Beginning Farmer Outreach workshop series to be held on the first Friday of the month from March-October from 12:00pm – 1:30 pm CDT.

Class schedule:

March 5th:   Welcome and Introduction Extension and USDA Programs-various program partner presenters

April 9th:  Regenerative Agriculture Concepts (moved due to April 2 Holiday):  Jim Artman, East TN Coordinator for FVC, Founder/CEO Appalachian Grit

May 7th:  Veterans Employed in Technology and Service in Agriculture (VETSA) Program Information:  Ardis Porter, Program Manager

June 4th:  Soil Conservation Plans and Programs Veterans (SEPM):  Craig Underwood, Soil Conservation Technician/USDA/NRCS/Veterans SEPM

August 6th: Farm Succession Planning:  Iris Cui, UT Area MANAGE Specialist

September 3rd:  Incorporating Cover Crops into Your Farming Operation:  Nathan Hicklin, DC Soil Conservation/USDA

October 1st:  Graduation Luncheon and Advisory Meeting *Those attending all sessions will receive a certificate and invite to luncheon.

Sessions will be held using a combination of small groups meeting via face-to-face and virtual via zoom.  The focus this year will be on regenerative farm practices, soil conservation/cover cropping practices as well as business development.

*Beginning farmers and ranchers, whether intending to farm full-time or for  supplemental income, face many important and interrelated decisions that affect their success and will benefit from participating in this program.  Over the past 10 years, the interest in small farms and market gardening has grown substantially lending to an open audience ready to receive information on beginning farming.

There will be no fee to attend this program; however, you must complete the 2-step registration process as indicated below.

1. Register Contact Information Here: https://forms.gle/63ARBpooqQCLfToGA

1. Register in zoom to receive link for this meeting: https://tennessee.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAqfu-vpj4oHN3KFHXWeRfZQ62_dhztPmJY

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

LOCATION OPTION 1:  Via ZOOM Link to your home computer or smart phone

LOCATION OPTION 2: On-site (limited to first 15 registrants requesting this), Montgomery County Extension, 1030 Cumberland Heights Road, Clarksville, TN.  Face masks required; to permit social distancing there is room for 15 participants.  Notifications will be sent out for each additional class.

Funded in part by:

National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Award Numbers 2017-70017-26859 & Award 2016-70017-25573

USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program)