Wednesday, July 31, 5 – 8 PM. Kingbird Farm, Berkshire, NY
An introduction to pig biology and behavior; opportunities and challenges for profitable pasture-based pig farming; basics of care, feeding, housing, health issues, processing and marketing. Instructor: Karma Glos.Cost: $45-$60 Voluntary Sliding Scale. To register email info@groundswellcenter.org.
Organic Pastured Poultry Intensive
Monday, Aug 12, 10 AM – 4 PM. Kingbird Farm, Berkshire, NY
An in-depth, full-day program for those already raising poultry or with a serious interest in small-scale commercial production of meat and/or eggs. Get your questions answered by one of the region’s leading experts in organic poultry systems. Instructor: Karma Glos.Cost: $120-$150 Voluntary Sliding Scale. To register email info@groundswellcenter.org.
Poultry Processing Practicum
Sessions run from 9am – 3pm by appointment. Kingbird Farm, Berkshire, NY
Hands-on instruction and practice in on-farm slaughter, processing and packaging of broilers (chickens) and/or ducks. Limited to two trainees per session. Instructors:Michael and Karma Glos. Cost: $60-$80. Voluntary Sliding Scale. To register send email to info@groundswellcenter.org. We will notify you of slaughter dates as they are scheduled.
Organic Sheep Dairy Intensive
Sunday, Aug 18, 10 AM – 4 PM. Northland Sheep Dairy, Marathon, NY
An in-depth,full-day program for those with a serious interest in grazing, breeding and milking sheep, and producing farmstead cheese as a profitable small-scale business. Sheep producers, cheesemakers, and others interested in learning about certifiable organic systems are encouraged to attend. Understand market opportunities and production requirements. Get your questions answered by one of the top experts in the US on organic sheep dairying. Instructor: Maryrose Livingston
Cost: $120-$150 Voluntary Sliding Scale. To register email info@groundswellcenter.org.
Draft Horse Intensive
Part I: Saturday, Sept 14, 10 AM – 4PM. Part II: Sunday, Sept 15, 10 AM – 4PM. Northland Sheep Dairy, Marathon, NY
A hands-on practicum for the beginning teamster or serious wannabe. Learn to think like a horse. You may sign up for both days, or just for Part I. Prerequisites: Some experience with horses and permission of Instructor. Instructor: Donn Hewes. Cost: Part I only: $120-$150. Part I & Part II: $200-$250, Voluntary Sliding Scale. To apply for this course email info@groundswellcenter.org.
Hog Breeding & Farrowing Intensive
Monday Sep 16, 10 AM – 4 PM. Kingbird Farm, Berkshire, NY
An in-depth, full-day program for those thinking about getting into breeding hogs and farrowing your own piglets in a pasture-based system. Economics, breeding stock, management, facilities, markets… Get all your questions answered by one of the region’s leading experts in organic pasture-pig systems. Instructor: Karma Glos
Cost: $120-$150 Voluntary Sliding Scale. To register email info@groundswellcenter.org.
Cheesemaking Practicum
Part I: Sunday, Oct 6, 9 AM – 3 PM Part II: Monday Oct 7, 2 PM – 4 PM Northland Sheep Dairy, Marathon, NY
Hands-on instruction and practice in making artisanal cheese on a commercial farmstead scale. Learn about the fermentation process, milk qualities, cultures, finding and using farmstead-scale equipment, regulations, economics and markets. Part II is optional for those who can attend and includes preparing the molded cheeses for aging in the Northland cheese cave. Instructor: Maryrose Livingston