As the number of farms in Arkansas decrease and the average age of farmers increases, preparing new farmers to take the place of those who retire is becoming more important than ever before, said Henry English, director of the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
“According to the Census of Agriculture conducted every five years, the average age of U.S. farmers is now 58.3 years, up from 50.5 years,” English said in a news release.
To help replace retiring farmers, the Small Farm Program at UAPB is instituting a New Farmers Academy beginning in March 2019. Its purpose will be to provide farm training to individuals interested in becoming farmers or agricultural entrepreneurs.
“Ideal candidates are those new to agriculture, those who wish to transition into agriculture from another field, such as military service or private sector work, or those looking for a post-retirement opportunity,” according to the release.
Seven training workshops will be conducted for seven months to educate and train new farmers. Workshop topics will include farm business and basic marketing, agricultural production practices, the use of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, as well as equipment operation, maintenance and calibration.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Classroom and hands-on education will be provided. Soil suitability for farming, profitable enterprise selection, business planning and marketing strategies will be part of classroom discussion. Hands-on activities include sprayer and planter calibrations, farm tours, irrigation demonstrations and transplanting.
Academy participants will have access to a retired district conservationist who will assist them in developing a conservation plan for their farm. This plan will identify the different conservation practices needed on their land to improve the farm. Individuals will also have access to a UAPB associate who will help those needing to apply for a USDA loan. Individuals will also be given credit for managerial training if they apply for a USDA loan, according to the release.
For enrollment or details on the New Farmers Academy, call the UAPB Small Farm Program at 870-575-7226 or 7246.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all of its Extension and Research programs and services without discrimination.
— Carol Sanders is a writer/editor at the UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.