Farming Classes For New Generation

The rise of “foodies” and the local food movement have helped give birth to a new generation of farming newbies hungry to learn how to win customers and grow the best crops they can, say Benton County extension agents with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

“Research has shown customers are willing to pay more for locally grown, fresh, unique, high quality foods,” said Neal Mays, Benton County extension agent. “We have entrepreneurs tapping the market here because these items are in demand, or the average consumer can’t or won’t grow the food themselves, and these younger, newer farmers are stepping up to provide goods people want.”

To help these growers, the Benton County office has organized “Back to the Farm,” a series of classes to help growers learn about direct marketing — such as farmers markets — and other needs such as irrigation, managing cash flow and food safety regulations.

The classes will be offered 6-8 p.m. Tuesday nights during February in Fayetteville at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center, 1335 W. Knapp Drive. The classes are free but registration is required. Classes are limited. To register, call 479-968-7098. The class schedule will be: Feb. 2 — Farm business management: this session covers developing and writing business and financial plans, finding sources of capital, grants and financing, managing cash flow, record keeping, farm insurance and banking.

Feb. 9 — Specialty crop production from farm to fork: this class will review basics of crop production, matching horticultural crops to farm resources, pest management, irrigation, generally accepted practices and food safety.

Feb. 16 — Marketing your farm: the class will discuss wholesale and direct marketing, branding, agritourism, recognizing and meeting market demand and farmers market best management practices.

Feb. 23 — Livestock production on small acreages: the final session will cover species and breed selection, purchasing tips, fencing, watering, housing requirements, feeding livestock, pasture management and food safety.

DAVE EDMARK IS WITH UA SYSTEM, DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE; 479-5756940; DEDMARK@UARK.EDU.