Ready to turn your agricultural dreams into reality? Then, join us for a hands-on Small Farm Infrastructure Planning Workshop, where you'll gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to plan and set up a small market farm and its essential infrastructure.
Event Agenda:
Coffee & Networking: Enjoy some light refreshments and connect with fellow farmers and ranchers to build a supportive network.
Hands-On Farm Infrastructure Planning: We’ll discuss the basics of starting a small-scale farm from scratch, then complete a farm mapping activity where participants can create a layout of a farm/ranch they currently own or dream of (you don’t need to own farmland for this exercise. You can start with your backyard or even an idea!).
Walk-And-Talk Tour of Grasshopper Urban Farm: See firsthand the infrastructure that has made this off-grid farm successful. Learn about the decision-making process for each aspect and its pros and cons.
Infrastructure Topics Covered:
Deer Fence: Understand the importance and implementation of effective fencing to protect your crops.
Field Planning: Discover strategies for organizing your fields for optimal productivity while contouring beds for water retention and keeping livestock runoff off vegetable crops.
Hoop House: Learn about the benefits and challenges of hoop houses in extending your growing season.
Irrigation System: Gain insights into setting up efficient irrigation to conserve water and maximize crop yield.
Storage Solutions: Explore practical storage options for tools, equipment, and harvested produce.
Proposed Wash n Pack: Hear about the plans for a wash and pack area, crucial for post-harvest handling.
Next Steps: Identify the future steps needed to continue developing your farm infrastructure.
Why Attend?
Real-World Insights: Benefit from the experiences of Grasshopper Urban Farm, a real-world case study.
Expert Guidance: Receive advice and tips from seasoned farmers who have successfully navigated the challenges of farm setup.
Community Support: Connect with fellow farmers as well as government groups that have resources you can use to help offset costs.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS EVENT
This event is FREE and will be held outside at Grasshopper Urban Farm. Please pre-register so that we can plan for light refreshments and parking.
You will need to wear closed-toe shoes, dress for the weather, and bring any necessary comfort items, like sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle. Please bring your own camping chair. In the event of inclement weather, we will reschedule for Sunday, September 1, at the same time.
Attendees will receive an education handout and planning worksheet as part of the event. It may also be helpful for attendees to print out and bring a map of the property they are planning for (you can do this using Google Maps) or additional drawing or writing tools.
This event is hosted in partnership with the Miami County Conservation District, the Wyandotte County Conservation District, the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, KC Farm School, Kansas City Black Urban Growers, and the KC F.A.R.M.E.R.S. Coalition.
We look forward to seeing you there!