Cover Crops Workshop

Hi folks! I got this in my email and thought that I would pass it along here on our blog in case there are any Ontario farmers among our readers.

Sláinte!

Laurel

Managing Your Cover Crops for Healthy Soil: Summer & Fall Field Work Offered in partnership by the Ecological Farmers of Ontario (EFO) and FarmStart. Cover Cropping is one of the most important tools we have for building up soil organic matter and fertility and managing weeds on organic farms. This practical two-part workshop, led by Ignatius farm manager Lorne Jamieson, will introduce you to different kinds of cover crops and demonstrate how to do the required field work. From ploughing in an old hay field, to discing and cultivating and planting a variety of cover crops, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge you need to manage your own fields. If you have new land that you want to put into production or are looking to start using cover crops on your farm, this is the workshop for you! Part I: Introduction to Cover Cropping & Summer Field Work (July 9th) This first session will introduce cover cropping and the required tools and implements, and demonstrate typical summer field work. Topics will include: Why cover crop? Different cover crops and their specific characteristics Field equipment and when/how to use it Demonstration of ploughing down a hay field Demonstration of discing, cultivating and planting a summer cover crop (i.e. buckwheat) Looking at a variety of cover crops at different stages of growth Part II: Fall Field Work & Winter Preparation (October 15th) Come back in the fall to learn about the second phase of field work and preparing the ground for winter. Topics will include: Choosing the right winter cover crop for your needs Demonstration of working in summer cover crops (i.e. mow, plough, disc, cultivate) Demonstration of planting a fall cover crop (i.e. rye, oats) Discussion on frost seeding, compost/manure application, soil testing and amendments When: Part I - Saturday July 9 (rain date Sunday July 10),12:30pm – 4pm Part II - Saturday October 15 (rain date Sunday October 16),12:30pm – 4pm Where: Ignatius Farm, 5420 Highway 6 North, Guelph Cost: $120 (includes both days); $100 for Ecological Farmers of Ontario (EFO) members To register: Click Here For More information on FarmStart Programs please visit www.FarmStart.ca