Purdue Extension educational series explores land stewardship for small-acre farms

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue Extension is offering a nine-week series of educational programs focusing on land stewardship for small-acre farms.

““Living on the Land: Stewardship for Small Acreages” will run Mondays, March 19-May 14, 6:30-9 p.m. each session, at Bridgeway Church, 210 Brian’s Place, Kendallville.

The series is designed for new farmers or anyone considering small-acreage farming. Presenters include Purdue Extension educators and specialists, as well as agricultural industry professionals. Topics are:

* Assessing you physical and personal resources and developing farm goals.

* Understanding the importance of soil types and how to care for them.

* Exploring the differences between conventional, organic and sustainable farming systems.

* Understanding the basics of selecting, operating, and maintaining farm equipment.

* Learning how crops grow and how to control crop pests.

* Knowing what it takes to choose the right crop enterprises to fit your small farm.

* Exploring ways livestock can work for your farm.

* Discovering the basics of livestock care and health.

The series concludes with a tour of a local small farm.

Cost is $75 per person, or $100 per couple for the same farm. The registration deadline is March 12.

For more information, contact Steve Engleking, Purdue-Extension LaGrange County educator, 260-499-6334 or sengleking@purdue.edu; Elysia Rodgers, Purdue-Extension-DeKalb County educator, 260-925-2562 or eberry@purdue.edu; John Woodmansee, Purdue-Extension-Whitley County educator, 260-244-7615 or jwoodman@purdue.edu; Doug Keenan, Purdue Extension-Noble County educator, 260-636-2111 or keenand@purdue.edu; or Crystal Van Pelt, Purdue Extension-Steuben County educator, 260-668-1000 or cvanpelt@purdue.edu. 

Writer: Darrin Pack, 765-494-2722, dpack@purdue.edu

Source: Steve Engleking, 260-499-6334, sengleking@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Darrin Pack, Manager/Media Relations and Public Information, dpack@purdue.edu  
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