
2024 Small Farm Conference
Welcome Back!
It has been a while; it seems this year is whizzing by faster than I can keep up with. The main growing season is over and now it’s fall, and everything is changing fast.

This month my husband had the privilege and opportunity to attend the 2024 Annual Small Farm Conference in Norfolk VA. This was the kickoff to the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Certification Program. Out of seventy to eighty applicants my husband was chosen to participate in this program that will take about a year to complete. This is very exciting news for the farm.

This program will allow us to develop a networking system and learn what other farmers are doing to make a difference in our community. We will also be able to seek out resources to allow us to grow our farm. During this conference my husband met many great farmers who were both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the industry. The enthusiasm was highly contagious.
One highlight of this conference was that my husband met the youngest certified farmer at the conference. She is nine years old. The whole family was outstanding and she was very sweet. Considering the fact that she is nine years old and already a certified farmer is a major accomplishment.

In the near future we have a goal here at Favor Tree Farms to add a raised tunnel to our property. The idea behind this is to do research. In an effort to build a raised tunnel, we want to answer the following questions.
Number one. How much food can be grown in a raised tunnel?
Number two. Which crops grow best in a raised tunnel?
Number three. How do raised tunnels perform during winter months on the east coast?
Number four. How would having raised tunnels and growing food year-round impact our community.
After we take a few years to do the research we will know whether or not raised tunnels are sustainable for growing food long term and year-round. We will be able to gather the data on the (ROI) return on investment.
Being a farmer is equivalent to being a lifelong learner. Just like planting seeds and growing food, farming is gathering new knowledge and skill sets and growing into a better farmer. We are very fortunate to be linked to a fantastic and caring food growing community.
Another highlight of the conference was running into Miss Rosetta Bryce. Miss Bryce was the young lady who was very helpful to us when we started the process of officially registering our farm a little over a year ago in the state of Virginia. It’s people like this who help others, help others. I love our farming community and those who help along the way.

Are you growing any food yet? Herbs maybe? Growing something is better than nothing. Use this website to gain knowledge or reach out to your local extension office. They will most likely show you how to get started. You don’t have to start with the grow tunnel. Start with what you have where you are. Find support in your local area and see how easy it is to get started.
Much success in your food growing journey.
Remember, produce not just consume. Happy growing!
