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X-WR-CALNAME:The Small Farm Training Group
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Small Farm Training Group
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230305T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230305T123000
DTSTAMP:20260410T162155
CREATED:20231026T100748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100748Z
UID:10000082-1678012200-1678019400@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Raising Meat Chickens for Eating
DESCRIPTION:Learn 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 that you know have been truly free ranging\, with no chemicals or additives in your meat unless you put them there. This workshop covers the rearing process from day old chicks\, to 10 weeks of age. \nRaising your own meat chickens can give you food security and food independence\, and are 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. \nWe will look at the different type of meat birds to raise\, where to source day old chicks\, pricing\, as well as the most suitable housing\, how to maximise production for meat\, which are the best feeders and waterers to use to minimise waste\, and how to make feeders and waterers\, as well as any problems to look out for when raising these meat birds. We will also look at the costs of raising these birds versus what they are "worth". \nYou will have the opportunity to look at meat chickens currently being reared\, and ask lots of questions about what works\, and what doesn't\, as well as see our whole set up. There will be the opportunity to look at despatch methods for those who want to stay at the end. \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 probably be available to order or take away on this workshop - please bring a small box if you wish to purchase chicks. \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 2023\, 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/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230306T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230306T140000
DTSTAMP:20260410T162155
CREATED:20231026T102118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T102118Z
UID:10000121-1678096800-1678111200@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Biodynamics & Shamanism
DESCRIPTION:Learn from fellow Member Dr Joanna Gore & learn how she and husband Paul are transforming their farm with Biodynamics and Shamanism – Applying a biodynamic Prep (Horn manure 500) with dynamizing and sacred intention \nBiodynamic farming is a holistic\, ecological\, and ethical approach to farming\, gardening\, food\, and nutrition. A Biodynamic farm or garden is an integrated\, whole living organism made up of many elements. Fields\, forests\, plants\, animals\, soils\, people and the spirit of the place. Biodynamic practitioners work alongside nature to nurture and harmonize these elements to support the vitality of the whole. The biodynamic approach is always organic\, but it also goes beyond organic in that a set of carefully prepared plant and animal based preparations are also applied to the land. These are often applied in ceremony and with mindful intention. Biodynamics is both a science and a 'spiritual' approach to farming. Joanna is a shamanic practitioner as well as a small farmer and so her farming practice integrates the two. \n\nThis workshop will introduce the making of one biodynamic preparation\, Horn Manure 500 and then the practical application of it including the ceremonial dynamizing/stirring and intentional application to the land. \nYou will be asked to bring an edible herb with you that you have mindfully picked yourself for a community tea\, this will connect you energetically with the land before the application.  \nPlease wear wellies and warm clothing\, bring drums or rattles\, if you have them. \nThere will be an overview talk on Biodynamics in the third week of March\, you may wish to attend before the workshop. \n10-2pm – Please bring a packed lunch\, tea and coffee provided. \nLast minute contact: Joanna 07745899462 or joannagore@hotmail.com \nDirections: We are half way between Robertsbridge and Brightling on the Brightling Road. You cannot see the house/farm from the road but we have a laid hedge along the roadside with our gateway in the middle. We are next door to Swallowfield Farm\, the satnav will take you past so please look out for Swallowfield Farm\, we are on the Robertsbridge side of Swallowfield. \nDr Joanna Gore is  Biodynamic and Organic inspector for the Biodynamic Association and has been setting up/running her Biodynamic smallholding for two years.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/biodynamics-shamanism/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230306T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230306T143000
DTSTAMP:20260410T162155
CREATED:20231026T102118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T102118Z
UID:10000122-1678098600-1678113000@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Beginners Pressure & Water Bath Canning Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Join fellow member and knowledgeable pressure Canner Karen\, in a kitchen setting and learn the basics of both water bath canning\, and the process of "Pressure Canning" - (which is not to be confused with pressure cooking that we have here in the UK). \nAre you wondering whether to get into pressure canning but want to experience it before you buy your own equipment?  In this workshop you will be able to see and experience a pressure canner in action and see for yourself before you commit! \nThe Course will introduce how to safely use the equipment with a strong emphasis on food safety\, and we'll adhere to the standards set by the American department of agriculture (USDA). \nThe course shows the preparatory work\, set up of the canner plus storage of canned goods.  We will can examples from start to finish!  You will get a handout with the most important pieces of information and you will be able to ask a lot of questions. \nThis is an ideal workshop for those who want to learn how to preserve their produce without the need to refrigerate\, or freeze. The techniques you learn will give you shelf stable foods for a minimum of one year\, without the need to use expensive electricity. Pressure canning is little used in the UK\, but this process does enable you to preserve and store your precious produce for a minimum of one year in a pantry or cupboard environment. We will be using the "All American" pressure canner. \nThe course includes a light lunch and teas/coffees and biscuits. \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.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/beginners-pressure-water-bath-canning-workshop-2/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230307T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230307T200000
DTSTAMP:20260410T162155
CREATED:20231026T102105Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T102105Z
UID:10000117-1678212000-1678219200@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:High Weald dairy
DESCRIPTION:This is a belter of a tour\, rave accolades abound.  I’ve booked a private tour for SFTG folk at 6pm on Monday 3 July.High Weald are a family owned dairy making georgeous cheese from the same basic ingredient\, milk\, (cows\, sheep and goat) but all tasting very different….I’m sure most of us will have tried their Duddleswell or Slipcote  but they make lots and we get to try them too.   The entire process … from pasteurisation to packaging takes place on the dairy ..they’ve even got an on site smokery.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/high-weald-dairy/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230311T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230311T140000
DTSTAMP:20260410T162155
CREATED:20231026T100748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100748Z
UID:10000083-1678528800-1678543200@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Faecal Egg Count with Kate Scott BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine
DESCRIPTION:Faecal Egg Count  11th March 10-2pm \n\n\n \n\n\nWith Medical herbalist and farmer Kate Scott BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine \n\n\nA day looking at FEC’s and how to carry out yourself on the farm. Everyone will get a chance to have a go \, members are welcome to bring their own samples. Egg id charts and info sheets will be provided to take home. Information on the McMaster slides and kit \, and on sourcing a suitable microscope. Advice about the importance of knowing when to use anthelmintics and the effect overuse has on resistance and soil mocrobia. \n\n\nIf you have your own microscope you are welcome to bring it\, plus a sample of poo\, but just a tablespoon full!! please bring a packed lunch. \n\n\n \n\n\nDirections: We are half way between Robertsbridge and Brightling on the Brightling Road. You cannot see the house/farm from the road but we have a laid hedge along the roadside with our gateway in the middle. We are next door to Swallowfield Farm\, the satnav will take you past so please look out for Swallowfield Farm\, we are on the Robertsbridge side of Swallowfield.
