Building Soil Health While Maximizing Productivity Field Day

If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between managing for soil health and peak production, this field day is for you! On Thursday, November 30, from 12-3:00 pm, participants will explore this topic in depth at Moon Valley Farm with owner/operator, Emma Jagoz, supported by field manager Michael Roche. Also joining the conversation for science-informed insights into soil amendments and management approaches is Daniel Sweeney, Senior Crop Advisor for Seven Springs Farm Supply. 

With input from Daniel, Emma and her team are working through soil challenges while continuing to grow the Moon Valley operation. This provides an excellent model for discussion while still allowing for ample opportunity for individual Q & A. 

Throughout the field day, we’ll consider numerous related topics, including:

• Precision nutrient management on a diverse vegetable farm

• Approaches for managing high phosphorus soils

• High or low pH

• Organic matter

• Crop selections

• Technical workarounds for common soil problems

Water, coffee, light snacks, and plenty of information will be provided. Dress in warm layers and shoes appropriate for field walking. Our rain date is the next day (same time), December 1, but we will only rely on that if the weather on Thursday is too inclement for a bunch of die-hard farmers! Registration is required. We look forward to seeing you there!

Moon Valley / Emma Jagoz 

Moon Valley Farm, a thriving organic vegetable operation, is owned by first generation farmer, Emma Jagoz. Currently working 25 acres of certified organic land and 22 acres in organic transition, Emma will be adding an additional 25 acres next year, for a total of 70 acres. The farm's mission is to unite all people around a common denominator -- the need to eat -- by providing access to reliable, healthy, responsibly-grown and fresh food. They are passionate about providing the community with meaningful employment and improving the surrounding soil to help support the Chesapeake Bay.

Emma is mother to two children ages 14 & 12 and a University of Maryland American Studies graduate. Her interest in growing food began when she was pregnant with her first child. She operated on smaller, bartered locations for many years before purchasing her current farm. The Moon Valley team grows over 40 varieties of vegetables in all seasons, selling to 100+  restaurants in Frederick County, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Moon Valley operates a 600+ member year-round CSA program, an online farmers market for home delivery and sells to schools.

Daniel Sweeney - Seven Springs Farm Supply

Daniel is the Senior Crop Adviser at Seven Springs Farm Supply, a role he has held for the past six years.  Prior to joining Seven Springs, Daniel was a commercial grower with over 500 acres of high-value specialty crops under his management.  His areas of focus are soils, agronomy and IPM, with a concentration in organic production.

Seven Springs is an independent farm supply company focused on supporting growers with quality advising and a comprehensive line of approved-for-organic fertilizers, pest controls, potting mixes and seed.