This field day is a collaboration between PASA and the Food Matrix , a community-based organization committed to the promotion, development, and sustainability of an agricultural, food and small business in the north central region of PA.

All participants are invited to attend the Food Matrix potluck meeting at 6pm at the Potter County Educational Council building in Coudersport following the field day. For more information contact Mitch DeLong at (814) 331-5844.

Starting the day at Northern Tier Growers, we’ll tour the two 3,000 square foot greenhouses, nursery and field crops. A comparison of hydroponic growing techniques will include a demo of the GrowExx system as well as ebb and flow hydroponic set up. The GroExx demo is of interest to anyone considering a flexible growing method in which various growing mediums can be used – good for urban brownfield sites and versatile greenhouse use. We will talk about heating with wood using hydronic floor heat and the use of IPM and beneficial insects. There will also be a tour of the nursery including perennial flowers, trees, shrubs, bedding plants, and hanging baskets. At lunch time we’ll go to Frosty Hollow for a home-cooked lunch featuring fresh herbs from Gail’s garden. Gail and Joe will share their experience using chicken tractors between garden rows and in their high tunnel for tillage, weeding, and pest management. We’ll learn the details of high tunnel production of strawberries, blackberries, herbs, cut flowers, and vegetables.

Northern Tier Growers is comprised of three partners: Barry Bradley, Jimmy Reed, and Anne Stoltz. Combined they have over 50 years of growing experience and they currently farm 200 acres in hay and crops, providing produce for a CSA and several grocery stores. Northern Tier Growers is in the process of becoming certified organic. They have successfully built their business to include a certified kitchen for value-added products and on-farm retail store.

Joe and Gail are second-generation farmers living in a converted dairy barn, now also home to their Frosty Hollow Bed & Breakfast. Their business has evolved over the years to include a soon-to-be certified commercial kitchen, which enables them to make value-added products to serve their guests.