The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County has announced the first module of its “RU Ready to Farm” series.
The introductory module, “RU Ready to Farm: The Basics of Getting Started,” will provide participants with a foundational understanding of land and financial opportunities, production and marketing strategies and available resources for beginner farmers. Participants will gain insight that will help them determine if farming is the right career choice for them and how to get started.
Participants will spend Oct. 22 and 26 learning inside a classroom at the Rutgers Eco Complex about land and on-farm training opportunities, regulatory issues, options for crop and animal production, and farm business planning and recordkeeping.
On Nov. 5, participants will have the opportunity to step out into the field and visit a local farm where they will learn about the skills needed for best production practices and marketing systems.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be awarded with an official Rutgers University certificate, and undergraduate students will receive one college credit.
“The average age of the farmer just keeps rising — we need a formal training in New Jersey to keep agriculture going in New Jersey,” said Stephen Specca, beginner farmer of Specca Farms. “This course is a great new tool that will help beginner farmers looking to take the first step into production agriculture.”
Rutgers University professor and agricultural agent from Middlesex County Bill Hlubik said, “Over the past three to five years, there has been a tremendous increase in the public’s interest in growing their own food and starting their own garden and small farm. This interest is what drove our team to create this new program.”
Hlubik believes this program will provide participants with practical information to help anyone get started and advance their beginner farmer operations.
Participants will have the opportunity to reach further into the depths of farm finance during the second session of the first module, “Financial Management for the Farm,” taught by Rutgers Agricultural Management Agents Madeline Flahive Di Nardo and Kenesha Reynolds. During this session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of farm business and recordkeeping strategies needed for general purposes and farm loan qualifications. Officials from Farm Services Agency will lead participants through sample applications to help them prepare for upcoming application processes and programs.
“People need to know agriculture is an ever-changing industry, and you need to be creative to make it work these days” says Alex Warcola, beginner farmer of Warcola Apiaries. “There are a ton of opportunities and resources you can receive benefits from for just being a beginner farmer.”
“RU Ready to Farm” is the newest Rutgers Cooperative Extension program created by team members Bill Hlubik, Gillian Armstrong, Ray Samulis, Madeline Flahive Di Nardo and other members of the Agriculture Management and Resource Agents Department at Rutgers University. This program is specifically dedicated to train and support the next and new generation of farmers in New Jersey.
The course is open to all beginner farmers in New Jersey who have owned/operated a farm business for less than 10 years. Participants who have no farming experience or background are highly encouraged to attend.
For more information, contact Hlubik or Armstrong at [email protected] or [email protected].