Upcoming Events
Photo by Gwen Norton
See our events in calendar form here!
Growing Greens with Rosemary Confalone
Tuesday, April 15th from 5:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall
Learn how to grow salad greens at home! In this workshop, Rosemary Confalone will cover which types of greens are easiest to grow, how to make your own salad mix, and the basics of succession planting so you can harvest all season long. This is a great workshop for backyard growers who want to save money and take their growing to the next level.
About Rosemary: Rosemary Confalone is a lifelong backyard grower, and former farmer. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts in Plant and Soil Science, with a focus in Sustainable Food and Farming.
COST: FREE, registration appreciated. Sign up online here!
Plywood on Pasture 4-H Fundraiser
Wish you had farm animals of your own? Want grazing cattle without all the cow patties? Support the 4-H herd by renting some one-of-a-kind lawn ornaments!
Here’s how it works:
Fill out the request form below for our six plywood calves, handmade by 4-Hers for this project. The cost is $15 per day or $70 per week (7 days). You can request specific dates or wait and be surprised!
Wait for your time in the pasture rotation. Each cow is roughly 4 feet across. All the cattle need is a small “pasture” to graze. No water or hay necessary. Install and removal are provided.
Enjoy gazing at your herd! All funds raised will support Martha’s Vineyard 4-H and the care of our real cattle herd, housed at the MV Agricultural Society.
Visible Mending Workshop
Visible Mending Workshop
Monday, April 28th from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Ag Hall
Led by Dalila Bennett of Fire Cat Farm. Are your Carhartt's looking a little worse for wear? Are your sweaters full of holes? Bring all your old and worn-down clothes to the Ag Hall and we’ll learn to mend them together!
Dalila will demonstrate visible mending by hand and needlefelting (for wool items). They will also be on-hand with a sewing machine for more difficult projects, like larger patches and thick fabrics. Everyone will get a kit of embroidery supplies to take home for future sewing projects!
Snacks and warm drinks provided. It'll be cozy!
COST: $10 for Ag Society members, $15 for non-members. Pre-registration is required; sign up here!
Growing Herbs and Edible Flowers with Rosemary Confalone
Tuesday, April 29th from 5:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall
Come learn about growing your own culinary herbs. Rosemary Confalone will talk about common (and uncommon) kitchen herbs, tips and tricks for starting them from seed, and succession planting for enjoying homegrown herbs all season long. We will also talk about keeping perennial herb plantings healthy, and adding edible flowers to your herb garden.
About Rosemary: Rosemary Confalone is a lifelong backyard grower, and former farmer. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts in Plant and Soil Science, with a focus in Sustainable Food and Farming.
COST: FREE, registration appreciated. Sign up online here!
Growing Tomatoes with Lydia Fischer
Sunday, May 4th from 2–3:30 PM at the Ag Hall
In this talk, Lydia Fischer, owner of The Garden Farm, will share everything you need to know to successfully grow tomatoes: place and time to plant, diseases or pests to look out for, benefits of pruning, favorite varieties, trellising suggestions, and more. There will then be time for Q and A!
COST: FREE and open to all, registration appreciated. Sign up here!
Growing Cucurbits with Ethan Buchanan-Valenti
Tuesday, May 6th from 5:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall
This workshop will start with an overview on GROWING, looking at different methods and practices, with a focus on growing regeneratively. We'll then talk about specifics for growing cucumbers, summer squash, winter squash, and melons. We'll discuss tips, tricks, and challenges for the field or garden: everything from sowing and growing to harvesting, serving, and storing. An open Q&A will conclude the class.
About Ethan: Ethan is an MV native who has been farming on the island for 21 years. Currently, he is the Farm Operations Manager at Beetlebung Farm. He lives in West Tisbury with his wife Bri, daughter Rilo, two cats, and dog. When not farming he can be found building block barns with Rilo, making dinner for the family, or managing the West Tisbury Farmers Market.
COST: FREE, registration appreciated. Sign up online here!
