On January 12-14, the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems will be hosting the 20th Wisconsin School for Beginning Market Growers. This three-day workshop will be held on the UW- Madison campus.
The Wisconsin School for Beginning Market Growers was created to help anyone interested in starting a profitable, sustainable fresh market vegetable farm.
“We provide information and inspiration to help new growers make smart business decisions about production, markets, pricing, capitalization and labor,” says school coordinator John Hendrickson, an outreach specialist with the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems.
During the three-day program participants will learn about fertility management, greenhouse use, season extension, pest management and equipment needs. Aspiring growers will also hear about the financial and quality-of-life realities of running a small-scale farm business while emphasizing on organic production methods.
“Our course is taught by a team of experienced growers who provide a wealth of practical knowledge and insight into what it takes to operate a farm business, and avoid costly mistakes,” says Hendrickson.
Registration for the program costs $345. Enrollment is limited, so early registration is advised. There are also a limited number of $100 scholarships available to support participants interested in starting an organic farm.
For more information, contact John Hendrickson at (608) 265-3704 or [email protected]; visit the CIAS website at www.cias.wisc.edu; or visit the CIAS Beginning Grower Schools Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CIASGrowerSchools/.
