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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Small Farm Training Group
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220403T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220403T120000
DTSTAMP:20260415T163855
CREATED:20231026T100416Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100416Z
UID:10000020-1648980000-1648987200@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Practical Lambing - Note change of date
DESCRIPTION:If you haven't lambed before consider also taking the SFTG Free Zoom Theory Course on Getting Ready For Lambing on 21st Feb 2022 at 7 p.m.\n \nThis workshop is for people who have little experience of lambing and/or people who are thinking of breeding sheep for the 1st time. It will take place in the lambing barn so bring clean boots and wear appropriate clothing (waterproof trousers if you have them).  It will be a hands-on workshop\, so be prepared to get mucky. \nYou will see an indoor lambing set-up and discuss what the ewe does before\, during and after giving birth - possibly you may see a difficult presentation where intervention in the natural process is necessary. \nPeter will also show you how to do all the jobs a good shepherd needs to do - getting the lamb to take its first breath\, disinfecting navel cords\, castrations\, ear tagging\, tube and bottle feeding. He will discuss how to cope with common problems like prolapses\, fostering\, turned in eyelids and bumble foot. You will learn how to prevent hypothermia and reduce infections. \nPlease do not come if you are pregnant.  Parking at the farm is tight so please car share if possible.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/practical-lambing-note-change-of-date/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220406T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220406T123000
DTSTAMP:20260415T163855
CREATED:20231026T100416Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100416Z
UID:10000021-1649241000-1649248200@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Raising Meat Chickens For Eating - The Free Range Way
DESCRIPTION:Worried about the huge increase in rising food costs? Concerned that there may be food supply issues? or maybe you are just thinking that you would like to control what goes into your food? - Then you need to come on one of our workshops. We are running this on 6th April - either come in the morning or evening\, both workshops are the same. Not local to BN86JD? Come to the evening Zoom version\, we want everyone rearing their own birds …. \nLearn the basics of raising free range "meat" chickens for home consumption. This isn't a case of simply eating your spare cockerels\, but a workshop dedicated to rearing the types of birds that are specifically selectively bred for meat consumption. You can then produce your own free range chickens in your back garden or smallholding. Not only does this mean meat with  with no chemicals or additives in your meat unless you put them there\, but is a great way of rearing meat at less than a quarter of the cost of a buying one. \nThis workshop covers the rearing process from day old chicks\, through to harvesting. \nRaising your own meat chickens gives you complete food security\, against supply issues\, and huge increases in food pricing. They are also a good option for those just starting out in livestock production\, who want to see if they can manage the realities of raising meat to eat. (it's not for everyone). \nIf you already keep garden chickens and are thinking meat birds can't be much different. THINK AGAIN.... There is so much more to raising a meat bird\, if you have never done it\, please book this workshop. \nWe will look at the different type of meat birds to raise\, where to source your meat and table birds\, the pricing at point of buying\, how to care for your birds\, giving your chicks the best possible start right from day old\, minimising your mortality rates\, and as you are rearing meat to eat\, how to maximise your investment with maximum output. \nWhilst some areas will be similar to raising normal garden chickens\, there are massive differences in raising a meat bird\, from the brooder\, to the housing\, the feeders\, the waterers\, let alone the meat production side to it. We will look at any problems to look out for when raising these meat birds\, solutions\, and top tips from an experienced grower. \nWe will also look at the costs of raising these birds versus what they are "worth" - you will be surprised ! \nThis workshop forms part of our Food Security & Food Independence series\, designed to help you become more self sufficient with your food options. For smallholders looking to increase income whilst living off of the land\, we also give real life facts and figures on costings\, which can all go towards a business plan if you are seeking an agricultural occupancy for a planning application.  \nLive chicks and chick crumb will available* to buy on this workshop - please bring a small box if you wish to purchase chicks. (If available* at the time) \n* This workshop is set on a working smallholding and in a family kitchen environment where cats and dogs have been / are present - please inform the host of any allergies. \nCan't make this date? Event sold out? We will be running this course several times in 2022\, please check our diary for other available times. Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/raising-meat-chickens-for-eating-the-free-range-way-2/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220406T191500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220406T211500
DTSTAMP:20260415T163855
CREATED:20231026T100416Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100416Z
UID:10000022-1649272500-1649279700@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Raising Meat Chickens For Eating - The Free Range Way
