[Scpg] Master Biodynamic Farmer to Teach Summer Course in Farming and Gardening at Cal Poly

[scpg-admin at arashi.com]

Hi folks -

The SARC is pleased to announce that the Student Farm at Cal Poly will host an
exciting 5-part course (through Extended Ed) taught by master Biodynamic 
farmer
Steve Moore (formerly of Moore Ranch near Santa Barbara) starting July 14.

Please see the post below (or attachment) for details and enrollment info.
Although the focus will be "market gardening" with special coverage of
Biodynamic techniques for improving produce yield and quality, the course will
be of interest to any farmer/gardener seeking to improve their skills.

Hope you can join us for this unique opportunity!

Hunter Francis
The Sustainable Agriculture Resource Center
Cal Poly State University
805-756-5086

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"Market Gardening"
At Cal Poly’s Organic Student Experimental Farm
Offered this summer through Extended Education

With Instructor Dr. Stephen Moore, Biodynamic Farmer/Bio-Ag Consultant
Steve Moore has over 30 years farming experience and ran a successful CSA
program from his ranch in Santa Barbara County for 10 years.  He is one of the
most respected Biodynamic farmers in the nation and has many valuable insights
to share on achieving success on the farm or garden.

Dates:  Saturday mornings ­ July 14, 21, 28, August 4 and 11.  9 a.m. - 12 noon

Location:  Cal Poly Student Experimental Farm, San Luis Obispo

This five-part class will present and explore a variety of profitable growing
methods and marketing alternatives for large-scale gardeners and small
farmers.  Special emphasis will be placed on biodynamic growing methods and
design and implementation of community supported (CSA) marketing programs.
Hands-on methods will be explored on the Student Farm site, home of Cal Poly’s
organic CSA market garden.

Meeting #1, July 14 ­ Introduction and Orientation
Topics:  Goal setting, marketing alternatives, production planning, site
planning and layout, introduction to biodynamic principles, access to resources

Meeting #2, July 21 ­ Soil and Compost
Topics:  Soils, humus, biodynamic perspective on clay, lime, silica, and other
soil minerals, biodynamic composting, biodynamic compost preparations

Meeting #3, July 28 ­ Fertilization
Topics:  Soil and plan nutrition, soil testing, manures, soil ammendments,
green manures and cover crops, compost tea, biodynamic sprays, tillage and bed
preparation

Meeting #4, August 4 ­ Planting and Propagation
Topics:  Seeds, sowing, transplanting, cosmic rhythms, season extenders, seed
sources and saving, weeds, crop sequencing, crop rotations, companion planting

Meeting #5, August 11 ­ Pest Management and Marketing
Topics:  Biodynamic approach to pests and disease, cosmetic and nutritional
quality, market requirements and issues, achieving profitability

For enrollment and details, please contact: Cal Poly Extended Education
www.extendededucation.calpoly.edu           756-2053