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This winter the University of Missouri Extension in Jackson County, in collaboration with the Drumm Farm Garden, will organize a one-day training on “Vegetable and Flower Production for Home Consumption and Additional Income.”
The training will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at the University of Missouri Extension Center, 1106 West Main Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015 and the Andrew Drumm Institute, 3210 Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, MO 64055. The training will start at the University of Missouri Extension center at 8:30 am and end at the Drumm Farm at 4:00 pm.
The training is aimed at home gardeners and prospective growers with limited experience. Training will cover best management practices for vegetable and flower production and marketing opportunities. Emphasis will be on the hands-on training of bed preparation, seedling production, sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings. The practical session will be held in the weather controlled greenhouse and high tunnel.
Training fee is $30 per participant or $50 per couple. Fee includes training materials, box lunch, tea and coffee. The class size is limited to 25 participants.
For more information, contact Lala Kumar, Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, 816-252-5051, kumarl@missouri.edu
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Farmers’ Markets – Good Options for Beginning Farmers
I’ve always maintained that farmers who are directly selling their farm products aspire to be “Super Farmer” – and it’s simply unrealistic! Direct-market farmers rely on three unique sets of skills – producing, managing and marketing. Very few people (I haven’t met one yet!) – excel at producing the finest quality vegetables, fruits or other product; are financial whizzes who know to a cent what their profit margin is on each crop; and can market anything. Whew! Just thinking about it makes me tired. As a beginning farmer, be realistic about what you can do. Know that it will take time to develop production skills, financial management skills, and marketing and selling skills. Look for partnerships that will enhance your strengths and compensate for any weaknesses. (“Selling Strategies for Local Food Producers” is good publication for enhancing your marketing skills.)
A good way to get started refining all of these skill sets is to sell at Farmer’s Markets. Farmer’s Markets are good market channels for beginning farmers because they are easy to enter, you can experiment, and it doesn’t take much money to start selling. Most farmers’ markets have daily fees in addition to seasonal memberships which means that you can experiment with different markets to see which works best for you. Farmers’ markets are great for selling small volumes of different types of produce, and offer great ways to experiment with different products because of the immediate and direct feedback from customers. Because farmers’ markets often occur on the weekends or during afternoon hours, they can be very compatible with off-farm employment. (“Marketing Vegetables in Missouri” offers an analysis of different market channels for produce.)
Farmer’s Markets do have their drawbacks. They are very time intensive, which means that you will have high selling costs – even though you are getting a retail price for your products. That price can also fluctuate during the season depending on what products your competitors have to offer, and how much they have. You also have to produce a number of different products through the season to have a nicely stocked stand. Many farmers’ markets also are very weather dependent – meaning your customers could stay away in a big rainstorm or a terrible heat wave. That said – local foodies are pretty dedicated customers. Last summer, I shopped in the rain at the Columbia Farmers’ Market – with a lot of other equally dedicated customers! – Posted by Mary Hendrickson
A good way to get started refining all of these skill sets is to sell at Farmer’s Markets. Farmer’s Markets are good market channels for beginning farmers because they are easy to enter, you can experiment, and it doesn’t take much money to start selling. Most farmers’ markets have daily fees in addition to seasonal memberships which means that you can experiment with different markets to see which works best for you. Farmers’ markets are great for selling small volumes of different types of produce, and offer great ways to experiment with different products because of the immediate and direct feedback from customers. Because farmers’ markets often occur on the weekends or during afternoon hours, they can be very compatible with off-farm employment. (“Marketing Vegetables in Missouri” offers an analysis of different market channels for produce.)
Farmer’s Markets do have their drawbacks. They are very time intensive, which means that you will have high selling costs – even though you are getting a retail price for your products. That price can also fluctuate during the season depending on what products your competitors have to offer, and how much they have. You also have to produce a number of different products through the season to have a nicely stocked stand. Many farmers’ markets also are very weather dependent – meaning your customers could stay away in a big rainstorm or a terrible heat wave. That said – local foodies are pretty dedicated customers. Last summer, I shopped in the rain at the Columbia Farmers’ Market – with a lot of other equally dedicated customers! – Posted by Mary Hendrickson
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
NRCS Financial Assistance Supports Organic Growers, High Tunnels
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has $1.2 million to help Missouri farmers produce organic products, and another $150,000 for a pilot project to introduce all growers to high tunnel structures that extend the growing season for crops.
