Feature Article -  for immediate release

Elena Toro, Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Suwannee County   and   Dan Culbert - Okeechobee Extension Horticulture Agent 

 

Small Farms are a Big idea

 

            Interested in exploring new alternatives for your farming operation or looking for new markets?  Are you seeking to support local agriculture and willing to learn from others that have been successful when venturing into new agricultural enterprises?

            The UF Okeechobee County Extension Service encourages all Florida farmers and allied stakeholders to plan to attend the upcoming Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference.  It will take place inside the (air conditioned) Livestock Arena at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida on Saturday & Sunday, August 1 & 2, 2009.

             This will be a chance to explore ways of producing and marketing local agricultural products. This first time Extension Service event will cover all kinds of products - from horticultural crops to livestock, all in one place - while outlining the many methods used to grow these products. 

             This conference will include a large trade show with over 70 exhibitors, where visitors can meet many equipment and farm suppliers who assist such enterprises. There will be lots of opportunity to network with other small farmers and sample local foods. 

             Many sessions are planned where other producers who have ventured into new agricultural enterprises will talk about their experiences and challenges.  Their advice may save you thousands of dollars and help set realistic expectations for those planning to start or transition into new kinds of farming.

             Our office frequently gets asked “what can I do with the land I bought to make money”.  Many get discouraged after learning about the initial investment that is needed and the hard work that farming entails. But as the old saying reads “were there’s a will there is a way.”  If you have a passion for farming, not afraid of work hard and are patient you can be a full-time farmer.

             Today Florida has local farmers markets in places like Jupiter, Fort Pierce and Vero Beach.  Hundreds of consumers every week are looking to spend their dollars at locally owned markets, and are seeking fresh seasonal produce and food.  Local restaurants are begging for locally grown products.  This is just a few examples of new marketing opportunities for farmers that have recently surfaced.

             On the other hand the farming community is slowly feeling the pressure to explore new markets or production systems.  Producers are seeking some suitable substitutes for agricultural industries that are changing due to crop loss from new pests, smaller farm sizes and economics challenges.

             Despite its name, this conference is not exclusive for small farmers. It will cover many alternative enterprises that have been successful in other parts of the country and that can work in our area.  Some farmers may realize they have the ideal set up and resources to meet the standards of some of these new niche markets.

             Special presentations will be offered by Keynote Speaker John Ikerd and a featured presentation by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson.   Workshop Topics will include:

 Livestock: Grass-fed Beef, Pastured Poultry Production, Health Management, Honey Bees

 Alternative Energy: Farm Solar Energy Applications & Biofuels

 Organic & Sustainable Production: Pest Management, Inputs, Farm Bill Opportunities

 Horticulture: Blueberry, Strawberry, Stone Fruit, Producing High Value Vegetables & Herbs, Hydroponics

Business/Marketing: Owning your Own Business, Cooperatives, Buying from You

 Policy/Regulations: Food Systems Policy, Changing Regulations: What you need to know

 

            Our county agents will be there – will you?   For registration costs and other details visit the conference website at: http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu .  It includes the speaker line-up and names of exhibitors, sponsors and more.  Give yourself the opportunity to receive the most up to date information and make contacts with other farmers and industry that will come handy.  

            If you need additional information about small farms production, please visit our webpage, http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu, send an email to okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu or call us at 863-763-6469.  Local residents can stop by our office at 458 Hwy 98 North in Okeechobee. Go Gators! 

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The Florida Cooperative Extension Service - institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.  Florida Cooperative Extension Service / IFAS / University of Florida.  Millie Ferrer, Interim Dean. Last update: 07/10/2009.  This page is maintained by Dan Culbert