DESCRIPTION:Worried about the huge increase in rising food costs? Concerned that there may be food supply issues? or maybe you are just thinking that you would like to control what goes into your food? - Then you need to come on one of our workshops. \nLearn the basics of raising free range "meat" chickens for home consumption. This isn't a case of simply eating your spare cockerels\, but a workshop dedicated to rearing the types of birds that are specifically selectively bred for meat consumption. You can then produce your own free range chickens in your back garden or smallholding. Not only does this mean meat with  with no chemicals or additives in your meat unless you put them there\, but is a great way of rearing meat at less than a quarter of the cost of a buying one. \nThis workshop covers the rearing process from day old chicks\, through to harvesting. \nRaising your own meat chickens gives you complete food security\, against supply issues\, and huge increases in food pricing. They are also a good option for those just starting out in livestock production\, who want to see if they can manage the realities of raising meat to eat. (it's not for everyone). \nIf you already keep garden chickens and are thinking meat birds can't be much different. THINK AGAIN.... There is so much more to raising a meat bird\, if you have never done it\, please book this workshop. \nWe will look at the different type of meat birds to raise\, where to source your meat and table birds\, the pricing at point of buying\, how to care for your birds\, giving your chicks the best possible start right from day old\, minimising your mortality rates\, and as you are rearing meat to eat\, how to maximise your investment with maximum output. \nWhilst some areas will be similar to raising normal garden chickens\, there are massive differences in raising a meat bird\, from the brooder\, to the housing\, the feeders\, the waterers\, let alone the meat production side to it. We will look at any problems to look out for when raising these meat birds\, solutions\, and top tips from an experienced grower. \nWe will also look at the costs of raising these birds versus what they are "worth" - you will be surprised ! \nThis workshop forms part of our Food Security & Food Independence series\, designed to help you become more self sufficient with your food options. For smallholders looking to increase income whilst living off of the land\, we also give real life facts and figures on costings\, which can all go towards a business plan if you are seeking an agricultural occupancy for a planning application.  \nLive chicks and chick crumb will available* to buy on this workshop - please bring a small box if you wish to purchase chicks. (If available* at the time) \n* This workshop is set on a working smallholding and in a family kitchen environment where cats and dogs have been / are present - please inform the host of any allergies. \nCan't make this date? Event sold out? We will be running this course several times in 2022\, please check our diary for other available times. Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/raising-meat-chickens-for-eating-the-free-range-way-3/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220408T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220408T213000
DTSTAMP:20260415T163855
CREATED:20231026T100416Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100416Z
UID:10000023-1649446200-1649453400@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:FREE TALK:  Finding Treasures on Your Land
DESCRIPTION:Father and son Robin and Jamie Hodgkinson will explain the benefits of allowing responsible metal detecting on your land finding lost car keys\, tools and metal parts\, lost to historical artefacts etc. For instance\, one farmer uses their services to clear his land of debris left after boot fairs and the like. \nRobin and Jamie work closely with archeologists and have - with land-owners' consent - donated many items to the Lewes museum. They have also restored lost rings and other personal items to their grateful owners. \nFriday 8th April at the Goward Hall\, Cade Street\, Heathfield TN21 9BU. Click here for directions.\nDoors open at 7.30 for refreshments and chit-chat; talk starts at 8 pm and finishes at 9 pm or shortly thereafter.\nThe Half Moon pub opposite the hall is happy to supply 'take-out' drinks. \nBooking is not essential but it would help us if you do in that we can then contact you in the case of last minute changes or cancellation. \nNON-MEMBERS WELCOME AT THIS EVENT
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/free-talk-finding-treasures-on-your-land/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Monthly Meetings,Social Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220409T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220409T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T163855
CREATED:20231026T100448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100448Z
UID:10000024-1649505600-1649520000@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:An Introduction to Smallholding
DESCRIPTION:Perhaps you're about to take over a smallholding? Or are you relatively new to keeping land and animals? If so\, perhaps you feel you'd like to talk the issues through with others in the same boat\, and with someone who's been doing it for a while? If that sounds like you\, then our "Introduction to smallholding" course is just the thing for you.\nCome and spend the afternoon finding out what smallholding entails from a practical perspective\, as you visit this 7 acre plot. Paul Lovatt Smith has been working on the land for over 15 years\, and has a wealth of knowledge that he's happy to share\, including \n\nHow to get started\nWhat's involved with the paperwork and legal aspects\, as well as the finances\nA basic overview of keeping poultry\, sheep\, cattle and pigs\nGrowing veg\nMaking hay and growing small-scale cereals\n\nPlease note: this course will be held outdoors (and partly in a barn) - so please do wear suitable outdoors clothing\, bearing in mind that in April it may well be cold and damp (or warm and sunny\, boiling and dry\, windy and snowing... you get the picture). \nCan't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again. \n 
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/an-introduction-to-smallholding-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220412T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220412T113000
DTSTAMP:20260415T163855
CREATED:20231026T100448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100448Z
UID:10000025-1649757600-1649763000@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Small Small Farmers - Keeping Quail for Pets & Eggs