State Conservationist J.R. Flores says landowners may apply until March 19 for cost-share funding for both initiatives through NRCS' Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
The $1.2 million available in Missouri is part of a $50 million nationwide initiative to provide financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) Certified Organic producers as well as those transitioning to organic production.
EQIP promotes agricultural production and environmental quality. Through EQIP, farmers and ranchers receive financial and technical assistance to help install structural conservation practices and to implement management systems that promote conservation.
EQIP may pay for up to 75 percent of the costs associated with installing eligible practices, including high tunnels. For those qualifying as beginning farmers, limited-resource farmers, or socially disadvantaged farmers, EQIP funds are available for up to 90 percent of installation costs. Payments for organic operations may not exceed $20,000 per year, or $80,000 during any six-year period.
Flores says high tunnels, also known as hoop houses, increase the availability of locally grown produce and other specialty crops in a conservation-friendly way. "High tunnels can help producers extend their growing seasons and also expand the availability of healthy, locally grown crops," Flores says. "So their use can benefit producers and consumers." High tunnels are made of ribs of plastic or metal pipe covered with a layer of plastic sheeting.
NRCS will provide financial assistance to fund one high tunnel per farm where there is existing cultivated cropland. NRCS will offer financial assistance for a high tunnel that covers up to 5 percent of an acre (2,178 square feet).
Producers may build larger tunnels and pay 100 percent of the extra costs themselves. To receive assistance, eligible producers must use commercially manufactured high tunnel kits, and no electrical, heating or mechanical ventilation system can be added.
EQIP funds are also available to help fund supporting practices associated with the use of high tunnels. Examples of supporting practices include, but are not limited to: diversions; critical area plantings; nutrient and pest management; and underground outlets.
Flores says the three-year study is part of USDA's "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative. He says the study will verify if high tunnels are effective in reducing pesticide usage, keeping vital nutrients in the soil, extending the growing season, increasing yields and providing other benefits to growers.
To apply for EQIP or to get more information about EQIP and other NRCS programs, contact the NRCS office serving your county. Look in the phone book under "U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture," or access this website: http://offices.usda.gov. You can also get information about NRCS programs online at http://www.mo.nrcs.usda.gov/programs.
State Conservationist J.R. Flores says landowners may apply until March 19 for cost-share funding for both initiatives through NRCS' Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
The $1.2 million available in Missouri is part of a $50 million nationwide initiative to provide financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) Certified Organic producers as well as those transitioning to organic production.
EQIP promotes agricultural production and environmental quality. Through EQIP, farmers and ranchers receive financial and technical assistance to help install structural conservation practices and to implement management systems that promote conservation.
EQIP may pay for up to 75 percent of the costs associated with installing eligible practices, including high tunnels. For those qualifying as beginning farmers, limited-resource farmers, or socially disadvantaged farmers, EQIP funds are available for up to 90 percent of installation costs. Payments for organic operations may not exceed $20,000 per year, or $80,000 during any six-year period.
Flores says high tunnels, also known as hoop houses, increase the availability of locally grown produce and other specialty crops in a conservation-friendly way. "High tunnels can help producers extend their growing seasons and also expand the availability of healthy, locally grown crops," Flores says. "So their use can benefit producers and consumers." High tunnels are made of ribs of plastic or metal pipe covered with a layer of plastic sheeting.
NRCS will provide financial assistance to fund one high tunnel per farm where there is existing cultivated cropland. NRCS will offer financial assistance for a high tunnel that covers up to 5 percent of an acre (2,178 square feet).
Producers may build larger tunnels and pay 100 percent of the extra costs themselves. To receive assistance, eligible producers must use commercially manufactured high tunnel kits, and no electrical, heating or mechanical ventilation system can be added.
EQIP funds are also available to help fund supporting practices associated with the use of high tunnels. Examples of supporting practices include, but are not limited to: diversions; critical area plantings; nutrient and pest management; and underground outlets.
Flores says the three-year study is part of USDA's "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative. He says the study will verify if high tunnels are effective in reducing pesticide usage, keeping vital nutrients in the soil, extending the growing season, increasing yields and providing other benefits to growers.
