Group Conversations

Subject: Tractor models that have worked? The classic One-Tractor dilemma
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
... Read More
In Topics Equipment, Beginning Farmers & Ranchers, Anything Goes
In General FarmsReach community, North Coast Farmers Guild: Sebastopol, Cooperation Among Farmers, Nevada County Guild

Mike Madison | Yolo Press | Winters, CA commented
I notice that today (12/30) on Modesto craigslist is a Massey Ferguson 275 (72hp) tractor with new engine, new clutch, new tires, 'professionally restored' (according to ad) asking $8500. I would check it out carefully, but that's a tractor that would do everything you need, except cultivating, without running you deep into debt.
You must be logged in to post a comment. Log in or Join FarmsReach.

Annual Farmers Guild-Raising: Workshops & Demos for Family Farms, Food Advocates
03/10/18, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Davis, CA
On Saturday, March 10, farmers and local food advocates from across California will converge on Davis to share skills, explore hot topics in sustainable agriculture and forge a united voice on behalf of family farms.
For its fifth year, the annual Farmers Guild-Raising is heading to UC Davis. Put on by Community Alliance with Family Farmers and The Farmers Guild — and this year in partnership with the Agricultural Sustainability Institute and the UCD Student Farm — this event offers workshops and demonstrations exploring subjects ranging from farm-to-school to soil health, food policy to agricultural cooperatives.
The event is open to farmers, students and activists alike.
In addition to educational and networking opportunities, this year’s event also commemorates CAFF’s
... Read More
In General FarmsReach community, Mendocino Farmers Guild, North Coast Farmers Guild: Sebastopol, Sonoma Valley Farmers Guild, Yolo Farmers Guild, Cooperation Among Farmers, Nevada County Guild, Guild Raisers, Contra Costa Farmers Guild
Posted by Caitlin Joseph | Emerald Cities Collaborative/Healthcare Without Harm | Oakland, CA


Good Food Showcase
01/08/18, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm | Livermore, CA
The Good Food Showcase is a trade show/networking event that connects institutional buyers to sustainable growers and distributors throughout the Bay Area and across California. This is the event of the year for expanding, celebrating, and connecting to the good food movement across our communities. The interactive expo will occur from 11 am - 2 pm, with a 1-hour optional mixer to follow.
Producers, Distributors, and Food Businesses: If you are already selling to institutions and are looking to expand your sales in those markets, tabling at this event will give you access to many buyers ready to work with more local producers. Email farmtocafeteria@caff.org to secure your table today! If you are not quite ready to sell to institutions but are interested in networking with other producers and buyers in that market, register here for
... Read More
In General FarmsReach community, CA Women, Food and Agriculture Network, Cooperation Among Farmers

Subject: Make sure your farm or ranch is counted! - USDA Ag Census through June...
"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.
... Read More
In Topics Beginning Farmers & Ranchers, Policy, News & Events
In General FarmsReach community, North Coast Convergence, Mendocino Farmers Guild, North Coast Farmers Guild: Sebastopol, Sonoma Valley Farmers Guild, Yolo Farmers Guild, California FarmLink, Central Coast Farmers, CA Women, Food and Agriculture Network, Texas Organics, Cooperation Among Farmers, Nevada County Guild, Nutrient Management Solutions, California Agritourism
I have Employment Opportunities
Posted by Patrick Mitchell | Wayside Farm | Castaic, CA


Headline: Farm instructor needed
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.
In California FarmLink, Cooperation Among Farmers, Guild Raisers, Nutrient Management Solutions, Weather Reporting (CA), SoCal Sustainable Farming
I have Employment Opportunities
Posted by Patrick Mitchell | Wayside Farm | Castaic, CA


Headline: Farm School Instructor
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.
In General FarmsReach community, California FarmLink, Cooperation Among Farmers, Guild Raisers, SoCal Sustainable Farming

Subject: Small Grains Field Day THIS SATURDAY
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.
10:30 AM - Seed
In Topics Seed & Planting, Harvesting, Beginning Farmers & Ranchers, News & Events
In General FarmsReach community, Yolo Farmers Guild, Cooperation Among Farmers

Subject: FSA Director Val Dolcini in Woodland This Wednesday 9/21
(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:
In Topics Business & Financial Planning, Funding Opportunities, Beginning Farmers & Ranchers, Policy
In General FarmsReach community, Yolo Farmers Guild, Cooperation Among Farmers

Meet Federal FSA Admin Val Dolcini
09/21/16, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Woodland, CA
(Pardon any cross-posting)
FSA Administrator Val Dolcini will discuss FSA programs supporting beginning (as well as established) farmers in a conversational setting, next Wednesday, Sep. 21, at Norton Hall (UC Woodland Ag Extension Office) from 3-5.
This will be a unique opportunity to learn more about FSA beginning farmer loans, micro loans, and other support services that FSA offers to new farmers.
What: Conversation with Val Dolcini about FSA beginning farmer support programs
When: Wednesday, 9/21, 3-5 pm
Where: Norton Hall, 70 Cottonwood St., Woodland CA
No RSVP required
Read More
In General FarmsReach community, Yolo Farmers Guild, Cooperation Among Farmers
I have Employment Opportunities
Posted by Patrick Mitchell | Wayside Farm | Castaic, CA


Headline: Wayside Farm School Seeks Instructor
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.
... Read More
In General FarmsReach community, California FarmLink, Cooperation Among Farmers, Guild Raisers, Nutrient Management Solutions, Weather Reporting (CA), SoCal Sustainable Farming