The Field School, the first and only beginning farmer training program of its kind in East Tennessee, has launched registration for the summer 2021 session beginning in May.
The Summer Field School is taught by over 20 local farmers and agricultural professionals from USDA, UT Extension, and National Resource Conservation Service. Field School students gain valuable knowledge from industry professionals and get a unique behind-the-scenes look at how successful local farms are run. Students can ask questions and network with their peers as well, building a supportive community of beginning farmers.
This year, students will first visit Goodwater Vineyards in Mosheim to learn about wine making, agritourism and the specifics of vineyard maintenance. Later sessions include learning about raising goats at Brownâs Farm, learning about vegetable production, food safety and compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act at Opossum Bottom, learning about getting USDA Organic Certified at A Different Chick Farm and Orchard, and much more.