To apply for EQIP or to get more information about EQIP and other NRCS programs, contact the NRCS office serving your county. Look in the phone book under "U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture," or access this website: http://offices.usda.gov. You can also get information about NRCS programs online at http://www.mo.nrcs.usda.gov/programs.
Monday, February 1, 2010
MO Organic Association Annual Conference - Feb 5 & 6
MOA (Missouri Organic Assn) annual conference and trade show, "Forging Relationships: Preserving Local Organic and Sustainable Farmers," will be held February 5th and 6th at the Bradford Farm Conference Center of the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. It begins at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
MOA invites farmers from all venues of production: certified organic farmers, non-certified farmers who practice organic production methods, sustainable farmers, and conventional farmers who are considering "transitioning to organic," and others who just wonder what all the organic “hype” is all about.
Bringing together producers, gardeners, consumers, chefs, health officials and advocates, there is a jam-packed schedule both days with an organic dinner on Friday evening with a live auction followed by bluegrass music and dancing to Ironweed.
Some of the foremost experts in the fields of soil fertility, pest management, ruminant and poultry health care, human health concerns, economic viability, and USDA and NRCS government programs and grants will be presenting. 30 vendors representing grain brokers, input dealers, organic certifiers, retail store buyers, seed dealers and others will be present. The conference has three concurrent teaching sessions, as well. Don't worry if you can't attend every session you're interested in, audio recordings by Organic Voices will be available for purchase.
Registration and information:
Kathy Burney-Miller
1209 Charwood
St. Charles, MO 63301-2515
Additional information and registration is on the website: www.missouriorganic.org
MOA invites farmers from all venues of production: certified organic farmers, non-certified farmers who practice organic production methods, sustainable farmers, and conventional farmers who are considering "transitioning to organic," and others who just wonder what all the organic “hype” is all about.
Bringing together producers, gardeners, consumers, chefs, health officials and advocates, there is a jam-packed schedule both days with an organic dinner on Friday evening with a live auction followed by bluegrass music and dancing to Ironweed.
Some of the foremost experts in the fields of soil fertility, pest management, ruminant and poultry health care, human health concerns, economic viability, and USDA and NRCS government programs and grants will be presenting. 30 vendors representing grain brokers, input dealers, organic certifiers, retail store buyers, seed dealers and others will be present. The conference has three concurrent teaching sessions, as well. Don't worry if you can't attend every session you're interested in, audio recordings by Organic Voices will be available for purchase.
Registration and information:
Kathy Burney-Miller
1209 Charwood
St. Charles, MO 63301-2515
Additional information and registration is on the website: www.missouriorganic.org
Beginning Farmer Loan Program
In this blog we previously covered the Beginning Farmer Loan Program. Readers may recall the loan limit is $470,100 and loans can be made for land, buildings, equipment and breeding livestock. The loans are made through a local lender. The program enables lenders to receive federally tax-exempt interest on loans to beginning farmers. There are some restrictions, but qualifying borrowers may also qualify for the Missouri Linked Deposit Program, administered by the State Treasurer’s Office, and receive a lower interest rate.
Missouri Treasurer Clint Zweifel recently announced $39 million has been loaned to SE Missouri farms and small businesses through the Linked Deposit Program. A press release from his office claims these loans have impacted 662 jobs and 112 farmers, and saved borrowers about $663,000. There is currently approximately $200 million loaned across Missouri and another $520 million is available to qualified borrowers. The news release is at: http://www.treasurer.mo.gov/Pressroom/201001/PressRelease20100128101541.asp
Beginning farmers with a sound business plan may want to visit with their lender to explore the possibility of locking in favorable rates during this time of relatively low interest rates.
Missouri Treasurer Clint Zweifel recently announced $39 million has been loaned to SE Missouri farms and small businesses through the Linked Deposit Program. A press release from his office claims these loans have impacted 662 jobs and 112 farmers, and saved borrowers about $663,000. There is currently approximately $200 million loaned across Missouri and another $520 million is available to qualified borrowers. The news release is at: http://www.treasurer.mo.gov/Pressroom/201001/PressRelease20100128101541.asp
Beginning farmers with a sound business plan may want to visit with their lender to explore the possibility of locking in favorable rates during this time of relatively low interest rates.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Only two days remaining for Value-Added grants
DEADLINE is tomorrow, January 29 @ 5pm
The Guidelines and Application format are at: http://mda.mo.gov/abd/financial/valaddgrant.php
The Missouri Value-Added Grant Program provides grants for projects that add value to Missouri agricultural products and aid the economy of a rural community. Grant applications will be considered for value-added agricultural business concepts that:
• Lead to and result in development, processing and marketing of new or expanded uses or technologies for agricultural products; and
• Foster agricultural economic development in Missouri’s rural communities.
