Small Farm Leadership 360 Initiative

— Written by Bryan Hartman | October 12, 2021 (Updated: Oct. 12, 2021, 9:58 a.m.)

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GROW YOUR KNOWLEDGE

GROW YOUR PROFITS

GIVE YOUR FARM A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

THE SMALL FARM LEADERSHIP 360 INITIATIVE is a hands-on, in-depth learning experience designed to help small, minority-owned farms thrive. Offered by Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, it brings together the expertise of Cooperative Extension and the local knowledge of public and private community organizations to give farmers skills for success.

Four interactive learning modules between November 2021 and October 2022
To apply, please fill out the application. (PDF Format)

Who Should Attend The Small Farm Leadership 360 Initiative targets small minority-owned and operated farms in 17 Northeastern North Carolina counties that face significant economic challenges. The program is free for qualified participants, but only a limited number of spaces are available. Apply now to reserve your spot! Simply fill out and mail the attached form. The Initiative seeks small, minority farmers from these counties: Bertie, Caswell, Chowan, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gates, Granville, Halifax, Hertford, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Person, Rockingham, Vance, Warren, and Washington. If you are not from one of these counties you can still apply.

What You'll Learn The Small Farm Leadership 360 Initiative consists of four modules, taught online and through hands-on experiences.

MODULE 1 (NOVEMBER 9–11, 2021) Overview of U.S. Production Agriculture. Topics include farmland ownership, types of farm businesses, farm management best practices, and tax advantages for small farmers.

MODULE 2 (FEBRUARY 16–18, 2022) Market Opportunities for Small Farmers. Topics include understanding market conditions and using market data in decision-making. Participants will visit at least two research facilities to learn about farm production techniques, emerging alternative crops, and value-added products with potential for small farmers.

MODULE 3 (JUNE 8–10, 2022) Introduction to Farm Cooperatives. Participants will visit farm cooperatives to gain first-hand knowledge about this emerging agricultural model. Other topics include an overview of financial resources for farm cooperatives, including government grants, mortgages, business loans, and joint business agreements.

MODULE 4 (OCTOBER 12–14, 2022) Best Practices in Agricultural Production. This module includes an informal lecture, interactive small group learning, and an on-the-farm experience where participants will put to use a six-month best-practice action plan. The plans will be developed with guidance from a local Cooperative Extension agent and must be approved by the Small Farm Leadership 360 team.

Your Farm Is Your Life.

The Small Farm Leadership 360 Initiative Is Here to Help You

Grow More,

Earn More,

And Live the Best Life Possible.

For more information, contact Bryan Hartman, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent at bkhartman@ncat.edu.

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Written By

Bryan Hartman Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources

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