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We envision a world where local grain economies that are
good for people and good for the planet can thrive.
Wednesday, July 24
 

10:00am EDT

Maine Grains Grist Mill Tour
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. SPACE IS LIMITED. Use the link below to reserve your spot.
https://mainegrains.com/tours/

We hope you’ll join us for a free tour of the gristmill, it is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Maine Grains is housed in the historic former Somerset County Jail building, which is also the home of the Miller’s Table Café, Crooked Face Creamery, Happyknits yarn shop, WXNZ community radio & the weekly Skowhegan Farmers Market. The mill has been an engine of entrepreneurship and resides in the heart of historic downtown Skowhegan.

During our tours you will learn about our unique history, the process of transforming a jail into a mill, how stone milled flour is made and what we’re hoping to accomplish in the years to come. We’ll tour the facility from the bottom up, so you can see our team of talented millers at work and our beautiful Austrian stone mills busily humming away, transforming whole grain into beautiful & delicious flour.

Please be aware that your safety is our priority.  We are a food producing facility & you’ll be venturing near machinery. Please refrain from wearing dangly earrings and loose clothing, tie back long hair, wear comfy shoes (we’ll be climbing stairs), and feel free to look but please don’t touch the equipment.  Hairnets and earplugs will be provided.  
***We will be climbing up/down flights of stairs 6+ times during the tour. We understand that not everyone can make this journey! It can be a workout. Please wear comfortable closed-toed shoes.

https://mainegrains.com/tours/


Wednesday July 24, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Maine Grains 42 Court St, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA

6:30pm EDT

Presenters Dinner Sponsored by Maine Grains
A Welcome Dinner presented by Maine Grains and the Miller's Table Café, we will greet our presenters, volunteers, Board of Directors, and ticket holders with a meal that features some of the best locally sourced products in our local grain economy.





Wednesday July 24, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
185 Water St
 
Thursday, July 25
 

6:00am EDT

Sunrise Yoga in Coburn Park with April

Join us in Coburn Park with April, and start your day with a harmonious blend of nature, movement, and mindfulness. Embrace the beauty of the present moment and nurture your well-being from the inside out. Through mindful movement and deep breathing, you can release tension, enhance focus, and restore vitality to both body and mind. Start your day with April for rejuvenation and self-care before the fun of The Kneading Conference!

 Bring your own mat or use one of the mats provided

Thursday July 25, 2024 6:00am - 7:00am EDT
Coburn Park 419 Water sStreet Skowhegan, ME

7:30am EDT

Registration & Breakfast

Farm-to-Table breakfast features pastries and locally sourced yogurt, granola, and fruit.


Thursday July 25, 2024 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
185 Water St

8:30am EDT

Arturo Enciso - Keynote Address
Arturo Enciso is a baker from Lebec, California that has called Long Beach his home since 2008. As a self-taught baker, for the last decade he’s grown his hobby into a career with his business Gusto Bread, a panadería in Long Beach. The bakery, once run out of his home as a cottage operation, makes breads and pan dulces with wild fermentation using masa madre (sourdough), embracing ancient knowledge and using the best quality ingredients to create nourishing food. He believes that bread provides a beautiful way for people to connect with one another and to past traditions to create community and a brighter future together.

Speakers
avatar for Arturo Enciso

Arturo Enciso

Gusto Bread



Thursday July 25, 2024 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
The Strand Cinema 19 Court St, Skowhegan, ME 04976

9:30am EDT

Baguettes Three Ways
Learning how to make a good baguette is a window into understanding some of the basic principles of bread-making—hydration, time and temperature.  The lessons learned can be applied to many different styles of bread.  JJoin Karen Bornarth, Executive Director of the Bread Bakers Guild of America, to explore three different baguette formulas based on three distinct processes: a straight dough, a poolish, and pate fermentee.  We will also incorporate whole grains into our baguettes and try different shaping and scoring practices.


Speakers
avatar for Karen Bornarth

Karen Bornarth

Executive Director, Bread Bakers Guild of America
In my work as Executive Director for the Bread Bakers Guild of America, I support bakers in achieving success in their baking practices and businesses through education, training and community-building programs and events.Before joining the Guild, I worked with Hot Bread Kitchen... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 9:30am - 12:00pm EDT
185 Water St

9:30am EDT

Baking with People: Exploring Team Dynamics in Bakeries
Join us for "Baking with People," an engaging workshop delving into the dynamics of employment, teamwork, and bakery culture.

