Are you interested in sustainable agriculture, but aren?t sure where to start? The phrase "sustainable agriculture? has grown in popularity as a marketing niche in recent years, but it is really an old-fashioned farming concept that involves utilizing your land to it?s fullest potential. If you want to create a more prosperous farm that could be passed on to your family, or are just looking for the perfect retirement adventure, contact the Northeast Texas Community College Agriculture Department.† The Director of Agriculture, Rene? McCracken, is excited to lead the effort in ?Bringing Back the Homestead? to area communities.† The second annual Homestead Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 16 trough†March 1†and is open to students of all ages.† Space is limited to 10 participants and a registration fee of $45 for the series of courses must be paid prior to the start of classes.
The series includes four hands-on workshops held on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon covering topics that include laws and regulations for the farm, taxes and insurance, garden planning and design, introduction to tractor maintenance and welding, livestock care and handling, alternative livestock and crops and various others. All topics will provide the best management practices to produce agriculture products profitably on small acreages in East Texas.† Primary focus for the course will be to connect farmers to needed resources both financial and educational to ensure their success.† Some of the topics have been left open, and will be decided by the participants as needed.† If you would be interested in learning more about this program, serving as an example ?homestead?, sponsoring, or attending classes, contact Rene? McCracken at 903-434-8267 or†rmccracken@ntcc.edu.† To register for classes contact Continuing Education at 903-434-8134.
