ISSUED: 18 January 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Dana Costa
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Anyone interested in agriculture is invited to attend a series of nine workshops offered by Shepherd University’s Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm over the course of the next year that will focus on small-scale, intensive vegetable production techniques and will feature specialty workshops in beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, sustainable and self-sufficient agriculture, and aquaponics.
Shepherd is partnering with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture Veterans & Heroes to Agriculture program to offer the series. It will begin with a “Regenerative Field Planning” workshop on Thursday, January 26, from 6-8 p.m. in the Robert C. Byrd Science and Technology Center. Dr. Brooke Comer, visiting assistant professor of environmental science, and Madison Hale, Tabler Farm coordinator, will delve into how vegetable production can drain farmers and their land if not carefully planned.
This workshop will focus on field planning techniques, such as crop rotation and cover cropping. Comer and Hale will go over some of the key planning components needed to sustain and regenerate farmland. They will also discuss techniques to track farming efforts and create an efficient production system.
The two-hour workshop will be $10 for the public and $5 for students. All workshops are free for veterans. There is a 10 percent discount for those signing up for five or more workshops. Registration is required, and participants must pay by cash or check at the door.
For more information and to register, visit the 2023 Workshop Series webpage.
Other workshops planned are:
- Thursday, February 23—“Seeding and Transplanting: Best Practices,” 6-8 p.m. with Dr. Brooke Comer, visiting assistant professor of environmental science, and Madison Hale, Tabler Farm coordinator. This workshop will cover the tools needed to make seeding and transplanting simpler and more efficient, including a review of common and innovative tools and materials, recommended seed-starting soils and fertilizers, and useful tips for ensuring crop success. $10 per person; $5 for students; free for veterans.
- Saturday, March 25—“High Tunnel Growing 101,” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with Dr. Brooke Comer, visiting assistant professor of environmental science, and Madison Hale, Tabler Farm coordinator. Comer and Hale will review all aspects of growing in high tunnel greenhouses—from choosing a structure and site placement to recommended high tunnel production techniques. They will also cover the pros/cons of high tunnels. $20 per person; $5 for students; free for veterans.
- Thursday, April 27—“Intro to Culinary Mushroom Cultivation,” 6-8 p.m. (tentative). This workshop will focus on starting a mushroom business. From materials to best practices, participants will leave with the knowledge needed to get started. $10 per person; $5 for students; free for veterans.
- Saturday, May 27—“Advanced Beekeeping,” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (tentative). This workshop is for those who have experience beekeeping and want to build on their general knowledge. $20 per person; $5 for students; free for veterans.
- Saturday, September 30—“Soil Health on the Farm,” 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with Dr. Brooke Comer, visiting assistant professor of environmental science, and Madison Hale, Tabler Farm coordinator. This workshop will answer questions about the complexities of soil and will dive into the many practices farmers and gardeners can utilize to improve the health of their soil, sustain it, and regenerate it. $20 per person; $5 for students; free for veterans.
- Saturday, October 28—“Perennials and Permaculture,” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with Bodhi Vasilopoulos, nursery manager, Plant Path Nursery. This workshop will explore the theories behind permaculture, a method of sustainable and self-sufficient agriculture, dive into practical applications on a working farm, and include a hands-on project. $20 per person; $5 for students; free for veterans.
- Saturday, November 18—“Winter Farming: Season Extension and Value-Added Products,” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with Dr. Brooke Comer, visiting assistant professor of environmental science, and Madison Hale, Tabler Farm coordinator. This workshop will cover the ins and outs of extending the growing season, touch on added-value products such as dried goods and storage crops, compare winter harvest crops to overwintering crops, and explore best practices for resting plant beds during the winter. $20 per person; $5 for students; free for veterans.
- Thursday, December 14—“Intro to Indoor Aquaponics Growing,” 6-8 p.m. with Dr. Peter Vila, associate professor of environmental and physical sciences and director, Veterans to Agriculture Program. This workshop will cover the fundamental components, costs, and operations of aquaponics systems in which farmed fish or other aquatic animals provide nutrients to plants grown hydroponically. $10 per person; $5 for students; free for veterans.
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