If you've always wanted to own a farm but don't have a good idea of where to start, this University of Arizona Cooperative Extension workshop would be a good place. The annual Turning Dreams into Reality: Starting a Farm in Arizona workshop will cover everything from what equipment a future farmer will need to practical and important lessons on how to write a business plan, obtain credit, and access land and capital.
See also: How to Start an Organic Farm with Joe Johnston of Agritopia
Attendees will interact with local food producers and farm industry leaders and will visit three farms in the Phoenix area.
Experts will cover the following topics:
- Accessing land and capital
- Obtaining credit and writing solid business plans
- Insurance needs
- Equipment needs
- Marketing
- Food safety from farm to market
- Irrigation methods
- Farm diversification
- Organic certification
The two-day workshop is part of the Maricopa County Beginning & Smalls Farms program, put on by the Arizona Cooperative Extension. The Arizona Cooperative Extension is an outreach arm of the University of Arizona that provides lifelong education programs though out the state.
The workshop will take place from Tuesday, May 20, to Wednesday, May 21, at the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension office. The workshop will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days and costs $99 if payment is sent through the mail or $105 if it's paid online before May 2.
For more information visit the Turning Dreams Into Reality: Starting a Farm in Arizona registration site.
