Title of Project: Wisconsin School for Beginning Market Growers

Who is involved: John Hendrickson coordinates the school; speakers include experienced vegetable growers and UW faculty and staff. Participants range from UW students, to rural citizens, to urbanites shifting careers, to recent retirees. We draw from neighboring states as well as further a-field.

Short description of the project (one or two sentences): This is an intensive 3-day training program that affords participants the opportunity to get an in-depth look at what it takes to start and operate a fresh produce farm, emphasizing organic production methods and direct marketing. Growers take the lead in teaching the class and relay invaluable, practical information and advice on topics ranging from greenhouse construction and management, season extension, weed and pest control, labor management, tools and techniques, economic considerations, and quality of life.

The funding and duration: Funding for the coordinator’s position is 101 funds. All expenses for the class are covered by registration fees leaving excess to support related programming. Enrollment has been 30 students per year since 1998 but this jumped to 60 participants last year. Registration fees were $275 in January, 2009.

Title of Project: Wisconsin Apple Growers School

Who is involved: John Hendrickson and Regina Hirsch coordinate the school; speakers include experienced orchardists, UW and Extension faculty and staff. We anticipate attracting participants throughout the upper Midwest region.

Short description of the project (one or two sentences): This is an intensive training program that will emphasize starting and operating an orchard in ways that reduce economic, environmental, and social risks. Patterned after the School for Beginning Market Grower, it will feature experienced growers detailing the production, marketing, and financial aspects of their operations coupled with UW faculty who will focus on ecological pest managment.

The funding and duration: Funding for the coordinators’ positions come from a combination of 101 and grant funds. The Apple School is being launched with the help of a Risk Management Education grant of just over $36,000.

Title of Project: Wisconsin Cut Flower Growers School

Who is involved: John Hendrickson coordinates the school; speakers include experienced flower growers and UW staff. Participants range from UW students, to rural citizens, to urbanites shifting careers, to recent retirees. We draw from neighboring states as well as nationally.

Short description of the project (one or two sentences): This is an intensive 2-day training program that gives aspiring commercial flower growers an opportunity to learn from experienced growers about production techniques, variety selection, marketing strategies, economics, and the tools and facilities needed. They also hear from a panel of flower buyers about trends and opportunities in the marketplace.

The funding and duration: Funding for the coordinator’s position is 101 funds. All expenses for the class are covered by registration fees leaving excess to support related programming. Enrollment has been 30-40 students per year starting in 2006. Registration fees were $195 when the class was last held in February, 2008. This class will return in 2010.