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Beginning Farmer. Small Farms and Homesteading

Starting a farm is difficult, and succeeding beyond the first few years may be even more so. Beginning farmers and ranchers nation-wide face unique challenges to achieve their farm goals and aspirations.  Our programs are designed to meet the needs of both the large or smaller/backyard/homesteader type of production and help the activity or enterprise become sustainable.

Small Farms and or Homesteading

The Northern Shenandoah Valley is home to a growing and vibrant community.  Many new land owners or part time farmers and Homesteaders comprise the growing list of agricultural producers in the area.  Educational opportunities and information are available in person to person on site visits, seminars, workshops, field days, webinars, videos, social media outlets and many formats. 

For additional information, please contact:

Corey Childs
cchilds@vt.edu

Bobby Clark
raclark@vt.edu

Mark Sutphin
masutph2@vt.edu

The long-term goal of the Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Program (VBFRCP) is to improve opportunities for beginning farmers and ranchers to establish and sustain viable agricultural operations and communities in Virginia. To reach our goal, we support the development and enhancement of whole farm planning curriculum and training, online resources, social networking, and farmer mentoring. Unique to this statewide Extension program is its coalition of agricultural organizations and farm business that work together to develop and implement these programming aims.

https://www.vabeginningfarmer.alce.vt.edu/

https://www.facebook.com/VABeginningFarmer/

For additional information, please contact: