The Vine - September 2023 | |
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Dear Friends,
September came and went, and much like the rest of this year, it brought its fair share of rain along with it. As farmers continue to make due with the conditions of this season, we are constantly reminded about the impacts of our ever-changing climate and how it affects our farms. Unpredictable weather puts a massive burden on local producers, even as they take up more sustainable practices, making it all the more important to buy local and support these farms as much as possible - and get some delicious food while you're at it!
We're excited to share some big SEMAP developments this month, including our Farmer Celebration with Buzzards Bay Brewing, coming up on November 26! More details on the event can be found below. There are also still tickets available for SEMAP's Silver Jubilee, our 25th anniversary fundraiser this Sunday. Both of these events are great ways to cap off our traditional growing season, take some time to appreciate our local farmers, and enjoy great food, drinks and company!
On top of all this, we also have updates on state and federal grants and relief for farms, upcoming workshops, properties available in Norwell and Warren, and other community events and offerings this month! We're sure you'll find something in here for you, so grab your favorite fall drink (maybe some pumpkin spice?) and dig in to this month's Vine!
Warmly,
James Lehner
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
jlehner@semaponline.org
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Upcoming Farm & Food Events | |
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Sunday, October 8, 5-8 p.m. - It’s our birthday and we are celebrating 25 years of helping farmers, connecting people to local food and helping preserve working landscapes. Join us for a magical evening of local food, drinks, live music and dancing. Celebrate the delightful tastes of fall and the culinary artistry of Chefs Chris Cronin (Union Flats, New Bedford) and Lyn Keith (It’s Thyme Catering, New England Clam Jams), while watching the sunset over the beautiful Keith Farm in Westport.
Raw Bar featuring Spindrift Oysters
Sunset dinner sourced from local farms
Local libations
Live music & dancing
Complimentary valet parking
Cool weather casual
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Other Farm and Food Events This Month:
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Current Food Producer Grant Opportunities | |
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Take a look at a few of the currently open grant, reimbursement, and award programs below, then check out a complete list on our webpage.
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Discrimination Financial Assistance Program: To provide financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who experienced discrimination by the USDA’s Farm Loan Programs (administered by FSA) prior to January 1, 2021.
- Deadline: January 13th
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SEMAP Business Member Updates | |
Fall e-newsletter from Edible SEMA is out now! | |
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If you're looking for more local food news, events, recipes and more, sign up for Edible SEMA's weekly email newsletter, Tidings!
If you have an update from your food business to share, contact Laurie at Edible to be featured in the next Tidings newsletter!
Hungry for news about the local food scene? Click here to sign up for TIDINGS today!
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Twilight Workshop on Soil Health, Compost at Holly Hill Farm on October 19 | |
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Join us at our next Twilight Grower Series workshop on Thursday, October 19 at Holly Hill Farm in Cohasset! Together with NOFA-MA, Holly Hill staff will walk us through their compost production, show us their new compost sifter, and discuss the successes & challenges of producing their own compost for the farm. All are welcome; commercial farmers are especially invited.
As with all of our Twilight workshops, this event is free to all. The Holly Hill education team are also putting together a program for kids over three, so feel free to bring your little ones along too! Please be sure to include how many children you plan to bring when you register! A licensed mental health counselor will be available to talk through farm stressors with anyone who may be interested.
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Optimizing Farm Movement Workshop, November 2
Join SEMAP and Labor-Movement for this workshop on farmer fitness and taking care of your bodies on farm. We are thrilled to be joined by Cynthia Flores, founder of Labor-Movement, long-time farmer, and Strongman competitor.
Learn More and Register
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Hay Survey for Livestock Producers from MDAR Open Now
MDAR is seeking information from farmers and buyers concerning Massachusetts livestock growers' hay needs. This survey will be used to gather input from anyone in the state who uses hay, and any information provided will help the department develop resources to meet expressed needs. Responses are due by October 15.
Take Survey
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Farmer Business Course from Plant to Profit and Julia Shanks - registration now open!
