SUBMITTED BY SSI FARMLAND TRUST
It’s no fun being at the whim and mercy of faraway decision makers. Even if they have the best intentions for you, how can they possibly know your needs? The answer is they can’t.
The foundation of health has always been local — personal, familial, neighbourly. And living on an island with an abundance of people who carry deep wisdom for growing and raising the highest-quality food and medicine is a huge advantage. Better than winning the money lottery.
Whether you’re already a seasoned farmer, or just beginning the journey of putting your hands into the earth for yourself and our radiant community, the Farmland Trust has arranged a powerful lineup of kind and generous people who want to help you grow.
To learn more or to register for a life-enhancing course, please visit our website at ssifarmlandtrust.org/news-blog.
• Simply Seed Saving with Ben Corno and Kaleigh Barton
Sunday, Feb. 23
As part of Seedy Saturday, participants will be introduced to a variety of plants that can be harvested for seed in a single calendar year. You will learn about types of plants, harvesting techniques and timing, preparation and cleaning methods, and knowing when your seed is ready to save.
• Farmer Field Trip at Eagleridge Seeds Farm with Marsha Goldberg
Saturday, March 1
Learn how to bolster your business model by integrating seed saving. Gain valuable insights on selecting resilient seeds, identifying high-performing plants and embracing sustainable bioregional farming. The session includes a presentation, a walkabout and a discussion period, with optional one-on-one consultations to help you tailor a strategy for the specific attributes and microclimate of the land you steward.
• Rotational Grazing at Ruckle Farm with Small-Scale Meat Association
Saturday, March 8
Join us on Saturday, March 8 for a rich discussion that will help you achieve a personalized grazing plan. Topics include stocking density, managing water access, knowing when to move animals and more.
• Biosecurity Made Simple – Keeping Your Pigs and Poultry Healthy
Sunday, March 9
With increasing threats like avian Influenza and African swine fever, biosecurity is more critical than ever. This session will provide practical insights on minimizing disease risks in outdoor production systems, including infrastructure improvements, biosecurity planning, outbreak response and evolving regulations.
• Four-Part Course on Herbal Medicine for Resiliency with Dane and Storri Wild
Sunday, April 6 & 13 and May 4 & 11
Through hands-on learning, you will make fresh herbal remedies and take home the confidence to grow and create your own herbal preparations to support yourself, family and community.
Explore the planning, prepping, planting and harvesting practices that will contribute to your own thriving medicinal garden.