Foraging for Farmers
Wednesday, May 14th from 5:30 to 7 PM at Island Grown Initiative
NOTE: This is the kickoff of our summer farmworker programs and is designed for commercial farm employees. If you are a backyard grower, stay tuned for our summer garden series, which will be announced soon!
If you've been curious to learn more about the edible plants around you, take a walk around the farm at IGI with Isa and learn to identify and use the spring edible and medicinal plants commonly found on farms. We'll be getting to know a variety of abundant, weedy plants such as dandelion, plantain, cleavers, chickweed, and nettles.
COST: FREE and open to all farm employees, dinner provided. Registration is helpful; sign up on our website or by emailing Lucy at programs@mvagsoc.org.
Chicken Processing Training
Saturday, May 17th from 8:30 AM–3:30 PM at the Ag Hall (35 Panhandle Road, WT)
If you are interested in finding occasional work this summer processing chickens or interested in using the Mobile Poultry Processing Unit to process your own chickens, please come to this hands-on training! We will cover the process and essential safety regulations for chicken processing. This is training for a potential job opportunity: the Mobile Poultry Processing Unit is available to island chicken farmers and these farmers will need to hire skilled labor for the growing season. Portuguese translation will be available at the training.
COST: FREE, lunch included. Please register by May 9th using the form below or by emailing operations@mvagsoc.org. Specify if you are interested as a commercial farmer or for home/personal use.
Farm Animal Meet and Greet
Sunday, May 5th from 10 AM–noon at the Ag Hall Animal Barn.
$5 for kids, $2 for adults. Pay in advance or at the door. All money raised will support 4-H programming on the Island!
Growing Nightshades with Ethan Buchanan-Valenti
Tuesday, May 6th from 5:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall
This workshop will start with an overview on GROWING, looking at different methods and practices, with a focus on growing regeneratively. We'll then talk about specifics for growing potatoes, eggplant, and peppers (not tomatoes; they'll have their own class soon!). We'll discuss tips, tricks, and challenges for the field or garden: everything from sowing and growing to harvesting, serving, and storing. An open Q&A will conclude the class.
About Ethan: Ethan is an MV native who has been farming on the island for 21 years. Currently, he is the Farm Operations Manager at Beetlebung Farm. He lives in West Tisbury with his wife Bri, daughter Rilo, two cats, and dog. When not farming he can be found building block barns with Rilo, making dinner for the family, or managing the West Tisbury Farmers Market.
COST: FREE, registration appreciated. Sign up online here!
Tomato Pruning Workshop
Saturday, May 31st from 10–11 AM at the Agricultural Hall
In this workshop, Lydia Fischer of The Garden Farm will demonstrate how to remove tomato suckers to keep the plant healthy and maximize your tomato crop. Learn to prune tomatoes and then try your hand with two plants of your own!
This workshop fee includes two large tomato plants from The Garden Farm to prune during the workshop and take home.
COST: $20 for Ag Society members, $25 for non-members. Pre-registration required. Sign up here!
Backyard Garden Planning Workshop
Tuesday, April 8th from 4:30–6 PM at the Ag Hall
Anna Swanson will lead this workshop on backyard garden planning. Anna will describe ways to best utilize a small space based on sunlight, nutrient needs, crop rotation, and more. The class will then have a chance to plan their own garden plots and ask questions. Whether you are a long-time gardener trying to optimize your garden this season or a first-time grower unsure where to start, this workshop is for you!
About Anna: Anna has worked alongside agriculture for the past 10 years, from leading farm-to-school programs to managing community gardens to farming flowers. She now works at the Agricultural Society and is excited to talk gardens with you all!
COST: FREE, registration appreciated. Sign up online here!
2nd Annual Homesteader Conference
Join us at the Ag Hall on Sunday, April 6th from 9:30 AM to 3 PM for our second annual Homesteader Conference! Each attendee will have the chance to attend our keynote lecture and two workshops focused on homesteader skills. Lunch will also be provided.
Please note that this is a two-part registration process: once you pay on this webpage, please fill out this Google form to register for particular workshops. We will then email you your workshop schedule—if a workshop is full, we may place you in your second or third pick.
