Project Overview
More than 30 percent of small farms in Illinois have ceased operation during the last 15 years (source: USDA). As the family farm disappears so does its on farm training of new farmers, increasing the risks for today’s beginning farmers. Rapid growth of the organic food industry is attracting young people into farming and conventional farmers into sustainable agriculture, yet many growers lack access to effective and supportive training. Beginning and transitioning farmers in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin are seeking training from established farmers about how to manage the risk of adopting sustainable enterprises with low initial capital costs. This project will engage 40 prospective farmers in hands-on training in managing production risks through field days and/or farm exchanges with established sustainable agriculture farmers. Up to 30 beginning or transitioning farmers from 15 farm families will enroll in the Stateline Farm Beginnings business planning course, followed by hands-on production training and mentoring from established farmers.
Number of Participants: 50
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
There are no educational materials available for this project.
REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.