Attention Farmers & Ranchers (to include all growers, ranchers, workers of the land, shepherds, cattle people, and farm advocates)!!!
There's a new group just for you being formed in Ventura County.
Join us for an evening of farmer focused conversation. There will be food and beverages, but you're welcome to bring your own! Meet your fellow farmers and connect with others who work in agriculture in our region.
The kick-off launch party will occur on Friday, June 11, 6pm - 8pm, at McGrath Family Farm in Camarillo.
The goal is to offer space for farmers to convene and conversate. While we might occasionally come into contact with each other at field days, events and meetings, it's also nice to have the opportunity to check-in with fellow growers.
Sign up HERE to register your spot.
The motivations for this occurrence build upon inspiration from the Lighthouse Farm Network, organized by CAFF starting in the early 1990s, where farmers would meet around meals to share ideas and strategies for sustainable production.
This type of farmer-focused organizing is nothing new in the [(tens of) thousands of] years of agriculture. In this country especially, farmers once were deeply involved in government and economy leadership.
*Cue* George Washington's words:
“Agriculture is the most Healthful, most Useful and most Noble Employment of Man.”
While our biggest obstacles may be seem different from what they have been in the past, today's challenges seem to be moving much faster, are in greater numbers, and are drastically more unforgiving in their devastation. As climates of all types (social, environmental and political) are rapidly shifting, it is important to recognize the varying qualities and values our region has to offer, as well as the obstacles and risks we have to face.
As keen observers to the rhythms and patterns of soil, plants, animals, weather, etc, farmers are often the first to notice small differences, and draw from real life experiences working every day in a world that is rapidly changing.
In addition to creating connections, these meetings also bring fresh perspective and new confidence for what can happen, creating opportunity for knowledge and experience to be shared.
So please RSVP by registering at the Eventbrite link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/farmer-friday-nights-tickets-153881241937
Be sure to bring your thoughts, your questions, and an open mind. This is for farmers, to be designed by farmers, so that farmers can connect and learn with/from each other.
If you cannot access the Eventbrite link, please email VenturaCountyFarmers@gmail.com to let us know you're coming or to inquire for further information.
Hope to see you soon!