary, Chris Grant at (978) 423-6694 or secretary@nevbga.org. If you order lunch and cannot attend, please call to cancel. We will have to bill you for unpaid meals.
NEVBGA Business Meeting & Elections, Extension updates, Commercial Member Introductions
1:30 - UMass Plant Diagnostics Lab Recap For 2019 – Angela Madeiras, UMass Plant Diagnostics Lab
2:15 - Massachusetts Ag Mediator Program – The Massachusetts Agricultural Mediation Program provides cost-free mediators and facilitators to assist farmers facing conflicts with neighbors, local officials, USDA or even within families. We'll explore a few cases that MOPC has undertaken and then we can talk about audience needs and answer questions.
3:00 - Strawberry Variety Winners & Losers at 4 Corners Farm – Charlie Graym 4 Corners Farm, South Newbury, VT
4:00 - Adjourn
** 2 Pesticide recertification credits have been approved for this meeting **
Commercial members are welcome to put up table-top displays.
Co-sponsored by the UMass Extension Risk Management/Crop Insurance Education Program
