Describe the Issue or Situation.

There are a number of technical aspects that a person must know and understand when they make a decision to start farming, whether on a small scale or as a full time operation.  Many individuals go into farming not knowing what to expect, with their only reference being what they have seen from the car windshield or on a television show.  Many times someone inherits land and wants to maintain the tradition of farming on that land, but has no practical experience running this type of operation and in some occasions, someone retires and want to live what they perceive as a peaceful farming lifestyle.  All of these things can be achieved, but one has to understand what they are getting into, before they start.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Extension fields many questions throughout the year from individuals who inherited or bought land and want to start farming, but don't know where to start.  We hope that they at least have an idea of the type of farming they would like to do, but that is not always the case.  Extension can spend many hours helping new land owners get their feet on the ground not only in the practical part of farming, but also in record keeping and administration of the farm. The Beginning farmer program is an all day event that focuses on and addresses a number of areas that new farmers normally have questions about.  The program addresses tax issues and introduces participants to extension and other organizations that provide technical and financial assistance to farmers and land owners.  The program offers a roadmap to where someone might get help for specific issues.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

65 beginning farmers attended the program held at the Morehead State University farm.  The ages of the participants ranged from mid 20s to mid 60s showing the diversity our new farmers and land owners.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

A written evaluation was used after the program, with a followup evaluation to be done at a later date.  The initial evaluation showed overwhelming positive response with 96% giving it a 4 or better rating.  Steve Isaacs presentation on Enterprises to consider was the highest rated topic with many participants wanting to hear this topic in greater detail.  Two participants made a followup call to the Bath County Extension Office saying they have been able to use much of the information in their operations and that they were grateful for the program and hoped that more like it would be available in the future.