Designed for individuals in leadership roles within bakeries or those aspiring to lead, this workshop draws on our extensive 17 years of experience as owner-manager-bakers. We've worked with a diverse array of individuals, from new hires and apprentices to seasoned bakers and managers.

Navigating the complexities of working with a team is both rewarding and challenging, and for many bakers, it's an essential aspect of bakery operations. From building a culture of trust and open communication to effectively managing conflict and disappointment, we'll explore the key elements of fostering a positive work environment.

Led by experienced facilitators, this workshop offers valuable insights, practical strategies, and a forum for discussion. Whether you're seeking guidance on leadership skills or grappling with specific challenges in your bakery, join us for an enriching conversation that combines shared experiences and participant-driven dialogue.

Speakers
avatar for Lydia Moffet and Tim Semler

Lydia Moffet and Tim Semler

Owners, Tinder Hearth
Tinder Hearth was founded in 2007 at Tim and Lydia's family residence in Brooksville on the captivating Blue Hill Peninsula. Starting with a modest outdoor clay oven, a journey was embarked upon, crafting wood-fired bread, pizza, and croissants. As the years progressed, the enterprise... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 9:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship 181 Water St, Skowhegan, ME 04976

9:30am EDT

Diversifying Your Pastry Lineup with Brioche
Join us for a 3-hour workshop where we'll delve into the art of crafting both sweet and savory morning delights. Lisa will guide you through mixing your own batch of brioche dough, perfect for both sweet and savory applications. Take home your prepared dough for overnight chilling, ready to shape and bake the next day.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to pastry, this workshop promises a delicious morning of creativity and culinary delight!

Speakers
avatar for Lisa Somerville

Lisa Somerville

Owner, Vintage Baking Company
Lisa Somerville is an award winning pastry chef and owner of Vintage Baking Company in Glen, NH. Lisa has a passion for sharing the craft of baking and teaches classes for both aspiring professionals at Lakes Region Community College, and home bakers through her class series at p... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 9:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Tewksbury Hall

9:30am EDT

Farm to Focaccia
Join us for a hands on workshop with the one and only Theresa Culletto, also known as The Vineyard Baker, as she walks us through the secrets to crafting exquisite and mouthwatering focaccia bread just in time for harvest season!

Theresa is the talented author behind the new book “Beautiful Breads,” a stunning collection filled with inspiring photos, invaluable baking tips, and detailed instructions for creating bread masterpieces fit for any special occasion. These breads are so beautiful; your loved ones might hesitate to take a bite – but remind them, that’s the best part!
With over 40 years of baking experience under her apron, Teri has graced the screens of shows like Good Morning America, Today’s Show, and Baker’s Dozen as a guest judge. Her culinary expertise has also been featured in renowned publications like the New York Times, Food Network Magazine, Paris Match, Daily Mail, and more. She’s even presented at the prestigious Johnson and Wales Bread Symposium in Charlotte, NC.

Teri is not only a bread artist but also a dedicated grower, cultivating much of the produce used in her bread creations from her humble home garden. She’s a proud member of the Bread Bakers Guild of America and the Maine Grain Alliance, constantly expanding her knowledge in the world of cereal sciences and bread baking.

Theresa’s mission in life is to inspire, educate, and promote a wholesome lifestyle centered around nourishing bread, just like the kind she enjoyed growing up in first-generation European families. She believes that beautiful bread can be mastered by bakers of all levels and seamlessly integrated into any routine, nourishing not just the body but also the mind and soul of your family and friends.

Find Teri on Instagram: vineyardbaker and Facebook: vineyardbaker

Speakers
avatar for Theresa Culletto

Theresa Culletto

The Vineyard Baker
Bread baking has and will always be a major attribute for me in many ways. As a child, spending the summers with my grandmother in NY where bread baking was the highlight of those hot summer days. Waking very early to the sounds of clanging bowls, squeaking oven doors and the warm... Read More →



Thursday July 25, 2024 9:30am - 12:00pm EDT
The Space on the River, LLC 181 Water St, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA

12:00pm EDT

Local lunch
More details regarding lunch will be made available soon!

