Join us for a hands-on workshop at Sterling College where we'll set up compact Johnson-Su bioreactors—perfect for small-scale farms or backyard gardens. Johnson-Su compost is a high-fungal, static vermicompost known for enhancing soil biology, improving soil health, and boosting crop productivity. Learn how to build and use these bioreactors, and dive into the science behind why this method works so well. Each participant will bring home materials to create their own small Johnson-Su bioreactor.

While no-till vegetable production is gaining popularity on small to mid-scale farms in Vermont, long-term successful management requires distinct approaches from those used in tillage-based cropping systems. Join Patrick Sullivan of Ananda Gardens for a deep dive into how they manage their unique no-till system, including learning how they established their production systems using deep composting approaches and why this system has changed as the farm has matured.

In this workshop, participants are encouraged to explore the unique flavors and endless baking possibilities using local grain varieties from Vermont, Quebec, and New England growers. Baking instructor and certified bread sommelier Heike Meyer of Brot Bakehouse School and Kitchen will demo several different sourdough preparation methods and share other unique ideas on how to prepare them.

Adapting to climate change looks different on every farm. This field walk in the orchards at Scott Farm will explore the range of climate risks impacting orchards and diversified farms, from changing rainfall patterns to extreme temperature fluctuations. Scott Farm manager Simon Renault and orchardist Erin Robinson will share insights into the diverse strategies they're using to adapt to these challenges, with a focus on business planning and preventative management. ​

*This workshop is at full capacity and registration has closed. If you'd like to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected]. 

*This workshop is at full capacity and registration has closed. If you'd like to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected]. 

Join us for a fun day at the mushroom farm and learn how to install your very own mushroom bed in your garden! This class has no prerequisite knowledge of farming or gardening, and will leave you feeling very confident in completing this project for yourself at home. We will start with a tour of the farm, answer any questions you have about fungi, and move outdoors for a hands-on, interactive tutorial. You'll even go home with instructions and a bag of spawn to inoculate your own garden bed! 

Get to know Trillium Hill Farm, a certified organic vegetable farm rooted in the heart of Hinesburg village! Run by farmer-owners James and Sara Donegan, Trillium Hill Farm is committed to nourishing both the land and community. The land has been in James’ family since 1801, and today, the farm’s focus is on feeding neighbors through their CSA and farm stand, where you can find their fresh organic produce as well as products from over 50 different local farms and producers.

Certified organic since 2012, today farmers Eric and Mary Skovsted grow over 130 varieties of organic veggies, herbs, and berries that keep their farm stand stocked and their community fed.  As stewards of the land, Eric and Mary, along with their farm crew, work hard at keeping their soils healthy while ensuring their food remains accessible to as many folks as possible. After back-to-back years of serious flooding, we want to come together to celebrate the resilience of Joe’s Brook Farm and their community.