As in other communities, Shelby County is seeing a renewed interest in local foods, homegrown food production and small farming. The county has seen steady growth in land ownership in the 1-49 acre range with landowners being a mix of retirees, new-to-farming, and farmers looking to scale-back or diversify their operations away from traditional crops and livestock.  630 farms in Shelby County had a new/beginning principle producer according to the 2017 ag census.  Farms reporting sales in the $1-$2500 range numbered 708 in 2017, up from 656 in 2012.   Due to the increasing number of calls to the extension office from landowners asking, "what can I do with my __ acres?" the agriculture agent and horticulture technician developed a four-part series entitled Small Acreage Farming to provide basic information to this audience.

13 participants attended sessions including topics on developing a business plan, SMART goals, farm infrastructure, soils, insects, weeds, fertilizers, livestock, poultry, forages, honeybees, machinery, fencing laws, property rights.  

Participants were emailed an end-of-program evaluation, approximately 6 months after course-completion.   100% of respondents indicated that they were very satisfied (VS) or satisfied(S) with the program’s relevance to their needs as well as the overall quality of the program.  

Respondents indicated the HELPFULNESS to their operation and decision making process of each session as follows: Business Planning 100% strongly agreed (SA); Basic Soil/Insects/Fertilizers/Weeds 100% SA; Production Options 100% SA; Legal Concerns 100% SA.   

100% of respondents indicated that they had developed a mission statement for their operation as a result of the first session.  Additionally, 33% are developing SMART goals for their operation and working on developing a business plan as a result of the business session.

100% of respondents are more familiar with how species, maturity and harvest method affect forage quality and 100% have a better understanding of liability issues relative to their farming operation as a result of this series.

When asked if they would recommend the Farming on a Few Acres program to others, 100% of respondents replied "Yes."  Additionally, 100% of respondents indicated that they had already shared what they learned with others.

Several open-ended questions were also a part of the survey.  A few comments included:

What is the most important change you will make as a result of participating in this program:

“We have a much broader perspective than before!  We also have a much broader concept on what is involved in planning.”   “Focus on business priorities.   Hay management.  Insight for next farm expansion areas.”  “Gain a deeper appreciation of being a land owner.”

What did you like most about this program:

“Everything.  This city boy is trying to soak up everything I can.”  “A lot of info presented well by knowledgeable experts.  Presenters very credible which is needed when making farm decisions.”  “All the information available.”

Other comments:  “I wish I could convey how much I enjoyed this series.  I learned so much.”

Finally, respondents were given the opportunity to indicate their interest in a selection of courses in various topics for future participation.  These responses were utilized in developing the Plan of Work for 2023-24.