What is The Farm School for Women (FSW)?
Application to the Farm School for Women has been extended.
Women of Agriculture - Today and Tomorrow!
Female farmers are the fastest growing population buying and operating small farms nationwide. For the past twenty-five years, the big traditional farms have been in decline; however, during that same period the number of farms run by women has increased 86%. Currently, there are approximately a quarter million women-owned farms in the United States, and our numbers are increasing.
Today's female farmer is a different breed with a different philosophy and approach: holistic, environmentally sensitive, sustainable and small. In fact, small-scale farming is the hallmark of female farmers. It's a kinder, gentler method of agricultural production involving all the senses— living in the moment even as you prepare for the next day, next week or next season.
The twenty-first century belongs to women of agriculture, creating a revolution with a female voice to be heard. Easy on the land and committed to safe and natural growing practices—imprinting with a smaller ecological footprint—female farmers are at the forefront of this revolution. These farmers are important to the small farm movement as innovators, discarding the traditional cloak of the "farmer's wife" for speciality markets and alternative enterprises. It is artisanal farming, an exciting, new type of agriculture, with a vibrant and fresh integration of art and skill.
Still, there are many challenges and constraints unique to female farmers that limit their productivity and economic viability, including lack of experience, training and skills; lack of resources and materials; unequal access to credit, few leadership positions in their rural communities and a sense of isolation.
NC Women of the Land Agricultural Network created The Farm School for Women to address many of these challenges facing new, beginning farmers.
The Farm School for Women Curriculum
A Farm Training Program Unique for Women
Our program is designed specifically for women who, through knowledge and experience, value their connection to the land, have a passion for sustainable agriculture and are committed to the values of small scale farming. Students can expect introductory class work in many aspects of agriculture and discussions leading to extensive on-farm learning and working the land.
It is a structured curriculum based on agricultural educational programs that includes fields of study offering practical farm training: from setting goals to business planning to nurturing crops and livestock to harvesting, marketing and homesteading. Our goal is to train female students in the art and skill of working the land and bringing products to market.
We believe in total immersion on the farm. All students live on the farm and participate in all classes offered, following a structured curriculum of seminars, on-farm workshops, field trips, speciality farming and independent projects. In addition, they create a business plan, and organize and implement a small-scale CSA and on-farm market.
Our program also provides support and a rich learning environment for each graduate so that she can be confident in her capabilities to enter the growing field of small scale farming and sustainable agriculture.
Sample of Courses and Workshops (Subject to Change)
- GARDENS
Soil and soil chemistry Reading soil tests Direct Seeding Transplant production Pests, Weeds, Diseases Extending the Harvest Home/market Gardens Flowers and Herbs - PRACTICAL SKILLS
Carpentry and Building Engine Mechanics and Maintenance Hand Tool Use and Maintenance Hoophouse/Greenhouse Construction - MARKETING
Small Farm Planning Direct Marketing CSA Planning and Implementation Legalities and Insurance Leasing or Buying the Farm - FARM ANIMALS
Daily Care Behavior Cows, Goats, Pigs Poultry Equines Fencing, Housing and Pasture - HOMESTEADING
Food Preservation Cheesemaking Beekeeping Cooking from the Farm
Application and Selection
Overview and goals.
The FSW is a full-time, residential farm training program designed for those students who are committed to a career in sustainable agriculture, particularly small scale farming. Our program is a formal academic and experiential curriculum introducing topics ranging from business, production, animal care to homesteading. At school’s end, participants should have the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage or start a small farm enterprise, or enter another area of Agriculture aware of the farm to food connection.
The success of the FSW depends on the quality of instruction, the energy, receptivity and motivation of participants with a stellar work ethic and a mutual understanding of expectations for all involved. Be sure that the FSW’s policies and expectations match your own and your abilities to fully participate and complete the program.
Students attend weekly classes, workshops, discussions and demonstrations on all manner of topics pertaining to small-scale farming: organic crop production, soil science, botany, animal husbandry, business and financial planning, marketing and homesteading skills. Instruction includes how to write a farm business plan, nurture the plants and animals, manage a small CSA and on-farm market. Students will be expected to learn basic skills in order to build a hoop house, operate a tractor and use and repair small engine equipment, make compost, build and maintain irrigation, fences and small animal shelters. The participants of the Farm School will actively and cooperatively apply their formal instruction experientially on the farm’s twenty acres. The ten-month curriculum allows for time to acquire an introductory level of knowledge and skills in the basics of small-scale farming.
