Caldwell, Idaho, USA
September 15, 2009
Among the advantages of small- and mid-sized family farms is their ability to adapt quickly to new markets and meet the heightened demand for local and sustainably raised food. Helping those who are either new to farming—or new to sustainable farming—identify and use these advantages is the goal of a nine-week University of Idaho Extension course that begins Oct. 14 in Meridian.
“Sustainable Small-acreage Farming and Ranching” is part of the Cultivating Success Program, a collaboration of University of Idaho Extension, Washington State University's Small Farms Team and the non-profit Rural Roots.
According to instructor Mary Rohlfing, a retired professor and farmer of eight-acre Morning Owl Farm in Boise, the course provides a broad overview of production and marketing options. “Participants get to meet and network with established area organic and sustainable farmers as well as farmers like them who are just starting out,” she said.
Rohlfing is offering the course for the fourth time in five years. “It especially helps new farmers who are interested in contributing to the local and sustainable agriculture movement,” she said. “They learn about finding their niche in the local food system, planning their own farms so they’re sustainable and getting help with direct marketing, value-added processing, production, regulations—everything they need to know to get started right.” In addition to classroom instruction, participants tour farms to see different operations and get some hands-on learning.
“We are seeing steady growth in the demand for fresh, local and sustainable farm products here, and this course has a proven history of helping producers determine what works for them, whether that’s selling their produce through farmers’ markets or community-supported agriculture or marketing their meat and eggs,” said Ariel Agenbroad, Canyon County Extension educator in horticulture and small farms.
Enrollment is under way, with the first class scheduled for 6-9 p.m. Oct. 14. Classes will meet on Wednesday nights between October and mid-December at the Ada County Weed and Pest Building in Meridian. At least one tour will also be scheduled. Course fee is $200 per person or $250 for two representatives from the same farm. The fee includes a comprehensive resource manual and farm visits.
For a complete course schedule or to register, contact Agenbroad at (208) 459-6003 or ariel@uidaho.edu
“Sustainable Small-acreage Farming and Ranching” is offered for continuing education credit. Funding comes from the USDA Risk Management Agency and the Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. For more information about the Cultivating Success program, visit http://www.cultivatingsuccess.org/.
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state's flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university's student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 130 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities.
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