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Journeyman Farmer Certification Benefits Small and Beginning Farmers

Extension Education

Paula Burke
Agricultural & Natural Resources Agent
University of Georgia
Carrollton

Abstract

In the growing suburban/rural interface counties that hosted this series of Journeyman Farmer courses, there is a growing demand for clientele assistance in agriculture.  Many people from larger suburban counties still view outlying counties like Carroll, Haralson, and Paulding as more agricultural and rural settings and many move to these areas, for the appeal of pastoral and forested landscapes.  Homes are purchased with small acreage with the intention of raising animals or small fruits and vegetables, but they come with little experience or knowledge of farm business, land, and herd management.  Agents use the Journeyman curriculum to teach best management practices including the importance of soil fertility testing, nutrient management, insect/disease management, water availability, animal selection, and variety selection.  A team of Agents, Educators, and the area director for UGA Small Business Development Center offered the Journeyman Farmer Certification training series yearly between 2017 and 2024, alternating the focus between small ruminants and small fruit and vegetable production.  Agents found that after the Journeyman programs, participants were more confident in their farming practices.  We also learned that although some participants did not farm, or were no longer farming, they used the knowledge they gained on their homestead, making home gardens and small ruminant production more efficient for their families.  

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Mary Carol Sheffield, Paula Burke, Sheena Gay, Grace Baughman, Christen Thomas
  1. Sheffield, M. County Extension Coordinator, UGA Extension , Georgia, 30132
  2. Burke, P. Agricultural & Natural Resources Agent, UGA Extension , Georgia, 30117
  3. Gay, S. Agricultural & Natural Resources Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30240
  4. Baughman, G. ANR Educator, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30113
  5. Thomas, C. ANR Program Assistant, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30132