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New Workshop For Those Who Want To Be Farmers
SPRING HILL, TENN.
Want to be a farmer, but don’t know how to get started? University of Tennessee Extension has scheduled a 2017 workshop that might show you first steps.
Beginning January 25, four workshops are scheduled at locations across the state. Each event is independent, and the same materials will be presented. “A century ago Americans absorbed their ‘farming education’ mostly first-hand through chores and kitchen table discussions,” said Rob Holland, director of the UT Center for Profitable Agriculture (CPA). “Today that is not the case, and many would-be farmers have no idea how to get started in the business.”
A team of Extension agents and specialists have developed an educational workshop for those who have been dreaming of managing their own green acres. Mitchell Mote, agriculture agent in Rutherford County, has been leading the planning and serves as one of the instructors. Co-sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, USDA Rural Development and UT Extension -Tennessee State University Extension, the workshop “Considerations for Beginning Farmers” will be offered to anyone interested in becoming a farm owner-operator.
Based on the feedback from participants at previous events, Mote thinks the effort is right on track. “The information we present is timely and is sought after by people who are a few generations removed from the family farm, but who are interested in returning to their roots, so to speak,” he said.
The full-day workshop is designed for those with little or no farming background. Program topics include the language of agriculture; a self-assessment of goals, desires and commitment; basic crop and livestock needs; evaluating land suitability; equipment and tools; potential risks; and more.
Registration to attend is $25 per person, which includes the program and lunch.
The workshop is scheduled for four dates in 2017, beginning January 25 and running through July:
• Jan. 25, 2017
UT-TSU Extension Office, Montgomery Co.
(Registration deadline Jan. 13, 2017)
• March 28, 2017
White Co. Ag Complex (Fairgrounds)
(Registration deadline March 20, 2017)
• May 10, 2017
Grainger County Ag. Pavilion
(Registration deadline is May 2, 2017)
• July 11, 2017
UT-TSU Extension Office, Madison Co.
(Registration deadline July 3, 2017)
For more information, contact Mitchell Mote in the Rutherford County Extension Office at 615-898-7710. ∆
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