UT Extension News: “Beginning Farmer Short Course”

April 30, 2019

The following article was submitted by Chris Hicks, UT Extension Agent:

Are you a beginning farmer looking to diversify your operation? Maybe you’d like to get started in agriculture but don’t know where to start. Perhaps you’ve bought some property and want to learn how you can make money off of it.

If any of these describes you, I’d invite you to consider participating in the inaugural Upper Cumberland Beginning Farmer Short Course. The Upper Cumberland Beginning Farmer Short Course is a five-month certificate program designed for those with an interest in becoming agricultural entrepreneurs, or diversifying their current venture.

The five sessions will be held monthly from May – October at different locations around the Upper Cumberland. A portion of each session will be dedicated to helping you establish and/or maintain a productive and efficient operation by covering topics such as soil health, livestock production, fruit and vegetable production, beekeeping, irrigation strategies, hemp production, greenhouse management, and hydroponics.

In addition to classroom instruction, the course provides farm tours and hands-on experiential sessions on issues including fruit tree pruning and maintenance, drip irrigation and plasticulture, fencing installation and repair, sprayer calibration, and equipment operation/safety.

The registration fee for the Upper Cumberland Beginning Farmer Short Course is $100 per person, or $125 per couple. This includes lunch at each of the 5 sessions as well as handouts and other valuable material.

For more information, including a complete list of topics, dates, and locations, visit smith.tennessee.edu and click on “agriculture”, or stop by our office at 125 Gordonsville Highway in Carthage.

Check out the flyer below!

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