COLUMN: Want to start a small-scale farm? Training available
Amanda Taylor
By: | Statesville Record & Landmark
Published: October 17, 2012
Published: October 17, 2012
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.
