Project Overview
FNE06-568
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2006: $9,961.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2006
Region: Northeast
State: New York
Project Leader:
Carol Clement
Heather Ridge Farm
Commodities
- Agronomic: grass (misc. perennial), hay
- Vegetables: garlic
- Additional Plants: herbs
- Animals: bees, bovine, poultry, sheep, swine
Practices
- Animal Production: housing, animal protection and health, grazing - continuous, free-range, mineral supplements, grazing - multispecies, pasture fertility, range improvement, grazing - rotational, watering systems, feed/forage
- Education and Training: mentoring, workshop
- Farm Business Management: new enterprise development, marketing management, value added
- Production Systems: holistic management
- Soil Management: composting, soil analysis, soil quality/health
- Sustainable Communities: analysis of personal/family life, sustainability measures
Proposal summary:
Farmers across the country need an energetic, enthusiastic, helpful labor force, and the next generation of farmers needs practical experience. Six farms will create a livestock internship program devoted exclusively to pasture-based agriculture. The program will pair interns with mentors in a daily work environment that will include hands-on experience with livestock, meat cutting, and marketing. Formal learning sessions will also be included. Outreach will be through web sites, workshops, press releases, newsletters, and electronic mailing lists.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.