News & Events
19
2025
Fruit Tree Propagation and Grafting Workshop
April 5th, 1-3pm, Bethany, Ontario
Space is limited! Workshop registration includes your grafted tree to take home. All grafting supplies provided.
Join Farms at Work and farmer Andy Harjula for a hands-on exploration of fruit tree propagation and grafting. This event will dive into the fascinating world of layering, budding, and tree grafting. Attendees will take home their own grafted apple tree sapling ready for planting and new knowledge and skills to apply in your garden or orchard.
This workshop is designed for beginners but is also a great refresher for those with some experience. Whether you're looking to expand your home orchard, experiment with new varieties, or simply learn a valuable skill, this event is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your skills and take home a unique, grafted apple tree.
What to Expect
Interactive Learning: Andy will guide you through the basics of layering, budding, and grafting, sharing practical tips and techniques.
Hands-On Practice: Each participant will receive a Hardiness Zone 4 apple tree to practice grafting different apple varieties on to.
Materials Provided: Trees, scion wood, and all materials will be supplied, so you can focus on learning and creating.
Register here: https://3common.com/event/fruit-tree-propagation-grafting-workshop-with-...
11
2025
Making Pasture Work for Farmers with E. Ann Clark
Webinar series, online discussion forum & summer pasture walks
Are you ready to take your pasture to the next level? Don't miss an opportunity to attend this 5-part series, including:
- Two jam-packed webinars (details below)
- Two weeks during which Ann will answer all your pasture-related questions
- Two pasture walks later this season
Ann Clark (academic and farmer) is a widely-recognized expert. She began farming 14 years ago after more than 30 years as a professor at the University of Guelph. Her research and teaching focused on plant science, especially grazing and pasture management. In her "retirement" she custom grazes beef and pastures poultry on her farm near Warkworth in Northumberland County.
Sign up for all or part of the 5-part Program - check out our bundle discount below if you take advantage of the whole package
Webinars: March 13 and 20 | 7:00-8:30 PM
Over two online sessions, Ann will share findings drawn from almost half a century of pasture work, including 14 years as a custom grazier in Warkworth, Ontario. She will mix hard evidence as well as practical experience – her own and that of commercial graziers – to make a compelling case for grass in our area. Participants will receive presentation materials in advance to review and give time to raise questions/comments relating to their own farm. Visit the link below for more information on both webinar sessions.
Online Discussion Forum: March 13-27 | 7:00-9:00 PM
Just in time for the 2025 grazing season, join an interactive online forum to connect with fellow novice graziers and landowners. Share your questions, experiences, and insights, and get personalized advice from pasture expert E. Ann Clark.
Pasture Walks: June and July (dates TBD)
See how others manage grass and stock this summer on two pasture walks. Consider hosting a pasture walk at your farm to showcase your successes, discuss challenges, and get advice from Ann and other graziers.
Bundled Package price: $130
Webinars: $45 each with discussion forum included
Summer Pasture Walks: $25 each (pay later) or included in bundle now for just $20 each.
Those who are unable to pay the full course registration fee may be eligible for financial assistance. We encourage those interested to reach out to the email below. Questions? Email: education@farmsatwork.ca
Learn more and register here: https://3common.com/event/67aa7603a15b5f226466de88
25
2024
Intake for Net Zero Farms Program is OPEN!
This Green Economy Peterborough program is a pilot designed to help a cohort of farmers in our region take a look at their farms' business and production from a greenhouse gas lens. Agriculture is one of the few industries that can be both a sink and a source of greenhouse gases and thus is positioned very uniquely to be a big part of the solution to climate change. Your farm may have already taken steps towards this and we are inviting you to be part of this year's cohort of farmers who take the next step to quantify your actions with a custom Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report
If you or any farm you know are interested in this program please visit our website at Net Zero Farms Pilot Project or feel free to reach out to me at any point with questions: beatrice.chan@greenup.on.ca
The application deadline is Dec 15, 2024 with pilot project farms being discounted 75% for their participation as early adopters.
https://greenup.on.ca/gep-net-
11
2024
Season Extension with Circle Organic
Curious about extending your harvests and practicing long-term vegetable storage? Come explore season extension in action at Circle Organic, a certified organic, four-season family farm in Millbrook, Ontario! This event is offered in collaboration with the Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program and is free for registered program participants. Learn from farmer Julie Fleming about Circle Organic's innovative techniques for extending the growing season into the winter:
This tour offers practical knowledge and inspiration for farmers and gardeners curious about maximizing production during the fall and winter seasons. Space is limited - register today!
16
2024
On the Loss of Melissa Spearing
The Board and staff of Farms at Work are greatly saddened by the recent loss our friend and incomparable colleague Melissa Spearing, Acting Chair of our Board of Directors. Melissa's insight, energy and thoughtfulness contributed enormously to our past work, and to our strategic plans for the future. We have been deeply fortunate that she chose to demonstrate her dedication to our mission by being part of our leadership team for the past seven years.
Her loss is heart-wrenching for all those who knew her, most especially her family. Our deep condolences to them.
To read more about Melissa and her impressive accomplishments by the age of 40, please refer to the Farms at Work website where she self-described her background: https://farmsatwork.ca/farms-work-board-directors.
Rest in peace, Melissa.