Thank you, all, for your patience last week when we migrated FarmsReach to a new web host and upgraded security to the latest/recommended SSL protocol. It was quite an endeavor!! If you have any issues connecting, please email us at support@farmsreach.com, as we're still troubleshooting a few last glitches.

Stay tuned as well about a member survey via email... After six years, we would love to hear your thoughts about what would be (more) useful for your operation. Thanks!

Wayside Farm School is seeking an Instructor with knowledge of pollinator, beneficial insects and irrigation. Unique opportunity to build culture ariund food and farming. Great pay and benefits. Year round operation. contact Patrick Mitchell for more info at patrickm@fivekeyscharter.org.

Wayside Farm School is seeking an instructor to join our team. At WFS we are as interested in team members who are committed as o the craft of farming and want to share that deep interest with others. This instructor should have knowledge of drip and overhead irrigation as well as some knowledge of integrated pest management. An interest in pollinators and their habitat is desired. In exchange for thes qualities we pay nicely and offer an excellent benefit package. If you want more information email: patrickm@fivekeyscharter.org And check out our website at http://www.waysidefarmschool.org.

In September, UC SAREP & FarmsReach hosted the first CA Farmer Educator Summit in Sacramento. The resulting Top 15 Priority Areas, Directory of Organizations (incl. programs & regions served), Ecosystem Map (where orgs are based/served), and Ecosystem Chart (services offered in each program area) are all covered in today’s blog. It also includes details about the new list-serve for CA farm-focused organizations, collaborative fundraising strategies, and other priorities identified during the meeting.

The Summit built on momentum from the Farm Education Network (FEN) started on the Central Coast and on results from the January 2015 strategy session hosted by FarmsReach and Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA) in Pacific Grove, CA.

If your CA farmer organization hasn’t already done so, please fill out the Farm Education Network survey. UC SAREP and FarmsReach will periodically

In September, UC SAREP & FarmsReach hosted the first CA Farmer Educator Summit in Sacramento. The resulting Top 15 Priority Areas, Directory of Organizations (incl. programs & regions served), Ecosystem Map (where orgs are based/served), and Ecosystem Chart (services offered in each program area) are all covered in today’s blog. It also includes details about the new list-serve for CA farm-focused organizations, collaborative fundraising strategies, and other priorities identified during the meeting.

The Summit built on momentum from the Farm Education Network (FEN) started on the Central Coast and on results from the January 2015 strategy session hosted by FarmsReach and Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA) in Pacific Grove, CA.

If your CA farmer organization hasn’t already done so, please fill out the Farm Education Network survey. UC SAREP and FarmsReach will periodically post updates to the directory and ecosystem resources below:

• Directory of Organizations - including mission, programs & activities, regions served and contact information.
• Ecosystem Map - where organizations are based and serve in CA.
• Ecosystem Chart - types of offerings organizations provide in each program area.
• Summit 15 Priority Focus Areas - identified during the Summit.

Today's blog: Inaugural CA Farmer Educator Summit: Overview & Resources .

Wayside Farm School Introduction

Wayside Farm School is an intensive, sustainable, agriculture education program operated by Five Keys Schools and Programs under contract with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The Farm School rests west of the Castaic Hills along Castaic Creek, just north of the majestic 10,000 foot San Gabriel Mountains and the Santa Clara River. Farming on as much as 200 acres of fertile, sandy loam dotted with century old oaks, it is not uncommon to see a dozen student-workers pushing seeders, laying drip tape or forming beds with an old John Deere tractor. The program trains inmates in all aspects of sustainable farming through the hands-on operation of a diversified vegetable, fruit and herb farm. In addition, the farm raises laying chickens, grows hay and makes 40 cubic yards of compost every month out of food and landscape waste generated by the expansive facility.

Wayside Farm School Introduction

Wayside Farm School is an intensive, sustainable, agriculture education program operated by Five Keys Schools and Programs under contract with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The Farm School rests west of the Castaic Hills along Castaic Creek, just north of the majestic 10,000 foot San Gabriel Mountains and the Santa Clara River. Farming on as much as 200 acres of fertile, sandy loam dotted with century old oaks, it is not uncommon to see a dozen student-workers pushing seeders, laying drip tape or forming beds with an old John Deere tractor. The program trains inmates in all aspects of sustainable farming through the hands-on operation of a diversified vegetable, fruit and herb farm. In addition, the farm raises laying chickens, grows hay and makes 40 cubic yards of compost every month out of food and landscape waste generated by the expansive facility. Currently there are approximately 12 acres in food production and an additional 40 acres in hay or cover crops. This cutting edge school operates beyond organically, and direct markets all of its products throughout Los Angeles County including the more than 1,800 employees who work at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic, CA.—Home to Wayside Farm School. Much of the Farm School’s produce goes into jail kitchens, and provides food for the farm school and other vocational team events, creating a strong farm-to-fork environment. At this time, Wayside Farm School is developing the first-of-its kind, Employee Supported Agriculture program based on a traditional CSA model. Wayside Farm School is not an inmate work program, it is a training ground for the next generation of Southern California Farmer.

The Position

Five Keys is looking for a passionate, excited and positive Farm School Instructor with a specific focus on Integrated Irrigation, Pest and Pathogen Management Instructor. This position is responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of all types of irrigation systems from large scale (4’’-12”) PVC and Aluminum lines, to low pressure drip systems for agricultural, commercial and residential applications. The position is also responsible for pest (insect, nematode and small mammal) control, and the identification and management of plant and soil pathogens. This instructor will oversee a work crew of up to 10 inmates and will be responsible for working throughout the Farm and Ranch area comprised of over 200 acres (Pitchess Detention Center covers more than 2600 acres). The IIPPM Instructor will provide hands-on training and demonstrate a strong work ethic throughout the day, often working side-by-side with inmate students. Instructors will teach a formal course (irrigation or IPM) in a classroom setting for one hour, two days a week. It is expected candidates will have a working knowledge of the subjects they teach, and possess the ability to utilize a combination of industry experience and formal education in the design and operation of their programs. Instructors are encouraged to explore all aspects of sustainable agriculture, and may be asked to teach subject matter other than those listed in their job description. This job is not for everyone, but for those willing to work through the complexities of this unique situation, the rewards are outstanding. All instructors must hold, or be willing to obtain, a single subject CTE credential (Preliminary within 30 days of hire and a clear credential within 3 years of hire.) A high School diploma is required to obtain the above credentials.

Compensation

Wayside Farm School is a program of Five Keys Schools and Programs where diversity is encouraged and celebrated in the work place. Compensation starts at $50,000+ based on education and experience. Excellent benefits include medical, dental and vision (Employee and dependents), paid vacation, an incredible team environment, on-site cafeteria style lunch (Free), and the potential to park an RV (with power and water) off-site, adjacent to the facility.

Have you put in your 10 minutes to complete the survey to be shared with over a dozen California agriculture organizations, so we can better serve YOUR needs (and be more effective and impactful)?? So far, Printed Best Practices, Drought Management, and Purchasing Help are in the lead. What’s your take?

This survey campaign will continue until at least half of you complete the quick & easy survey, so please take the 5-10 mins for the benefit of the whole community. AND: win one of two $250 cash prizes!

ORGANIZATIONS: We need your 5-minute survey answers too! Click to mark your spot in the very cool Ecosystem Maps. You could win a cash prize too!

Read more background on this survey project…

This group is for farmers and others who want to post their rainfall totals for the day, YTD, % of normal, etc. Join the group if you are interested.