I think this is the beginnings of an economy based on perpetual growth and fossil fuel energy running headlong into geological energy constraints. Basically I see an undulatory downward path for the rest of my life. From here out, I think any rallies in our economic condition are going to be met with spiking commodity prices that knock us right back down.
Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 9:38 pm Post subject: Two-year sustainable ag degree
Quote:
Two-year sustainable ag degree
Serious students of sustainable agriculture welcomed at the Sustainable Farming Porgram at Central Carolina Community College in central North Carolina. Two year degree and certificate programs in sustainable agriculture. Courses also offered in biofuels, wild edible and medicinal plants and sustainable development. Program coordinator can assist in finding housing and employment. On-campus farm with 30-member CSA, many internship opportunities nearby. Contact Robin (rkohanowich@cccc.edu). (1/27/05)
Sometimes I wish I lived in North Carolina . Anyone close by? It sounds like a great opportunity. I would do it in a heartbeat if I were closer.
The ad, btw, is taken from the classifieds section at NewFarm.org. They also have internships advertised many other places.
Kathy
Joined: Aug 18, 2004 Posts: 694 Location: SF Bay Area, Calif
Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 10:06 pm Post subject:
There are quite a few sustainable ag programs around. Where are you located, CarlinsDarlin? There may be one near you.
On the web, there's a list of sustainable ag programs -- I can't find it right now, but I know that in California, there's a dynamite yearlong program in Santa Cruz, a one- or two-year program in a state college in the far north of the state, as well as interesting things going on at UC Davis.
Some other options are Horticulture programs through community colleges and the Master Gardeners programs available in many states. Permaculture classes are another possibility.
bart,
I'm in Arkansas. The link you provided found three matches in AR - but the one that would be a reasonable driving distance is an organic (meat) goat operation. There was another farm that seemed more in line with what I had in mind, but it's a 4 hour drive from here. Not workable for someone trying to run their own place at the same time.
I actually did call someone yesterday - just found a name in the phone book that said "so-and-so farms natural beef." I figured organic folks generally know each other, so the person might be able to give me a lead. I have been looking for an organic farm to volunteer. So far no luck. The gentleman I spoke with did offer me a local contact at the cooperative extension office, though, who seems to be well respected.
In the part of the state where I live, the local (2-year) college does not offer any such program. I have, however, considered the Master Gardeners program. I'll keep lookin....
Kathy
Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 7:36 am Post subject: CSA farm workers
I know the CSA farms in this area often let a subscriber work for vegetables. CSA is Community Supported Agriculture, and people pay in advance for a summer's worth of produce. These are typically very small farms. WHile many are organized enough to get Willing Workers On Organic Farms, others may quietly let a nearby subscriber work for produce. It'll be grunt labor, but I bet you learn. One farm near here had a series of apprentices leave one year (and not other years, so I don't think it's from evil management).
I don't mean to equate a season of planting and picking with an associate degree, but it would provide hands-on experience.
I don't mean to equate a season of planting and picking with an associate degree, but it would provide hands-on experience.
OldSprocket,
This is actually more what I had in mind anyway. Though I would love to attend a two year program, I need the practical hands-on advice and opportunity to learn. I'm learning as I go, but I'd like to be able to avoid the mistakes I'm bound to make without someone serving as a mentor. And besides, I'm not opposed to grunt labor, it's what I do everyday on my own place, anyway .
CSAs are great. However, by nature, they're mostly in larger cities where fewer people have land available to garden on their own. There isn't one, to my knowledge, anywhere around here. Out here, lots of folks are "land poor" - meaning they may have land, but not much else. Unfortunately, many of the old ways of farming (hence, using more natural methods) have been lost with the elderly who have passed. Besides, it's "easier" to go get what you need from Wally World.
My own neighbor, the other day, in giving me 5 dozen canning jars, said, "I used to can a lot when mother was alive, but now I just don't do it." Since most families now have two people working full time in the job market, it is a considerable task to have the time to garden, raise animals, can your produce, etc. AND work a full-time job.
I tried it for long time (more seriously for about the last 2 years) before I got completely fed up with the weeds overtaking my garden and finally said enough is enough. We lost more than half our income (I was making more than hubby at the time), and that makes money really tight. That being said, though, we have managed in the last 5+ months to accomplish many things that were on my list for the past 4 years to get done. We've increased our energy efficiency, built our hen house and acquired 25 laying hens, seriously started composting, added a room on the house, created a pantry, and many other things that there wasn't adequate time for before.
Now I don't have a clue what all this has to do with the original topic post.. lol, but perhaps it adds to the conversation . Sorry for leading the thread astray .
Kathy
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. Anyone close by? It sounds like a great opportunity. I would do it in a heartbeat if I were closer.
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