Beginning Farmer Program

About this program

The Delaware Beginning Farmer Program is for new and beginner farmers working in small-scale vegetable and/or fruit production. Through hands-on training, demonstrations, workshops, field trips and farm tours, as well as self-study, growers will spend an entire season learning and growing with Delaware Cooperative Extension, and other invited agriculture industry professionals.

Although not limited to the following topics, this training will explore the fundamentals of soil fertility and health, basic crop production, integrated pest management, food safety, and business planning and development.

This training will also provide an excellent networking opportunity. 

For more information contact Carrie Murphy, New Castle County, or Lyndsie Mikkelsen, Kent and Sussex County.

Sample workshop schedule below

  • Wednesday, September 11, 6-8 pm, Course Orientation, Soil Basics
  • Saturday, September 14, 9-11 am, Greenhouse Production/Tour
  • Wednesday, September 25, 6-8 pm, Variety Selection
  • Wednesday, October 9, 6-8 pm, Small Farm Business Planning
  • Saturday, October 12, 9-11 am, Field Trip to Against the Grain Farm at William Penn Farm
  • Wednesday, October 23, 6-8 pm, Weed Identification and Management
  • Wednesday, November 6, 6-8 pm, Integrated Pest Management:  Insect and Disease Pests
  • Saturday, November 9, 9-11 am, Plant Diagnostic Clinic, UD Fresh to You
  • Wednesday, November 20, 6-8 pm, Small Animals
  • Wednesday, December 4, 6-8 pm, Delaware Beginning Farmer Resource Panel with DDA, NRCS, Farm Bureau and others

Program contacts