ASCFG Equipment and Field Day

Hosted by Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Tuesday, June 24, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Locations: Albion and Winslow, Maine
Maximum Number of Registrants: 80

Join us for an immersive and exciting event in June: The ASCFG Equipment & Field Day, hosted by the marvelous Johnny’s Selected Seeds! This event will feature live demonstrations and expert instruction on how to use different farm tools (both hand and tractor scale equipment) on Johnny’s research farm.

After a welcome and an introduction, attendees will spend the day rotating between two stations that cover individual handheld equipment and larger tools and equipment used in the field. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, gain recommendations on types of tools for small-scale farm equipment, discover where to source them, and learn how to properly maintain and operate them for maximum efficiency. During this daylong event, you will also have plenty of time to connect with fellow farmers, industry professionals, and experts to share knowledge and expand your farming community.

Your experience will also include a time to gather with fellow attendees over lunch and end with the rare opportunity to visit Johnny’s trial gardens. Please note there are two learning stations during the event, and all attendees will visit each. Here is a quick overview of what you can expect at each one.

First Learning Station

Mechanical Cultivation Concepts and Practices: During this time, learn about weed science, mechanical cultivation, and an overview of the tools available to farmers. Discussion around crop timing, soil moisture, decision-making, and common weed species will be included.
Tractor-Based Cultivation: Discover features of cultivating tractors, including different types of tractors, what to look for and avoid when acquiring one, tips/tricks for efficient operation, and field setup.
Walking Tractor-Based Cultivation: Watch a demonstration of walk-behind tractors, followed by a discussion of tool options, advantages of two-wheel tractors over four-wheel, tool setup, and adjustment. Specific equipment demonstrations will be done with Tilmor Power Ox and Tooling, BCS.
Field Sequencing and Layout with Soil Health in Mind: Learn how to conduct field rotations and equipment sequencing, use methods for reducing tillage and soil disturbance, employ cover crop integration/management, and hear tips/tricks for efficient field layouts. Featured equipment will include tillage tractors, tillage equipment, and grain drills.

Second Learning Station

Seed Starting: Learn about the benefits of soil blocking and watch a demonstration of different soil blockers, including equipment from Johnny’s and Ladbrook. Also, watch a demonstration of how to use the Paperpot seeding system.
Field Prep and Cultivation: Watch a demonstration of hand tool techniques used in the field for prepping beds, stale seedbeds, and cultivation. Featured equipment will include broadforks, Tilthers, bed prep rakes, flame weeder, bed rollers, matrix, hand hoes, wheel hoes, and tine rakes.
Transplanting: See the Paperpot transplanter and the hand transplanter in action! Featured equipment will include Paperpot transplanter, a hand transplanter, Jang, six row, and an earthway.
Questions: Participants will have a chance to ask questions and try any equipment.

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If you’re looking to optimize your farm’s operations by learning about effective and accessible equipment, this day will equip you with the knowledge to take your farming practice to the next level. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to improve your skills and grow your farm’s success! Lunch is included in the registration fee.

Member Rate: $175

Non-member Rate: $250

Members receive priority registration.
Please see the membership discount offer on the registration form.

REGISTER HERE

ASCFG Professional Development Program

The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, Inc. is dedicated to advancing the domestic cut flower industry in North America and to fostering education for members who identify as BIPOC, and students currently enrolled in accredited horticulture programs. We are pleased to offer professional development scholarships for registration for the following upcoming ASCFG Events and Farm Tours.

Follow the button link below to learn more about opportunities for professional development assistance.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION