Strong farms strengthen local food systems

New farmers just starting out and established farmers looking to expand markets have something in common: looking to the Land-grant University System to support their growth. Strong local farms strengthen local food systems and food security.

Here are a few examples of this work:

• When participant surveys indicated a need for more in-depth and hands-on farmer education, Idaho Extension educators responded using a performance-based learning model to create an online course curriculum and hands-on workshop series structured around basic core competencies and skills identified as needs of beginning farmers.
  _{University of Idaho; project supported by USDA competitive funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• In Kansas, new small-scale farmers and in-state producers were looking to increase sales. A series of three local meat marketing workshops across the state provided guidance on regulations, strategies for business promotion and marketing best practices.
  _{Kansas State University; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• A webinar series, Funding Your Farm: Selling Your Story in a Business Plan, offered in Michigan enabled 142 participants to explore key uses of a business plan and what lenders look for. In a post-series evaluation, 88% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I plan to use what I have learned to create a business plan for my farm.”
  _{Michigan State University; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• Wisconsin recognized the sizeable number of small-scale diversified vegetable growers and farmers market vendors. To improve the success of their farms and food business, eight training events and a field day served over 175 farmers and entrepreneurs, with trainings conducted in both English and HMoob.
  _{University of Wisconsin; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• Seeing increased demand for local food and on-farm experiences, Vermont Extension partnered to organize an open farm week. Participants tested new experiences to determine the feasibility of offering them on a regular basis and made new community connections.
  _{University of Vermont; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• Alaska Extension ensured the needs of local farmers and producers were considered in discussions on a new grain reserve.
  _{University of Alaska. See full statement.}

Photo courtesy Edwin Remsberg, University of Maryland.