Thursday July 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
185 Water St

1:30pm EDT

Bread as Lifestyle
Join Martin Philip and Jessica Battilana from King Arthur Baking Company for a sneak peek of recipes from their forthcoming cookbook, The Big Book of Bread. Martin will showcase repeatable breads that you’ll want to make over and over again, cornerstones of home bread baking: his Classic Sourdough Miche and his enriched braided challah. Then Jessica will show you some delicious things to do with those breads (beyond buttering them and cramming them into your mouth). She’s share two recipes from the “Things to Make with Bread” chapter of the book: a beautiful summer panzanella and a creamy, rich vanilla bread pudding topped with roasted seasonal fruit and caramel sauce. Throughout the demo, they’ll share details about the forthcoming book, and answer questions about making (and cooking with) bread. If there’s time, they might even make cookies. Don’t miss it!

Speakers
avatar for Martin Philip

Martin Philip

Baker, Author, King Arthur Baking Co.
Martin Philip is an award-winning baker and author. A native of the Arkansas Ozarks, he is a MacDowell Fellow, fervent bread preacher, and lover of craft.
avatar for Jessica Battilana

Jessica Battilana

Staff Editor, King Arthur Baking Co.
Jessica Battilana is the Staff Editor at King Arthur Baking Company and an award-winning writer, recipe developer, and ardent supporter of eating dessert every day. She is the author of Repertoire: All The Recipes You Need and coauthor of eight other cookbooks, including Tartine Book... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Tewksbury Hall

1:30pm EDT

Fresh Whole Grain Pasta
Check back soon for more details on this pasta workshop. 

Speakers
avatar for Kelly and Mark LaCasse

Kelly and Mark LaCasse

Owners, The Maine Meal
Being an active member of a thriving local food system is a dream come true for Kelly LaCasse, co-owner at The Maine. Kelly’s passion for food equity, food justice,  food system education is infectious and this drive is apparent whether she is advocating at the local or statewide... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
The Maine Meal 4 Madison Ave, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA

1:30pm EDT

Mastering the Art of Oven Building: A Workshop with Scott Barden

Discover the Art of Oven Building with Scott Barden: Master Oven-builder and Heater Builder from Maine Wood Heat. Join us as Scott leads an immersive workshop delving into the fundamentals of oven construction, fire building, and heat management. We'll gather at the Maine Wood Heat (MWH) oven near The Kitchen at 185 before carpooling to the MWH facility for hands-on learning.Maine Wood Heat Co., upholds a philosophy centered on crafting the greenest, most efficient, and aesthetically pleasing products possible. Our Le Panyol oven stands as a testament to this ethos, constructed solely from 100% pure materials, offering unparalleled quality and performance.

Speakers
avatar for Scott Barden

Scott Barden

Co-Owner and Master Ovenbuilder and Heater Builder., Maine Wood Heat


Thursday July 25, 2024 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Maine Wood Heat 8 Industrial Park Rd, Skowhegan, ME 04976

1:30pm EDT

Salt-Rising Bread using Heritage Grains
Discover the secrets of salt-rising bread, uncovering the magic of microbes and the incredible taste of locally sourced Maine Grains Heritage Flours. From a live demonstration of starter preparation to savoring freshly baked bread, this immersive experience will illustrate the importance of preserving traditional bread-making techniques and using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. This class will include a discussion of how microbes other than yeast contribute to the bread's unique flavor and texture. It will also offer insights on the bread’s history and cultural significance. Join us as we celebrate culinary heritage and empower you to create your own delicious salt-rising bread masterpieces.



Speakers
avatar for Sean Doherty

Sean Doherty

Chef
Sean Doherty is a Maine native and passionate bread enthusiast with a deep appreciation for traditional techniques and heritage grains. Using locally-sourced Maine Grains Heritage Grains flour, Sean crafts artisanal breads that celebrate the rich history and flavors of Maine's agricultural... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
185 Water St

1:30pm EDT

The Business of Baking with Zach Martinucci
Your recipes are perfect, your social media fans are excited, and you love baking for your community. But how do you actually turn your passion into a real business? There's a lot more to ownership than just baking great loaves and pastries, and a number of things you'll want to consider before taking the leap to opening your own place.

