Enhancing Small-Scale Agriculture

William Wilcke, Professor, Extension Engineer, and University of Minnesota Extension Service Sustainable Agriculture Professional Development Program Coordinator
Beth Nelson, Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) Information Exchange Coordinator
MN Small Farm Team (MN Extension Educators, Federal agency representatives, non-profit representatives, and farmers)

Objective

The objective for this effort is to help families living on existing small farms find ways to increase the sustainability of their farm operations (improve profitability, environment, and quality of life) without increasing their farm size, and to help other families start farming on a small scale.

Need or Impact

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. Many of the people who are starting small farms are new to agriculture, and in some cases, are new to the United States. Small farmers need information on basic agricultural production, alternative forms of agriculture that yield high margins per unit of production, environmental stewardship, and living in rural areas. Consumers and policy makers need information on the value of small farmers and their contribution to local economic development. The Minnesota Small Farm Team is just getting re-established after the reorganization of the University of Minnesota Extension Service. The Team started some initial planning efforts on a trip to a small farm conference in Columbia, Missouri, in November 2003.

Program Status

Ongoing, but leadership for this program is being transferred to Beth Nelson.