Here’s the schedule for this conference:
9:30 to 10 AM: Check-in, snacks and coffee
10 to 10:45 AM: Keynote Lecture (Food Forests on MV and Beyond with Roxanne Kapitan, Mary Sage Napolitan, and Kaila Binney)
11 AM to 12:30 PM: Conference Session 1 (Spring Growing, Gathering, and Cooking with Phoebe Cole-Smith or Backyard Meat Production with Emma Green-Beach and Taz Armstrong)
12:30 to 1:30 PM: Lunch
1:30 to 3 PM: Conference Session 2 (Island Herbalism with Astrid Tilton, Natural Dyeing with Animal Fibers with Norah Van Riper, or Growing, and Cooking with Corn with Tim Wilcox)
COST: $40 for Ag Society members, $50 for non-members. Lunch and all materials provided. Please note that only current members, not all members of the member’s party, are able to receive the reduced registration rate.
Beekeeping Club Meeting
Beekeeping Club Meeting
Wednesday, April 2nd from 5–6 PM at the Ag Hall
All Island beekeepers and bee enthusiasts are invited to the monthly meeting of the MV Beekeeping Club! We host regular meetings on the first Wednesday of the month to discuss disease prevention, hive maintenance, and more. If you keep hives on the Island or are bee-curious, please join us!
COST: FREE and open to all, no pre-registration required.
Growing Carrots with Ethan Buchanan-Valenti
Tuesday, April 1st from 5:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall
This workshop will start with an overview on GROWING, looking at different methods and practices, with a focus on growing regeneratively. We'll then talk about carrot specifics and move into a discussion on varieties and types of carrots. We'll discuss tips, tricks, and challenges for the field or garden: everything from sowing and growing to harvesting, serving, and storing. An open Q&A will conclude the class.
About Ethan: Ethan is an MV native who has been farming on the island for 21 years. Currently, he is the Farm Operations Manager at Beetlebung Farm. He lives in West Tisbury with his wife Bri, daughter Rilo, two cats, and dog. When not farming he can be found building block barns with Rilo, making dinner for the family, or managing the West Tisbury Farmers Market.
COST: FREE, registration appreciated. Sign up online here!
Growing Brassicas with Ethan Buchanan-Valenti
POSTPONED! New date is Monday, March 31st from 5:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall
This workshop will start with an overview on GROWING, looking at different methods and practices, with a focus on growing regeneratively. We'll then talk about brassica specifics and move into a discussion on varieties and types, including kale, cabbage, and broccoli. We'll discuss tips, tricks, and challenges for the field or garden: everything from sowing and growing to harvesting, serving, and storing. An open Q&A will conclude the class. About Ethan: Ethan is an MV native who has been farming on the island for 21 years. Currently, he is the Farm Operations Manager at Beetlebung Farm. He lives in West Tisbury with his wife Bri, daughter Rilo, two cats, and dog. When not farming he can be found building block barns with Rilo, making dinner for the family, or managing the West Tisbury Farmers Market.
COST: FREE, registration appreciated. Sign up online here!
Sustainable Lawn Care
Saturday, March 29th from 2–4 PM at the Ag Hall
Join the Vineyard Conservation Society, in collaboration with the Ag Hall and Deep Roots MV, for a presentation on sustainable lawn care. Moderated by Mark Lavoie, a horticulturist with 40+ years of experience, we'll cover everything from creating a meadow in your backyard to growing a low-maintenance turf lawn that doesn’t pollute our ponds. Free samples of native grass seed mix are available. We welcome homeowners and landscapers alike.
COST: FREE and open to all, no registration required.
Pest Management with Sue Scheufele of UMass Extension
Thursday, March 27th from 11 AM–2 PM
In this workshop, Sue Scheufele of UMass Extension will share common pests and management strategies, with a focus on integrated pest management. Workshop attendees will have a chance to ask questions and start their own IPM planning!
COST: FREE, registration appreciated. Lunch provided. Sign up on our website or by emailing Lucy at programs@mvagsoc.org.
