Pin It!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Want to Start a Small-Scale Farm? Training Available

COLUMN: Want to start a small-scale farm? Training available

 
SRL_Amanda Taylor
Amanda Taylor


The demand for locally grown food continues to grow despite a faltering economy. Direct sales from farms to consumers grew 215 percent from 1992-2007. The average farmer in North Carolina is 57 years old and looking forward to retirement. We need new farmers to meet the demand for locally grown food in North Carolina.
More and more, families are looking at ways to supplement their incomes and put their land into something productive. Quite often, I’m faced with the question, "I have some land that I want to do something with ... but I don't know what. Can you tell me what I can grow and make some money?" This is an open-ended question, because the success of an agricultural venture really depends on the market and the operator. A successful business starts with a good plan and lots of research, and agriculture is no different.
In response to this situation, Cooperative Extension Agents from several counties have developed The Piedmont Farm School, a training program for beginning and transitioning farmers. The seven-month educational program focuses on operating successful small-scale, sustainable farms.
The school offers seven business-planning seminars taught by agriculture economists, which give farmers the tools to create a viable business plan. Each business session focuses on different areas of a business plan, including financial management and effective marketing strategies. By the end of the program, participants will have a complete business plan for their enterprise.
The school also includes seven field trips to working farms, led by innovative, experienced farmers and agricultural professionals. Participants learn low-cost, sustainable farming methods in a range of production systems, including fruits, vegetables, cows, pigs, poultry, goats, specialty crops and agritourism.
Business classes meet the second Tuesday of the month beginning in February from 6-9 p.m. at the Davidson County Extension Center. Farm field days are typically on the fourth Thursday of the month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The farm field days will take place at various farms throughout the Piedmont.
Registration deadline is Dec. 14. Cost for one person is $200; $250 for two people and $300 for three or more.
For more information, contact the Iredell Cooperative Extension Service by visiting http://iredell.ces.ncsu.edu or calling 704-873-0507.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thanks for sharing your thoughts...