Short Courses
The North Farm is hosting a series of short courses starting in June on topics designed for market gardeners, small farms, and skill-seekers interested in gardening and farming. These workshops are an in-depth exploration of farming fundamentals and best practices taught by multiple instructors. Each course will begin at 1 pm at MSU North Farm, then move to visit other farms in Alger County for four afternoon-long learning sessions with an emphasis on demonstration and hands-on activities so you can practice what you learn in class with other farmers and gardeners. **Workshops qualify for education hours for MSU Extension Master Gardeners and MAEAP Phase 1 credit** $30 for each course/$100 for all 4 courses Farm rate for multiple attendees from one farm - $45 for each course/$150 for all 4 courses Refreshments and snacks are provided. Meet at N5431 Rock River Road in Chatham, MI 49816, then travel to farm visit locations. LIVESTOCK ON THE SMALL FARM · June 10 · 1-5 pm Livestock can be a great addition to the small farm or homestead, providing a wide range of benefits, including land management services, meat, fiber, and income. This workshop will focus on the basics of pig and sheep management for the small-scale producer with presentations by Ben and Denise Bartlett, Log Cabin Livestock and Dale Rozeboom, MSU Animal Science. PLASTICULTURE: SEASON EXTENSION 201 · July 15 · 1-5 pm Plastic can work to the grower’s advantage by extending the production season in cool climates and managing weed and disease pressure. See season extension using hoophouses, greenhouses, plastic mulch, and weed control tarps with Collin Thompson, MSU North Farm. FLOWER PRODUCTION · August 19 · 1-5 pm Flowers are a great addition to any operation, whether for pleasure or profit. Learn about variety selection, production management, bouquet arrangement, and marketing with Shailah Bunce, Rock River Farm and Jeff Heidtman, Color Blind Gardens. FOREST RESOURCE MANAGEMENT · September 30 · 1-5 pm Wooded areas can provide food, fuel, and habitat for wildlife. Find out about forest resource management, developing a forest management plan, and identifying the value of that may lie just outside your back door with Dan and Mary Rabine, Reh-Morr Farm, Holly Wendrick, MAEAP, and Matt Watkeys, District Forester. |  |
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