Interested in growing crops on a small farm?
Three program sessions for those interested in producing agricultural crops on small-acreage sites will be held during October and November at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Office in Travis County.
The office is located at 1600-B Smith road in southeast Austin.
"This program is being offered in three parts and will be helpful for both home and small-plot producers, including producers who grow for farmers markets or are involved in sustainable food efforts or community gardens," says Daphne Richards, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for horticulture in Travis County.
GROW VEGGIES. A three-part program for small-acreage vegetable and fruit producers will be presented at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for Travis County in Austin. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo
Program sessions all will have the same hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 25, Nov. 1, and Nov. 8.
The program will cover vegetable and crop production, as well as how to plan, manage and find resources and possible funding to help support a small-scale farming operation, Richards says.
The Oct. 25 session will address planning a small-scale farming operation and will include a presentation and field tour at certified organic Green Gate Farms.
A Nov. 1 session will cover vegetable production, recommended fruit crops, insect and disease management, and also permaculture basics.
The Nov. 8 session will focus on programs and resources available to the small-acreage farmer, plus provide information on zoning, soil surveys, organic certification, and grant writing.
Instruction will be given by AgriLife Extension personnel and representatives of other agencies, including the Texas Department of Agriculture and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
"This three-part program is particularly relevant, given the growing public interest in small-scale local food production and home-based backyard farming," Richards says.
Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units in the general and/or integrated pest management categories will be available for pesticide licensees attending the sessions.
Cost is $50 per session or $100 for all three.
To register online, go to the AgriLife Extension Conference Services website at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/.
Those planning to attend should RSVP to Richards at 512-854-9600 or by Email to drichards@ag.tamu.edu.