So, You Want to Farm in Maine? Delivering a Short Course with Technology
Teaching & Educational Technologies
Kathryn Hopkins
EXTENSION EDUCATOR
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
SKOWHEGAN
Abstract
This course was designed for current farmers and those who are interested in starting a farm. There is an increasing interest in local foods and agriculture and an increasing interest in younger people thinking about choosing farming as a career. The purpose was to equip participants with knowledge and skills to start, adapt and maintain a profitable land-based business. This multi-session course was offered on five Thursday evenings in March and April at three sites using Tandberg Movi videoconferencing software to connect the sites. Participants completed a New Farmer Enterprise Survey before the first session. A flyer was mailed to interested people in four counties and picked up by approximately 100 people at the annual Maine Ag Trade Show in January. As a result, sixty-three farmers and potential farmers enrolled in this program at the three interconnected sites. This use of technology resulted in less stress on speakers and a broader range of experiences shared among class participants.
Authors: Hopkins, K.
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Hopkins, K. Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine, 04976