By 1808Delaware
Central and North Central Ohio are set to witness a new educational initiative, as Delaware, Knox, and Morrow Counties come together to host the Small Farm Management College. This series, organized by the Ohio State University Extension, promises to offer invaluable insights and guidance for aspiring and established small farm owners. The program spans five comprehensive sessions, each uniquely designed to cover various aspects of farm management.
Empowering Aspiring Farmers: Enterprise Planning and Getting Started
The college kicks off on February 8 at the Delaware Byxbe Campus, located at 1610 State Route 521, with a session focused on ‘Enterprise Planning.’ This pre-meeting aims to lay the groundwork for prospective farmers, offering strategies to optimize farm operations right from the start. Continuing the momentum, the subsequent session on February 15, titled ‘Getting Started on Your New Farm Business,’ is dedicated to helping new farmers navigate the initial stages of setting up a successful farming venture.
Navigating the Financial Landscape: Recordkeeping, Legal, and Financial Management
On February 22, the spotlight shifts to ‘Recordkeeping, Budgets, and Taxes,’ a critical aspect of any business, especially in farming. Taught by experts Barry Ward and Bruce Clevenger, this session will delve into effective methods of tracking farm activities and managing financial records. Following this, on February 29, the program moves to the Delaware County Fairgrounds Ag Center at 236 Pennsylvania Ave, Delaware, for a session on ‘The Legal Side of Farm Financial Management’ by Robert Moore. This session is crucial for understanding the legalities and regulatory frameworks surrounding farm finances.
The final session on March 7, ‘Money, Money, Money! Managing Your Small Farm’s Finances,’ will be held back at the Delaware Byxbe Campus. This session, led by Eric Richer and Clint Schroeder, is set to provide in-depth knowledge on financial management tailored for small farms, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to handle their farm’s finances effectively.
Registration Details and Cost
Interested individuals can sign up for these enriching sessions at go.osu.edu/smallfarmmanagementcollege. Each session is priced at $25 per person, which includes program materials and dinner. For those looking to immerse themselves in the entire series, a package deal of $125 covers all five sessions.
Engaging the Community in Agricultural Education
This initiative is a community effort to bolster the agricultural sector in Central and North Central Ohio. By providing access to expert knowledge and practical advice, the Small Farm Management College stands as a beacon of support and resource for the local farming community.