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/faecal-egg-count-with-kate-scott-bsc-hons-herbal-medicine/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230311T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230311T160000
DTSTAMP:20260410T162155
CREATED:20231026T100748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100748Z
UID:10000084-1678530600-1678550400@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Willow Workshop - Fruit Bowls/Basic Baskets
DESCRIPTION:In this workshops you will learn basic willow weaving skills.   and make a basic willow basket/fruit bowl. \nRichard Vidal\, is going to be our tutor.  He has recently retired from the civil service to spend more time with his passion for all things ‘willow’. He has grown his own willow for 18 years and produces beautiful sculptures\, living willow structures\, ornaments and baskets. This introductory workshop will cover the growing\, harvesting\, storage and dipping of dry willow into water to regain its innate flexibility. \nBefore his retirement Richard sold willow at Blackheath Farmers Market and started to teach willow weaving to community groups so understands the different levels of teaching required dependent on previous experience. \nFor this workshop please dress warmly: waterproof gloves and leggings are useful and walking boots or wellies essential.  Please bring secateurs (though spares are available). \nBring a packed lunch.  Tea and coffee will be provided. \nPlease leave your dog at home as it might slow you down in completing your creations\, but if you have no dog sitter then you can bring your pet if it is well behaved and quiet. \nRichard’s mobile is 07597 939668 and his email is richardhvidal@yahoo.co.uk. He is happy to discuss and explain what to expect at the workshop in more detail and to consider making adjustments for any disabilities or injuries. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/willow-workshop-fruit-bowls-basic-baskets/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230324T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230324T213000
DTSTAMP:20260410T162155
CREATED:20231026T100748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100748Z
UID:10000085-1679686200-1679693400@sftg.org.uk
SUMMARY:Free Talk - Biodynamic Farming + Land Healing with Homeopathy
DESCRIPTION:Always wanted to know more about Biodynamic practices and what it involves? How does it even work? Come and meet long time fellow member Dr Joanna Gore and learn how her and her carpenter husband Paul are transforming their farm with Biodynamic Farming. Joanna will be running a workshop for us later in the year teaching us all in depth\, so this Free Friday night talk is a good introduction to see if this could be the right approach for you.\nBiodynamic is a holistic\, ecological\, and ethical approach to farming\, gardening\, food\, and nutrition. A Biodynamic farm or garden is an integrated\, whole living organism made up of many elements. Fields\, forests\, plants\, animals\, soils\, people and the spirit of the place. Biodynamic practitioners work alongside nature to nurture and harmonize these elements to support the vitality of the whole. The biodynamic approach is always organic\, but it also goes beyond organic in that a set of carefully prepared plant and animal based preparations are also applied to the land. \nThese are often applied in ceremony and with mindful intention. Biodynamics is both a science and a 'spiritual' approach to farming. Joanna is a shamanic practitioner as well as a small farmer and so her farming practice integrates the two.  \nOur social events co-ordinator Cat Bush and her team are delighted to be offering free tea and coffee at this events\, as well as a light snack buffet. There will be time at the end for questions\, and of course a good catch up with other members. \nThere is a fully staffed bar at this event - so bring cash or a card to pay for your drinks. \nAs with all of our SFTG events for 2023\, we do require you to book a ticket online. (If anyone is having hardship with booking online due to a rural wifi or similar\, please do call Cat and she will book your ticket to ensure to cater enough food for you.) \nCat Bush can be contacted on: 07484 830000 \n  \n 
URL:https://sftg.org.uk/event/free-talk-biodynamic-farming-land-healing-with-homeopathy/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230325T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230325T160000
DTSTAMP:20260410T162155
CREATED:20231026T100749Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T100749Z
UID:10000086-1679745600-1679760000@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" workshop 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 - we know it's all a bit overwhelming at first\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 this is England - 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-4/
CATEGORIES:SFTG Training Courses
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