Growing Growers Kansas City
About
Founded in 2004, the Growing Growers program provides education to new and experienced growers through a farm apprenticeship program and an annual workshop series.
Growing Growers is a collaborative effort of K-State Research and Extension, University of Missouri Extension, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, Cultivate KC, The Kansas City Food Hub, KC Healthy Kids and the Kansas Rural Center.
Farmer services include:
APPRENTICESHIPS: Apprentices to work on fruit and vegetable farms in the Kansas City region (including Lawrence, Kansas) offer first-hand, practical farming experience. The workshops series is during the production season and offers one-on-one mentorship with their host farmer. Apprenticeship positions can be paid or volunteer positions. First-year apprentices receive a broad overview of farming practices. Those who participate a second year gain more advanced farm management skills.
WORKSHOPS: The Growing Growers program offers workshops throughout the year that are open to the public. The classes address skills required to run a local farm (see workshop page to view current series). The core workshops include introduction to soil management; production planning and plant propagation; post-harvest handling; small farm equipment and drip irrigation; insect, disease and weed management; and farm business management. Workshops are geared toward beginner farmers, but all classes offer great information and skill development for more experienced farmers as well. All classes are open to the public, and class fees apply.
GROWERS LISTSERV: The Growing Growers program maintains a listserv for communication and information sharing. Participants include area growers, restaurateurs, grocery stores, extension agents and other parties interested in the local farming industry. Local grocers and restaurants post emails soliciting suppliers; people organizing educational activities send out notices about workshops, farm tours and conferences. Anyone can sign up for the Listserv.
WHOLESALE: In partnership with the Beginning Farmer Wholesale Program, several advanced workshops on growing, handling and marketing produce for wholesale will be offered. Visit http://www.growinggrowers.org/beginning-farmer-wholesale-project.html for more information.
Services Provided
Business Planning
- Business Plan Consulting, Development and Review
- Market Plan Development
- Forming a Business
Management Issues
- Recruiting Assistance
Operations and Logistics
- Freight and Distribution
- Health and Safety Training
Libraries and Research Organizations
- Industry Specific Research/Expertise
Marketing/Sales
- Feasibility Studies
Networking Organizations
- Geographically Based
- Industry Specific (Specialty)
- Small Business/General
Economic and Site Development
- Site Location Assistance
Training
- Marketing Plan Development and Training
- Startup Classes
- Health and Safety Training
- Business Management Training
Internship Programs and Student Services
- Internship Program (Specialty)
Mentoring
- One-on-One Counseling (Specialty)
- Peer Mentoring
