This three-hour, immersive workshop offers an in-depth look at the essential elements of building a successful small farm from the ground up. Tailored to support new and aspiring farmers, this session will address the core challenges and opportunities encountered in the first stages of farm development. Our goal is to provide participants with a balanced mix of detailed instruction and practical resources, empowering them to make informed decisions as they embark on their farming journey. 

Participants will engage with each topic from both a theoretical and hands-on perspective, learning best practices and innovative approaches to ensure farm resilience and productivity. From soil health to market strategy, this session will cover the essential aspects of a successful farm operation: 

• Fertility Management: Understand the basics of soil fertility, organic amendments, and crop nutrient requirements to maintain healthy and productive soil. 

• Irrigation: Explore efficient irrigation techniques, water-saving practices, and considerations for setting up reliable water sources. 

• Season Extension: Gain insights into tools and techniques that allow you to extend the growing season and increase profitability. 

• No-Till Soil Preparation: Learn about the benefits and methods of no-till practices for improved soil health, reduced erosion, and labor savings. 

• Transplanting: Discover tips for effective transplanting to optimize crop yields and growth. 

• Greenhouse Management: An overview of greenhouse design, equipment, and crops to help manage a controlled growing environment. 

• Overview of Important Crops: Identify high-value and essential crops for small farms, including considerations for your specific market. 

• Direct Seeding: Understand direct seeding techniques, including seed spacing, depth, and timing for a variety of crops. 

• Weed Control: Explore integrated weed management techniques that can reduce labor and improve crop health. 

• Pest and Disease Management: Learn about pest and disease prevention strategies, monitoring, and treatment options that align with organic practices. 

• Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling: Best practices for efficient, quality-preserving harvesting and post-harvest handling. 

• Marketing Strategies: Overview of effective marketing tactics to connect with customers, build brand awareness, and increase sales. 

• Market Channels: Explore different market opportunities, from farmers markets to CSA models and restaurant sales, to determine the best fit for your farm. 

By the end of this workshop, participants will leave with a solid foundation in farm management principles and the resources needed to delve further into each topic. This session is an ideal fit for those ready to build or refine their farm operations, providing them with both the confidence and practical knowledge to take the next steps.