Farmer Training Program Topics Calypso Farm & Ecology Center

The following is a selection of the breadth of topics that may be covered in the program. Topics will vary

based on participant interests and local instructors, and there is no guarantee all topics listed will be covered.

Greenhouse

Seeding

Soil Blocking

Hand Watering Seedlings

Hardening Off Plants

Up-potting

Planting Greenhouse Crops

Greenhouse Design Options

Soils & Plants

Compost Science, Pile Construction & Application

Understanding and Using Soil Amendments

Making and Using Compost Tea

Soil Chemistry & Biology

Soil Structure and Composition

Cover Cropping

Taking and Interpreting Soil Samples

Plant Physiology

Plant Nutrition

Spring Field Preparation

Using a Broad Fork

Preparing and Shaping Beds for Planting

Transplanting

Seeding with an Earthway and 6-row Seeder

Drip Irrigation Set up

Planting and Managing for Biodiversity

Crop Rotation

Field Maintenance

Drip Irrigating

Cultivation Methods and Tools

Weed Identification and Management Techniques

Harvesting & Marketing

Understanding “GAP” Guidelines for Food Safety

Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling for all Crops

Sorting Crops for Different Markets

Managing and Operating a CSA

Running a Farm Stand

Pricing Produce

Communicating with Chefs and Selling to

Restaurants

Using Social Media for Marketing

Crop Selection

Open Pollinated and Hybrid Varieties

Seed Sources

Setting up a Variety Trial

Testing Varieties

Cut Flowers

Planting and Maintaining Cut Flowers

Cutting and Making Bouquets

Marketing Cut Flowers

Mechanics

Small Engine Basics

Large Engine Overview

Creating a Maintenance Schedule

Farm Equipment Use

Small Tractor and Implements

Weed Burner

Water Pump

Chainsaw

Whole Farm Planning

Creating a Quality of Life Statement

Writing a Vision and Mission Statement

Assessing Land Options

Understanding and Choosing a Business Structure

Identifying Resources and Needs

Choosing Farm Products

Creating an Effective Farm Name, Logo and

Branding

Creating a Start up and 5-year Operating Budget

with Annual Cash Flow

Crop Planning and Production Plan

Understanding Loan Options

Book Keeping and Using Quick Books

Giving a Business Plan Presentation

Animal Husbandry

Bee Keeping

Basics of caring for sheep, goats, pigs and

chickens

Veterinarian Basics a Farmer Should Know

Hand Skills

Blacksmithing

Sewing—hand and machine sewing

Green Wood Carving

Wool Washing, Dyeing and Spinning

Knitting and Crocheting

Birch Bark Harvesting and Weaving

Blade and Tool Sharpening

Block & Screen Printing

Apple Production

Grafting

Blossom Thinning

How to know when the crop is ready

Wood Working and Construction

Understanding Lumber and Hardware Options

Power Tool Basics

Basic Framing

Seed Saving

Crop Selection for Seeds

Growing Annual and Biennial Crops of Seed

Harvesting, Cleaning and Storing seed

Farm Based Environmental Education

Working with small groups of children in the field

and exploring the farm

Basics of Boreal Forest Ecology

Creating simple lesson plans

Food Preservation

Fermentation

Pickling

Salt Preservation

Canning

Freezing

Drying

Balance and Alignment

Understanding Natural Body Alignment

Bending, Lifting and Working in Alignment