Discover the fundamentals of cover cropping and how it can benefit your soil, add nitrogen and build resilience on your farm. Farmers Owen and Nancy have been farming in Grand Forks for 23 years, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. We will learn about innovations, challenges and successes with cover cropping, and how they can help cut back on your use of fertilizers, soil amendments and sprays, and add biodiversity to your farm.
DATE: Sunday, August 20, 2023 • 10am-1pm PST
LOCATION: Syilx, Sinixt, and Ktunaxa Territory. Meet at the farm: 3795 Almond Gardens Rd. W. Grand Forks. (Google maps will take you to the neighbour’s so please go by the address number.) Please keep the gate closed so deer can’t come in and eat everything!
REGISTER: So that we can plan for the tour and potluck, please register on Eventbrite.
CARPOOL INFO: Carpooling is encouraged. If you are looking for or can offer a ride to or from the event, please post in the Facebook event to connect with others.
SCHEDULE (times are approximate):
10-11 Introduction Circle
11-12 Farm Tour & Cover Crop Discussion
12-1 Potluck Social
BRING: If you are able, please bring a dish to share potluck-style! Bring your own plate, cutlery, and cup for snacks/refreshments. Please include a little card with ingredients if you can for folks with food sensitivities. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and weather and farm-appropriate clothing and footwear.
SHARE: Planning on joining us? Invite your friends and share the Facebook event.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- This event is free and open to everyone!
- Children are welcome but please leave furry friends at home
- Please stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms
- Please wash your shoes before visiting the farm, especially if you work on or have visited a farm recently
- Please do not bring alcohol to this event
- Not sure what to bring to the potluck? Consider supporting your local, organic farmer and/or food producer and find inspiration with their ingredients
ABOUT Kettle River Farm
Kettle River Farm is a 13 1/2-acre certified organic farm nestled on the banks of the Kettle River in Grand Forks. Since 2000, Owen Broad and Nancy Gabrielse have been growing a variety of fruits and vegetables including squash, onions, corn, carrots, beets, greens, apples, pears, plums, melons, apricots, currants, berries and more.
Kettle River Farm is committed to using organic farming practices not only to grow delicious healthy food but also to do their part in being responsible stewards of the land and water. The Kettle River infuses the whole farm, giving them rich river-bottom soil, replenishing the aquifer and nurturing all sorts of wildlife including beaver, herons, kingfishers, eagles, owls and rainbow trout. It is also a beautiful welcoming place to cool off after a day in the field. They have left several acres of Ponderosa Pine forest in its natural state along the river.
They are lucky to have three wonderful helpers on the farm; Liam, Clare and Ivy who have learned from the dirt up what goes into each crop, namely lots of love, labour and time. In return they all enjoy high quality fresh fruit and vegetables and are fortunate to be able to sell their produce locally, reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
Learn More About Cover Cropping
This event is part of the Farm Resilience Mentorship Program, a project of Farmers for Climate Solutions. Visit the Learning Hub to learn more about this program, and take advantage of their online resources and mentorship. Psst- Owen is available to mentor farmers who want to implement or improve cover cropping on their farm. Contact community@youngagrarians.org for more info.
Stay in Touch
- Join our Young Agrarians Columbia Basin (Kootenay) Facebook Group to stay up to date with all events in the region
- Sign up for our e-newsletter to get events and opportunities for your region delivered straight to your inbox
- We welcome cancellations at any time – you can do so through Eventbrite, through the link in your registration confirmation email, or by contacting network@youngagrarians.org. Please let us know if you aren’t able to attend
- Questions? Email Michalina at community@youngagrarians.org
