Fall at the Farm

Today a new calf was born at the FARM Institute (TFI) and a slew of exciting fall programs were announced.

Living Local Harvest Festival Sept. 28-29

TFI and the MV Ag Society proudly present:  An Evening with David Fisher, 7:00 pm, Friday Sept. 28 at the Ag Hall.  This lecture and discussion of Bio-Extensive Farming is open to the public and free of charge.  Learn how to grow high quality and high yield vegetable crops in fields that are virtually weed free!  This lecture is the first of two workshops offered by TFI in conjunction with our Pilot Parcels Project.  Join TFI staff and volunteers the following day at Living Local Harvest Fest for veggie sculpture, fiber arts, floral jewelry, cow chip bingo and oxen rides from 10-3, Saturday, Sept. 29.  This amazing community event is free and open to the public. Living Local Harvest Potluck Dinner is from 6-10 pm Saturday evening.

Fall Programs at The FARM Institute Oct. 3-Nov. 18

Wee Farmers, ages 2-5, Saturdays 9:30-11 am, $15, Oct. 6-27.  TFI invites you to join us for a morning of discovery.  Pet a fiber goat, feed the chickens and help harvest fall veggies.  Wee Farmers must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.  Pre-register 508-627-7007.

Fall Farm Hands, ages 6-9, Wednesdays, 3-5 pm, $15, Oct. 3-Nov.14.  Join us for afternoon chores and tending the fall garden.  Activities will include harvesting produce for cooking & preserving, fall festive artwork, composting and dyeing & felting wool.  Snack included.  Pre-register 508-627-7007.

Farmer in Training, ages 10+, Fridays, 3:30-5:30 pm, $15, Oct. 5-Nov. 16.  Learn what it takes to be a farmer.  Work with our oxen in training, build farm structures, help with chores and work in the Friendship Garden.  Snack included.  Pre-register 508-627-7007.

Sunday Projects, ages 10-adult, Sundays, 1-2 pm, Free, Oct. 14-Nov. 18.  Help with all sorts of farm projects that will be taking place this season.  Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Order Your Heritage Turkey Today

TFI is now taking orders for Thanksgiving and Holiday Heritage Breed Turkeys.   $7/lb.  Specify weight preference of 5-10 lbs., 10-15 lbs., 15-20 lbs. or 20+lbs.  Call 508-627-7007 or email julie@farminstitute.org to order.

Heritage turkeys are the ancestors of the common white breed that comprises 99% of supermarket turkeys sold today. These free-ranging foraging fowl were almost bred out of production, but are making a comeback due to their superior flavor & biological diversity. Help us continue to raise awareness & appetites for these delicious Heritage Birds. You’ll be glad you did!

Tours Daily at 2 pm

Come visit TFI as we kickoff our calving season.  We welcomed our first calf yesterday (see picture).  Tours are daily at 2 pm.  $10 suggested donation.  Meat, eggs and produce available for purchase.