CARTERVILLE, Ill. — How can small farms thrive over the long haul? Food Works’ Farm Tune-Up workshop series for small farm entrepreneurs helps farmers answer this question as they tackle marketing, finances and long-term planning.
Food Works’ Farm Tune-up Series is designed to meet the needs of small farm leaders with more than two years of experience.
“Southern Illinois farmers growing berries, fruits, vegetables, herbs, bedding plants, poultry, beef, or pork are ready after a few years to update their business plans, expand, prune unprofitable activities, add enterprises, or involve other farm partners,” said Jennifer Paulson, executive director.
“At these workshops, farmers will target their tune-up to their most pressing challenges, learn about tools to get the job done and grow their network of mentors and allies to take their farm into its next decade.”
Participants will engage with experienced farmers who have grown sustainable farms. Hard-won lessons will be shared. Experts will weigh in on issues involving finance, insurance and legal obligations.
Presenters include Cree Bradley, an experienced farmer and farm trainer favorite from Minnesota, who is returning to Southern Illinois to lead the Feb. 3 session on strategic farm planning.
The Feb. 10 session will explore how farms are meeting the challenges of supporting multiple generations for long-term sustainability along with getting serious about finances, insurance and legal concerns.
The Feb. 24 session will explore three models for farmer cooperation to expand markets and scale up and then participants will delve into the latest trends in marketing.
“Farmers will leave with an individualized plan and practical tools to meet long-term small farm goals,” Paulson said.
The workshop series is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Monday Feb. 3 through Feb. 24 at John A. Logan College, 700 Logan College Drive, Carterville.
The cost is $50 for all three sessions, or $20 per day. Meals, snacks and materials are included.
Learn more and register at Food Works website: www.fwsoil.org/farmtuneup.html.
Through peer-to-peer farmer training and consumer education, Food Works promotes long-term farming networks that create healthy soils, healthy food and healthy communities in the 23 counties that make up southern Illinois.