Small-acreage producer program offered in Austin

By Paul Schattenberg AgriLife TODAY

Three program sessions for people interested in producing agricultural crops on small-acreage sites will be held during October and November at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Travis County.

Program sessions will take place from 8:30 am until 5 pm, Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, at 1600-B Smith Road in southeast Austin.

"This program is being offered in three parts and will be helpful for both home and small-plot producers, including producers who grow for farmers markets or are involved in sustainable food efforts or community gardens," said Daphne Richards, AgriLife Extension agent for horticulture in Travis County.

The program will cover vegetable and crop production, as well as how to plan, manage and find resources and possible funding to help support a small-scale farming operation, Richards said. There is also a field tour of a local urban farm.

The Oct. 25 session will address planning a small-scale farming operation and include a presentation and field tour at certified organic Green Gate Farms. The Nov. 1 session will cover vegetable production, recommended fruit crops, insect and disease management, and permaculture basics. The Nov. 8 session will focus on programs and resources available to the small-acreage farmer, plus provide information on zoning, soil surveys, organic certification and grant writing.

Instruction will be given by AgriLife Extension personnel and representatives of other agencies, including the Texas Department of Agriculture and the US Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

"This three-part program is particularly relevant, given the growing public interest in small-scale local food production and home-based backyard farming," Richards said.

Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units in the general and-or integrated pest management categories will be available for pesticide licensees attending the sessions.

Cost is $50 per session or $100 for all three. To register, visit AgriLife Extension Conference Services website at

https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/.

Participants should RSVP to Richards at 512-854-9600 or drichards@ag.tamu.edu.


Pictured: Photo courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
A three-part program for small-acreage vegetable and fruit producers will be presented at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for Travis County, located in southeast Austin.