Tag Archives: farm the basin

EVENT RECAP: Columbia Basin Farm Business Planning 101 Workshop

Posted by Hailey Troock on February 18, 2019

Paul Kelly shows the group a financial planning spreadsheet for their farm businesses

On February 2nd, 2019, 16 farmers with a range of experience levels came together at Vallican Whole Community Center for a Farm Business Planning 101 Workshop. The workshop was prepared and given by Paul Kelly from the Community Futures Central Kootenay Self Employment Program. Paul holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Business and Entrepreneurship. He has managed large retail food operations including the Kootenay Co-op, production and processing at Fieldstone organic granary, and operated a local biofuel and feed commodity business out of Winlaw. Paul began his presentation by setting the regional labour market context. December 2018 saw the lowest … Continue reading EVENT RECAP: Columbia Basin Farm Business Planning 101 Workshop →

FARM THE BASIN: Back to the Biointensive Basics with the Kootenay Society for Sustainable Living (VIDEO)

Posted by Hailey Troock on February 01, 2019

Farm the Basin: Back to the Biointensive Basics with Kootenay Society for Sustainable Living

Sharon and James are sustainable mini-farmers, natural builders, and environmentalists. Over the last five years they have been on a journey to become self-reliant and to transition towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Amongst meeting and learning from a variety of experts in their fields, as interns at Ecology Action they studied under John Jeavons to learn how to not only grow their own complete diet, but to bring sustainable agriculture back to their community as teachers. All of their experiences have led them back to what’s most important: to help build a strong, healthy community of localized and sustainable living. … Continue reading FARM THE BASIN: Back to the Biointensive Basics with the Kootenay Society for Sustainable Living (VIDEO) →

FARM THE BASIN: Beyond the Button with Mr. Mercy’s Mushrooms

Posted by Hailey Troock on January 16, 2019

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Robin Mercy is the owner of Mr. Mercy’s Mushrooms. He lives and farms in Kaslo, BC with his partner Tamara and son Kirin. They produce strains appropriate for the local climate, from blue oysters and enoki in the shoulder seasons to white elms, lion’s mane, and reishi in the hotter months. Considering there is an estimated five million types of fungi, they hope to “stimulate curiosity and appetite in their clientele with an assortment of beautiful and unique gourmet varieties,” going beyond the white button mushroom. They also produce nourishing fungal tinctures with the help of local herbalists. Robin and … Continue reading FARM THE BASIN: Beyond the Button with Mr. Mercy’s Mushrooms →