Beginning Farmer Workshop

If you’re interested in eating fresh 365 days a year + selling the extra, this workshop is for you.

Host Austin Lamac is a PA National Guard veteran and hobby farmer scaling up.  He and his family supplement their income with diversified sales of fruit, vegetables, eggs, pumpkins and firewood from their 10 acre property. Austin and our guest presenters will share lessons learned and information for new farmers to get started on the right foot.

What attendees will see and learn about:

Gracedale Farm's high tunnels, outdoor garden, and chickens.

How to learn from mistakes to build a better farm operation.

Pumpkins for profit

Pros/cons of an honor stand.

Compost production with chickens.

Insurance for hobby farms

Farm accounting legitimate farming expenses: Kelsey Feeg of Horizon Farm Credit. 

Integrating USDA programs into your business plan: USDA Beginning Farmer Coordinator for PA Michael Sherman

Business planning basics: Jodi Gaulker of Chester County Economic Development AgConnect

Beekeeping Q&A with Navy veteran Dan Boylan, President of the Montgomery County Beekeepers Association

Montgomery County Conservation District programming, Abigail Reiter

 Networking lunch following the field walk.

Because poultry is raised on Gracedale Farms, if you have poultry, take all security precautions to prevent the transmission of the avial flu. Biohazard booties will be provided. 

Be aware that by attending this event, you are giving the organizer permission to record and use your voice, name, and/or likeness  used with out compensation in print or digital form for educational or  promotional purposes for eternity; and, that you release the PA Veteran Farming Network and its partners  from any liability whatsoever of any nature. If you do not wish to be subject to the foregoing, do no register for this event.