| PROJECT SUMMARY |
| This project addressed the risk management needs of small and moderate-scale producers and beginning farmers across the South interested in 4 alternative farming enterprises not generally covered by crop insurance: a) Organic Vegetables and Fruits; b) Management Intensive Grazing of Beef; c) Cut Flowers; and d) Pastured Turkeys. Participants learned methods to reduce risks based on successful strategies developed by experienced producers. Offerings covering these farming systems consisted of 4 day-long intensive workshops, 4 field trips, and approximately 35 1.5 hour sessions over a four day period, as part of the Southern SAWG 2006 Annual Conference. Training tools included virtual farm tour videos and newly-developed comprehensive curricula. Approximately 675 producers participated in the workshops, field trips and short sessions focusing on the alternative enterprises. Based on written and verbal feedback, we estimate that more than 70% of these learned to identify and address critical risks associated with these alternative enterprises. |
| NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 675 |
| TOPICS COVERED |
| Product and enterprise diversification |
| Marketing strategies, plans and clubs |
| Direct, wholesale, and processing markets |
| Contract production, branded or certified marketing, and value-added enterprises |
| Financial records, analysis, and bench-marking |
| Understanding of economic risks associated with new production technologies |
| Business and strategic planning |
