This innovative program instructs participants on using a holistic approach to decision making on their farms. Participants from all across NY State will meet for ten sessions on topics such as goal setting, financial, business, and marketing plans, land and infrastructure planning, soil fertility, and planned grazing. The final three sessions are located on farms to allow for hands-on learning. According to participant Linda Haley Ross of Madison County, "The NE Beginning Women Farmer program allowed me to learn hands-on, in-classroom, and through peer discussion the real challenges I would be facing as a farmer today, while providing me the tools to address them. In addition, I leave with a lifelong support system and perpetually growing network of resources to guarantee my success."
Participants are provided with a mentor and are connected with a network of other beginning women farmers throughout the Northeast for additional support. Participants from previous classes continue to meet after graduation to stay connected, enjoy the camaraderie created by the training and expand their learning.
Applications for the fourth year of this program are due on October 15, 2012 and are available at www.cnyrcd.org or by contacting Lauren Lines, New York State Coordinator at [email protected]. The sessions will begin in November. The location will be selected based upon the location of the majority of accepted applications.