Compost Workshop with Rosemary Confalone
Tuesday, March 25th from 5:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall
In this workshop, Rosemary Confalone will cover the basics of backyard composting. We will talk about composting systems, which materials to use (or not!), composting ratios, and pest management. This workshop will give you all the tools you need to make your own great compost at home.
About Rosemary: Rosemary Confalone is a lifelong backyard grower, and former farmer. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts in Plant and Soil Science, with a focus in Sustainable Food and Farming.
COST: FREE, registration appreciated. Sign up online here!
Tick Prevention Talk
Thursday, March 20th from 5:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall
Join Patrick Roden-Reynolds for a discussion on the basics of tick ecology and behavior, including the most important and effective prevention tactics. Presentation will include updates on lone star ticks, Alpha-gal syndrome, and other current topics. Question and answer period to follow the talk.
Patrick Roden-Reynolds is a public health biologist for the Inter-Island Public Health Excellence Collaboration and Director of the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program. His work focuses on education and surveillance of vector-borne diseases and their vector populations.
COST: FREE and open to all, no registration required.
Climate Adaptation Workshop with Julie Fine
Tuesday, March 18th from 4:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall
As farmers grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, the need for adaptive practices has never been more urgent. This participatory workshop for farmers will begin with a brief overview of climate trends and projections. As a group we will discuss the wide range of climate risks impacting local farms, from changing rainfall patterns to extreme weather events. These examples will help us explore the process of climate adaptation and mitigation planning. Join American Farmland Trust’s New England Climate and Agriculture team for a farmer-to-farmer discussion of strategies and ideas for building climate resilience.
COST: FREE and open to all farmers and farmworkers, dinner provided. Sign up below or by emailing Lucy at programs@mvagsoc.org.
Growing Alliums with Ethan Buchanan-Valenti
Monday, March 17th from 5:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall
This workshop will start with an overview on GROWING, looking at different methods and practices, with a focus on growing regeneratively. We'll then talk about allium specifics and move into a discussion on varieties and types, including onions, garlic, scallions, and leeks. We'll discuss tips, tricks, and challenges for the field or garden: everything from sowing and growing to harvesting, serving, and storing. An open Q&A will conclude the class.
About Ethan: Ethan is an MV native who has been farming on the island for 21 years. Currently, he is the Farm Operations Manager at Beetlebung Farm. He lives in West Tisbury with his wife Bri, daughter Rilo, two cats, and dog. When not farming he can be found building block barns with Rilo, making dinner for the family, or managing the West Tisbury Farmers Market.
COST: FREE, registration appreciated. Sign up online here!
Barn Buddies
Sunday, March 16th from 2:30–4 PM at the Ag Hall
Join the Family Center and Head Start staff at the Agricultural Hall for indoor scooters, tricycles, bikes, and games. Drop ins welcome. Kids must wear helmets if riding.
COST: FREE and open to all, no registration required.
Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop
Saturday, March 15th from 1–3 PM at a private residence (rain date: Sunday, March 16th)
Come join the Agricultural Society and Ian Jochems of Polly Hill Arboretum for a fruit tree pruning class! This workshop will include a short lecture/demonstration followed by hands-on experience pruning fruit trees. Please come dressed or prepared for any weather conditions. Tools will be provided; no need to bring your own.
COST: $10 for Ag Society members, $15 for non-members. Register using the link below.
Farmer Clothing Swap
Tuesday, March 11th from 5:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall
Stop by the Ag Hall to get some new-to-you clothes and give your ill-fitting farm clothes to a new home! We'll collect and sort all leftover clothing for donation. Snacks provided.
COST: FREE and open to all farmers and farmworkers. Email programs@mvagsoc.org if you are planning to attend!
Local Food Community Potluck
Monday, March 10th from 5:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall
Our third of three community dinners this winter: enjoy a warm meal and spend time with friends old and new at the Ag Hall! Please bring a dish highlighting local food to share, as well as your own dishware, utensils, and drinks.
Cost: FREE and open to all, no registration required.
