Conferences
Increasing Production Knowledge and Profitability of Urban, Small and Diversifying Farmers in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area
Crystal Weber and Marlin Bates
Summary
The Kansas City region offers a growing number of outlets for fresh, locally grown produce, value-added products and meats. Individual, retail and institution buyers seek access to new growers and producers and local products to diversify product lines. Specialty crop growers, experienced farmers, small landowners and urban dwellers that seek to diversity earning potential or begin second careers lack access to relevant, research-based educational programs and knowledge of local, state and federal resources available to the larger farm community outside of metropolitan areas.
The project allowed participants to experience two hands-on workshop series, Grow Your Farm and Growing Growers, increasing production and business development knowledge and abilities. The project was conceived in a manner that would allow participants the opportunity to go through both program series, building their knowledge and abilities in agri-business management and production skills.
Fifteen farm couples attending the Grow Your Farm course will increase their business knowledge and skill-set in the organizational and financial management of a agri-business. Couples identify goals and values, assess opportunities, develop market plans and familiarize themselves with the regulatory components of farming and agricultural sales.
Twenty specialty crop growers attending the Growing Growers production series will develop increased skills in specialty crop production. Participants travel to various farms for courses on soil management, insect/disease management, plant propagation, season extension, equipment use, post-harvest handling and salesmanship.
Graduates of the two programs leave with an increased awareness of the complexities of agri-businesses and production and area greater prepared to access resources available.
Presentation Materials
Details
| Conference | 2013 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference |
| Presentation Type | 60-Minute Concurrent |