DESCRIPTION:For our Small\, Small Farmers\, rearing quail are really super easy\, and make a great pet to start out with - and best of all\, they give you delicious\, and nutritious eggs to eat too! Come and meet Debbie who leads our Small\, Small Farmers\, and who will lead the children as they meet with our resident quail expert on the farm.  \nQuail can be raised in small spaces\, and so are the ideal livestock starter\, not just for smallholders\, but those with small gardens\, or even just a balcony or patio\, and they are a good starter bird for children. Great if you are a parent of a keen farmer\, as they really don't take much looking after either!  \nWe will look at the different type of quail to raise\, how to care for your quail\, and keep them so happy that they will lay you the most wonderful eggs. We will also look at the costs of raising these birds versus what they bring back\, you could even increase your pocket mony by starting a little quail egg selling business. You will be given the chance to sample some quail  eggs on this workshop too. \nThis workshop forms part of our Small\, Small Farmers series\, check out our diary of events to see what else we have for our younger farmers. There will be quail available to purchase on the day\, as well as quail food\, so please bring a box if you want to take some quail home. \n* This workshop is set on a working smallholding and in a family kitchen environment where cats and dogs have been / are present - please inform the host of any issues or allergies. \nCan't make this date? Event sold out? We will be running this course several times in 2022\, please check our diary for other available times. Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/small-small-farmers-keeping-quail-for-pets-eggs/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220413T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220413T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T163855
CREATED:20231026T100448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100448Z
UID:10000026-1649878200-1649883600@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Raising Meat Chickens For Eating - ZOOM workshop
DESCRIPTION:Worried about the huge increase in rising food costs? Concerned that there may be food supply issues? or maybe you are just thinking that you would like to control what goes into your food? - Then you need to come on one of our workshops\, and if you can't get to us in person\, then we are bringing this workshop to you\, direct on ZOOM. \nLearn the basics of raising free range "meat" chickens for home consumption. This isn't a case of simply eating your spare cockerels\, but a workshop dedicated to rearing the types of birds that are specifically selectively bred for meat consumption. You can then produce your own free range chickens in your back garden or smallholding. Not only does this mean meat with  with no chemicals or additives in your meat unless you put them there\, but is a great way of rearing meat at less than a quarter of the cost of a buying one. \nThis workshop covers the rearing process from day old chicks\, through to harvesting.  Raising your own meat chickens gives you complete food security\, against supply issues\, and huge increases in food pricing. They are also a good option for those just starting out in livestock production\, who want to see if they can manage the realities of raising meat to eat. (it's not for everyone). \nIf you already keep garden chickens and are thinking meat birds can't be much different. THINK AGAIN.... There is so much more to raising a meat bird\, if you have never done it\, please book this workshop. \nWe will look at the different type of meat birds to raise\, where to source your meat and table birds\, the pricing at point of buying\, how to care for your birds\, giving your chicks the best possible start right from day old\, minimising your mortality rates\, and as you are rearing meat to eat\, how to maximise your investment with maximum output. \nWhilst some areas will be similar to raising normal garden chickens\, there are massive differences in raising a meat bird\, from the brooder\, to the housing\, the feeders\, the waterers\, let alone the meat production side to it. We will look at any problems to look out for when raising these meat birds\, solutions\, and top tips from an experienced grower. \nWe will also look at the costs of raising these birds versus what they are "worth" - you will be (pleasantly) surprised ! \nThis workshop forms part of our Food Security & Food Independence series\, designed to help you become more self sufficient with your food options. For smallholders looking to increase income whilst living off of the land\, we also give real life facts and figures on costings\, which can all go towards a business plan if you are seeking an agricultural occupancy for a planning application. This workshop is suitable for anyone looking to rear between 5-100 birds\, in a small setting. It is not designed to cover any form of commercial chicken farming\, especially not rearing birds wholly indoors. \nPlease note we usually run this as an in person workshop - where it takes 2 hours\, but includes a cuppa tea and a tour of our chicken housing\, and meet the chicks. We have had lots of requests from people outside the area to run it via zoom\, so this a a first for us. We think it will take slightly less time at an hour and a half\, but we'll see how it goes. There is ample time for questions and interaction - come and ask away!\n \nCan't make this date? Event sold out? We will be running this course several times in 2022\, please check our diary for other available times. Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/raising-meat-chickens-for-eating-zoom-workshop/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220419T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220531T180000
DTSTAMP:20260415T163855
CREATED:20231026T100448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100448Z
UID:10000027-1650355200-1654020000@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bottle Feeding of Lambs
DESCRIPTION:This is an event for Small\, Small Farmers (but grown-ups are also welcome with or without children). Come and help feed my seven bottle fed lambs.  They are delightful and it is very rewarding to feed them. They need feeding at breakfast\, lunch and tea time for several weeks and then only morning and evening.  So maybe there is a day and time that would suit you!  I am busier with my own friends and family at weekends so in the comments box please say the ages and number of children who would like to come and whether you could come on a weekday/weekend and whether you could make a morning/lunchtime or teatime slot. I will then e-mail you with a date/time and we can negotiate from there\, but as I go from  several feeds a day down to one its is often difficult to plan too far in advance.\nWe will be in my barn\, so wear boots and warm clothes that can be washed.   Bottle feeding usually takes 20 -30 minutes (faster when one feeds more than one lamb at a time!)
