MFBF New Office Headquarters Address

For your records MFBF has moved to our new location.  The new address is:

249 Lakeside Ave

Marlborough, MA 01752

Phone: 508.481.4766 | Fax: 508.481.4768

Massachusetts Century Farms at the Big E Fair Grounds

On Sunday, September 26, 2010 the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation in partnership with the Massachusetts State Grange celebrated Massachusetts Century Farms at the New England Grange Building.  These are farms that have been in the same family for 100 years or more and are still being farmed.  The Grange and Farm Bureau are aware of over 100 Century Farms, some of which have been in operation for more than 300 years.  Calvin Chase, President of the Massachusetts Grange, Dr. A. Richard Bonanno, President of Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation and Commissioner Scott Soares of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources addressed the audience with congratulatory remarks. 

Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation has launched a company blog, “Inside Massachusetts Farm Bureau .” The purpose of this site is to create a place where Farm Bureau members and staff can share their perspectives on various topics related to agriculture. It is also an interactive site where readers will have the opportunity to comment with their own thoughts. We strongly encourage reader participation. Both bloggers and staff will do their best to respond to comments, and participate in ensuing online discussion.

“Agriculture is an incredibly rich and complex subject area that impacts everyone. Everyone has to eat, which means that every single person on the planet is impacted directly and profoundly by agriculture – whether they know it or not. Topics can range from asparagus availability at farmers markets, to concerns about wind turbines in zucchini fields. It’s our hope that this blog will help those outside the farming community better understand agriculture. Simultaneously, we expect we’ll learn a lot from those who eat or use the products we produce. Ultimately, this sort of exchange can only benefit both farmers and consumers.” Said MFBF President  A. Richard Bonanno.

Finally, if there is a topic or subject matter you would like to see us address, please email us at john@mfbf.net. Without a doubt, someone here at the MA Farm Bureau will have information or an opinion they want to share.

To visit our blog go to blog.massfb.org.

We are pleased to announce that the MassDevelopment/Strolling of the Heifers Small Farm Loan Program will be accepting prequalified applications through November 5, 2010 for loans of $15,000 or less. Applicants must live Massachusetts and must prequalify. There are additional deadlines in January and March of 2011.                                                       

For more information, please go to www.thecarrotproject.org/farm_financing or contact Dorothy Sprout at 617-666-9637 or at dsuput@thecarrotproject.org.

Groundwater Use Doctrines

There have emerged five basic legal doctrines from American case law that have been applied to resolve conflicts among competing users of groundwater. These doctrines are: 1) the Doctrine of Absolute Dominion; 2) the Reasonable Use Rule; 3) the Restatement of Torts Rule and 4) the Correlative Rights Rule; 5) the Prior Appropriation.

The Doctrine of Absolute Dominion rule is based on the premise that groundwater is the absolute property of the owner of the land, just like the rocks and soil that compose it. One may, for the convenience of himself or the improvement of his property, dig a well or make other excavations within his own bounds, and will be subject to no claim for damages although the effect may be to cut off and divert the water which finds its way through hidden veins which feed the well or spring of his neighbor.  Massachusetts, Maine and Connecticut apply this Rule of Absolute Dominion.

 The Reasonable Use Rule Doctrine requires that all uses of the water on the land from which it is extracted must be reasonable.  The usual interpretation of reasonable simply prevents the landowner from wasting the water or from transporting it off of the land for use elsewhere.  New Hampshire applies the Reasonable Use Doctrine.

The Restatement of Tort Rule provides that a landowner who withdraws groundwater and “uses it for a beneficial purpose is not subject to liability for interference with the use of water by another.”    If the withdrawal, however, unreasonably causes harm to a neighbor by lowering the water table, exceeds the owner’s reasonable share, or has a direct effect on a watercourse and unreasonably causes harm to one entitled to that water, then the owner may be liable.  To date, no New England statute applies the Restatement Rule.  The states of Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin do.

Two Correlative Right Doctrines have developed in the United States.  Under the Western Correlative Rights Doctrine, if the ground water supply is inadequate to meet the needs of all users, each user can be judicially required to proportionally reduce use until the overdraft is ended. The policy significance of correlative rights is that each well owner is treated as having an equal right to ground water regardless of when first use was initiated.  No New England states apply the Correlative Rights Doctrine.  However, California and Nebraska do.

