Join us for an exciting new educational series featuring real CNG farmers! Branching Out is an exploration of new enterprises to expand your vegetable operation. Topics include:

• Adding Strawberries to Your Sustainable Farm (Live event passed -- recording available through ticket purchase)
  
  • Fresh fruit is highly coveted at market! This film follows Sarah Singer of Southern Seed Garlic (AR) as she takes you through the process of planting and tending a self-renewing strawberry patch. Joined by Mike Hedge (VA) and Josephine Alexander (MS) for our Farmer Discussion Panel, you'll learn their tried-and-true methods of growing for farmer's markets, CSA, and roadside stand sales.

• Growing, Harvesting, and Storing Leafy Greens (Live event passed -- recording available through ticket purchase)
  • Sponsored by Vermont Compost
  • Most farmers are growing leafy greens, but it takes special attention to master this high-value crop for an extended season. In this film, Kat Johnson of Kat The Farmer (VA) explains her best practices for growing high-quality lettuces on her salad-centric farm. Joined by Dan Gagnon (VA) and Liz Visser (MI), our Farmer Discussion Panel covers everything from their favorite seed varieties, harvest methods, pest and disease management, and more!

• Adding Broiler Chickens (Live event passed -- recording available through ticket purchase)
  • Sponsored by Reedy Fork Organic Farm
  • In this film, Robert White of Crickhollow Farm (VA) shares all you need to know about beginning a pastured chicken operation. Covering bird care and health, infrastructure, and honest cost breakdowns, you'll learn how you can make your market stand a one-stop-shop with delicious proteins to supplement your vegetable production. Joined by Tamita Brown (GA) and Chris Peterson (MS) for our Farmer Discussion Panel, they'll offer a diversity of experience ranging in scale of production, breed selection, and harvesting methods

• Adding Cut Flowers to Your Produce Operation (Live event passed -- recording available through ticket purchase)
  • Sponsored by Felco
  • Nothing draws customers into your market booth quite like a bright bouquet of fresh, local flowers. This film follows Andy and Vanessa Borak of Red Fern Farm (VA), who added a plot of cut flowers to their vegetable operation and haven't looked back! Lauren Padovano (WI) and Liz Whitehurst (MD) will round out our Farmer Discussion panel. Explore best beginner varieties, considerations, trellising, harvesting, and bouquet building strategies -- you just might be selling flowers by next season!

• The Mighty Power of Microgreens (Live event passed -- recording available through ticket purchase)
  • Sponsored by Paperpot Co.
    
  • These small plants pack a mighty punch-- both in nutritional value and potential income for your farm. In this film, farmer Michael Torbett at Terra Vita Farms (NC) demonstrates his seed-to-sales process for growing microgreens, which account for 50% of his farm's revenue. Joined by Tresor Thomas (MD) and Sam Otto (MI), our Farmer Discussion Panel will cover a range of production practices and scale.

Participants will receive an advance copy of the film, along with supplemental notes and worksheets.
An optional pre-discussion screening of the film begins at 7:45 EDT.
Group introductions, panelist discussion, and Q&As begin at 8:00 EDT. 

**Tickets may be purchased for single events by selecting the "ticket type" below. There is a bundled discount of 25% off for enrollment in all five sessions.**

CNG member farmers receive 50% off. Contact erin@naturallygrown.org for discount code (or check your email history for "Branching Out.")