EVERETT, Wash. – Small- and mid-sized family farms have unique advantages that larger-scale operations do not enjoy. They can adapt quickly to new markets. They tend to be viewed positively by their neighbors. And they can meet growing consumer demand for sustainably raised products.
But how do smaller farms identify and use the advantages of their size?
Now there is help answering that question in a semester-long course offered by Washington State University Snohomish County Extension. The Cultivating Success: Sustainable Small-Acreage Farming and Ranching classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., starting September 11, at the University Center at Everett Station, 201 Smith Avenue, in Everett.
The course will help participants explore the unique advantages available to the small farm and ranch owner. It will give students a broad overview of production and marketing options for today’s small farm. Participants will include established farmers seeking to sustain their existing operations as well as beginning farmers and those just thinking of entering the profession.
Course presenters will include successful local producers and university specialists with expertise in direct marketing, value-added processing, production planning, and more. Participants will have a chance to visit local farms to see different types of operations up close.
Pre-registration is required and class size is limited, so apply now to hold your spot. Cost for the twelve-week course is $250 per farm or couple. Limited needs-based scholarships are available.
For more details and to register, call Gabrielle Roesch at (425) 357-6011 or e-mail gabrielle90@wsu.edu.
For more information about Cultivating Success courses, visit www.cultivatingsuccess.org.
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