The Eastern Correlative Rights Doctrine, adopts in part the Second Restatement of Torts, in that when conflicts between users occur, water will be allocated to the “most beneficial” use, giving consideration to a variety of facts.  Vermont applies the Eastern Correlative Rights Doctrine.

The Prior Appropriation Doctrine for groundwater exists only in the western states and is based on the principle that “first in time is first in right.” The right of use in times of shortage of a senior appropriator is superior to that of a junior appropriator. Water uses are curtailed, therefore, in reverse order of their priority.  Under this doctrine, the ownership of land is not a consideration in assigning a right but rather the actual application of water to a beneficial use in relation to the timing of other beneficial uses.  No New England statute applies the Prior Appropriation Doctrine.  The state of Colorado does.

As water scarcity and shortages occur more often Massachusetts Legislators have responded with statutory permitting programs.  Such water right reform has eroded the Absolute Use Doctrine and we now see the evolution of the Reasonable Use Doctrine controlled by water withdrawal permits.

Frank Diluna

MFBF Legal Counsel

fdiluna@murthalaw.com

Farm Bureau Celebrates Grand Opening of New Headquarters

Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation is pleased to announce the grand opening of our new headquarters at 249 Lakeside Avenue, Marlborough, MA. The new building represents the culmination of many months of hard work and the collective efforts of the Mass. Farm Bureau Staff and Board of Directors. We’re all very proud of the result and feel that the offices will serve our organization well as we continue our mission to protect the rights, encourage the growth, and be of service to our members, in the best interest of agriculture. We hope that you’ll be pleased with our efforts and take pride in YOUR Farm Bureau.

Won’t you join us in celebrating this event? We will be hosting an Open House on Thursday, October 28th from 3:00 to 5:00pm. If you’re in the neighborhood, please stop in to tour the new offices, and take a few minutes to meet and greet our staff.  The new location is easily accessible—just off of exit 24A at the junction of Route 495 and Route 20 in Marlborough. Don’t forget that our phone numbers have changed too. The new office telephone number is 508-481-4766, and our fax number is 508-481-8768.  Our toll-free number remains the same at 1-866-548-MFBF.  Our web address and email information is unchanged. 

AFBF Launches Beginning Farmer Website

The American Farm Bureau Federation is launching a website, www.start2farm.gov, to be a one stop shop of information for beginning farmers and ranchers.

Education, training, mentoring and outreach from projects funded through the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program (BFRDP) and other information sources will be aggregated in this online library.

The new website is just one component of the Start2Farm Clearinghouse funded by the BFRDP, a competitive grant initiative that is part of the 2008 farm bill.

Information specialists and librarians at the NAL;s  Rural and Alternative Centers will develop an online library and facilitate access to educational curricula and training materials developed through other BFRDP projects.  Farm Bureau’s role is disseminating the information and showcasing the work projects

USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training Program

UMass Extension and the MA Dept of Agricultural Resources 

 Recent contamination outbreaks for tomatoes and spinach have raised concerns about the safety of fresh produce. UMass Extension and the MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) are pleased to present a USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training Program for growers and other fresh produce handlers.

 At the training, you will learn more about:

• the costs and impact of diseases and outbreaks caused by food-borne pathogens

• strategies for controlling potential microbial food safety hazards before planting and throughout all phases of production - planting, production, harvesting and postharvest handling

• the USDA Third Party Audit process

• You will also:

• receive a manual filled with GAP resources

• receive a CD loaded with templates needed to maintain records to verify USDA GAP that can be customized for your farm

At the end of the session, you will receive a certificate of participation including hours and one pesticide credit for participating through UMass Extension.

The key presenter for the training is Dr. Richard Bonanno, Ph.D. Extension Educator with UMass Extension.  The cost for this GAP training is $50.00.  Send additional employees for $10.00 which includes the presentation, pesticide credit, refreshments, but not the GAP manual.  Space is limited.   Please make your checks payable to University of Massachusetts.  Note that we cannot accept cash payments.  Send the check along with the registration information given below to Doreen York, Agriculture & Landscape Program, 210 Bowditch Hall, 201 Natural Resources Rd., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003.  If you have questions, please contact Doreen at 413-545-2254 or email at dyork@umext.umass.edu.

Two sessions will be available.  Check off which session you will be attending.