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/bottle-feeding-of-lambs/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220423T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220423T130000
DTSTAMP:20260415T163855
CREATED:20231026T100448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100448Z
UID:10000028-1650708000-1650718800@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Community market\, Ringmer
DESCRIPTION:Many of the SFTG members often have excess produce throughout the year so the monthly market will provide them with an outlet. These markets will offer local artists\, makers\, bakers\, preservers etc the opportunity to sell their wares. There will be teas & coffee\, cakes of course\, plenty of vegan\, gluten free options too.If you'd like to book a space for selling contact Jay Kendall at knitwit95@gmail.com\nTables are just £10 for the day.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/community-market-ringmer/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220423T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220423T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T163855
CREATED:20231026T100617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100617Z
UID:10000029-1650715200-1650729600@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:An Introduction to Smallholding
DESCRIPTION:Perhaps you're about to take over a smallholding? Or are you relatively new to keeping land and animals? If so\, perhaps you feel you'd like to talk the issues through with others in the same boat\, and with someone who's been doing it for a while? If that sounds like you\, then our "Introduction to smallholding" course is just the thing for you.\nCome and spend the afternoon finding out what smallholding entails from a practical perspective\, as you visit this 7 acre plot. Paul Lovatt Smith has been working on the land for over 15 years\, and has a wealth of knowledge that he's happy to share\, including \n\nHow to get started\nWhat's involved with the paperwork and legal aspects\, as well as the finances\nA basic overview of keeping poultry\, sheep\, cattle and pigs\nGrowing veg\nMaking hay and growing small-scale cereals\n\nPlease note: this course will be held outdoors (and partly in a barn) - so please do wear suitable outdoors clothing\, bearing in mind that in April it may well be cold and damp (or warm and sunny\, boiling and dry\, windy and snowing... you get the picture). \nCan't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again. \n 
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/an-introduction-to-smallholding-3/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220423T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220423T163000
DTSTAMP:20260415T163855
CREATED:20231026T100617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100617Z
UID:10000030-1650722400-1650731400@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Kitchen Gardening
DESCRIPTION:Make this the best year yet in your veg garden!\nLearn from a gardener with decades of experience in growing vegetables. This course will be led by the SFTG's Jenny Huggett\, who many of you will know from our regular Friday evening meetings\, open farm days and annual picnics as well as Marcus Wareing's Tales From a Kitchen Garden.\nAlthough she wouldn’t tell you so herself\, the chances are that if Jenny doesn’t know the answer to a question\, then it probably doesn’t have an answer. \nIn this course\, you’ll learn about such topics as: \n\nWhat to plant for year-round fresh or stored vegetables\, and when to plant it\nWhich vegetable varieties to grow\, including what works well in this area (and what doesn’t!)\nCaring for your vegetable plants\nFeeding the soil so as to get the most from it\nThe benefits of no-dig gardening\nHow best to avoid pests without chemicals\nCompanion planting – which plants will help each other\, and which will hinder?\nSeed saving\n\nSo go on - book now! We are sure you won't have bean on a better course! \nCan't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again. \nSpecial offer: 2 free vegetable plants for every attendee!
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/kitchen-gardening/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
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