Hi all,
I attended my first meeting of the Piedmont Farm School (sponsored by the Davidson Co. Cooperative Extension and NC State U.) last night in Lexington, NC. There were thirty student-farmers enrolled- and what an interesting variety! We had retired tobacco farmers, cattle farmers, folks who live on farms that have been in their families since before the Revolutionary War, farm hands, owners and managers. I may be the only one with no land-but I do have a dream! I hope to document my journey towards farm ownership as I go through the 9 month program.
Our first meeting was all about developing a business plan. Hard work, of course, and complicated, but it will give us a roadmap towards success. What was really intesting was how many people expressed a strong desire to preserve the land from development-I think that may be a primary motivator for many of them to take the course. They are looking for ways to make a real living at doing what they love.
We will be touring several farms later this month, but in the mean time, I will work on my plan. I think I am really interested in the idea of starting some curbside fresh markets here in Winston Salem- a place people could buy fresh local produce every day of the week. I used to own a restaurant (Ninth Street Bar & Grill in Durham, NC), and I think I have some good marketing skills.
So I am looking for a farm. Who knows? maybe I'll find one by the end of this year!
