scaling up copake


 

 



SCALING UP: A FARMER TO FARMER SKILL BUILDING EXPERIENCE

Starting this January, Scaling Up will bring together 6 or so experienced farmers who want grow their operations and plan for long-term viability. Participants will convene for a series of two-day sessions hosted at the Copake Agricultural Center in Copake, NY. There they will refine their business plans and work through scaling up issues with fellow farmers and educators.

Participating farmers will build capacity to scale up their businesses by focusing on these topics: Business Planning, Administrative Skills, Marketing & Distribution, Leadership, Soil Fertility, Land Acquisition Planning, Equipment, and Production Systems. Participants can choose between tracks for livestock or vegetable production.  Participant interest will guide the curriculum and activities.

Learn from farmers who have  succeeded in Scaling Up their farm businesses. Learn with farmers in the process of Scaling Up about their biggest challenges and best strategies for meeting them.

farmer to farmer training

PARTICIPANTS WILL...
·       Assess their current operations for challenges and opportunities.
·       Gain the management skills needed to successfully manage their growing business
·       Refine and peer-review written plans for marketing, production, and finances.
·       Emerge with updated business plans.
·       Receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the program.

FORMAT
Farmers will gather for ten two-day sessions at the beginning of each month from January 2014 to April 2014, pause for the growing season, then reconvene October 2014 to March 2015. On-farm lodging and local food meals will be provided by the Center.  Group preference will determine exact scheduling.

Sessions will include time in the classroom, hands-on activities, and peer-to-peer exchange.  Farmers and educators will lead presentations and activities, and participants will break into groups for discussions and projects. The new Copake Agricultural Center’s 194 acres will act as stage for in-field learning through field walks, facility tours, and shop demonstrations. The sessions include ample time for meeting with fellow farmers.

ENROLLMENT
For this pilot year, program costs are $1000 for ten sessions, lodging, and all meals.  Tuition reduction is available through a work-study arrangement: for more information, contact 

CLICK BELOW TO LEARN MORE:
• Application
• Steering Committee and Program Sponsors

cornell
 
Northeast Farm Access