Howdy Farmers,

I am looking for specific tractor models, old or new (manufacturer, model, and year) that veggie growers have really liked, so that I can search them used on TractorHouse. Our situation is this...

My partner and I are tooling up to break ground on a 6-8 acre, diverse vegetable CSA in Sebastopol. We are researching tractors, and deep into the classic "one tractor conundrum". With the ability to only afford one tractor, we would like to have a versatile one. We'd like it to be able to do primary tillage, as well as has have properly spaced and thin enough tires to get it into our shaped beds to help renovate beds for second-plantings (to undercut, disc, rototill, or spade), to weed the furrows and to possibly flame-weed (if we can find a 60" tractor mounted flame weeder). We will cultivate in-row manually the first years.

Our requirements are: ~50 horsepower, 4WD, 60" center-to-center tread

Howdy Farmers,

I am looking for specific tractor models, old or new (manufacturer, model, and year) that veggie growers have really liked, so that I can search them used on TractorHouse. Our situation is this...

My partner and I are tooling up to break ground on a 6-8 acre, diverse vegetable CSA in Sebastopol. We are researching tractors, and deep into the classic "one tractor conundrum". With the ability to only afford one tractor, we would like to have a versatile one. We'd like it to be able to do primary tillage, as well as has have properly spaced and thin enough tires to get it into our shaped beds to help renovate beds for second-plantings (to undercut, disc, rototill, or spade), to weed the furrows and to possibly flame-weed (if we can find a 60" tractor mounted flame weeder). We will cultivate in-row manually the first years.

Our requirements are: ~50 horsepower, 4WD, 60" center-to-center tread spacing with thin <13" rear tires, a front end loader, and gearing or a transmission that can go slow enough to run a spader. We could pay ~$30k for the right machine.

This tractor does exist new. It is the Kubota M7060 outfitted with a creeper gear and thin 12.6" rear tires. Shone Farm in Santa Rosa and New Family Farm in Sebastopol have this tractor. But at $50k, this is outside of our budget, and is too much tractor for our site and scale.

I have looked at cheaper new Kubotas (L and MX series) and John Deeres (5E series), but while some of them meet many of the requirements, one key element is missed. For example, the John Deere 5055E is the right horsepower and size, 4wd, can have a loader, but it's lowest gear is a touch fast at .9mph, and right now our dealer is essentially saying "not possible" for thin rear tires.

I'm seeking advice, and if farmers could share specefic model numbers and years, of any "Goldilocks" tractors they have used and loved @60" spacing, with low gearing.

Thank you!

David

"NASS conducts a census of all agricultural operations every 5 years. We need to know about all types of agricultural operations of all sizes. Producers who are new to farming or did not receive a Census of Agriculture in 2012 still have time to receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture report form here, or by visiting http://www.agcensus.usda.gov and clicking ‘Make Sure You Are Counted’ through June. NASS defines a farm as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year (2017)."

Press release:

CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR AMERICA’S FARMERS AND RANCHERS

WASHINGTON – America’s farmers and ranchers will soon have the opportunity to strongly represent agriculture in their communities and industry by taking part in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Conducted every five years by the U.S.

"NASS conducts a census of all agricultural operations every 5 years. We need to know about all types of agricultural operations of all sizes. Producers who are new to farming or did not receive a Census of Agriculture in 2012 still have time to receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture report form here, or by visiting http://www.agcensus.usda.gov and clicking ‘Make Sure You Are Counted’ through June. NASS defines a farm as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year (2017)."

Press release:

CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR AMERICA’S FARMERS AND RANCHERS

WASHINGTON – America’s farmers and ranchers will soon have the opportunity to strongly represent agriculture in their communities and industry by taking part in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the census, to be mailed at the end of this year, is a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches, and those who operate them.

“The Census of Agriculture remains the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every county in the nation,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “As such, census results are relied upon heavily by those who serve farmers and rural communities, including federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations, extension educators, researchers, and farmers and ranchers themselves.”

The Census of Agriculture highlights land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures, and other topics. The 2012 Census of Agriculture revealed that over three million farmers operated more than two million farms, spanning over 914 million acres. This was a four percent decrease in the number of U.S. farms from the previous census in 2007. However, agriculture sales, income, and expenses increased between 2007 and 2012. This telling information and thousands of other agriculture statistics are a direct result of responses to the Census of Agriculture.

“Today, when data are so important, there is strength in numbers,” said Hamer. “For farmers and ranchers, participation in the 2017 Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity to shape American agriculture – its policies, services and assistance programs – for years to come.”

Producers who are new to farming or did not receive a Census of Agriculture in 2012 still have time to sign up to receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture report form by visiting http://www.agcensus.usda.gov and clicking on the ‘Make Sure You Are Counted’ button through June. NASS defines a farm as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year (2017).

For more information about the 2017 Census of Agriculture and to see how census data are used, visithttp://www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540.

Wayside Farm School is seeking an instructor to join our team. At WFS we are as interested in team members who are committed as o the craft of farming and want to share that deep interest with others. This instructor should have knowledge of drip and overhead irrigation as well as some knowledge of integrated pest management. An interest in pollinators and their habitat is desired. In exchange for thes qualities we pay nicely and offer an excellent benefit package. If you want more information email: patrickm@fivekeyscharter.org And check out our website at http://www.waysidefarmschool.org.

