The next two Farm Talk presentations – on organic vegetable farming and woodlot management – will be taking place on March 11, 2016.

Rand Fosdick, Farm Manager for Landon Hill Estate Farm, will present “Starting A Small Certified Organic Farm.” Fosdick will be followed by John O’Donnell, Certified Forester for Benchmark Forest & Land Management, who will present “Woodlot Management: It’s In Your Roots”.

During the first presentation, Rand Fosdick will discuss the process of starting and building a certified organic mixed vegetable farm. The presentation will entail the background work that goes into becoming and maintaining an organic vegetable farm, how the product is grown and will include record keeping and standards. The techniques highlighted will include soil health, biological insects and disease control, and natural fertilizers.

John O’Donnell will then discuss developing woodlot management plans. Managing a woodlot is a long term process which makes management plans an important part of forest sustainability. Having a plan allows for a woodlot to be managed for both short and long term goals, and by having the information documented, sustainable forests for future generations. Part of a plan is an inventory that can include tree species, diameter, height and health. The plan will also include the landowner goals and the future plans of the land. Once complete, the plan may be used to implement specific management practices and tax planning purposes.

These Farm talks will take place 6 to 8 pm, at the NYSDEC Warrensburg Office, 232 Golf Course Road, in Warrensburg. Seating is limited, RSVP to Nick Rowell by March 9 at (518) 623-3119 or nrowell123@nycap.rr.com.

Photo of Chestertown organic farm, Landon Hill Estate Farm, provided.