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DEVELOPING SUCCESSFUL SMALL FARM ENTERPRISES

Extension Education

John Campbell
EXTENSION AREA SPECIALIST
Lewisburg

Abstract

\r\n Small farm owners in the south central middle Tennessee area have shown an increased interest in recent years in developing both traditional and non-traditional enterprises. The Developing Successful Small Farm Enterprises program, held in the winter of 2010, consisted of five educational sessions to address the major factors involved with selecting, planning and successfully operating a small farm. The program series was a joint venture involving agents and area specialists in five counties. The educational objectives of the program were to (1) provide small farm owners with information to assist in making informed decisions, (2) show the importance of in-depth planning when selecting enterprises, and (3) identify resources to assist in planning and implementation of enterprises. Forty-nine individuals enrolled in the program. Participants indicated a composite score of 7.95 on a ten-point scale that the information presented helped them make decisions on how to proceed with their small farm. There was a composite score of 7.41 as to whether the information had caused them to re-evaluate their current plans. Participants were surveyed in December 2010 to determine implementation of new enterprises and/or adjustments to existing enterprises. Fifty-seven percent of participants responded to the survey. Thirty-eight percent had started a new enterprise. Thirty-three percent revised plans for or discontinued an enterprise. Sixty-seven percent plan to make changes in 2011. Survey respondents reported a total of $33,000 in increased revenue, $5,000 in increased savings, $7,000 in reduced production expenses, $66,000 in machinery and equipment investment, and $83,000 in buildings and infrastructure investment.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: J.C. Campbell, C.C. Bryant, K.M. Burress, R.E. Groce, D.D. Hughes, J.C. Morris, D.Y. Payne, K.L. Rose, W.D. Smith, F. Stribling
  1. Campbell, J. Extension Area Specialist, University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee, 38402
  2. Bryant, C. Extension Agent, University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee, 38464
  3. Burress, K. Extension Agent, University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee, 38485
  4. Groce, R. Extension Agent, University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee, 38402
  5. Hughes, D. Extension Agent, University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee, 38402
  6. Morris, J. Extension Agent, University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee, 38462
  7. Payne, D. Extension Agent, Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension, Tennessee, 38478
  8. Rose, K. Extension Agent, University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee, 38478
  9. Smith, W. Extension Agent, Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension, Tennessee, 38464
  10. Stribling, F. Extension Area Specialist, Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension, Tennessee, 38402