This event is being held as part of the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) program. The goals of the program are to encourage on-farm sequestration of carbon and reduction in greenhouse gases through the implementation of improved nitrogen management, enhanced cover crop adoption, and the normalization of rotational grazing. For more info on the OFCAF program, please visit ofcaf.perennia.ca

Session Description:

Want to better understand your soil analysis results? In collaboration with the Wolfville Farmers Market, join Perennia specialists Rosalie Gillis-Madden, Caitlin McCavour, Tim Morcom and certified organic farmer David Blanchard at the Wolfville Farmer’s Market on February 27th, 2023, from 1 – 3:30 PM. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to read your soil test, better understand key nutrients, discuss fertility recommendations, and have the opportunity to ask questions!

Guest Speakers:

Rosalie Gillis-Madden, On-Farm Climate Action Fund Technical Project Manager

Rosalie was Perennia’s Vegetable Specialist for seven years and served as a resource to producers in all aspects of vegetable production. Rosalie has recently transitioned into a new position as the On-Farm Climate Action Fund Technical Project Manager. In this role, Rosalie is working with farmers and agronomists to implement the best management practices outlined by the On-Farm Climate Action Fund: improving nitrogen management, increasing the adoption of cover crops, and normalizing rotational grazing. She is passionate about sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and brings over a dozen years of applied agriculture experience to assist farmers in adopting new, more sustainable practices.

Caitlin McCavour, Soil Specialist

Caitlin has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Dalhousie University and completed her Master of Science at Dalhousie University in Earth and Environmental Science. As Perennia’s Soil Specialist, Caitlin works with producers around the province on soil-related issues. Before working at Perennia, Caitlin researched Christmas trees, wetland restoration, forest site management and river ecology throughout Nova Scotia, with soil science focusing on these projects. Caitlin is passionate about soil and aims to help improve soil health in agriculture throughout the province.

Tim Morcom, Vegetable Specialist

Tim holds a BSc in plant science and is in the process of completing his MSc, both at Dalhousie University. His master’s research examines the potential of nutrient-enriched biochar as an organic slow-release fertilizer reducing leaching while also sequestering carbon. Tim has worked at Dalhousie University’s agricultural campus in many capacities, including managing the campus market garden, as a horticultural technician and independently as a farm manager, running a biointensive mixed farm for several years on rented land. He coordinated a number of Dalhousie agronomy trials, liaising with farmers, government and industry across Nova Scotia to research cutting-edge field crop management techniques and best practices. Tim is a Professional Agrologist with a particular passion for innovative farming techniques, biointensive production and soil health.

David Blanchard, Owner/Operator Pleasant Hill Farm

David Blanchard and Cindy Rubinfine own Pleasant Hill Farm, a certified organic vegetable farm in Queens County. The highly productive 114-acre farm has six greenhouses, two acres of outdoor vegetable and small fruit crops, ten acres of pasture for poultry and beef cattle and 100 acres of wood lot. All production is sold directly to consumers at the farmers’ markets in Lunenburg and Liverpool, as well as a Community Supported Agriculture food box program, which serves north Queens and southern Annapolis Counties. In addition to fifty years of practical experience working in agriculture, David has a BSc in Biology. He keeps up to date on the latest research on greenhouse production, sustainable soil management and biological pest control.

Location

The OFCAF program in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador is implemented by Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation and funded by the Government of Canada | Copyright © 2023 | All Rights Reserved

REGISTRATION

*Registration is required
Registration deadline:
Midnight, February 23, 2023
Cost: Free

WORKSHOP QUESTIONS?

Lindsay Scott
Phone: 902.890.8849
Email: lscott@perennia.ca