Project Overview
This project addressed production, marketing and legal risks associated with producing agricultural products for direct and semi-direct markets. The 94 project participants were Idaho farmers and ranchers producing crops and livestock for regional markets and approximately 70% self-identifed as beginning farmers and ranchers. Participants took one of four in-depth, whole farm planning courses offered in Sandpoint, Moscow and Lewiston, Idaho or a facilitated on-line course for time and place-bound producers. Upon course completion, project participants demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to engage in whole farm planning. Fifty-three participants developed a whole farm plan that evaluates farm resources, equipment, facilities, potential enterprises, soil, pest and weed management, marketing practices and/or enterprise budgets. Two years after taking the course, 31 participants completed an on-line post-course evaluation. Twenty-two of the respondents indicated they reduced their production, market and/or legal risks by implementing whole farm planning strategies. Another 18 indicated the began keeping or improved their production, marketing, financial and/or food safety records. Thirteen indicated they evaluated both their production and marketing costs, while another 4 evaluated marketing costs only and 9 production costs only. Participants also indicated an increased in their ability to evaluate the potential of new enterprises and markets.
Number of Participants: 94
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.