9th Annual Meat Ball
9th Annual Meat Ball
Saturday, March 8th from 5:30–9 PM at the Ag Hall
Buy your tickets today for our fundraiser and annual celebration of island-raised meat! Enjoy a buffet dinner prepared by Charlie Granquist of Slough Farm and dance to music by Missus Biskus. Vegetarian and alpha-gal-friendly options available. Good for the whole family—all ages are welcome.
COST: $30 for Ag Society members, $40 for non-members, $10 for kids ages 6–12, FREE for kids 5 and under.
Online ticket sales are now closed, but we will be selling tickets at the door while supplies last!
Beekeeping Club Meeting
Wednesday, March 5th from 5–6 PM at the Ag Hall
All Island beekeepers and bee enthusiasts are invited to the monthly meeting of the MV Beekeeping Club! We host regular meetings on the first Wednesday of the month to discuss disease prevention, hive maintenance, and more. If you keep hives on the Island or are bee-curious, please join us!
COST: FREE and open to all, no registration required.
Barn Buddies
Sunday, March 16th from 2:30–4 PM at the Ag Hall
Join the Family Center and Head Start staff at the Agricultural Hall for indoor scooters, tricycles, bikes, and games. Drop ins welcome. Kids must wear helmets if riding.
COST: FREE and open to all, no registration required.
Alpha-Gal MD Panel
Thursday, February 20th from 5:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall.
At this meeting of the alpha-gal community support group, local doctors will share what they’ve learned about alpha-gal over the past
several years.
COST: FREE and open to all.
Visible Mending Workshop
Tuesday, February 18th from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Ag Hall
Led by Dalila Bennett of Fire Cat Farm. Are your Carhartt's looking a little worse for wear? Are your sweaters full of holes? Bring all your old and worn-down clothes to the Ag Hall and we’ll learn to mend them together!
Dalila will demonstrate visible mending by hand and needlefelting (for wool items). They will also be on-hand with a sewing machine for more difficult projects, like larger patches and thick fabrics. Everyone will get a kit of embroidery supplies to take home for future sewing projects!
Snacks and warm drinks provided. It'll be cozy!
COST: $10 for Ag Society members, $15 for non-members. Pre-registration is required; sign up using the link below!
Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop
Saturday, February 15th from 1–3 PM at a private residence (rain date: Sunday, February 16th)
Come join the Agricultural Society and Ian Jochems of Polly Hill Arboretum for a fruit tree pruning class! This workshop will include a short lecture/demonstration followed by hands-on experience pruning fruit trees. Please come dressed or prepared for any weather conditions. Tools will be provided; no need to bring your own.
COST: $10 for Ag Society members, $15 for non-members. Register using the link below.
Local Food Community Potluck
Monday, February 10th from 5:30–7 PM at the Ag Hall
Our second of three community dinners this winter: enjoy a warm meal and spend time with friends old and new at the Ag Hall! Please bring a dish highlighting local food to share, as well as your own dishware, utensils, and drinks.
Cost: FREE and open to all, no registration required.
Sheep-Shearing Shindig
Sheep-Shearing Shindig
Saturday, February 8th from 10 AM–12 PM at the Ag Hall animal barn
Siri Swanson of Yankee Rock Farm in Vermont will be visiting the island again to shear Slough Farm's Tunis flock! Come by to learn all about shearing and wool processing. Amy from the Southeast New England Fibershed will also be in attendance to answer questions about local fiber and dye farmers, uses for wool and waste wool, and ways to get involved in your local fibershed. Warm cider provided. All ages are welcome.
Event co-hosted by Slough Farm and the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society.
COST: FREE and open to all, no pre-registration required.
Beekeeping Club
Wednesday, February 5th from 5–6 PM at the Ag Hall
All Island beekeepers and bee enthusiasts are invited to the monthly meeting of the MV Beekeeping Club! We host regular meetings on the first Wednesday of the month to discuss disease prevention, hive maintenance, and more. If you keep hives on the Island or are bee-curious, please join us!
COST: FREE and open to all, no registration required.
Chicken Health and Wellness
Tuesday, February 4th from 6–7 PM at Slough Farm
Join Dr. Erin Masur to build upon last year's chicken health workshops! We will be discussing internal and external parasite control, feeds and nutrition, home remedies, and med kit assembly, as well as overall management. Dr. Masur will also give an H5N1 update. Finally, there will be time for Q&A!
