Exploring the Small Farm Dream

The Countryside Conservancy introduced Exploring the Small Farm Dream to Ohio and the Midwest in 2006. This highly regarded business short course was developed by the New England Small Farms Institute, and extensively tested in many contexts from New England to Virginia. 

Course Description
In this four-session course you will set personal and farming goals, assess available resources, determine if farming as a business is right for you, and develop an action plan to guide next steps. Along the way you will take a close look at the realities of working for yourself, in particular what it will take to own and manage a successful agricultural venture.

Who Should Attend
If you are thinking about starting an agricultural business, this course is designed for you. This includes people thinking about full-time farming, farming part-time while continuing other employment, changing careers to start a farm, taking over an existing family farm business, and/or developing an existing but informal agricultural pastime into a more serious business activity. Established farmers who are re-strategizing their businesses have also benefited from the course.

Course Instructor
Katie Myers, is the Countryside Conservancy’s Farmland Programs Coordinator.  She joined the Countryside Conservancy in September of 2008.  Katie received her B.A. in Planning from Cleveland State University.  Before working at the Conservancy, Katie was a conservation planner for the Wayne County Commissioners in Wooster, Ohio.  She worked with rural townships on comprehensive plans, assisted farmers in applying for State funded land programs, administered the local trail enhancement projects, served on the Wayne County AG Success Team, and worked with the Wayne Economic Development Center to secure the first tax abatement for an agricultural operation in the State.  Katie grew up on a jersey dairy and produce farm in Lorain County and now resides on the family farm in Wooster with her husband Chad, and sons, Isaac 14, Jacob 12, and Gavin 5.

Dates & Time
Mondays — July 5, July 12, July 19 & July 26
6-9pm

Fees
$100 for one individual; $150 for two people working on the same business idea. Fee includes a workbook and additional handout materials.

To Register
Pay via our Paypal links (at the top left of this page), and you will be redirected to our on-line registration form, or contact us with questions.