Monday, November 22, 2010  
Farm Bureau Federation Office
249 Lakeside Drive, Marlboro, MA 01752
Registration deadline:  11/12/10

Thursday, December 2, 2010
Sheraton Springfield/Monarch Place Hotel

In conjunction: Annual Farm
Bureau Mtg.

12:45 PM – 2:30 PM;
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM

Registration deadline:  11/19/10      

Northeast Greenhouse Conference and Expo

November 3-4, 2010
DCU Center, Worcester, MA

2011 - 2012 New England Greenhouse Floriculture Guide - A Management Guide for Insects, Diseases, Weeds and Growth Regulators

Greenhouse growers throughout New England rely on the New England Greenhouse Floriculture Guide as an unbiased source of detailed crop-specific production recommendations.  This compendium of up-to-date information about products that manage insects, mites, diseases, weeds and algae, and regulate plant growth, is a must-have manual for professional growers.  Since the last edition, several new products have become available and have been incorporated into the 20011- 2012 publication. This year, the Guide introduces a pest identification website, developed by Guide contributors Leanne Pundt of Univ. of Connecticut, and Tina Smith and Paul Lopes of Univ. of Massachusetts. The website (http://www.negreenhouseupdate.info/index.php/photo-library) provides photos and descriptions of hundreds of plant problems caused by insects, mites, diseases, nutritional disorders and cultural procedures.

All of the Guide’s chemical recommendations are presented within the framework of sustainability.  The insect/mite section, for example, presents a practical approach to establishing a comprehensive integrated pest management program, beginning with detailed information about pest identification and step-by-step guidelines for implementing an effective scouting program.  Practical guidelines for instituting a biological control program, including use of banker plants and alternative pest control materials, are provided. The plant growth regulator (PGR) section not only provides details of which PGRs to use and how to apply those products to specific crops, but also explains how to manage crop growth environmentally.

The Guide is updated every two years by floriculture faculty and staff from the six New England State Universities, and is published by New England Floriculture, Inc.

The 20011-12 edition of the Guide will be available to attendees of the New England Greenhouse Conference at a special conference price of $25 per copy. After the conference, it will be available for $30 per copy via the Northeast Greenhouse Conference web site (www.negreenhouse.org).

To be added to our mailing list to receive the 2010 Northeast Greenhouse Conference Program or for more information, contact: Cindy Delaney, Delaney Meeting & Event Management,  1 Mill Street, Suite 301, Burlington, VT 05404, Phone: 802-865-5202,   Fax: 802-865-8066  Email: info@negreenhouse.org

MFBF 91^st Annual Meeting Workshop Information

Federation’s Annual Meeting, hosted by Hampden County Farm Bureau, will be held on December 2nd at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, Springfield, Ma

Best Management Practices for Greenhouse Production :

This session will explore the new
BMP handbook for Greenhouse production created through a collaboration between UMass Extension, MDAR, & Farm Bureau.  Participants will discuss the importance of BMPs to protect farm operations. Pesticide certification credits expected to be awarded. Leader: Tina Smith, Extension Educator, University of Massachusetts:

Best Management Practices for Cranberry Production :  This session will explore the new BMP handbook for cranberry production created through a collaboration between UMass Extension, MDAR, CCCGA & Farm Bureau.  Participants will discuss the importance of BMPs to protect farm operations. Pesticide certification credits expected to be awarded. Leader: Dr. Hilary Sandler , Extension Educator-Integrated Pest Management, University of Massachusettss:

Best Management Practices for Landscape & Turf:  This session will explore the new BMP handbook for Landscape and Turf developed through a collaboration between UMass Extension, MDAR & Farm Bureau .  Participants will discuss the importance of BMPs to protect farm operations. Pesticide certification credits are expected to be awarded.  Leaders: Mary Owen, Extension Educator, University of Massachusetts

GAP Training: This workshop has a required pre-registration. See above for a full description of workshop

Massachusetts Commonwealth Quality Agricultural Resources 

Commonwealth Quality, a brand designed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, serves to identify locally sourced products that are grown, harvested and processed right here in Massachusetts using practices that are safe, sustainable and don’t harm the environment.  That’s why Commonwealth Quality-certified growers, producers, harvesters and processors not only meet stringent federal, state and local regulatory requirements, but also employ best management practices and production standards that ensure consumers receive the safest, most wholesome products available

Forestry Viability : This workshop focuses on the four Working Forests Initiative programs administered by Farm Bureau for DCR - Forest Stewardship, Forest Viability, Carbon Offset and Trading Program and Estate Planning. Forest Stewardship provides cost reimbursement for preparing a 7 year forest stewardship plan.  Forest Viability is a business planning program for forest based businesses that provides an individualized business plan AND seed capital to make the changes recommended in the plan, in exchange for a 20 year non-development covenant.  Carbon Offset and Trading is a new program for MA providing cash payments to landowners for management of your forests for carbon credits that can be traded on the Chicago Climate Exchange.  Estate Planning provides landowners with options to help pass forest lands to future generations without dividing up the parcels.  Come and learn MORE!

