Thinking of starting or expanding a small farm? Consider taking Oregon State University’s new completely online offering – Growing Farms: Successful Whole Farm Management. The course is laid out in 6 go-at-your-own-pace modules that you have until October to complete. The course offers a plethora of worksheets to help you develop a clearer picture of your would-be farm as well as help to answer some questions you may have before taking the plunge. When you are done, all your work will culminate in a Whole Farm Plan. Something you can refer back to as you start your journey. The course is $295. Which, admittedly, isn’t pocket change. But before you invest your time and money the risky world of farming, it may be worth it. Plus OSU is well known for their sustainable agricultural programs. After taking this course, I plan on enrolling in their online permaculture certificate program.
Enrollment in Growing Farms: Successful Whole Farm Management ends June 30th. You can learn more about the program here.
Keep us posted on what you learn! What i’ve learnt in farming is that one has to be flexible, flexible, flexible. Management-intensive grazing is a great tool for allowing options and flexiblity, but if you don’t have the aptitude for being flexible, i think one would find farming extremely frustrating. Weather, markets, expenses, family dynamics, workloads can all be overwhelming at times. Plus, having too many irons in the fire stress me out. There is a time and season for certainly holons. As i approach the season of ‘retirement’, a lot of those farming which require daily attention are getting cut out. time for the next generation to take up the hard work.
Thank you – that’s great insight. I know one of my “challenges” is my desire to have control over everything. Um, that’s not going to happen! My current lifestyle and professional job can and is often overwhelming. My hope is that farming will be a little less grating since it’s something I enjoy doing (vs. working on a computer and attending meetings all day) – even if it is hectic. “Practicing” with our chickens and garden gives us some clues. But we need to experience with larger operations. Our other step is to sign up as a volunteer at Seattle Tilth and hopefully earn some experience volunteering on their farms.
I’ll let you know what I think of the course when I’m done!
Awesome – good for you. One thing to remember is that even if farming (or whatever one enjoys) becomes our focus, it can be grating and overwhelming. I suspect much of our stress is self-induced regardless of our career choices – so be careful, but pursue your dreams! All the best – i’ll enjoy reading about your journey!