Small Farmer Training Program
Wallace State’s Farm and Ranch Management Program prepares students to start and operate their own farms or serve as a farm manager of existing farms. The program will also provide better understanding of farm operations for working in farm- or agriculture-related fields, including non-profits.
Small Farmer Training Program
Wallace State's Small Farmer Training Program will prepare students to start and operate their own farms or serve as a farm manager of existing farms. Also for those interested in working in agriculture, it will offer a better understanding of farm operations to work in non-profits or farmer assistance and promotion organizations.
Click Here to Register for the Small Farmer Training Program
Topics included in curriculum:
- Soil and Fertility Management (soil prep and management to promote long term soil health)
- Vegetable and Fruit Production (Beginning with cole crops then progressing to spring and summer fruits and vegetables and closing out the season with cover crops)
- Herb Production (Herbs primarily for culinary purposes)
- Crop Planning and Scheduling (when to plant certain and how to get multiple crops with successive planting)
- Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling and Food Safety (Food safety standards specifically that apply to farms, Food Safety Modernization Act)
- Transplant Production (How to produce plants to be used on farm)
- High Tunnel Production (Utilizing solar heat to extend the growing season)
- Direct and Wholesale Marketing (How to market fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, restaurant and wholesale distributors)
- Developing a Business Plan (Create a layout of how the farm will operate, startup cost, products to be produced, where sales will occur)
- Enterprise Budgeting (A look into individual crops, cost to produce, potential profit, risk vs profit analysis)
- Equipment Usage and Maintenance (How to properly maintain and use common equipment used on the farm)
- Pest Management (Insect, Weed, Fungus)
- Chemical Handling and Application (Equipment Calibration, chemical mixing and proper application)
- Irrigation (Drip irrigation systems, Fertilizer injection and overhead watering with water reel)
- Crop Rotations (Proper crop rotation to lower disease and pest pressure and to improve soil quality through crop selections)
- Farm Specific Financials (Farm specific loan programs and financing options for farms)
Topics will be covered in multiple ways:
- Lecture
- Research
- Hands-on
- Farm visits
- Industry Expert Presentations
- One on One Instruction
- Attending Area Agriculture Informational Meetings
Who should attend?
- High School graduates looking to begin farming
- Those seeking a second career
- Gardeners looking for more in-depth program
- Those looking to create a hobby farm
- Those who want a different career path and work for themselves
- Anyone interested in a better understanding of fruit and vegetable production
Time frame:
Program will run spring to fall to allow program participants to take part in a complete
growing season from soil preparation to winter crops on the Wallace State Farm.
Class formats:
Class will be offered both as a traditional classroom lecture and lab time during
the day and in a hybrid format, with lectures placed online and labs available on
campus in the evening in order to fit most anyone's schedule.
After completion:
After completing the course, assessments are can be taken to receive college credit
hours that can be applied toward an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Agriculture/Horticulture.
Program Overview
Small Farmer Training Program
- Travis Kress
- 256.352.8115
- travis.kress@mogrenlandscape.com
Degrees/Awards Offered
C
Availability
- Day
- Evening
- Hybrid
Small Farmer Training Program
Curriculum: Program of Study
Career Outlook
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