RI speakers to present at NOFA/Mass Winter Conference

Over 60 workshops will enlighten you on farming, gardening and eating topics. These four RI speakers will share their experiences at the NOFA/Mass Winter Conference on January 11, 2014 in Worcester, MA.

New & Traditional Techniques for Cooking/Baking With Wood-Fired Ovens by Richard Miscovich  

In the past twenty years, interest in wood-fired ovens has dramatically increased, creating a delicious canon of wood-fired cuisine and efficient oven design improvements.  Learn from one of the best. See chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/from_the_woodfired_oven

Improving Productivity on Medium and Large-size Gardens by Steve Walach

Come learn how gardening basics like sunlight, irrigation, crop rotations, fertilizers, labor requirements and organization of garden space can yield on average up to 300 pounds per 100 square feet over the course of a year.

Aquaponics 101 by Emily Jodka

Take a crash course in to the world of aqauponics. Understand the raising of fish (aquaculture) and plants in water (hydroponics) in the same symbiotic system. Learn different types of systems, different types of fish, what plants are best in the system during what times of the year and much more. Ask questions and get answers. See newurbanfarmers.org

Growing Brassica Crops by John Kenny

Take an in-depth look at the often-challenging world of growing the Broccoli-Family, the Brassicaceae. Workshop will be a conversation on growing excellent Brassica crops by examining their natural history, fertility inclinations, insect relationships, and overall management techniques.  Emphases on soil balancing and organic pest control. See bigtrainfarm.com

Beekeeping 101 by Sanne Kure-Jensen  

Learn to keep bees and help reduce threats to declining pollinator populations. Beekeepers improve their vegetable and fruit yields, improve local food security and often get a sweet bonus - honey.  The workshop will cover equipment needed and assembly, hive placement, habitat and hive management as well as honey harvesting. See SanneKureJensen.wordpress.com

Home Brewing by Sanne Kure-Jensen

Learn how to homebrew.  Understand beer types (lager, ale, IPA, porter and stout) and their ingredients. See and smell hops grown in New England. The brewing process includes yeast, grains malt extract, wort, mash, chilling, storage, bottling and conditioning. Learn about equipment needs and sanitation techniques.  Understand how to select an ideal storage site; temperature and light matter. Finally, learn the right way to pour a homebrew. See sannekurejensen.wordpress.com