Leader-Kent Lage , Director of Forestry Programs, MFBF Staff

Farm Financial Uncertainty – Making Informed Decisions for Long-Term Survival-Massachusetts farmers are today facing unprecedented levels of financial uncertainty.  For long-term survival, farmers should employ financial strategies that consider a range of decision factors.  Attendees will learn about financial tools and decision models that can improve an operation’s current profitability and long-term balance sheet.  This workshop is sponsored by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). Leader: Brett Crosby, President, Custom Ag Solutions.

Energy Alternatives on MA Farms
A review of energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities for Massachusetts agriculture including potential technologies for various sectors and an overview of available programs.

Staying overnight?  Farm Bureau Members can book accommodations for Wednesday, December 1st & Thursday, December 2nd at a rate of $89.95 for a single or double room at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center. Taxes are extra. Contact the Sheraton Hotel at (413) 781-1010 for reservations and mention that you are with Mass Farm Bureau to receive the group rate. To register click link below:

http://www.mfbf.net/MFBFAnnualMeetingCenter/tabid/129/Default.aspx

Pesticide Recertification Credits Available at Northeast Greenhouse Conference and Expo

Keeping up-to-date with pesticide  recertification is a fact of life for the greenhouse industry. At the 2010 Northeast Greenhouse Conference and Expo, growers will have ample opportunity to learn valuable new information on all aspects of pest and disease management while earning the pesticide credits they need for recertification.

 A total of 12 one-hour presentations (credits vary by state) will be offered for the six New England states plus New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.  Please check the schedule on the program brochure, as some of the presentations are at the same time.

Come hear the following presentations from some of the top experts from the US and Canada:

 On Wednesday, November 3rd:

Thrips and other Hard to Control Pests by Dan Gilrein, Cornell Cooperative Extension

IPM for Root and Crown Diseases by Rick Yates and Jim Willmott, Griffin Grower Services

Dastardly Downies and Pernicious Powderies  by Margery Daughtrey, Cornell University

Biocontrol: What’s Working and What’s Not by Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, Buglady Consulting

Updates on BioControl by John Sanderson, Cornell University

Biocontrols- Your FIRST Line of Defense.  A Grower Panel featuring Lloyd Traven, Peace Tree Farm, Mark Kelley from Grower Direct Farms, and Ron Valentin from Biobest Canada

On Thursday, November 4th:

Shaken but Not Stirred – Understanding Pesticide Cocktails, by Ray Cloyd, Kansas State University

Perennial diseases on Perennial Flower Crops, by Margery Daughtrey, Cornell University

Bug-Zilla: Problem Pests and Why they are so Difficult to Control, by Ray Cloyd, Kansas State University

Pests and Disease Control on Veggies and Herbs by Rob Wick, University of Massachusetts and John Sanderson, Cornell University

Nonchemical Height Control, by Brian Krug, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension

What’s New with PGRs by Jim Barrett, University of Florida

To be added to our mailing list to receive the 2010 Northeast Greenhouse Conference Program or for more information, contact: Cindy Delaney, Delaney Meeting & Event Management,  1 Mill Street, Suite 301, Burlington, VT 05404, Phone: 802-865-5202,   Fax: 802-865-8066  Email: info@negreenhouse.org

Or visit our web site: http://www.negreenhouse.org

SWOT Analysis and Upcoming Deadlines

What’s a SWOT Analysis?

A SWOT analysis is a tool that helps you evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) involved in any business enterprise — including farms and ranches. A SWOT analysis can help you gain insights into the past and think of possible solutions to existing or potential problems — either for an existing business or new venture. For a SWOT analysis to work well, every member of your team (your family and/or employees, lawyer, accountant, and insurance agent) should be involved in the process. After you read this overview, you can visit the USDA’s Farm Risk Planning Website (www.farm-risk-plans.usda.gov) to  find additional information and tools that will prepare you for doing a SWOT analysis for your own operation.

