Minority Landowner Magazine will publish their Annual Farmers of the Year issue this fall. In this issue they will feature minority "Farmers of the Year" as formally or informally selected by universities, community-based organizations, USDA agencies, and state agriculture and forestry agencies. This is not a competition but rather an opportunity for you to share the story of a farmer, rancher or forest landowner who is doing great work in their community representing agriculture. Please download and complete the nomination form and submit along with a quality high resolution jpeg digital photograph no later than September 22, 2017. Send all information by email to  minoritylandowner@earthlink.net. You can find a copy of the 2016 Farmers of the Year issue on our website  www.minoritylandowner.com.

The 2018 NOFA/Mass Winter Conference will take place on January 13th at Worcester State University.  The day-long conference features a wide variety of workshops on many aspects of regenerative organic growing, food systems policy, and land management appropriate for growers and organizers of all scales. If you have knowledge to share on our theme or on another topic in organic farming and gardening, please submit a workshop proposal using our workshops proposal form. To discuss your workshop topic, please contact the Workshops Coordinator, Caro, at wcworkshops@nofamass.org or give her a call at 508-360-0874. For more information about the conference, visit www.nofamass.org/events/wc. Please mark your calendars and consider submitting a workshop proposal! 

Seven Bridges Farm, located in Lima, NY, is seeking a skilled person to assist in the management of the health and wellbeing of their animals and to be a part of their family farm with the opportunity for a future partial ownership. Delegating and following through with employees is a necessary skill, and good record keeping is a must. There is the opportunity to work in the retail end of their business. Knowledge of feeding and bedding, tractor, and equipment maintenance necessary. Must be able to handle animals calmly and gently. Skilled with tractors, skid steers and other farm equipment. Spanish Speaking is a plus. Looking for someone who is motivated, observant, patient, hardworking, responsible, clean, communicates well and is able to give and take directions to and from others. A team player. Contact Barrita Shanks at (585) 749-6958 or barrita@sevenbridgesbeef.com to apply.

GROWING LOCAL: A Community Guide to Planning for Agriculture and Food Systems, is a new national guide that showcases ways communities can strengthen their food systems through planning, policy and public investment. It includes a comprehensive collection of local policies to support local farms and ranches, improve access to healthy food, and develop needed distribution and infrastructure. Written for farmers, community residents and food policy councils, as well as planners and local government officials, this practical guide highlights real life examples of ways communities are growing food connections from field to fork.