Fast Track Farming program to collaborate with beginning farmers
Central State University Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Department is beginning a new growing season with the Fast Track Farming program.
With new classes now available at six different sites across Ohio, the program is helping to build local food systems by providing a beginning farmer program to aspiring farmers.
The 12-month program helps prospective farmers learn about farming through classes that include hands-on activities on a demonstration farm. The free program focuses on intensive vegetable production in an urban setting and includes topics such as:
- Vegetable/small fruit farming
- Beekeeping
- Integrated pest management
- Land access
- Food safety
- Farm business planning and management
- Soil health and fertility
- Fertigation and managing intensive production
- Hydroponics/aquaponics
- Organic production systems
- Harvesting and sales
- Value-added food production
Classes and demonstration farms are located throughout Ohio. For more information, on specific classes, contact the CSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Regional Educator for each location as noted below.
Cuyahoga County — East Cleveland
Christopher Thompson, cthompson2@centralstate.edu
Locations: Croit Road Farm Market and Green Movement Glenville
Trumbull County — Warren
Christopher Thompson, cthompson2@centralstate.edu
Location: Trumbull Neighborhood Partners
Lucas County — Toledo
Michelle Wallace, mwallace@centralstate.edu
Location: Grace Community Center
Clark County — Springfield
Marc Amante, mamante@centralstate.edu
Location: Melrose Acres with Springfield Ohio Urban Plantfolks (SOUP)
Muskingum County — Zanesville
Denise Natoli Brooks, dbrooks@centralstate.edu
Location: Urban Greens with Muskingum SWCD