Applications will be considered for expenses related to the creation, development and operation of a value-added agricultural business including:
• Feasibility studies,
• Marketing studies,
• Legal assistance,
• Marketing plans,
• Business plans,
• Prospectus development for cooperatives, and
• Operational consulting
Posted by Ken Schneeberger
The Guidelines and Application format are at: http://mda.mo.gov/abd/financial/valaddgrant.php
The Missouri Value-Added Grant Program provides grants for projects that add value to Missouri agricultural products and aid the economy of a rural community. Grant applications will be considered for value-added agricultural business concepts that:
• Lead to and result in development, processing and marketing of new or expanded uses or technologies for agricultural products; and
• Foster agricultural economic development in Missouri’s rural communities.
Applications will be considered for expenses related to the creation, development and operation of a value-added agricultural business including:
• Feasibility studies,
• Marketing studies,
• Legal assistance,
• Marketing plans,
• Business plans,
• Prospectus development for cooperatives, and
• Operational consulting
Posted by Ken Schneeberger
Organic farmers can get conservation financial assistance in 2010
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be repeating a conservation assistance program first offered for organic farmers in 2009. This assistance comes under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a program that has provided roughly $20 million a year in recent years for financial assistance to Missouri farmers. EQIP payments support a wide variety of conservation-related practices on either a cost share basis or a per acre payment, depending on the particular practice. Dozens of different practices are eligible for crops, livestock, and agroforestry. Farmers or land owners can apply through their local NRCS office for EQIP funds. Generally an application the includes a combination of conservation practices is more likely to be funded than requesting support for a single practice, such as planting cover crops.
The organic portion of the EQIP program is intended to particularly support farmers who are already certified organic or who are transitioning to organic. A specific amount of funds is likely to be set aside in each state just for organic practices. Also, a higher level of cost share is provided, expected to be 75% for any conservation practice; the slight exception will be historically- underserved program participants, who can receive a 90% cost share.
This is a great program for anyone involved in organic agriculture or transitioning to organic to take a look at. For example, farmers can receive a substantial payment per acre for planting cover crop seed, or might be able to receive partial support for pasture improvements or manure management. More details are expected to be on the Missouri NRCS website by about mid-February.
A total of $50 million in organic EQIP funds will be available nationally, and Missouri will have a set portion of those funds. The time window to apply for these funds will probably be short - late February and early March. The deadline may be as early as March 12 to apply or soon thereafter (a definite deadline will be announced later in February). Interested producers should plan to contact their local NRCS about this program in the next few weeks to learn about what is involved in an application. Filing an application does not guarantee funds, but a high percentage of applicants who file for payments are likely to receive them, provided the application is done appropriately.
Submitted by Rob Myers
The organic portion of the EQIP program is intended to particularly support farmers who are already certified organic or who are transitioning to organic. A specific amount of funds is likely to be set aside in each state just for organic practices. Also, a higher level of cost share is provided, expected to be 75% for any conservation practice; the slight exception will be historically- underserved program participants, who can receive a 90% cost share.
This is a great program for anyone involved in organic agriculture or transitioning to organic to take a look at. For example, farmers can receive a substantial payment per acre for planting cover crop seed, or might be able to receive partial support for pasture improvements or manure management. More details are expected to be on the Missouri NRCS website by about mid-February.
A total of $50 million in organic EQIP funds will be available nationally, and Missouri will have a set portion of those funds. The time window to apply for these funds will probably be short - late February and early March. The deadline may be as early as March 12 to apply or soon thereafter (a definite deadline will be announced later in February). Interested producers should plan to contact their local NRCS about this program in the next few weeks to learn about what is involved in an application. Filing an application does not guarantee funds, but a high percentage of applicants who file for payments are likely to receive them, provided the application is done appropriately.
Submitted by Rob Myers
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