Zach Martinucci is a baker and culinary anthropologist who founded Rebel Bread in Denver, CO in 2018 with a few thousand dollars and a dream. He has spent the last five years growing the artisan wholesale bakery into a multi-million dollar business with 30 employees, and is excited to share the lessons, tools, and spreadsheets that have helped contribute to a sustainable business. 

Zach simplifies business ownership into three steps: Making a Plan, Figuring out the Finances, and Taking Action. In this workshop, we'll explore each step in detail, including crafting a comprehensive business plan beyond menu items, understanding finances for profitability, building meaningful community connections, and navigating operational challenges.

Whether you're considering bakery ownership, expanding a side hustle, or seeking fresh perspectives for your existing business, this workshop will leave you with a confident understanding of how it all works, so you can take the best next steps for your baking journey.

Speakers
avatar for Zach Martinucci

Zach Martinucci

Rebel Bread
Zach Martinucci loves telling stories about food, over food, and even through food.He studied Culinary Anthropology at UCLA, where he spent months in Italy cooking, eating, learning, and talking about food, before completing a Professional Bread and Viennoiserie program at the San... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship 181 Water St, Skowhegan, ME 04976

3:30pm EDT

Bread Break
Take a leisurely stroll to a nearby local business, where you can savor a delicious cup of coffee or bubble tea with friends and fellow attendees. It's the perfect opportunity to network, unwind, and recharge before the next session. Whether you're catching up with colleagues or exploring the charming surroundings, enjoy a refreshing pause in your day filled with camaraderie and relaxation.

Thursday July 25, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Downtown Skowhegan

4:00pm EDT

Heritage Grain Seed Restoration
The most widely grown grain varieties in the modern day were bred for pesticide tolerance, unwavering uniformity, and boosting yields at any cost. In a world full of flavorful, nutritious, and resilient grains, this approach is not quite as “conventional” as it may seem. Join the Project Director of MGA’s Heritage Seed Center, Paul Pollaro, to discuss how organic farmers can stay competitive with heritage grains, learn how to select the best varieties to achieve your goals, and peek behind the scenes into the day-to-day work of a heritage seed restorationist.

Speakers
avatar for Paul Pollaro

Paul Pollaro

Transition to Organic Partnership Program Project Manager, Maine Grain Alliance


Thursday July 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Joe's Flat Iron Cafe 65 Water St, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA

4:00pm EDT

How can grain support organizations support your goals?
Details will be shared soon.

Speakers
avatar for Madelyn Smith

Madelyn Smith

Executive Director, Common Grain Alliance
Madelyn is the Executive Directo of the Common Grain Alliance. She is passionate about the role of strong regional food systems in building vibrant communities, healthy environments, and prosperous economies, as well as delivering the best tasting food products around. Madelyn and... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship 181 Water St, Skowhegan, ME 04976

5:00pm EDT

Grain Gab
Kick back and relax among old friends and new! The Grain Gab will feature local beer, wine, cheese and a spread of locally made delights.

Thursday July 25, 2024 5:00pm - 5:45pm EDT
Unwined Skowhegan 151 Water St, Skowhegan, ME 04976

6:00pm EDT

Local Supper
Check back soon to learn more about this year's supper!

Thursday July 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
185 Water St
 
Friday, July 26
 

6:00am EDT

Sunrise Grain Walk with Richard Roberts

Embark on an excursion with MGA's esteemed Director of Rare & Heritage Seed Restoration. Delve into the heart of East Madison as we explore exemplary grain restoration endeavors and engage in insightful discussions with industry leaders at the forefront of this vital field.

Meeting time and meeting place will be announced on Thursday.


Speakers
avatar for Richard Roberts

Richard Roberts

Heritage Seed Restoration Project Coordinator, MGA Director of Rare and Heritage Seed Restoration
A gardener, mechanic/ fabricator, tinkerer, and high school teacher, Richard became intrigued with the idea of a gristmill in Skowhegan and volunteered there and became a part time employee. He attended the Kneading Conference and worked as one of the original farmers in the MGA’s... Read More →


Friday July 26, 2024 6:00am - 7:00am EDT
185 Water St

7:00am EDT

Sunrise Yoga in Coburn Park with April

Join us in Coburn Park with April, and start your day with a harmonious blend of nature, movement, and mindfulness. Embrace the beauty of the present moment and nurture your well-being from the inside out. Through mindful movement and deep breathing, you can release tension, enhance focus, and restore vitality to both body and mind. Start your day with April for rejuvenation and self-care before the fun of The Kneading Conference!