Strengths are considered mostly internal.  For example, what do you and your family, employees, and management team bring to the business? If you are planning to start a business, you or an employee or family member may have previous experience in that industry. If not, this may be viewed as a weakness. If you already know where to go to find the help you need, this would be considered a strength for this analysis.

Weaknesses are also generally considered internal and are the factors you will need to address to run a successful business. For a start-up business, an example might be a lack of experience in the selected industry. Another example may be that your family members do not completely support you in this venture. You may lack qualified employees, or perhaps your business will not support full-time employees. If you identify these as weaknesses, don’t worry because existing businesses may have similar weaknesses.

Opportunities are considered mostly external. What opportunities are available for your business? You may be able to take advantage of low interest loan packages for start-ups or grants for feasibility studies. You may have an idea that has not been tried in your area and know there is a demand for the product you plan to produce. Be aware that people with potential businesses tend to be much more optimistic than those with existing operations.

Threats are also considered mostly external. Threats from outside of your business will directly affect you, but you may have very little control over them. If you are starting a new business, there may be local regulations that negatively impact your business. Unforeseen competition (local or foreign), dissolution of markets, and adverse weather may also have a negative effect on your new business. Many of these threats will also negatively affect an existing business. Rising interest rates may have a greater impact on existing businesses than on start-ups.

Upcoming Crop Insurance Deadlines

Most Federal crop insurance programs have strict calendar deadlines governing participation decisions and reporting requirements.  In Massachusetts, some key participation deadlines (sales closing dates) fall on the following dates:

•       November 20 for apples, cranberries, and peaches;

•       November 30 for clams;

•       January 31 for AGR; and,

•       March 15 for AGR-Lite, corn, fresh market sweet corn, potatoes, and tobacco. 

Producers should especially note the upcoming November sales closing dates and contact a crop insurance agent well in advance of any deadlines.

Call Custom Ag Solutions at 877-277-8094 for more info.

FARM FAMILY SUPPORTS LOCAL AGRICULTURE

Providing Free Reusable Farm Stand Bags to Local Community 

LENMONT, N.Y. – Farm Family group of insurance companies, will be providing free reusable farm stand shopping bags to the public, at all agent office locations throughout Massachusetts.

“This is another step in our continuing efforts to strengthen ties with the local agriculture community,” said Timothy A. Walsh, President and CEO. “We encourage shoppers to use the bags at all local farm stands, farmers markets and roadside stands during the harvest season.”

Stop by any Farm Family agent office location for your farm stand bag. To find a local Farm Family agent near you call 1-800-THE-FARM (1-800-843-3276) or visit www.FarmFamily.com.

Farm Family Casualty Insurance Company, Farm Family Life Insurance Company and United Farm Family Insurance Company, headquartered in Glenmont, N.Y., have been protecting the plans and property of individuals and businesses for more than 50 years. The Farm Family companies serve 13 northeastern states with a force of more than 850 agents and employees, and are members of the American National family of companies.

President’s Corner by Richard Bonanno

As I write this, I am in Washington, DC at a meeting of  EPA’s Farm Ranch and Rural Communities Committee.  We are focusing on water issues and I will use my next column to focus on EPA and what is going on in D.C.  The following paragraphs are the remarks that I presented on September 28 on the Boston Common at the “coming out” party for the new Commonwealth Quality Seal.  The vegetable growers, fruit growers, lobstermen, and foresters are the first groups in this program.  I hope that my remarks will give you a feel for what we are hoping to achieve with this program.  I will add, though, that I feel that this program can help us with our marketing efforts to buyers and consumers interested in our commitment to food safety.  It is not a replacement for GAP certification.  It is voluntary and if your marketing demands this type of credibility but does not require GAP certification, then it may be for you

There are many reasons that knowledgeable consumers buy local.  Local produce, because of its freshness is better tasting and higher in nutrient content than produce produced farther away.

Consumers, though, are bombarded with news stories about food safety scares and they have concerns about environmental sustainability.  While consumers have a general desire for product s that taste good and are nutritious, they also want those products to be safe to eat and produced in an environmentally conscious way.

Four years ago, the Massachusetts DAR, MFBF, and UMass Extension entered into a partnership to produce Best Management Practices Guides, which outline sustainable standards of production.  Included in these practices, are attention to soil and water conservation, responsible pest management, worker safety, and food safety issues.

