Project Overview
Farmers improved their ability to manage production, price and financial risks through a series of workshops and mentoring that addressed the following risk management topics: specialty crop/hoop house production, business planning, and sales and marketing. The project targeted two groups: Northern Nevada farmers who want to diversify to high-value specialty crops, but lack the knowledge, and new farmers. Demand for this training was generated by increased consumer demand for locally-grown food and producer participation in a national NRCS high-tunnel project. Workshop attendance exceeded original expectations. 55 participants attended the first workshop, and 61 attended the second workshop. 30 farmers received post-workshop mentoring which was well received and productive. At completion of the project, participants knew how to assess and manage their farm´s financial and production risks. 18 have implemented or increased hoop house/specialty crop production and are utilizing risk management practices to increase profits. 14 participants began or completed a written business plan. Phone interviews determined that several producers are still building their hoop houses or just beginning to experiment with production. These producers report they are postponing commercial sales while taking into consideration their newly learned financial and production risk management skills which will reduce their risks.
Number of Participants: 101
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
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