Kirstin Bailey, kirstinb@cfra.org, 402.870.2390; Lucia Schulz, lucias@cfra.org, 402.380.7006 (Spanish inquiries); or Rhea Landholm, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext 1025
HASTINGS, NEBRASKA - Do you dream of starting your own farm or ranch business? If so, the Center for Rural Affairs’ Growing Farmers Workshop is for you. Classes are held in Hastings, Neb., on most Saturdays, and begin Jan. 14 and will continue until May 20.
The Growing Farmers Workshop will help individuals learn both the business and the production sides they need to start a market farm business. The course is offered in English and translated into Spanish.
WHAT: Growing Farmers Workshop
WHEN: Most Saturdays, Jan. 14 to May 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., times may vary
WHERE: Head Start Child and Family Development Program
123 N. Marian Rd., Hastings, Neb., 68901
“Attending this course will provide participants with the tools to hit the ground running with their own farm business,” said Kirstin Bailey, senior project associate, Center for Rural Affairs. “Whether a person is ready to start a business or is just thinking about it, each class will help them get closer to their goal. You don’t have to have land or experience to attend.”
Participants will build their capacity for agricultural success, learning business management, financial literacy and food safety. In the final sessions of the series, attendees will have the opportunity to visit specific area farms, participating in more hands-on workshops, to learn more about direct-marketing and crop and animal handling.
There are fees for the course, with a sliding scale based on income. Scholarships are available. Pre-registration is required.
Participants are encouraged to attend the full course, but may pick and choose which workshops and farm tours work best for them to attend. Each session will begin at Head Start in Hastings, then attendees can travel together to the tours.
Growing Farmer Workshops are hosted by Center for Rural Affairs in conjunction with Community Crops who hosts in Lincoln. Funds are provided by the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.
