MILLS RIVER, N.C. — NC Choices launches a new USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher grant focused on increasing the number of beginning farmers raising meat through either pasture-based or silvopasture systems by providing them with novel land acquisition strategies, resources, and training opportunities to increase skills, decision-making tools, and the market and buyer connections needed to operate profitably.
Notably, NC Choices will help pair beginning meat producers with grazing opportunities on:
Solar installations
Land with woodland plots for silvopasture
Land conservancy land under conservation easements
This 3-year grant aims to provide comprehensive support including long-term lease and land tenure options, targeted training and decision making support, growing market opportunities, and training for beginning farmers and farmer-trainers.
Think you might be a good fit? Go to the NC Choices website.
Read more at: https://ncfarmlink.ces.ncsu.edu/2019/02/are-you-a-landowner-interested-in-working-with-beginning-meat-producers-we-need-you/
–William Hamilton, N.C. State Extension