Young farmers stand up for SNAP, your pest questions answered, and AZ farmers organize!
Sally,
It’s July. We’re hot and tired, but not slowing down: NYFC is standing in solidarity with consumers in support of SNAP, and farmers in seven Western states are setting a new standard for on-farm water conservation by signing the Farmers Pledge.
This month we also welcome two new organizers and have organic pest management experts on the Farmers Forum. For these updates and more, read on!
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Take Action: We all deserve healthy food!
Last week, for the first time in 40 years, the House of Representatives passed a farm bill without the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also called SNAP or food stamps).
There are many things to complain about in their bill, but this move was just about the worst. As farmers, we see the benefit that this program brings: fresh food to the people who need it the most. At farmers markets and in our CSA programs, SNAP helps us serve everyone in our communities.
As the House considers what to do next, we ask you to join us in telling Representatives: Farmers Support SNAP!
Take Action Now – and please, pass this along to farmer friends. Congress needs to hear that this farm bill is a food bill as well.
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Pest Experts to the Rescue
Are cucumber beetles, leaf hoppers, loopers, crows, deer or ground hogs making you nuts? The NYFC Farmers Forum is the place to find relief!
From July 22-26th, Mike Dimock, PhD and Field Director for Certis USA, and Jeff Moyer, Farm Manager at the Rodale Institute, will log on to answer your questions about managing farm pests naturally with beneficial insects, traps, sprays, fences and maybe even some firearms.
Get help now through July 26th on the NYFC Farmers Forum!
Special thanks to Safer® Brand for connecting us to Mike and Jeff!
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Organizing
Western Farmers Take the Pledge!
As farmers, we know that taking care of our farms means taking care of our water. NYFC is working with farmers throughout the Colorado River basin to build support for better water policies that will keep farming viable for farmers now and in the future.
Farming in the West? Join with dozens of other farmers in taking a public stand for personal stewardship and policies that support water conservation. Sign the Colorado River Farmers Pledge today at farmersforcoriver.com.
Arizona Farmers Get Organized
 T he coalition is excited to welcome its two new Arizona organizers: Jeff Meilander of Flagstaff and Debbie Weingarten of Benson. Jeff and Debbie will be working with the coalition this year to bring more farmers and ranchers in AZ together and to help advocate for more effective water conservation policies in the region.
We’re excited to have Jeff and Debbie join our team, and to expand our organizing capacity in the West! You can read our interview with them here.
Members
New Member Benefit: 15% off Safer® Brand
We're happy to announce a new benefit for NYFC members – 15% off of the Safer® Brand's organic garden and pest control products. Find their complete list of products here.
It's the perfect time to join NYFC to access this and many other great benefits. Be a part of the national young farmer community by joining today for only $20!
Events
REHOBOTH, MA: Young Farmer Nights/Pasture to Plate Cook Off - July 18th
Bring your best dish to Rosasharn Farm (57 County St. Rehoboth, MA) for a Young Farmer Night/Pasture To Plate Cook Off! Starts at 6 pm. Click here for more information.
HARTFORD, CT: New CT Farmer Alliance Summer Farm Tour - July 21st
NCTFA will be organizing a farm tour and potluck at Grow Hartford this Friday in Hartford, CT. Grow Hartford is an urban farm project that produced food for local residents and the city's social service agencies, and it also is the base for a youth program. Tour starts at 4 pm – click here for more information.
LA FARGE, WI: Wisconsin "Weed Dating" - July 27th
Meet young farmers at the Kickapoo Country Fair in La Farge, WI! Keep an eye on the Wisconson Young Farmers website for info on our "weed dating" event.
CHARLESTOWN, RI: Young Farmer Nights tour, potluck and discussion - July 30th
Join us at AKA Farm (497 Old Coach Rd, Charlestown, RI) for a farm tour, potluck and discussion on food systems and alternative marketing strategies to make the most out of a small scale operation.
Starts at 6 pm. Click here for more information.
FORT COLLINS, CO: Young Farmers of the Front Range Summer Gathering - August 1st
An open invitation to all those young farmers and ranchers on Colorado's Front Range to discuss this newly formed chapter of the National Young Farmers Coalition. Topics to include current projects, future projects, ways to engage, and strategies for the group to become a major player in local food systems infrastructure development. 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, CO. For more information contact Michael Baute at mic...@springkitefarm.com
STANFORDVILLE, NY: Fresh and Seasoned, a Farmer Mixer at Big Rock Farm - August 4th
Uniting beginning and experienced farmers through local food, swimming, live music, and revelry. From 2-7 pm. Contact audrey...@gmail.com for more information.
AMHERST, MA: NOFA Summer Conference - August 9th-11th
Join NYFC at the NOFA Summer Conference featuring 200+ workshops, music and a country fair! Stop by our table throughout the weekend and join us for a beginning farmer meet-up on Saturday afternoon.
SEBASTOPOL, CA: Monthly Gathering of the North Coast Young Farmers Guild - August 13th
Join the North Coast Young Farmers Guild for another gathering of young farmers, ranchers, butchers, food artisans, chefs, and anyone else paving the way for the food-makers of tomorrow (and today). Come trade a skill, swap a crop, learn from others' mistakes or share stories of goats, gourds and grain gleaners. Second Tuesday of each month. Potluck begins at 6 pm. Click here for more information.
HAMPTON, CT: New CT Farmer Alliance Summer Farm Tour - August 18th
NCTFA will be organizing a farm tour and potluck at Sweet Acre Farm in Hampton, CT. Sweet Acre Farm is a small certified-organic diversified farm operation. Discussions will include pros and cons of organic certification, BCS usage and other technical insight from the farm. Tour starts at 4 pm – click here for more information.
NARROWSBURG, NY: Pig Mountain - August 24th
Pig Roast and Veggie Fest: Great New York Chefs, great food all for NY farmers. Don't miss it! This year's event benefits the Young Farmers Coalition. Click here for more information.
TEXAS - TXYFC Annual Mixer and Farm Olympics - October 5th
Come and mix it up with young farmers, food-folks, and the like! Enter in the first ever Texas Farm Olympics and test your skills with the best and the rest of them. Oct. 5th. Details TBA, more information is available here.
FRANKFORT, KY - Kentucky Beginning Farmers Conference- October 5th
A one-day statewide event for beginning farmers, including workshops, great food, and networking opportunities. Stay tuned for more details!
OKANOGAN, WA: Washington Young Farmers Mixer - October 6th
Fourth annual WAYFC Mixer, to be held at Filaree Farm, in Okanogan, WA. Details to be released soon. Visit the Washington Young Farmers Coalition website for more information.
Fall Young Farmer Mixers
Do you live in the Finger Lakes Region, Eastern Mass, South Central Pennsylvania, Missoula or Iowa City? Then NYFC is coming to you! Email sop...@youngfarmers.org to help us put together some great farmer mixers.
In Solidarity,
Lindsey, Wes, Sophie, Kate, Ellie, Jeff & Debbie
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NATIONAL YOUNG FARMERS COALITION
PO BOX 292, Tivoli, New York 12583
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