Deadline to register is Feb. 15 ‘Grow Your Farm’ sessions begin at SW Center Feb. 20

“Grow Your Farm” program for beginning farmers takes place 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Feb. 20 to April 10 at University of Missouri Southwest Research Center Auditorium, 14548 Hwy. H, Mt. Vernon, MO 65712.

This eight-session program is designed to provide training and support for beginning farmers and others who want to evaluate and plan their farm enterprise. Participants will attend a set of practical seminars and field days to learn and network.

MU Extension, through a grant from USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach to help veterans, Latinos and socially disadvantaged persons who want to farm, offers the program to increase agribusinesses and enterprise development. Karen Funkenbusch serves as statewide director. Debi Kelly, Eleazor Gonzalez, and Patricia Barrett serve as co-directors.

Session topics

Feb. 20. MU Extension agricultural business specialists Jim Spencer Jr. and Jennifer Lutes speak on “Identifying Values and Creating Goals.”

Feb. 27. MU Extension natural resources engineer Bob Schultheis and Spencer give a session on “Walking the Farm.”

March 6: Longtime MU Extension livestock specialist Eldon Cole shares his expertise on “Assessing Opportunities.” Spencer also offers insight on this topic.

March 13: MU Extension specialists Wesley Tucker and Spencer cover “Rural Legal Issues.”

March 20: Lutes and Spencer share information on “Planning the Farm.”

March 25: A farm tour will be held from 1-4 p.m.

March 27: “Keeping Track of Finances” will be discussed by Lutes and Spencer.

April 3: Spencer discusses “Marketing Farm Products.”

April 8: Attendees will tour a farm from 1-4 p.m.

April 10: Spencer and Lutes give farmer presentations. A potluck dinner will be served.

Registration information

There is a reduced fee of $35 for veterans, Latinos and those from socially disadvantaged groups. There is a $130 fee for two attendees from the same farm and a $25 fee for each additional person from the same farm.

For more information, contact Jim Spencer by email at spencerjr@missouri.edu or telephone 417-581-3558. Register by Feb. 15 by sending a check to MU Extension in Christian County, 105 N. Second St., Ozark, MO 65721.