 Bring your own mat or use one of the mats provided

Friday July 26, 2024 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
Coburn Park 419 Water sStreet Skowhegan, ME

8:00am EDT

Registration & Breakfast

Farm-to-Table breakfast features pastries and locally sourced yogurt, granola, and fruit.


Friday July 26, 2024 8:00am - 8:15am EDT
185 Water St

8:30am EDT

Nixtamalization & Masa-Infused Baguette Baking
This workshop will be centered around the art of nixtamalization and masa-infused baguette baking. Participants will embark on a journey through the ancient technique of nixtamalization, exploring its cultural significance, followed by hands-on masa preparation.  The highlight will be crafting unique masa-infused baguettes, finished in a wood-fired oven!

Speakers
avatar for Arturo Enciso

Arturo Enciso

Gusto Bread


Friday July 26, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
185 Water St

8:30am EDT

Pizza as a Force for Good
Pizza can tell a story.
Pizza is universally loved.
Pizza is a canvas for creativity and community-building.
Pizza is a job creator and a forceful economic engine.
Pizza can be a point of entry for a big idea.
And …..pizza can be a vehicle for change when used as a force for good.

Join Heather Kerner, Founder and CEO of The Good Crust for a talk about how her
company is shaping a mission to use pizza dough manufacturing with local grains as a
platform for workforce development for individuals with unique needs. Learn to see
beyond pizza as an end product, and contemplate how an honest mission to use good
food to create good jobs for good people can create a good life no matter where you
live. The presentation will be followed by hands-on pizza making with The Good Crust,
and an opportunity for group reflection on how pizza can be used to create solutions in
your own communities.


Speakers
avatar for Heather Kerner

Heather Kerner

Founder, The Good Crust
Heather Kerner is the founder and maker of The Good Crust, a small-batch artisan dough company featuring the grains of Central Maine’s own grist mill, and with a social mission to help people with disabilities to enter the workforce.  She is an Occupational Therapist,  experienced... Read More →


Friday July 26, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
The Space on the River, LLC 181 Water St, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA

8:30am EDT

Understanding Dough Structure, Mixing, and Development with Insights into Flour Aging and Gluten Content
Check back soon to explore our schedule as workshops are added.

Speakers
avatar for Dusty Dowse

Dusty Dowse

Owner/Operator, Lammastide Bakery
Harold “Dusty” Dowse has been baking for a half century and is the Baking Education Coordinator for the Maine Grain Alliance, Director of the Maine Artisan Bread Fair, and Resident Baker. He has developed a year-round workshop program to help participants develop artisan baking... Read More →


Friday July 26, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
Tewksbury Hall

8:30am EDT

Whole Grain Lamination
Learn classic lamination techniques and formulas adapted to using high extraction, locally sourced, whole grain flours from Maine Grains. The class will be a demo with light hands- on. This will allow us to make more products and demonstrate ways to insure a consistent product, with emphasis on production timing and problem solving. Christy wants to take the guess work out and share the fun and excitement of making good croissants using local flours!

Speakers
avatar for Christy Timon & Abe Faber

Christy Timon & Abe Faber

Timber Baking
Christy Timon founded Clear Flour Bread in Brookline, Massachusetts in 1983 in response to persistent requests for regular production of the naturally leavened breads she was baking for her catering business, Café Small. Abe Faber came along a year later for a “temporary” job... Read More →


Friday July 26, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
The Millers Table at Maine Grains 42 Court St, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA

9:00am EDT

How do you know you’re making dough with your dough?
Making bread is the simple part of running a bakery.  Making money?  That can be a bit harder, particularly if you don’t have a solid grasp on your bakery’s finances.  Join Laurie Schive, owner of Blue Loon Bakery in New Hampshire and Chairperson of the Bread Bakers Guild of America for a workshop on developing and effectively using financial management tools.  We will cover calculating costs, creating a profit and loss statement, managing cash flow and inventory, setting prices, and knowing when to get professional help.

