Big Train Farm // John Kenney

1012 Snake Hill Road,Glocester RI 02857

12 September, 2022

Description

Big Train Farm has been experimenting with no-till and low-till systems for nearly ten years. Owner John Kenney's approaches over the years have included remineralization, direct animal rotations, indirect animal rotations, solarizing, smothering ("occultation"), different forms of cultivation (aggressive vs. gentle), permanent bed systems, permanent raised bed systems, rejecting remineralization, etc. These systems have all been tried in the hopes of reducing weed pressure, improving nutrient cycling, increasing crop quality, etc. In this workshop, John will discuss the pros and cons of all of these approaches, as well as the successes and failures. This will all be covered with an emphasis on their continued work towards a more ecologically-sound, enduring, and livable system. John has been owner and manager of Big Train Farm since 2009. With over fifteen years of experience as an organic farmer as well as an academic background in biology and chemistry, John mentors beginning farmers and teaches a Soil, Plant, and Farm Methodology course. John is a NOFA/RI Organic Farm Advisor specializing in tractor operations, soil test interpretation and field planning.