Farmer Training Program Update

I've got to say that Vermont is different little state. I often compare it to Nelson in BC's Kootenays or Vancouver Island- in both looks and character. The mountains, ski culture, subaru's everywhere, and especially the big dramatic views over the lake remind me of the the Georgia Strait or Slocan Lake. I read that years ago, the Burlington business association tried branding Vermont as "the West Coast of New England"...it didn't catch on.

Vermonter's seem to have a unconventionally "common-sense" attitude about their environment and economy. I'd say that in Vermont, right wing and left wing have wrapped so far around they’ve met in the middle and are carpooling to the farmer’s market.

Vermont has the highest percentage of organic farms by state in the USA and also the highest consumption of organic and local food in the country. So it's a good place to learn about food and farming.

My program has been going really well. I have loved the emphasis on producation, planning, and running a farm businesss. The teachers are solid and the students bring a diversity of past experiences and lots fun to the farm.

A typical week includes three days working on our student farm where we grow 40-50 varieties of vegetables that are sold at a farm stand, through weekly food shares (aka CSA), and wholesale to local grocers and cafeterias. I also spend one day a week working other farms in the area. And each week we have a classroom day with lectures on various farm topics that have included pest and disease management, business planning, crop rotations, soil science and much more. Learning lots from experienced farmers and specialists from the Extension Service (that's UVM's public farm consulting agency, it's fantastic).

 There's such a great diversity on the farm - from harvesting bouquets of flowers to discing fields with a tractor. At times we've taste tested four types of melon in our field, with juice running down our chins, and on some early mornings I've helped milk on a dairy farm. 

Thankfully, food and farming is such a rich, satisfying endeavor - it has to be, otherwise the tiredness and tedium at times would erase all pleasure. 

Fall spinach in its glowing green glory

Discussing the finer points of turnips

Back from the Amaranth harvest

 

Sunflowers & Cabbage

On the UVM Horticulture Farm - where I've been spending my summer learning to grow veggies and flowers.

Biking on the Sunnyside Bluff

Downtown

It's that time of year. Spring fever hits. 

Despite the cold, Calgary can be pretty friendly to winter bikers.

 The snows are light and short lived, it's almost desert after all. The river valley through downtown is flat and there's a good pathway system. And best of all Chinooks come through, regularly drying the streets.

But I know it's nearing spring when I go biking with no destination in mind. I left the house late in the afternoon, after the temperature had already dipped enough to need a toque and gloves. I ran into Meghan just down the street then proceeded to the Sunnyside Bluff. This particular piece of the Bluff is one of my favourite places in Calgary. The other being Edworthy Park. I stayed there till dark filming my bicycle and  runners and wind in the grass. I'll watch it in a few months and be amazed that amid the summer lush, even the mud and dry spring grasses are beautiful to behold.

Rock and Ice

Rock and Ice