Speakers
avatar for Laurie Schive

Laurie Schive

Board Chair, Bread Bakers Guild of America
During a 20-year career with the Federal Government and a stint as a cybersecurity and risk consultant, Laurie taught herself to bake bread as a way to destress and learn how to recreate traditional baked goods in the many countries she visited. After “retiring” and resettling... Read More →


Friday July 26, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship 181 Water St, Skowhegan, ME 04976

10:30am EDT

Bread Break
Take a leisurely stroll to a nearby local business, where you can savor a delicious cup of coffee or bubble tea with friends and fellow attendees. It's the perfect opportunity to network, unwind, and recharge before the next session. Whether you're catching up with colleagues or exploring the charming surroundings, enjoy a refreshing pause in your day filled with camaraderie and relaxation.

Friday July 26, 2024 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Downtown Skowhegan

11:00am EDT

Conspiracy Theories, Collaboration and Community Building

What can conspiracy theories teach us about the fundamental importance of collaboration and community building? How do we connect with people who think differently than we do? And what part can we play in healing the broken parts of our world? Amber Lambke, Co-founder and CEO of Maine Grains will share insights and stories about community building in rural Skowhegan, Maine and reflections on how small actions locally can build a better world.
This workshop will be hosted at the renovated jailhouse that Amber repurposed into a gristmill, bakery and cafe in the heart of historic downtown Skowhegan. Maine Grains and the Miller’s Table have been a driving force in the revitalization of this riverside mill town.

Speakers
avatar for Amber Lambke

Amber Lambke

Founder, CEO, Maine Grains
Formerly a speech language pathologist, Amber Lambke shifted gears to respond to a community need for grain processing infrastructure and is the co-founder and CEO of Maine Grains, Inc., carried by specialty food stores and used by bakeries, breweries and chefs throughout the Northeast... Read More →


Friday July 26, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
The Millers Table at Maine Grains 42 Court St, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA

11:00am EDT

Leading the Way: Three women’s journeys with local grain
More details on the way soon!

Speakers
avatar for Elise Neidecker

Elise Neidecker

PROJECT MANAGER, NH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE STRATEGIC PLAN, NH Food Alliance
Elise studied Environmental Sociology and Modern Languages at Kenyon College, and is completing her Master’s in Agricultural Sciences and Food Systems at the University of New Hampshire. In her thesis research and graduate research assistantship, she has studied farm viability in... Read More →


Friday July 26, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Joe's Flat Iron Cafe 65 Water St, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA

11:00am EDT

Reintroducing the Heritage & Landrace Grain Network
Over the past decade, there has been a major resurgence of interest in reviving heritage and landrace grains in the Northeast. Building on, and in collaboration with, the incredible efforts of seed savers Sylvia Davatz and Ruth Fleishman, the MGA has developed as a space where farmers, bakers, researchers, home gardeners, and grain enthusiasts can connect to share seeds and knowledge, collaborate on trials, seek out rare varieties, and be part of the growing community of those who understand the importance of preserving and expanding the cultivation of these valuable crops. Join MGA’s Executive Director, Tristan Noyes, to explore the many valuable resources this network has to offer.

Speakers
avatar for Paul Pollaro

Paul Pollaro

Transition to Organic Partnership Program Project Manager, Maine Grain Alliance
avatar for Tristan Noyes

Tristan Noyes

Maine Grain Alliance
Tristan Noyes is the Executive Director for the Maine Grain Alliance. He is also the co-founder of GROMAINE, an organic farm in Aroostook County. GROMAINE specializes in the production of wide variety of vegetables, with a special concentration on lettuce. The farm sells produce to... Read More →


Friday July 26, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship 181 Water St, Skowhegan, ME 04976

12:00pm EDT

Local lunch
More details regarding lunch will be made available soon!

Friday July 26, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
185 Water St

12:00pm EDT

Maine Grains Grist Mill Tour
This is during lunch. Please bring your bagged lunch to Maine Grains with you. You will have about 30 minutes after the tour to eat.

We hope you’ll join us for a free tour of the gristmill, it is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Maine Grains is housed in the historic former Somerset County Jail building, which is also the home of the Miller’s Table Café, Crooked Face Creamery, Happyknits yarn shop, WXNZ community radio & the weekly Skowhegan Farmers Market. The mill has been an engine of entrepreneurship and resides in the heart of historic downtown Skowhegan.

