2022 Beginning Farmer Training Program

The Delaware Beginning Farmer Program is for new and beginning farmers working in small-scale vegetable and/or fruit production. Through hands-on training, demonstrations, workshops, field trips and farm tours, as well as self–study, growers will learn and grow with Delaware Cooperative Extension, and other invited agriculture industry professionals.

Although not limited to the following topics, this training will explore the fundamentals of soil fertility and health, basic crop production, integrated pest management, and business planning and development.  This training will also provide an excellent networking opportunity.

Sessions are covered by one affordable registration fee of $75. Sessions are held at Fischer Greenhouse on the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ campus in Newark, unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday, September 14, 6-8 pm, Course Orientation, Soil Health

Wednesday, September 28, 6-8 pm, Variety Selection

Saturday, October 1, 9-11 am, Hands- On Planting, Setting up an Indoor Seed Starter Unit

Wednesday, October 12, 6-8 pm, Small Farm Business Planning

Saturday, October 15, 9-11 am, Field Trip to Against the Grain Farm at William Penn Farm

Wednesday, October 26, 6-8 pm, Weed Identification and Management, Small Scale Irrigation

Wednesday, November 2, 6-8 pm, Integrated Pest Management:  Insect and Disease Pests

Saturday, November 12, 9-11 am, Field Trip to Worrilow Hall Labs, UD Fresh to You

Wednesday, November 16, 6-8 pm, Delaware Beginning Farmer Resource Panel with DDA, NRCS, Farm Bureau and others

Register online at: https://www.pcsreg.com/2022-beginning-farmer-training-program