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2023 Twilights
May 2023 – Apple Orchard Maintenance @ E.L. Silvia Farm w/ URI Extension
Here’s a look at our practice tree after all the pruning was done – what a difference just a few cuts can make!
Ed got us all involved in the process, showing just how much can be trimmed from
Huge thank you to Ed Silvia for hosting this workshop and giving us a hands-on experience with tree pruining!
Thank you to Heather Faubert from URI Extension for joining us to share information on pest control in orchards and tree plants.
While apple blossoms are beautiful, trees this full of branches need a good pruning! There’s an old saying, “trade this year’s aesthetic for next year’s crop.”
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the workshop as well! We had a great crowd of growers and orchardists to learn with and hear from Ed firsthand!
Our practice tree before the pruning began, full of extra branches and in need of care
Alpaca are notable for their large bottom front teeth, and actually have no front teeth outside of some strong back molars
Some shaved fiber, cleaned and ready to go to the fiber pool
Thank you to our fantastic host, farmer David Rose!
David has been raising alpaca for over a decade, and now has a flock of 83 animals, the largest in the state!
Like many fiber businesses, David shears his alpaca in the middle of Spring, and the rest of the year is focused on animal care, including many live births right on the farm.
Alpaca fiber has many great benefits, including being hypoallergenic, moisture wicking, and comfortable!
Fiber producers face many pressures similar to other ag producers, including climate change. Warmer winters mean alpaca hair grows slower, which leads to less yield.
NOFA Board member John Duke, who helped organize the event, also showcased some soil tests and samples from the past
NOFA Soil Technician Ruben Parrilla brought all his tools and expertise with him, breaking down soil health to the tiniest level, the microbes, to help us understand just what’s happening below our feet
Some soil pulled from the fields at Weatherlow, giving everyone a chance to look at the richness and details NOFA discussed
Two soil samples, one from a bed (R) and one from the edge of the field(L), being tested for how well they hold and withstand water. One of the many ways we can see soil health in action!
Phoebe has been working with NOFA staff on her greenhouse beds for three years, and the results of that work are on full display
Our most esteemed guest of the evening!
What better way to talk about the soil than to get right down into it?
Many great discussions and conversations were had, with questions covering how to define no-till, how to start the practice, what plants can be used to promote soil health and regeneration, and more.
Weatherlow Flower farmer Phoebe Poole lead us through a conversation on her greenhouse production.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on this humid and windy night in Westport!
May 2023 – Apple Orchard Maintenance @ E.L. Silvia Farm w/ URI Extension
