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Workshops
Join us for Berkshire Grown farmer workshops, giving farmers opportunities to learn from experts on everything from farm production, business management, marketing, and more.
Explore our upcoming workshops below for details and registration.
Grant Writing Skills for Farmers
Presented by
Kara Weinstein
Overview
This two-part workshop, hosted virtually via Zoom, will provide information on what grant funding sources for farmers, how to interpret a grant application, and tips for developing a successful grant proposal.
Part 1: What & How to Prepare for Upcoming Grants
- Tuesday, January 7th
- 10 am – 12 pm
- Zoom
Part 2: Grant Specifics
- Tuesday, January 28th
- 10 am – 12 pm
- Zoom
Cost for Farmers & Food Producers
$40 – Suggested amount for both workshops, Sliding Scale Payment available
About Kara Weinstein
Kara is a food systems consultant based in Saugerties, NY. As founder of KHW Strategies, she works with food systems and sustainable agriculture operators and nonprofits on strategic vision, operations, grant writing and execution, and project management. She has a background in corporate sustainability + ESG consulting and communications. Kara holds a Master's in Food Systems from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Environmental Policy and Culture from Northwestern University.
Financial Wellness
for Retirement
and Beyond
Presented by
Katherine Newey
Financial Planner and Investment Advisor Representative at Baystate Financial
Overview
Financial Wellness is the ability to have control over your budget, resources to absorb a financial shock, and be on track to reach your financial goals.
This presentation will provide farmers with an overview of saving, investing, retiring and estate planning. The goal is to demystify the world of financial planning to help you get started or make smarter financial decisions for the long-term.
Katherine understands that financial planning looks different for everyone, there’s not a one size fits all approach. As a farmer herself, she is uniquely positioned to present this information in a way that is relatable to farmers of all ages, income levels and areas of life.
- Wednesday, January 15th
-
Lunch at 12:30 pm, sponsored by Berkshire Conservation District
Presentation 1-3 pm -
Berkshire Athenaeum
1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Athenaeum Room (upstairs, back right corner)
*Option to Zoom - Get Directions
About Katherine Newey
She has created professional development courses for educators working diligently with several school districts in the Berkshires. These flexible communication skills translate into building detailed, focused, and rewarding investment strategies for her clients.
Katherine and her husband, Larry Newey, are establishing a community-based farm in Stockbridge, MA. Their mission is to educate members in life, farming, and creative arts skills. Being blessed with 5 talented children: Joshua, Luke, Lincoln, Lauren, and Chantal brings hope for the next generations enjoying a sustainable legacy.
CA Insurance License # 0L24632
Katherine Newey is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through Mass Mutual Life Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. OSJ: 1 Marina Park Drive, 16th Floor Boston MA 02210. 617-585-4500. CRN202607-4747872
Labor-Movement with Cynthia Flores
Presented by
Cynthia Flores
Overview
Improving body movements in everyday farm work for health and longevity.
Description
Labor-Movement believes that when you move well, you work well. Our mission is to help farmers, fishermen, landscapers, and industrial athletes to improve their movement health + wellness, increase efficiency and extend longevity in a season or career
- Tuesday, April 15TH
- 1 pm – 3 pm
- This workshop will be in person, location to be announced (Pittsfield, MA)
Cost
$20 – Suggested amount, Sliding Scale payment available
About the Presenters:
Cynthia Flores founded Labor-Movement LLC in 2020 with the mission of working with farmers and farmworkers to train body mechanics and movement patterns used in farming. Cynthia farmed in Western Maine for 20 years and is a Certified Personal Trainer, Functional Movement Specialist, Licensed Massage Therapist, and strength athlete.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON!
Social Media Marketing Panel- Making social media work for you!
Presented by
Dawn Stanyon (Dawn Loves Social), Kat Ragone (Starry Ridge Farm), Meg Bantle (Full Well Farm), Abby Angelo (Guido’s)
Overview
Do you find yourself struggling to prioritize social media among the myriad of other tasks on your to do list? Or are you wondering if what you’re doing on social media is even effective?
Join us for a panel presentation of farmers and social media experts who will cover these questions and much more.
Through a mix of short presentations and Q&A, the panelists will share their experience and tips to help you: define your audiences, choose the right platforms to reach those audiences, understand the algorithm to increase engagement, develop strategies to motivate people to action, and most importantly how to create a social media structure that works for you!
*Option to Zoom
Join us after the workshop for a farmer social at Hot Plate Brewery!
Cost
$20 – Suggested amount, Sliding Scale payment available
About the Presenters:
Dawn believes in the positive power of social media to create community and grow opportunity. Since 2015, Dawn has worked with small businesses and nonprofits as a social media consultant and content creator. She supports Berkshire Grown’s social media presence for five years. In her previous work life, Dawn was director of sales for the Emily Post Institute and director of development and communications at the largest VNA & Hospice in Vermont. Dawn is an ExtraSpecialTeas board member and served on the board of the Southern Berkshire Chamber for seven years.