Online courses for new small farmers
As a new small farmer there’s no lack of work on the farm and much of it is learn as you go. Some universities are offering online courses to help make it easier for new farmers to ramp up quickly. These online classes are an easier way for busy farmers to gain valuable information on running the farm as a business and also how to create added value from existing crops.
The Cornell Small Farms Program is one such organization that is offering courses through their Northeast Beginning Farmer Project.
“The Cornell Small Farms Program offers over twenty courses each year to help farmers improve their technical and business skills. Students connect with other farmers, work on farm plans, and gain practical tips without leaving their home. Course content can be accessed anywhere with a high-speed internet connection.
Most courses are six weeks long. Each week features an evening webinar and follow-up readings, videos, and activities. Students and their instructors connect through online forums and live chat. If you aren’t able to attend the webinars in real-time, they are always recorded for later viewing.”
Classes start at the end of February. For more info: NE Beginning Farmer Project