Exploring the Small Farm Dream (Winter Session)

5-session course, typically offered on weekday evenings, using curriculum and workbook developed by the New England Small Farm Institute.  For those who are thinking about or in the planning stages of a starting their own farm, including those who are expanding a hobby to an income-generating scale.  This course offers guidance and resources to help make informed decisions about what’s involved with owning your own farm so you can decide whether or not to take the plunge – and how to proceed in the first stages.  Cost per enterprise – $100

In this course you will:

• Test the feasibility of your idea before you invest
• Evaluate self employment and the suitability of an agricultural lifestyle
• Investigate markets for your proposed product or service
• Identify regulations that will impact your planned enterprises
• Understand the unique risks associated with agriculture
• Determine your financial break even date
• Evaluate the realistic contribution you can expect from this piece of your livelihood
• Test whether others share your vision and want to join/support you in this pursuit
• Anticipate threats to your success
• Decide what’s next in order to a) get going now, b) do more preparation, or c) avoid a big mistake!

Exploring the Small Farm Dream (application)

Winter Session: January 17 – February 14, 2024, Wednesdays 6:00pm-9:00pm, location tbd based on interest.

To be considered for an upcoming session, please complete an application (found at link above) and email it to Jessica.Camp@mass.gov. Or mail it to:

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Attn: Jessica Camp
138 Memorial Ave, Suite 42
West Springfield, MA 01089