Schedule
The FSW is a eight-month program that runs from March 5 – October 27, 2012, Monday through Friday 8 am - 5 pm and Saturday 8 am - noon. The course of instruction will vary depending on the season, the nature of farming (weather and unforeseen situations). Participants are required to help with farm chores on a rotational basis in addition to their own household duties. Students are also expected to participate in seasonal events and fundraisers.
Housing
We want our students to participate fully in the rewards, disappointments and challenges that small-scale farming provides on a daily basis and that is why we provide residential housing for the program. Participants will be housed in two dwellings by the farm, sharing bedrooms and a communal kitchen, bath and living space. We strive for a positive living environment but so much of that depends on the maturity and cooperation of the residents. That’s why a healthy dose of humor, mutually agreeing on mundane tasks and decisions, and an ability to let things slide off your back (like our ducks) is imperative. Students are responsible for their own food but may harvest from the gardens.
Fees and Payment
Tuition and housing for the eight-month program: $7000. The first half is due one week from acceptance notice and the balance is due before arriving. Students are required to purchase a few books and hand tools at the beginning of the program which is theirs to keep at the end of the program.
Application and Farm Visit
We encourage farm visits and if accepted into the school, strongly suggest a visit. To apply, please complete the application form and send it, along with a resume and references, to our physical address listed below. Some experience in a farming situation is helpful, but we give priority to those who express a desire and commitment to sustainable agriculture and who want to experience life on a small farm.
- For more information, please contact:
- Dr. TD Matheny, Director
- genesisfarm@me.com
- 1841 Jo Mac Rd
- Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Highlights of the School
The Farm Setting
The Farm School for Women is located on Genesis Farm, a twenty-acre market and educational farm located in Orange County, near Chapel Hill, NC. The farm includes open pasture, gardens, woods and a 1 1/2 acre pond overlooking the pastures. The farm is teeming with wildlife as well as domestic animals. It is a rural landscape, yet we are only seven miles from the flagship campus of the University of North Carolina.
Work and Study
Classroom
For 10-12 hours each week, students will engage in formal classes, on-farm workshops, and field trips. Students will be assigned readings, essays and independent research in addition to developing a personal farm business and marketing plan. Seasonal evaluations monitor the student's performance, knowledge and acquisition of skills.
Fieldwork
The students will spend approximately 22 hours a week working on the farm, growing the vegetables, caring for barnyard animals and learning practical skills. We believe that the best learning is learning by doing, and the experiential component of the program allows students to apply the knowledge they receive from the seminars, workshops and discussions. The hands-on aspect turns "ideas into experiences".
We focus on collaboration, interaction and communication skills, working together in the gardens, with our barnyard animals, and with our CSA members, customers and neighbors. Our goal is to provide a productive and positive learning environment intermingled with whimsey and fun.
Sample Weekly Schedule
Typical Weekly Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm, Saturday: 8 am - 1 pm.
Classes and fieldwork hours subject to change based on weather and
seasonal adjustments for optimal instruction and working conditions.
- Monday
Morning: Classroom instruction
Afternoon: Farm Fieldwork - Tuesday
Morning: Classroom instruction
Afternoon: Workshop or Farm Visit (2x/month) - Wednesday -- CSA planning and prep
- Thursday
Morning: Fieldwork
Afternoon: Fieldwork/Independent project - Friday
Morning: Fieldwork
Afternoon: Discussion of readings/projects
Group supper - Saturday
Morning: Fieldwork and/or on-farm market
Afternoon: free time - Sunday -- free time
Each day begins and ends with students feeding animals on a rotation basis. Lunch is usually an hour, including rest and renewal before afternoon work.
Faculty
The Triangle region of North Carolina teems with agricultural resources. Classes and workshops are taught by top-notch professionals drawn from a wealth of minds and experiences sporting outstanding credentials: experienced farmers/teachers; college faculty; cooperative extension personnel; small business leaders; veterinarians and experienced livestock managers. A farm manager guides and directs all farm fieldwork.