Presenter: Thomas Prohl Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture
Talk Description: This presentation will focus on the topic of Farmer Training at WNC and the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program. Subject matter includes descriptions and experiences running a MOFGA certified Fruit & Vegetable farmer training program for the last 6 years as well as hosting DGA apprentices for the last 6 years. We host around 6-8 apprentices annually and our presentation will appeal both to farmers looking to enter the industry through an apprenticeship program, as well as current farm operators who are considering hosting apprentices in the future. Our presentation will cover the pro's and cons of running a business with an apprentice staff, the dedication to education required, and tips for both farmers, and owners on striking a healthy balance between educational outcomes and running a profitable business. As the lead presenter I will draw on my experience training apprentices for the last 6 years and talk through what success and failure with apprentices looks like as well as what a success apprentice outcome looks like, and how that may differ from farm to farm.
| Show Name | Show Stage/Venue | Show Type | Show Date | Show Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmer Training & Dairy Grazing Apprenticeships | Farm and Homestead | Farming & Gardening | Fri 20 Sep 2024 10:00 AM to 10:50 AM | Presenter: Thomas Prohl Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture Talk Description: This presentation will focus on the topic of Farmer Training at WNC and the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program. Subject matter includes descriptions and experiences running a MOFGA certified Fruit & Vegetable farmer training program for the last 6 years as well as hosting DGA apprentices for the last 6 years. We host around 6-8 apprentices annually and our presentation will appeal both to farmers looking to enter the industry through an apprenticeship program, as well as current farm operators who are considering hosting apprentices in the future. Our presentation will cover the pro's and cons of running a business with an apprentice staff, the dedication to education required, and tips for both farmers, and owners on striking a healthy balance between educational outcomes and running a profitable business. As the lead presenter I will draw on my experience training apprentices for the last 6 years and talk through what success and failure with apprentices looks like as well as what a success apprentice outcome looks like, and how that may differ from farm to farm. |
| So money really does grow on trees! Guide to regenerative coppicing in Balsam Forests | LIF Tent | Sustainability Skills & Forestry | Sun 22 Sep 2024 2:00 PM to 2:50 PM | Presenter: Thomas Prohl Celebration Tree Farm Talk Description: At Celebration Tree Farm & Wellness Center in Durham Maine, we produce MOFGA certified Christmas trees and wreaths on 118 acres of land. We use a technique known as Coppice-culture in which we harvest the tree at breast height and leave branches below the cut intact. This method allows for the stump to survive the harvest and regenerate additional trees on said stump for years to come. It is an excellent way to value add a balsam forest and reduce labor inputs such as planting, pruning, mowing and more. Additionally, organically certified balsam greens or tips are an emerging market for certified organic wreaths. Are you a business owner or land owner with balsam growing in your forest? Do you want to learn about and exciting means of adding value to your woodlot? extend your sales season with holiday offerings? or open your land up to tippers and wreath makers who will pay for your organically certified tree products? |
