The National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number Grant #2012-49400-19673 funded HMI’s 2015 Beginning Farmers & Ranchers: Women in the NE & Texas program. We recently completed evaluation of the New Hampshire program which was coordinated by Kate Kerman through Small and Beginner Farmers of New Hampshire. Instructors for this program included Phil Metzger, Seth Wilner, Calley Hastings, and Jessie Schmidt. Mentors for the program were Sandy Brocaar and Christine Pressman. There was a 88% average satisfaction rating for sessions, with 91% of respondents noting that they had expanded their network as a result of this program. Thanks to the USDA/NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development program for their support of this program.
Here’s what we’ve learned from our 15 New Hampshire participants, of which 13 graduated from the program:
Participant Demographic Information
Of the 11 participants responding
10 are currently farming
The average years of farming was 5 years (range: 2 to 10 years)
The average acres under production was 16 acres under production with a total of 146 acres influenced
The total customers of all participants: Retail – 27 Average (total 108); Wholesale – Average 6 (total 18)
A framework for establishing a viable farm based operation Getting to know other women who are potential sources of information has been very good Coming in contact with people that have a wealth of information I would like to keep in touch with classmates as a resource/inspiration and sisterhood I hope to draw on this group of women for advice in the future Networking among farmers Knowledge transfer, established relationships, gained perspective Network of wonderful women from NH and VT to share farming passion with. A whole new set of resources I feel as though I have been given a lot of great tools and resources to make me and my future farm successful Training in testing, business plan and marketing plan will help in all aspects of the farm This course has given me the tools to critically analyze our enterprises and make the necessary changes or improvements so that we are closer to reaching our holistic goal I really was feeling overwhelmed and knew I needed a farming education to be successful. This program has provided that and more Very helpful, came at an opportune time gave great tools @ hand to hopefully improve farm as business and lifestyle Loved it. Well run, organized