ITHACA, N.Y. — The Cornell Small Farms Program’s 2018-2019 season of online courses is underway, courses for small farmers of all experience levels to improve their technical and business skills. Now’s the time to register for the upcoming block two courses, which start the week of November 5 . Courses are filling up fast and registration closes for block two at the end of this month, so register now: http://bit.ly/2CtKEiY
Veggie Farming Part 1 – From Planning to Planting
This course helps new and aspiring vegetable producers answer basic questions about site selection, crop rotation, seeding and transplanting, as well as the financial aspects of vegetable crop production. A number of topics will be covered in this online course, including variety selection, pre-plant preparation, and cultivation.
Register here: http://bit.ly/2OJX3oU
Berry Production
If you’re exploring the idea of adding berries and bramble fruits to your farm, this course will help you consider all the aspects of this decision, from varieties and site selection through profit and marketing. This course will be especially useful if you are interested in growing berries for income.
Register here: http://bit.ly/2CuLUm4
Poultry Production
Many new farmers get started with poultry because it’s a relatively low-investment enterprise with a fairly quick revenue turnaround. The margins can be slim though, and farmers need to develop the necessary skillset to produce a product that is both safe and profitable. This course will help you get started in building a successful poultry enterprise.
Register here: http://bit.ly/2DYyzUB
Getting Started with Pastured Pigs **NEW COURSE**
Pigs can be a profitable standalone enterprise or integrate into an existing farm structure. They provide a variety of products and are also ideal for turning agricultural wastes into a valuable product. Pigs make use of marginal lands that would otherwise go unused, and they can improve that land.
Register here: http://bit.ly/2Cv9Q91
Introduction to Maple Syrup Production
Maple syrup production is rapidly growing around the Northeast and offers a sound financial opportunity to utilize woodlots. This course explores the range possibilities of maple sugaring on your land – be it for supplemental income or for your livelihood. Also discussed are “alternative” trees for production, including Birch and Black Walnut.
Register here: http://bit.ly/2E9WAIy
Registration closes for block two on Sunday, October 28 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Most courses are six weeks long, and each week features an evening webinar with follow-up readings, videos, and activities. Students and their instructors connect through online forums and live chat. If you aren’t able to attend the webinars in real-time, they are always recorded for later viewing.
You can learn more about registration, payment, computer requirements, and more on the Cornell Small Farms Program website: http://bit.ly/2pAUGq4
If you still have questions, contact the online course managers:
Erica Frenay at [email protected]
Steve Gabriel at [email protected]
–Cornell Small Farms Program