For producers looking to turn a creative farming idea into reality or seeking assistance in developing a successful farm venture the University of Missouri Extension has the solution.
The Grow Your Farm Program is a perfect fit for prospective farmers and farmers that are interested in trying their hand at new farming methods. Program participants will be taught by MU Extension specialists and experienced farmers. “Producers in all areas of agriculture will find something for them,” said Jodie Pennington, small ruminant specialist with Lincoln University. “The program courses will meet 11 times over a 12-week period and will include seminars and farm tours.”
With any new farm venture there are obstacles to overcome and according to Jodie this program will allow landowners the knowledge to develop their farms as a profitable business. The course will assist landowners in identifying a farm mission statement and goals, evaluate the feasibility of particular farm opportunities, build a farm business plan and understand financial aspects of the plan, learn tools to manage financial records, evaluate a variety of agricultural markets, draft a marketing plan, understand farm legal issues and network with other regional farmers.
“Topics will cover all aspects of agriculture ranging from horticulture, grass-fed beef, direct marketing and much more,” said Jodie. “The program has been offered in other parts of the state and we are excited to offer the course to our regional producers.”
The Grow Your Farm Program will be at the Southwest Research Center in Mt. Vernon, Mo., in February and March of 2011, with sign-up beginning in January and limited to the first 25 participants. For further information about the Grow Your Farm Program contact Sarah Becker or and Jodie Pennington at 417-455-9500.
