GROWING FARMS: THE IMPACTS OF OREGON’S BEGINNING FARMER PROGRAM
Agricultural Issues
Melissa Fery
Small Farms Extension Agent
Oregon State University
Eugene
Abstract
New small-scale farm businesses are on the rise nationally. Following this trend, the Oregon State University Extension Small Farms Program has documented an increased demand from clientele seeking information on starting or expanding a small farm operation. Many of these new and beginning farmers do not come from an agricultural background nor do they have adequate agricultural training to begin a small farm business. In 2008, the OSU Extension Small Farms team developed a beginning farmer curriculum and training series to meet this growing population of new farmers. The curriculum, Growing Farms: Successful Whole Farm Management, integrates farm business management with principles of whole farm systems. The course is taught in four regions of the state. Extension agents, other agricultural professionals and small-scale farmers provide instruction. Key innovations of this training series include shared mealtime among participants, on-farm education, networking and access to shared skills among participants and farmers and most importantly, community and farmer involvement. To date, over 250 people have completed the Growing Farms series. At least 24 farmers and three non-profit organizations have provided input on curriculum development and many have served as course instructors or on-farm hosts. Impacts from Growing Farms include the successful establishment of new small farm businesses contributing to the local and state economy; increased community networking and connection between farmers and course participants as well as increased risk management among new farmers through diversification, production and marketing alternatives, record keeping, and goal setting.
Authors: Fery, M.
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Fery, M. Small Farms Extension Faculty, Oregon State University, Oregon, 97330