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 Massachusetts program which was coordinated by Devon Whitney-Deal through Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA). Instructor for this program included Crystal Stewart, Calley Hastings, Missy Bahret, Jessie Schmidt, and Lisa McCrory. Mentors for the program were Lucy McKain, Laura Meister, and Marie-Laure Couet. There was 94% average satisfaction rating for all sessions and 85% 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 23 Massachusetts participants, of which 18 graduated from the program:
Participant Demographic Information
Of the 14 participants responding
10 are currently farming
The average years of farming was 4 years
The average acres under production was 34 acres under production with a total of 272 influenced
The total customers of all participants: Retail – total 380; Wholesale – total 23
The training has provided a reality check for me to evaluate whether or not a "woman of a certain age" can develop a successful agricultural operation. It is possible given a balanced, holistic management approach to production.
It was great to take this course prior to acquiring land and starting a business. It has helped me feel more prepared and confident.
It's given me the confidence that I can succeed as a farmer & do it in a way that will be sustainable for my life. It has given me any resources I could ever need & a basic overview of how to run a successful farm business.
This training has been a great starting and building block for me in my own development in future farming goals. It has showed me theoretical ways and real life examples of farmers who have high quality of life and are financially stable - something that has been very hard to see before this course. This class gives us the tools to set a higher standard for farmers to allow us to thrive rather than be broken down.
It has been great to connect with other beginning women farmers of all different backgrounds. Also, I've enjoyed looking at all of the different aspects of farming & how they fit together - holistically.
I came into it with very mixed feelings about whether to pursue owning my own farm. I still have those feelings, but have much more information (via holistic goal, conversations & lectures) to work with, which makes me more confidence moving forward.
It has given me a greater appreciation of the details of farming & how important they are, as well as the importance of the community of farmers that we surround ourselves with.
It has opened my eyes up to resources available.
It gave me confidence. I got solid feedback and support. I truly appreciate the positive words and validation. That meant so much.
I thought it was really well organized. There was clearly so much work put into the organization. The teachers were well chosen and they all made classes interesting & engaging.
I was extremely impressed with the knowledge & dedication of the presenters & the extremely thorough classes they held.
It's been great! Holistic Management is the way to go if you're actually trying to be sustainable.
Gives a good insight to all the components of farming.
