CRAFT Training Events

ImageCRAFT field day at New Forest Farm in Viola, WI


Click on this link to see the CRAFT Field Days Schedule for 2009. (Dates & locations subject to change.)

 

CRAFT offers a 6-month training series (April-October) of field days and workshops for trainees with all levels of experience. CRAFT members gain access to the 6-month series, and to farm exchanges and regional farm events. Multi-year learning opportunities are available for trainees that are preparing to start their own farm.

 

  • Spring orientation workshop: Our annual trainee orientation is hosted by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and offers a basic introduction to the soil, plant, animal, and human aspects of sustainable agriculture.
  • Field days: Trainees learn organic, biodynamic, and sustainable production techniques through hands-on demonstrations at farms around the region.
  • Fall transition workshop: Our annual end-of-season workshop assists trainees in assessing their plans to continue in sustainable agriculture or a related field.
  • Farm exchanges: Trainees develop a deeper understanding of a farm operation through a multi-day working visit at a CRAFT member farm.
  • Farm events: Trainees are invited to visit farms around the region and to participate in community events related to sustainable agriculture.
  • Stateline Farm Beginnings®: Trainees who are ready to plan their own farm enterprise may enroll in a winter business planning course followed by mentoring from an established farmer. Separate program fee is required.
  • Additional training events offered through our partner Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (you will be taken to a separate site).

 

CRAFT Learning Objectives

  • To create a farmer-led learning environment that provides a multi-year framework to move prospective farmers toward establishing their own enterprises.
  • To broaden the training of prospective farmers by providing them with exposure and experience of the diversity of farm/garden design and agricultural techniques found within collaborating farms and gardens.
  • To enable prospective farmers to experience the importance and empowerment found through forming close associations with a network of farmers in the region.

 

For more information, contact Parker Forsell, Program Director, at 815.389.8455 or craft@learngrowconnect.org.