The National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number Grant #2012-49400-19673 funded HMI’s 2015 Beginning Farmers & Ranchers: Women in the NE & Texas program. We recently completed evaluation of the Maine program which was coordinated by Gail Chase through Maine’s Women’s Agricultural Network and the Kennebeck Valley Council of Government. Lead instructors for this program were Gail Chase and Diane Schivera. There was 97% average satisfaction rating for all sessions and 100% of the participants noted they had increased their network as a result of the training. Thanks to the USDA/NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development program for their support of this program. Here’s what we’ve learned from our 13 Maine participants, of which 8 graduated from the program: Participant Demographics
The average years of farming was 8 years
The average acres under production was 9 acres under production with a total of 43 acres influenced
Here’s what some of the participants had to say:
I have greater confidence as a partner in our farm, to have an educated opinion and contacts with experienced people.
The Holistic Management class has completely changed how I view and manage our farm. We're going to work through the book as a family during our homeschooling this fall, which will help even more. The classes were broken down so the work was easily manageable, and I especially appreciated having most of the business plan information done at the end, which made the process go smoothly and took away most of the overwhelming feelings and work that come with writing a business plan.
It was really important for me having the time set aside to focus on business farming in an organized atmosphere and it was the most helpful to hear from others who are perhaps experiencing the same things I am. That dialog was very important to me.
I think this program has provided me with many skills that will help me to be a successful farmer. I intend to start farming next year, which provides me ample time to develop a strong plan from the outset. I think it is wonderful how the whole farm goal is easily expanded to a "whole life goal", and how aspects of the program are applicable to other parts of my life. My greatest struggle has been deciding how to integrate my farming dreams with the rest of my other life goals, and how to prioritize time and money across these different aspects of my life.
Excellent program that all current and prospective farmers/ranchers should attend. As an avid permaculturist, I appreciated the section on permaculture and how well the course fit within the permaculture ethics and principles.
I found the program interesting, innovative, and informational. I thought some of the planning aspects, such as the approach to financial planning, were unique but also made a lot of sense. I appreciated those alternative approaches.
The most important thing I learned from this program was how to think holistically in a more broad sense of the word, not just in farming/ranching but in everyday life. It also taught me how to look at my goals and purposes.
I found the planning aspects particularly helpful, especially bio-monitoring and grazing, which I had no prior experience with. I also found the financial planning was much different than my previous experiences and think it will be highly beneficial.
