2 weeks Ago By TIM SCHNETTLER Texas A&M AgriLife
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host Harvest Horizons: Exploring Pick-Your-Own Farming and Agritourism Ventures on Nov. 15 in Prairie View. The workshop will be held at the Waller County Community Center, 21274 Farm-to-Market Road 1098, from 8 a.
m. to 4:30 p.m.
Online registration is available at https://tx.ag/HarvestHorizons . The cost is $50 per individual or $65 for couples/two registrants from the same farm/enterprise.
AgriLife Extension agents can register for $15. Deadline to register is Nov. 13.
The introductory workshop will guide individuals through the essentials of launching and managing a successful pick-your-own and agritourism operation. The workshop is designed for new, prospective or established farmers who are considering transitioning to or adding pick-your-own/agritourism opportunities to their business model. Topics include: Understanding the pick-your-own model: Learn how this model for harvesting and selling fresh produce, cut flowers and preserved foods can be a sustainable alternative to traditional farmers markets and roadside stands.
Liability and safety: Understand the key aspects of agritourism liability and how to protect both yourself and your customers. Site/soil selection and resource evaluation: Gain insight into choosing the right location, evaluating soil and managing resources like irrigation and drainage to ensure a thriving farm. Crop selection and farm layout: Discover suitable crops for this model and explore farm layout, equipment needs and irrigation design.
Food safety and cottage food laws: Get up-to-date information on how these regulations impact farming practices. The workshop will also feature a grower roundtable discussion with four experienced pick-your-own farmers who have a combined 100-plus years of expertise and a visit to a pick-your-own farm. For more information, contact Stephen Janak, AgriLife Extension program specialist with the Department of Horticultural Sciences in Hallettsville, at Stephen.
[email protected] or 361-649-8561.
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