2002 Annual Report
Extension and Outreach
Enhancing Small-Scale Agriculture
Numerous Extension Faculty
William Wilcke, Professor, Extension
Engineer, and University of Minnesota Extension Service Sustainable Agriculture
Professional Development Program Coordinator
Objective
The structure of Minnesota agriculture is changing rapidly and while
we are seeing a reduction in the total number of farms, we are seeing
an increase in the number of small farms. The objective for this effort
is to help families living on existing small farms find ways to increase
their income without increasing their farm size, and to help other families
start farming on a small scale.
Program Description
Through workshops, newsletters, press releases, and individual consultation,
a number of University of Minnesota Extension faculty are assisting families
in finding alternative enterprises or alternative marketing methods that
allow them to achieve their income and quality of life goals on small
farms. Examples of activities include workshops for farmers on small acreages
in metro fringe counties, a newsletter to owners of small acreages in
the metro fringe counties, a home study course for beef producers, participation
in a program for beginning farmers, and a program at the University of
Minnesota Rosemount Research and Outreach Center to help new immigrants
to Minnesota get started in vegetable farming.
In addition to the activities described in the previous paragraph, two
UofM Extension personnel participated in a national USDA small farm conference.
Also, a representative of the UofM Extension Service participates in quarterly
conference calls of a group of Extension personnel from throughout the
North Central Region who are interested in small-farm issues.
Outcomes
As a result of this effort, some families are starting farming for the first time and many existing small-scale farmers are making better management decisions which is resulting in better water quality, less soil erosion, better wildlife habitat, and improved family income.