Twilight Meeting at Tangerini Farm

Last night, we attended a twilight meeting, sponsored by UMass Extension Vegetable Program, hosted by Laura and Charlie Tangerini at their farm in Millis, Massachusetts.  commercial sales rep for Massachussets, Ken Fine and visual assets coordinator, John Dillon came along as well. Laura and Charlie have a great operation and a devout CSA following. They are just beginning to offer late winter CSA shares, enabled by some of these season extension and storage techniques and they already have customers signing up.

Laura and Charlie Tangerini (speaking), with Ruth Hazzard (seated) looking on.

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Info Taken from the flyer:
Tangerini Spring Street Farm is a 67 acre working family farm that was established in 1995 on land that has been in agriculture since the early 1800’s. The farm’s diverse operations include growing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, perennials, hanging baskets, and annuals that are sold through the on-site farm stand and through spring, main season and winter CSA, as well as at farmers markets (main season and winter). In 2010 the Tangerini’s built a custom-designed, half underground storage facility for winter vegetables that has three bays with separate T and RH controls. They are experimenting with low tunnels with the use of various covers for season extension.

The full program will include:
Storage of Vegetable Crops. Start planning now for next winter! Hear about the process the Tangerini’s went through in determining what storage facility was needed to fit their farm needs. A representative from Cranney Home Services of Danvers MA will join us to discuss the design and installation of their new three bay storage facility and cooling systems.

Using Low tunnels. In the fall of 2010 three low tunnels with three different covering were erected at the farm. The Tangerinis will talk about the process of installation, winter stability and their thoughts on the differences between the covers. Come see the difference between the kale outside of the tunnels verses inside. UMass and UNH will have information on temperature and light differences from low tunnel trials at research stations. We will discuss benefits of low vs. high tunnels.

Winter Marketing. Open discussion about the various types of winter markets – CSA, farmers markets, wholesale. What does it take to establish a winter CSA? How can you identify a reliable “back-up” winter market? Winter farmer markets – how did they do in 2010/2011 season and where are they going? 

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Ruth Hazzard and Amanda Brown from UMass Extension were also present. This was a great meeting. Growers had a lot of information to exchange and I hope to be comparing Johnny's trial results with Ruth, Amanda, and eventually Becky Sideman, as we all have done a great deal of work in this area.

Here's the complete gallery:




Thanks!

Adam.

Adam Lemieux
Tools & Supplies Manager