Julia Shanks and Ellen Polishuk are excited to offer this 10-week business course for farmers with at least three years of experience. The course is based on Julia's book, "Start Your Farm," and best practices from a combined 25 years of supporting farmers. Sessions begin December 4, 2023
Register for the course
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Community News and Updates | |
SEMAP Farmer Celebration at Buzzards Bay Brewing, November 26! | |
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Come celebrate the end of another growing season with us! This event is all about celebrating agriculture together, and showing our thanks and appreciation for the farmers across Southeastern MA. You've done incredible work bringing us delicious local food all year – come party with us!
The event is kindly being hosted at Buzzards Bay Brewing in Westport, where we'll have delicious food and beer, live music, games and more! We can't think of a better way to get together, show our thanks for farmers, and connect with friends, new and old!
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Osamequin Farm Harvest Party this Saturday, October 7
Osamequin Farm in Seekonk is excited to host their first Harvest Party since 2019! Come celebrate the season, enjoy live music and a zero-waste farm barbecue! The event is free, with a suggested donation of $15 per family.
RSVP for Harvest Party
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Workshop and Venison Dinner from Our Herd, October 18 in Dartmouth
The next Our Herd meeting will be held this month to discuss safe, regulated hunting practices and provide a clearer understanding about this method of restoring a healthier-sized white-tailed deer population. Plus, bring a dish and join the venison tasting potluck, with a recipe card, or come taste and learn about this healthy, delicious, wild food.
Learn More
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Wicked Weymouth Scavenger Hunt for Weymouth Food Pantry, October 28
Get in the Halloween spirit and support the fight to end hunger in Weymouth at this year's Wicked Weymouth Scavenger Hunt! You'll enjoy a fun adventure, compete for prizes and discover some cool spots in Weymouth you've never visited before and learn interesting things that you may not have known.
Register Your Team Today
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For even more local food and farm happenings, check out our event calendar.
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In preparation for our upcoming workshop on farm movement and health for farmworkers with Labor-Movement, we thought we would introduce our guest presenter a little more, and found the perfect way to do so!
Cynthia Flores, certified personal trainer, farmer for the past 20 years, and founder of Labor-Movement, was recently featured on an episode of the Growing for Market podcast. She discussed a number of topics, including common farm injuries, ways to make our bodies more resilient, and farm systems and equipment to reduce injuries in the first place.
As we head into a quieter part of the year, we are excited to share more resources with you all to read, listen to or watch during the winter months. Please feel free to share any recommendations you have for us, and we will gladly share them in an upcoming newsletter! Send any suggestions to jlehner@semaponline.org.
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This is a great primer for what yo expect from Cynthia at our Optimizing Farm Mobility workshop on November 2 in Easton. We'll be working on the basic movements involved in a farm job and how to best take care of our bodies while we work. This workshop is specifically for farm workers and employees, but interested farmers can contact Shannon Hickey to discuss brining Cynthia to your farm to work with staff. Seats are limited, so sign up today!
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Fresh crops are here in Southeastern Massachusetts! As farm stands and markets get rolling and CSAs are underway, keep your eyes open for some of our favorite local foods, including: | |
- Apples
- Beets
- Bok Choy
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cantaloupes
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Celery
- Collards
- Corn
- Cranberries
- Garlic
- Grapes
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- Leeks
- Lettuce & Greens
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Pears
- Peppers
- Potato
- Pumpkins
- Radish
- Scallions
- Spinach
- Turnips
- Winter Squash
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And don't forget about year-round local products like meat, dairy, eggs, and seafood! We hope this helps you plan recipes and get the most out of local food! | |
Have you checked out our Local Food Jobs page recently? You'll find local food and farm job listings relevant to Southeastern Massachusetts. Here are a few picks currently on the page. Want to share a listing? Email jlehner@semaponline.org
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Renew Your SEMAP Membership or Become a Member Today! |
Membership in SEMAP helps us continue to provide promotion and support to farmers and consumers across Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond.
Members receive a host of benefits, including...
- Premium Space in Vine Newsletter
- Discounts to events like the Ag & Food Conference
- Special member listing in our Local Food Guide
- Dry-erase "Buy Fresh Buy Local" price cards
Membership is available at several levels for businesses and individuals. Come join us!
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PO Box 80625
S. Dartmouth, MA 02748
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