State of Georgia uses unique (… and dare we say, humorous?) approach to promote recycling

State of Georgia uses unique (… and dare we say, humorous?) approach to promote recycling

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Organic Farmer's Tool Chest Workshop

Who: Georgia Organics, the state’s leading non-profit group working to integrate healthy, sustainable, and locally grown food into the lives of all Georgians.

What: The Organic Farmer’s Tool Chest , one of the most comprehensive workshops on organic farm training in the state of Georgia, open to the public, to provide training on farm and crop planning and recordkeeping, the basics of organic certification, rotations, cover crops, and insect identification and management.

The Organic Farmer’s Tool Chest includes a farm tour at D&A Farm in Pike County, with farm owner and manager David Bentoski. Bentoski is a former Delta mechanic who transitioned from his job at Delta a few years ago to start a certified organic farm. D&A Farm currently cultivates 10 acres, has a produce subscription program with over 100 members, and sells weekly at the Morningside Farmers Market in Atlanta.

Daniel Parson will be leading a presentation at the old Whiskey Bonding Barn on farm and crop planning and recordkeeping, the basics of organic certification, rotations and cover crops. Parson managed Gaia Gardens, a 5- acre certified organic farm in Dekalb County, before moving to South Carolina at the end of last season. By the end of his fourth year at Gaia Gardens, Parson had the farm grossing $45,000 per acre between a 67- member subscription program, and selling at a farmers market in Atlanta. In addition to his farm experience, Parson also has a Master’s degree from Clemson University in Plant and Environmental Science with a focus on cover crops.

John Ruberson, Ph.D., Professor of Entomology at the University of Georgia, is presenting on the biological control of insect pests in cropping systems using predators and parasitoids. In particular, the primary objective of Ruberson’s research is to develop biological control information and practices that can be used in row crop and vegetable systems to manage pests in a more sustainable manner than reliance on pesticides.

When: Aug. 20, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: D & A Farm and the historic Whiskey Bonding Barn

9263 Old Zebulon Rd
Molena, Ga. 30258

Cost: $35 for members, $45 for non-members, and $20 for mentoring program participants. Lunch included. Learn more and register at www.georgiaorganics.org/events or call 678-702-0500.

NOTE: Applications are also now available for the Georgia Organics Mentoring Program, which is made possible by a grant from the USDA’s Risk Management Agency. This program pays for professionals experienced with organic production to offer technical assistance with participating farmers, as well as free quarterly workshops, registration to Georgia Organics’ annual conference, connection to markets and support from Georgia Organics staff. Applications are available at www.georgiaorganics.org/farming/ or by calling 678.702.0400.

Davis Farms-right here in Middle Georgia

Davis Farms is hosting 2 workshops in Aug., both held in Macon. On Aug. 16th the workshop will be held at a garden in Macon and will be our Fall Planning Workshop. Kim Kelly, Farm Manager, will lead the workshop which will include these topics; selection of fall crops, crop rotations, successive plantings, mulching, direct seeding vs transplanting, cover crops, sustainable insect & pest control, mold & fungi control, & more. Light refreshments, seeds & garden solutions will be available for purchase. The workshop is from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a materials fee of $15.00 ($12.00 for shareholders). Call or e-mail to register and for workshop location.
The 2nd workshop will be our Canning and Food Preservation Workshop. This is the 3rd year we will offer this workshop, and the first year it will be offered in Macon. This is a very hands on workshop where you will learn everything you need to know to can your own food. Two methods of canning will be covered, using a pressure cooker and the hot water bath method. We will can either tomatoes or peaches, depending on what is ripest. We are excited to hold this workshop in the beautiful kitchen facility at The Wellness Center, 3797 Northside Drive on Sun. Aug.23rd from 1:30 to 4:30. Materials fee of $15.00 ($12.00 shareholders), call or e-mail for registration.

The City Market on the Green continues to offer locally grown vegetables, with a wide assortment of peppers (hot & Sweet), cucumbers, peaches, tomatoes and more available. Kim has been bringing fresh squeezed juices using watermelon & organic grapes, both outrageously delicious. The variety and quality of crafts is not found any place else in the Macon area. Market hours are Sat. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm., Poplar Street and MLK Blvd, rain or shine.