[Education] Urban Farmer Training Short Course 2025

[Batka, Sarah Christine]

CCGA Education Committee: Would you consider sharing this email with your list serve?

We are excited to share the details of our upcoming:

Urban Farmer Training Short Course
Meets online via Zoom: 6 to 8 pm on Mondays, Feb. 17, Feb. 24, March 3, and March 10, 2025
Cost: $40

Feb 17: Begin Planning Your Urban Farm
This session will cover the first steps you should take when planning an urban farm. You’ll learn the why and the how of designing vision and mission statements and of business planning. The principles apply whether you are planning a commercial farm, a non-profit farm, or a large community garden.
Feb 24: Basics of Soil
This session will highlight the basics of urban vs. native soils, soil quality and organic matter. You will learn the importance of soil management and its effects on vegetable production methods.
Mar 3:  Urban Site Assessment and Basic Production Planning
This session will outline the considerations needed when evaluating a new or existing site for urban agriculture.  How to use tools like Google Earth and Web Soil Survey to assess your site, and spreadsheets to plan your production schedule and harvest forecast.
Mar 10:  Finding and Planning for Your Start-up Funds
This session will cover how to make a realistic start up budget and how to find and write small grants to cover some of your costs.
This program is open to everyone until capacity. You can register here: go.illinois.edu/ShortCourse and I’ve attached a graphic that you are welcome to share with colleagues and neighbors who may also be interested.

Please feel free to call me if you have any questions about this program. Im happy to help you find a good fit for your urban ag goals. Let me know how I can help you.

           Sarah Batka
Local Foods Small Farms Program Coordinator
U of I Extension, Serving Cook County
8753 S Greenwood #100, Chicago, IL 60619
w. 217-300-8636
sbatka at illinois.edu<mailto:sbatka at illinois.edu>

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