By Karie Boone, Payette County Extension Educator
University of Idaho Extension Payette County is partnering with a local farm in Fruitland to provide hands-on, in-depth educational opportunities for new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Topics will include practical production and management skills related to livestock and animals, soil and crop health, small-scale equipment, budgeting and financing to support participant’s individual farming and ranching goals among other topics
The partnering farm, Little Buddy Farm, owners Jordan and Dana Gross, grew up in Fruitland and have offered an acre of their property with water access for University of Idaho Extension Educator, Karie Boone, to give classes. Jordan and Dana, “feel that it is very important for people to have access to a place that allows them to learn and grow. Being outside and in the soil is something all of us are meant to do. We look forward to our partnership with U of Idaho and watching the program grow.”
The classes to be offered this winter, spring and summer have been developed in collaboration with a farmer advisory board of experienced producers from around the state (they are part of the Cultivating Success network). The curriculum will then be adapted to local conditions and needs particular to enrolled participants. Class development and supplies are funded by a USDA grant and the University of Idaho Extension, Payette County. A series of on-line winter classes will be offered leading up to the hands-on classes starting in early Spring (see below). Participation in the online classes is not a prerequisite to the hands-on classes.
When:
- Online class series will begin January 2021:
- Scratching Below the Surface: Idaho Small-Scale Poultry Production
- January 14, 21, 28 and February 4
- Cost: $75 | $60 early registration (before Jan. 4th)
- Digging Deeper: Developing Your Idaho Market Garden
- Thursday, February 18, 25 and March 4 and 11, 2021
- Cost: $75 |$60 for early registration (before Jan. 4th)
- Scratching Below the Surface: Idaho Small-Scale Poultry Production
- In-person, hands-on classes begin early spring!
Contact:
For more information about any of content, classes, or extension programming please contact Karie Boone at Payette County Extension: 208.642.6022