Massachusetts farmers have a long tradition of being leaders in sustainable growing practices.  Growers work closely with MDAR, UMass Extension, and the USDA to bring the best and most sustainable practices to their fields.  This past Sunday, 105 growers were honored as Century farmers.  These farms have been owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years.  And while some, like mine are only 101 years old, others are over 300 years old and have been in the same family in excess of 10 generations.  This type of sustainability is no accident and exemplifies the commitment that Massachusetts farmers have to do what is right.  This will sustain both their businesses and the land that they depend on.  Best management practices are the key to sustainability.

The best management practices guides are a compilation of what has made Massachusetts farms successful. They are written documents with standards that serve as the backbone of our production practices.

The use of sustainable Best Management Practices on local farms is the core component of Commonwealth Quality.  The CQ Seal identifies local farmers committed to soil conservation, responsible pest management, and food safety.

Massachusetts fruit and vegetable growers are pleased to be part of the commonwealth quality marketing program.  The Commonwealth Quality Seal provides an assurance to our customers that food safety and environmental stewardship are practiced every day on local farms.

We hope that consumers will recognize the efforts of Massachusetts fruit and vegetable growers to be the best they can be and we hope that the Commonwealth Quality seal will be a reminder that great taste high nutrition, and environmental sustainability can coexist.

Dr. Rich Bonanno, President
Massachusetts Farm Bureau
rich@mfbf.net

AFBF Annual Meeting Info

92nd  AFBF Annual Convention in Atlanta, GA 7-12, 2010

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2011

From Oil to Trout

Description of stops:

Resaca Sun Products is located in the foothills of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Resaca Sun Products, LLC is a family owned and operated Expeller® press Oilseeds production facility processing Non-GMO Canola and Sunflower seeds. Resaca Sun produces Kosher, non-GMO, Expeller® pressed food grade Canola and Sunflower oils for commercial refineries and high quality Canola and Sunflower meals for dairy, beef, and chicken farmers.

Chambers Mill Trout Farm is a seven-acre lake located in the mountains of northwestern Georgia near the city of Rome. The lake is fed and flows at over 2,000 gallons per minute. The trout that are located in the lake were hatched and raised on site.

Hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm

Sunday, January 9th-AFBF Convention

Monday, January 10th-AFBF Convention-Mike Rowe, the creator and executive producer of Discovery Channel’s Emmy®-nominated series Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe, will deliver the keynote address to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd annual meeting on January 10, 2011, in Atlanta, GA.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2011

Poultry & More

Description of stops:

Stork Poultry Processing provides the poultry industry worldwide with the latest technology in processing equipment aimed at increasing the customer’s profitability.  Stork offers complete systems as well as a wide range of equipment, from live bird

handling, eviscerating, cut up, deboning, (fixed weight) batching and packing, up to and including, intelligent management information and production control software.

Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm

Wednesday, January 12th-DEPART

PRICING:

Single/Double hotel room-               $905 (5 nights)

Annual Meeting Registration:            $100 (per person)

Tours-                                            $140  per person
                                                            (includes both  tours)

                                                       *Tour refund deadline DEC 1

Total cost per person is:                   $1145

Total cost per couple is:                    $1385

*Flights and Transportation to and from hotel are to be arranged by individual members-

*A non refundable deposit of $475 will be required by November 1st, 2010 and the final payment is due by December 1st, 2010

Contact John Conners in our Marlborough office to register today.

MFBF 91st ANNUAL MEETING SPONSORSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES & TRADE BOOTH INF0

TRADE BOOTHS

Trade Booth space is being offered again this year. Trade booth space will be $250 for an 8’x2’ booth. Booth space this year is at a premium and based on prior demand, you  should  act quickly.

ANNUAL MEETING SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

MFBF is again offering annual meeting sponsorship opportunities.  The Board of Directors will recognize your company as an industry leader by sponsoring the 2010 MFBF Annual meeting and its activities.  We are offering four levels of sponsorship:

Platinum Level- $500

Gold Level-$350

Silver Level-$150

Bronze Level-$50

Please contact John Conners at 508.481.4766 or by email at: john@mfbf.net

We have a special offer for those who sponsor at the Platinum level.  If you contact us no later than November 16th, your sponsorship will include a free booth!

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