COST: FREE and open to all, pre-registration required. Sign up on Slough Farm's website!
Feb-ewe-ary Sheep Husbandry Workshop: Tabletop Case Studies for Shepherds
Monday, February 3rd from 5:30–7:30 PM at Slough Farm
Building on the previous years' workshops regarding parasite management, emergency management, medication selection and biosecurity, this year's Feb-EWE-ary workshop will be tabletop case studies. We will use example cases that depict sickness or an emergency, learn how to gather the right information from a physical exam, and use that information to build a list of possible problems, and create an action plan.
COST: FREE and open to all sheep farmers, but pre-registration is required. Sign up on Slough Farm's website!
UMass Produce Safety Workshop: What’s Next, or Where Do I Begin?
Monday, February 3rd from 10 AM–12 PM at the Ag Hall
Presented by Lisa McKeag, Produce Safety Educator from UMass Extension.
This workshop is intended to help produce growers think through next steps with regard to produce safety. Anyone is welcome,but it will be most useful for growers who have taken a food safety training course, such as the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. This training is being offered remotely ahead of the workshop on January 30th and 31st. This will be an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and dig more deeply into food safety topics.
Topics that may be covered include:
Writing a farm food safety plan
Developing standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Meeting regulatory or audit program requirements
Training employees
Understanding and managing food safety risks from wild and/or domestic animals
Understanding and managing food safety risks from agricultural water
Understanding and managing food safety risks from manure or compost
Postharvest areas (e.g., packshed design, postharvest equipment, cleaning and sanitizing)
COST: FREE, registration preferred. Sign up and share more about your goals for the workshop here!
Cattle Workshop
Sunday, February 2nd from 9:30 AM–3:30 PM
at the Slough Farm Horse Barn
Join Hansen Donius, farm manager and herdsman at Rock Cobble Cattle in South Kent, CT, and Dr. Erin Masur, livestock veterinarian from Bantam, CT for a day dedicated to doing the best for your cattle. Hansen will speak on optimizing your pastures for optimal beef health, selecting the right bull for your herd, decisions on herd building, and building a management plan that works towards your goals. Dr. Masur will speak on calf management, improving your on-farm procedures such as castration and dehorning, and building a vaccine program that answers to your needs.
COST: FREE and open to all cattle farmers. Lunch provided, pre-registration required. Sign up on Slough Farm’s website!
Nutrient Management Planning for Livestock Farms
Friday, January 31st from 10 AM–12 PM at the Ag Hall
Manure can be a great asset on any farm, elevating soil health for sustainable abundant harvests. It can also be an environmental liability, posing risks to water, soil, and air quality. Join Graham Mallory from Northern Tilth LLC to learn about how livestock farmers can evaluate their manure production and make wise decisions in how they retain and land-apply those valuable nutrients. We'll take one diversified livestock farm from Edgartown as our example, and talk about all things manure!
COST: FREE and open to all, no pre-registration required.
Produce Safety Alliance Training
Thursday, January 30th and Friday, January 31st from 9 AM–2 PM on Zoom
Hosted by UMass Extension and the MDAR Produce Safety Program
The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training Course is a standardized curriculum developed by the Produce Safety Alliance at Cornell University Extension. The course covers the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) as well as general good agricultural practices.
The PSA Grower Training Course satisfies the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in PSR § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’ The training is also required for participation in Massachusetts’ Commonwealth Quality Program.
This course is intended for commercial fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the FSMA PSR, farm food safety best practices, and co-management of natural resources and food safety, and is appropriate whether you have a large farm that is fully covered by the law or a small, exempt farm.
See https://ag.umass.edu/food-safety/umass-produce-safety-alliance-remote-grower-training for more details about the training, including technology requirements for joining remotely and being eligible for a certificate of completion.
Questions? Contact Lisa McKeag at 413-658-8631 or lmckeag@umass.edu
COST: FREE, pre-registration required. Learn more and sign up here!