By: Rene? McCracken, NTCC Director of Agriculture
Sorghum, pumpkins and peas....oh my! Fall is not just a perfect time of year for me, but our goats at Northeast Texas Community College are enjoying the harvest as well. This is just one of the sustainable practices we love demonstrating at our NTCC Small Farm.† Working with nature and incorporating livestock into the garden is not only sustainable, but we cut out most of our labor and fuel/equipment costs. Our mixed breed of goats work hard to prune our muscadine vineyard and glean the fields, while fertilizing organically for the spring crops to come. The best part -- they love doing it!
Northeast?s Sustainable 12-acre Farm is located directly across for the main campus just outside of Mount Pleasant, TX and is dedicated to becoming a true living example to demonstrate sustainable farming practices for all small farmers in east Texas. The farm is a hands-on laboratory for NTCC students, and a much-loved field trip destination for area schools to become experienced and inspired in sustainable farming practices.
Gardens, vineyard, crops, landscaping, egg and pork production - along with the goats - are just some of the projects featured on this sustainable farm.† Whether you are just beginning your education, transitioning to a new career or just want to gain skills to improve your small farm ? classes at NTCC?s Ag Program can help to get you reach your goals.
Once their training is complete, students have the bright future of being in high demand.† According to a recent USDA Agriculture Report, ?During the next five years, U.S. college graduates will find good employment opportunities if they have expertise in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources or the environment.† Between 2015 and 2020, we expect to see 57,900 average annual opening for graduates with a bachelor?s or higher degrees in those areas.?
We are currently enrolling students for our spring semester that will begin January 17.† If you would like more information on courses, degree plans or would like to take a short workshop with us, contact Rene? McCracken at 903-434-8267 or rmccracken@ntcc.edu.† You can also keep up with the latest happenings by following us on Facebook at NTCC Ag Department.† Another option is for you to join us for our Spring Registration Luncheon November 17 beginning at 12:35 p.m. at the Elizabeth Hoggatt Whatley Ag Complex.† Ag advisors will be on-hand to guide you as you register for classes in our computer lab.† Lunch will be provided as well.† Don?t miss this opportunity to be a part of a ?growing? field!
