Whole Farm Planning
Virginia Whole Farm Planning for Beginners
Several Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition teams, in collaboration with Virginia Cooperative Extension, will be implementing Whole Farm Planning programs in many locations across the Commonwealth aimed at beginning and transitioning farmers/ranchers starting in 2012.
All information on the Virginia Whole Farm Planning teams is listed below. Check back frequently to this page, as news and updates to the programs are made available.
Click the flyer to the right for a printable PDF of the Virginia Whole Farm Planning Teams.
Seven Whole Farm Planning Programs Available in 2012-2013
Certified Farm Seeker Program Virginia-wide
Virginia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and the Virginia Dept. of AG & Consumer Services
The CFS program is led by Virginia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and consumer Services (VDACS). Through whole farm planning curriculum, individuals seeking farming opportunities, will be provided with the tools needed to successfully demonstrate their farming commitment and vision to interested landowner. The CFS Program is designed around helping interested farmers produce a business plan and resume, as well as demonstrate on-farm experience.
VA Farm Bureau Young Farmers Ron Saacke
VA Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Kevin Schmidt
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Whole Farm Planning for New Wineries and Vineyards Christiansburg, VA
Attimo Winery is dedicated to celebrating the everyday moments in life. In collaboration with Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project, Attimo is working to encourage, recruit, educate, and train the next generation of viticulturist and wine makers in Virginia.
Attimo Winery Rik and Melissa Obiso
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Whole Farm Planning for Working Model Farm and
Land-Based Learning Center Floyd County, VA
SustainFloyd's beginning farmer & rancher efforts include development of a working, model farm creating opportunities within a living laboratory for experiential learning. Whole Farm Planning educational training will include day-long workshops, and courses focused on Principles & Production, as well as Entrepreneurial-Agribusiness training.
SustainFloyd Michael Burton
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The Northern Piedmont Beginning Farmer Program Fauquier County, VA
Fauquier County Agricultural Development, Fauquier Education Farm, and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE)
A six-month initiative to help aspiring farmers make an informed decision about the direction and future of a farm operation. NPBFP uses curriculum developed by Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project and Virginia Cooperative Extension. Agriculture experts from across Virginia present instruction using both online and in-person curriculum. Participants develop a farm business plan in coordination with local farmers and agriculture service representatives. Upon completion, participants will possess the basic knowledge and skills to start a farm operation.
Fauquier County Ag. Development Office Ray Pickering
Fauquier Education Farm Jim Hilleary
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Whole Farm Planning in Southwest Virginia Washington and Wise County
Appalachian Sustainable Development and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE)
Appalachian Sustainable Development is working with Virginia Cooperative Extension to offer Whole Farm Planning courses in 2012/13. Course will assist Appalachian farmers in addressing available local marketing opportunities and developing a working business plan, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Appalachian Sustainable Development Tom Peterson
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Beginning Farmer Support on the Blue Ridge Plateau Grayson County, VA
Grayson Landcare's Whole Farm Planning efforts include educating and training beginning farmers, rancher, and grazers to make economically sound, realistic, and sustainable goals to promote long term agriculture success.
GraysonLandcare Danny Boyer
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Whole Farm Planning Farm School Goochland County & Richmond, VA
Virginia Association for Biological Farming
The purpose of this program is to help beginning farmers and ranchers in Virginia to make informed farm planning decisions as part of a whole farm plan. A six-week course is organized at the introductory to intermediate stage of farming knowledge and experience.
VA Association for Biological Farming Lisa Dearden
VA Association for Biological Farming Kathy O'Hara
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More Information on Virginia Whole Farm Planning
Learn more about our whole farm planning curriculum:
If you have comments or questions, please contact Donna Westfall-Rudd by email or at (540) 231-5717.
If you want to stay informed about our project activities using social media, follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our listserv.
The Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Project is sponsored through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) of the USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Award # 2010-49400-21720.
Whole Farm Planning Opportunities
Farm Bureau/VDACS Certified Farm Seeker Program
WFP for New Wineries & Vineyards
The Northern Piedmont Beginning Farmer Program
WFP in Southwest Virginia
2013 Growers' Academy --- Roanoke, VA
Reynolds Homestead Growers' Academy --- Critz, VA
Let's get the conversation started, check out our new blog, Virginia Beginning Farmer Connection
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