Attention Beginning Women Farmers!

Whole Farm Planning For

Beginning Women Farmers

Quick−answer these three questions:

Do you believe women farmers learn more effectively from each other?

Would you like to learn from other women farmers?

Have you been farming fewer than 10 years?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, you have a chance to join other farming women for support and camaraderie learning about whole farm planning. Through funds from a USDA grant, beginning women farmers in CT can learn more about whole farm planning in a program developed specifically for women. It costs nothing but your time and interest. 

This program includes:

One-on-One Mentorships

On-Farm Field Visits

Business & Financial Planning Training

Network of Women Farmers

Classes will be scheduled beginning early November 2010.  Participants must attend at total of 10 sessions, with 6 sessions taking place over the winter of 2010/2011 and 4 farm tours that will take place during the spring and summer of 2011. Most sessions will be on a weekend and last 7 hours. The program also includes farm mentors with onsite farm visits. Commitment to attend all 10 sessions is expected.  Exact training locations and dates to be determined.

Topics include:

1.       Introduction to Whole Farm Planning; Creating a Values-based Farm Mission; Improved Decision Making Process

2.      Increasing Farm Profitability (Gross Profit Analysis; Enterprise Analysis)

3.      Creating a Farm Financial Plan

4.      Business Planning Basics

5.      Creating a Marketing Plan

6.      Soil Fertility Basics; Examining Enterprise Environmental Impact

7.      Time Management

8.     Land and Infrastructure Planning

9.      Leadership and Communication Skills

10.  Improving Soil Health with Livestock, Cover Crops, and Rotations

Sound good? If you are interested in learning more or applying for this program, please contact Deb Legge at CT NOFA: deb@ctnofa.org or 203-888-5146.

Application deadline is October 15, 2010!