Wayside Farm School seeks an instructor to teach Integrated Pest Management and Irrigation techniques. We are a program of Five Keys Schools and Programs and operate inside Pitchess Detention Center in Southern California. We currently have 11 acres of row crops, 2 acre stone fruit orchard, a five acre table grape vineyard, 3000 square feet of greenhouse space and make 40-100 cubic yards of compost every month. This is a holistic full emersion farm school program that we believe would stand up outside of a prison setting as well as at it does inside one. For more information about the program go to http://www.waysidefarmschool.org. To apply go to http://www.fivekeyscharter.org. For more information about the program email patrickm@fivekeyscharter.org.

Sorry for the late posting!

The California Grain Campaign is organizing a Small Grains Field Day this Saturday, Feb.11, at Open Field Farm in Petaluma.

Registrations close Wednesday, Feb. 9. Email campaign@californiagrains.com for registration information.

Sorry for the late posting!

The California Grain Campaign is organizing a Small Grains Field Day this Saturday, Feb.11, at Open Field Farm in Petaluma.

Registrations close Wednesday, Feb. 9. Email campaign@californiagrains.com for registration information.

(tried posting this to "Events" yesterday, but don't see it now)

Come to meet and hear FSA Director Val Dolcini talk about funding and support opportunities for beginning and small farmers from FSA. He'll be accompanied by Yolo County Director Cynthia Gillette, and FSA Regional Farm Loan Manager Belle Davis.

This will be an invaluable opportunity to learn about low-interest and micro loans through FSA, as well as other programs such as crop insurance and farm storage grants available to beginning (as well as experienced) farmers.

Date & Time: Wednesday, Sep. 21. 3-5pm

Location: Norton Hall (UC Ag Extension Office), 70 Cottonwood St., Woodland 95695

Details in the flyer below:

Wayside Farm School Introduction

Wayside Farm School is an intensive, sustainable, agriculture education program operated by Five Keys Schools and Programs under contract with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The Farm School rests west of the Castaic Hills along Castaic Creek, just north of the majestic 10,000 foot San Gabriel Mountains and the Santa Clara River. Farming on as much as 200 acres of fertile, sandy loam dotted with century old oaks, it is not uncommon to see a dozen student-workers pushing seeders, laying drip tape or forming beds with an old John Deere tractor. The program trains inmates in all aspects of sustainable farming through the hands-on operation of a diversified vegetable, fruit and herb farm. In addition, the farm raises laying chickens, grows hay and makes 40 cubic yards of compost every month out of food and landscape waste generated by the expansive facility.

Wayside Farm School Introduction

Wayside Farm School is an intensive, sustainable, agriculture education program operated by Five Keys Schools and Programs under contract with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The Farm School rests west of the Castaic Hills along Castaic Creek, just north of the majestic 10,000 foot San Gabriel Mountains and the Santa Clara River. Farming on as much as 200 acres of fertile, sandy loam dotted with century old oaks, it is not uncommon to see a dozen student-workers pushing seeders, laying drip tape or forming beds with an old John Deere tractor. The program trains inmates in all aspects of sustainable farming through the hands-on operation of a diversified vegetable, fruit and herb farm. In addition, the farm raises laying chickens, grows hay and makes 40 cubic yards of compost every month out of food and landscape waste generated by the expansive facility. Currently there are approximately 12 acres in food production and an additional 40 acres in hay or cover crops. This cutting edge school operates beyond organically, and direct markets all of its products throughout Los Angeles County including the more than 1,800 employees who work at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic, CA.—Home to Wayside Farm School. Much of the Farm School’s produce goes into jail kitchens, and provides food for the farm school and other vocational team events, creating a strong farm-to-fork environment. At this time, Wayside Farm School is developing the first-of-its kind, Employee Supported Agriculture program based on a traditional CSA model. Wayside Farm School is not an inmate work program, it is a training ground for the next generation of Southern California Farmer.

The Position

Five Keys is looking for a passionate, excited and positive Farm School Instructor with a specific focus on Integrated Irrigation, Pest and Pathogen Management Instructor. This position is responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of all types of irrigation systems from large scale (4’’-12”) PVC and Aluminum lines, to low pressure drip systems for agricultural, commercial and residential applications. The position is also responsible for pest (insect, nematode and small mammal) control, and the identification and management of plant and soil pathogens. This instructor will oversee a work crew of up to 10 inmates and will be responsible for working throughout the Farm and Ranch area comprised of over 200 acres (Pitchess Detention Center covers more than 2600 acres). The IIPPM Instructor will provide hands-on training and demonstrate a strong work ethic throughout the day, often working side-by-side with inmate students. Instructors will teach a formal course (irrigation or IPM) in a classroom setting for one hour, two days a week. It is expected candidates will have a working knowledge of the subjects they teach, and possess the ability to utilize a combination of industry experience and formal education in the design and operation of their programs. Instructors are encouraged to explore all aspects of sustainable agriculture, and may be asked to teach subject matter other than those listed in their job description. This job is not for everyone, but for those willing to work through the complexities of this unique situation, the rewards are outstanding. All instructors must hold, or be willing to obtain, a single subject CTE credential (Preliminary within 30 days of hire and a clear credential within 3 years of hire.) A high School diploma is required to obtain the above credentials.

Compensation

Wayside Farm School is a program of Five Keys Schools and Programs where diversity is encouraged and celebrated in the work place. Compensation starts at $50,000+ based on education and experience. Excellent benefits include medical, dental and vision (Employee and dependents), paid vacation, an incredible team environment, on-site cafeteria style lunch (Free), and the potential to park an RV (with power and water) off-site, adjacent to the facility.