Keeping
the family farm in business can be a real challenge in today’s times,
especially when you look past the financials and everyday production and think
about keeping it going through the next farming generation.
As
the average age of American farmers steadily increases while the number of
young and new farmers decreases, farm transition has become a serious issue,
but it doesn’t have to be a problem. Resources and assistance in
developing a plan are out there, and so are a lot of other farmers finding
themselves in the same situation.
The
“Farm it Forward” workshop was specifically developed to help farm
families work through the process of planning a farm business transition.
Set up as two sessions, each consisting of two days of training on December
7-8, 2007 and January 11-12, 2008 in Birch, Run, Michigan, this program will
give participants the opportunity to work through the process of planning a
farm business transition. Whether you are looking to pass the farm to the
next generation within the family or to a business partner or you are hoping to
have the opportunity to take over the farm from your parents, this program
could benefit you, your family and your farm operation.
Communication
can be a huge barrier for multi-generational farm families, so you may find
that some outside assistance with the process can be of value. Discover
some of the common issues involved in a multiple generation farm business and
how you can address them to ensure the future and success of your farm.
Putting together an informed plan of action can greatly improve the future
outcome of the transition process.
A
group of resource professionals who work with farm transitions have been
recruited to facilitate the “Farm it Forward” workshop and provide
a positive environment for building a solid plan of action. During the
workshop, participants will focus on the following topics:
This
program will provide general information necessary to plan the entry of the next
generation into existing farm operations. A wealth of resources will be
provided, from worksheets to hands-on exercises that will help participants
develop their own, individual transition plan information. Participants
will also be offered an opportunity for each generation of the family to
discuss issues related to their farm’s transfer.
Uncover
alternatives that have helped others over the years transfer farm assets and
resources between generations and ways to limit the impact on cash flows and taxation
expenses when possible.
For more information or to register contact Dennis Stein at [log in to unmask], (989) 672-3870 or by
fax at (989) 673-8248. Read more online at http://www.msu.edu/user/steind.
Emily Buckham
Communications Specialist
Bringing Farmers and
Communities Together
416 Agriculture Hall
Ph: (517) 432-0712
Fx: (517) 353-7961
Cell: (269) 501-1107
www.miffs.org
4. Opening for an
Organic Education Program Coordinator.
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm
Association announces an opening for an Organic Education Program
Coordinator. This new position is possible with funding for three years
from a USDA-SARE grant to OEFFA to support OEFFA’s Growing Organics
Program. The Organic Education Program Coordinator will be responsible
for the development and implementation of educational programming work focusing
on organic production.
Responsibilities
* Develop and implement conference workshops and single-day
educational programs focused on organic production.
* Design and administer OEFFA’s summer farm tours
series.
* Organize and convene a farmer advisory committee for
OEFFA’s Growing Organics Program.
* Serve as liaison between OEFFA and OSU’s Organic
Food and Farm Education and Research (OFFER) Program, a leader in organic
farming research.
* Coordinate OEFFA’s apprenticeship program.
* Contribute to OEFFA’s bi-monthly newsletter.
* Assist with publicity of OEFFA’s programs.
* Oversee organic production content on the OEFFA website.
* Work with OFFER and Extension personnel to produce
farmer-friendly fact sheets on organic production.
* Develop and facilitate a farmer-to-farmer knowledge
network.
* Help organic and aspiring organic farmers by answering
questions and providing informational resources.
* As needed, assist in writing grants for organic education
programs.
* Assist in evaluation of SARE grant.
Qualifications: Education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the ability
to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Minimally, a
BS or BA in natural sciences, environmental education, agriculture, or related
area as well as some background in organic crop or horticultural
production. Excellent oral and written communication skills
desired. Previous experience in a non-profit setting desirable, as is
previous experience working with farmers. Must have the ability to work
well with OEFFA personnel, members, and the public; flexibility and openness in
dealing with changing events and priorities; organization, planning, and
project management skills.
This is a part-time position (25 hours/week). Salary is $14.25/hr, and
benefits include health insurance, sick leave, and paid time off. The
Organic Education Program Coordinator reports to the Program Director.
The position is based in
How to Apply: Applications consist of cover letter, résumé, and names of
three references (indicate relationship). Electronically submitted applications
(preferred) should be addressed to Carol Goland, Executive Director, at [log in to unmask],
or mail your application to Carol Goland, OEFFA, 41 Croswell,
5. Open House and
tour the Community Kitchen Trailer –
This is a portable
certified kitchen where one can prepare food for sale.
Monday, October 22, 4:00 - 7:00pm
Snacks prepared on site by local
chefs
hot cider
livemusic
Networking & Information
Sponsored by
Fair Food Matters