During our tours you will learn about our unique history, the process of transforming a jail into a mill, how stone milled flour is made and what we’re hoping to accomplish in the years to come. We’ll tour the facility from the bottom up, so you can see our team of talented millers at work and our beautiful Austrian stone mills busily humming away, transforming whole grain into beautiful & delicious flour.

Please be aware that your safety is our priority. We are a food producing facility & you’ll be venturing near machinery. Please refrain from wearing dangly earrings and loose clothing, tie back long hair, wear comfy shoes (we’ll be climbing stairs), and feel free to look but please don’t touch the equipment. Hairnets and earplugs will be provided.
***We will be climbing up/down flights of stairs 6+ times during the tour. We understand that not everyone can make this journey! It can be a workout. Please wear comfortable closed-toed shoes.

https://mainegrains.com/tours/


Friday July 26, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Maine Grains 42 Court St, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA

1:30pm EDT

Discussion on pseudograins
Join Will Bonsall — renowned seed saver and founding director of the Scatterseed Project — for a discussion on pseudograins! The growing commercial demand for these non-grain seed crops has proven what many have known for thousands of years; Pseudograins are not limited to their uses as forage material or cover crops. This workshop will explore the many advantages of pseudograins like buckwheat, amaranth, or quinoa in organic/transitioning growing systems as well as the best planting and processing methods for small-scale, low-tech operations.



Speakers
avatar for Will Bonsall

Will Bonsall

Director, Scatterseed Project
Will Bonsall, director of the Scatterseed Project, is best known for his work in preserving crop diversity. His past occupations are as varied as his seed collection and includes draftsman, prospector, hobo, gravedigger, logger, musician, language teacher, and artist, among others... Read More →


Friday July 26, 2024 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
KVCC (Farm Room 106) KVCC Sustainable Agriculture Building Clinton, ME 04927

1:30pm EDT

Tips and Techniques for Baking and Cooking With Fire
Join Richard Miscovich for a thorough exploration of how wood-fired ovens work and ways to prepare a variety of foods infused with live fire and retained heat. In this demonstration, we'll discuss how the density and amount of thermal mass and insulation influence your experience at the hearth. An exploration of fuel selection, firing schedules and the wide range of temperature windows will help you understand how to get the most out of your oven...or help you decide which style to build that best serves your needs. There will a live-fire flatbread dough to mix and bake so we'll cover how to control fermentation and ways to have that multi-faceted process dovetail with the satisfying practice of baking in a wood-fired oven. This class is designed to be interactive; come with your questions.

Speakers
avatar for Richard Miscovich

Richard Miscovich

Baker and Author, Johnson & Wales University
Richard Miscovich teaches artisan bread baking to culinary students at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, and to home and professional bakers at classes and conferences around the country. He served on the Board of Directors of The Bread Bakers Guild of America... Read More →


Friday July 26, 2024 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Wood-fired Oven at 185
  • about Richard Miscovich teaches artisan bread baking to culinary students at Johnson & WalesUniversity in Providence, Rhode Island, and to home and professional bakers at classes andconferences around the country. He served on the Board of Directors of The Bread Bakers Guild of America from 2006 to 2011. In 2014 he received the Johnson & Wales Distinguished Scholarship Award and was inducted into the International Les Amis d-Escoffier Society. He is the author of ‘From The Wood-Fired Oven’ and instructs the online Craftsy course, Handmade Sourdough: From Starter to Baked Loaf.

1:30pm EDT

Exciting Workshop Coming Soon!
Explore a variety of exciting workshops all day! Check back soon to explore our schedule as workshops are added.

Friday July 26, 2024 1:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBD

4:15pm EDT

Closing Remarks
Speakers
avatar for Tristan Noyes

Tristan Noyes

Maine Grain Alliance
Tristan Noyes is the Executive Director for the Maine Grain Alliance. He is also the co-founder of GROMAINE, an organic farm in Aroostook County. GROMAINE specializes in the production of wide variety of vegetables, with a special concentration on lettuce. The farm sells produce to... Read More →


Friday July 26, 2024 4:15pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBD
 
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