Too much to mow and don’t know what to grow? Attend farm college

BURTON, Ohio – There is a growing trend in Ohio agriculture toward the direct marketing of agricultural products featuring locally grown food products.
Consumers are becoming more and more aware of the benefits of buying local and buying fresh. As the demand for local food products increases, so does the interest in growing and producing a variety of agricultural products for these markets.
To help new and existing farmers find ways to diversify their agricultural production, Ohio State University Extension offices in Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties will hold the Northeast Ohio New and Small Farm College.
The college, titled “Too Much to Mow – What Do I Grow?,” will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at the Geauga County Extension office located at 14269 Claridon Troy Road in Burton.
Sessions. This college will help new and existing farmers increase their profits from small acreage. The first session will teach the basic business concepts needed to start and keep a small farm enterprise operating.
The second session will help participants decide what to grow on their farm and how to develop budgets for farm enterprises.
The third session will focus on marketing and selling agricultural products to local consumers through direct marketing, wholesale markets, farm markets and local cooperatives.
The final session will help participants become aware of the local resources which are available to assist small farms.
The cost for all four sessions will be $50 for the first family member and $25 for each additional family member. This will include a reference notebook and refreshments.
Register. To preregister or for more information, contact the Geauga County Extension office at 440-834-4656.