EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Limited access to capital, elevated land values, and unstable ag markets are among the challenges many aspiring farmers face in this era. But in recent years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has emerged as an accessible entry point for first-generation and beginning farmers.
At the Midwest CSA Conference, kicking off today (Thursday) at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, one programming track will be devoted to aspiring farmers looking to learn more about CSA, which creates a direct relationship in which a consumer commits to support a farm by buying a share or membership in the farm. In exchange, that member receives a regular (usually weekly) portion of produce from the farm. This structure provides upfront money for the farmer to operate and builds mutual support, sharing the risks and benefits of food production.
The Beginning Farmers track will feature four workshops, kicking off with one geared at the important question of Is CSA Farming Right for Me? Lauren Rudersdorf of Raleigh’s Hillside Farm, Brodhead, and Bethanee Wright of Winterfell Acres, Brooklyn, will share some of their experiences in the beautiful but complex CSA business model. Attendees will learn what it takes to start a successful CSA farm.
John Hendrickson of Stone Circle Farm and the UW Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems will offer attendees some no-nonsense advice and tools in his workshop on Launching a Farm Business. This workshop will discuss enterprise selection and farm scale considerations, record keeping systems, tools and tips on creating important documents such as a first cash-flow budget, setting realistic sales and income goals, estimating capital investment requirements, and more.
Dan Guenthner and Margaret Pennings of Common Harvest Farm, Osceola, and Patty Wright and Mike Racette of Spring Hill Community Farm, Prairie Farm, will share their decades of experience in a workshop titled Creating Community in your CSA in the Start-Up Years. CSA is uniquely about community and relationships. How can you weave relationship building into the day-to-day fabric of your CSA farm to assure long-term success?
The last workshop in the Beginning Farmers track will address a growing sector of farmers, the urban farmer. Explore the unique challenges and opportunities of building a CSA in an urban setting with Brian Sales of Growing Power and the Green Veterans Group, Taya Schulte of Minneapolis-based Growing Lots Urban Farm and Jay Salinas of Neu Erth Worm Farm.
The conference will also include tracks on Production, Logistics & Technology; Building Community; and Financial Management & Business Planning.
The Midwest CSA Conference is organized by Wisconsin Farmers Union in partnership with organizations from throughout the Midwest. The general sessions of the conference will provide time for facilitated discussion and dialogue, led by panels of farmers. Member voices join the discussion.
“The Midwest CSA Conference is planned to really focus on farmers and give them a space to reflect on their past season, come together with other farmers and advocates, and to inspire and build energy for the growing season ahead,” said Sarah Lloyd, special projects coordinator for Wisconsin Farmers Union.
To learn more about the Midwest CSA Conference, visit www.midwestcsa.com.
— Wisconsin Farmers Union
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