Farmer to Farmer Field Days – Lean Thinking on Your Farm: How to Work Smarter, Not Harder Free Technical Workshop for Farmers

– Rescheduled due to rain for Mon. 3/4 –

On Monday, March 4th Yokayo Roots Farm in Ukiah will host the next workshop in the Farmer to Farmer Field Days series. Winter farming presents unique challenges – and opportunities – for local farmers. Opportunities include high market demand and low competition, meaning continued cash flow, with lots of time for rest and recouping. The challenges center around choosing the right crops, timing, and protecting those crops from the elements. At Yokayo Roots Farm we will see a successful winter vegetable production system adapting to the unexpected in our climate and coming up with solutions. We will discuss the ‘lean’ way to manage production year round and alternative approaches to ensuring vibrant crops for the winter and early spring market.

Space is limited. Please RSVP to Office@adaptiveagriculture.org by 2/27.

This technical workshop series for local farmers addresses the principles of lean farming with a focus on the practical steps farmers can take to find efficiencies on their farms to increase profits without increasing their work. Each workshop is followed by a pot-luck lunch where there will be additional time for discussion. Attendance is free and open to specialty crop growers-fruits, vegetables, nuts, flowers, herb s-as well as members of the public. This is a project of MendoLake Food Hub, The Farmers Guild, CAFF, the School of Adaptive Agriculture, the Ukiah Natural Food Co-op & The UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.

About Yokayo Roots Farm
Yokayo Ranch Farm is dedicated to producing staple crops while adapting sustainable farming techniques from around the world.  Bo and Maci grow flavorful nutrient dense heirloom vegetables in biologically active soil. Yokayo Roots Farm uses draft horses, focuses on making lots of compost, utilizes solar power and is committed to regenerative farming practices. They are also Mendocino Renegade certified.

About the School of Adaptive Agriculture
The School of Adaptive Agriculture (SAA) is a vocational training center that equips the current and next generation with essential skills in the science, art and business of food production. Through our workshops and residential practicum program, the School of Adaptive Agriculture has gained a reputation for being one of the premier agriculture schools in Northern California.

About the Mendo-Lake Food Hub
The Mendo-Lake Food Hub is the “easy button” for farmers and retailers when it comes to wholesaling local produce. We work with farmers and food businesses from the Mendocino Coast to Clear Lake and south to the San Francisco Bay Area.

About the Farmers Guild & CAFF
The Farmers Guild is a collection of farmers, ranchers, and sustainable food system advocates. With a passion for feeding our local communities, they unite to share skills, knowledge and forge a collective voice for sustainable agriculture. Founded by farmers for farmers, we support healthy food production by collectively striving toward the economic viability of farms as well as the social networks to attract, cultivate and sustain a new generation ready to work the land. As 2017, we are excited to announce our merger with Community Alliance with Family Farmers, CAFF.

UC Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program
Healthy agriculture and food systems are fundamental to our quality of life in California. We’re committed to strengthening California’s agriculture by advancing knowledge of the science of sustainability, supporting farmers and ranchers working to develop more sustainable agricultural practices, and assisting communities in building strong and healthy regional food systems. UC SAREP is a Statewide Program of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op

Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op was incorporated in 1976. By serving the needs of their diverse membership, they have grown through the years. Their current store has more than 6,800 square feet of space, and they serve over 1200 shoppers each day. They envision a community in which everyone has access to healthy food, where Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op is a vital part of the local food system.