Diverse Farming Practices Subject Of VGCC Agriculture Classes

With the decline in tobacco farming and other traditional crops, area farmers are looking for new ways to participate in the agriculture business.

A series of classes to be conducted at Vance-Granville Community College may help them find just the alternative that appeals to them.

Sustainable Agriculture classes on five consecutive Tuesday evenings beginning April 4 will be held on Vance-Granville’s main campus in Vance County. Classes will run from 7 to 9 p.m. on those five evenings.

In the initial class, Charles Gupton, owner and operator of Shiloh Farm and Retreat in Franklin County, will discuss “Marketing and Diversification in Sustainable Farming.” The following week, on April 11, “Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Action” will look at a local example, Maple Springs Gardens, and will introduce a variety of practices and concepts used on a successful organic farm in Cedar Grove. Robin Kohanowich, who directs and teaches in the Sustainable Farming Program at Central Carolina Community College, will be the instructor.

Bailey Newton, owner and operator of Triple B Farm in Bullock, will teach the April 18 class on “Small Farm Poultry Production.” This class will include raising meat turkeys and raising chickens for meat and eggs, and integrating poultry with existing livestock and vegetable production will also be discussed.

 “Introduction to Organics” is the subject of the April 25 class, taught by Tony Kleese, executive director of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. This class will provide an overview of organic production and certification, and it will discuss the theory and practice behind producing organic crops and livestock.

Susan and Steve Bender, owners of Homestead Flower Farm in Warren County, will conduct the final class in the series on May 2. This will cover the business of growing and selling fresh cut flowers, including propagating, cultivating, harvesting and marketing floral products in a profitable and sustainable system.

 The cost for the series of five classes is $50. Each class is designed to be a separate discussion on a different topic. For more information and to pre-register, call Melonie Hight at (252) 738-3239.