Information for Host Farms
Why serve as a host farm?
- Local food is a growing movement in Wichita and surrounding areas - we need more local producers to keep pushing this movement forward.
- You can give back to the farming community in a way that you appreciated, or maybe you wish you had during your own early years.
- South-central Kansas has many great fruit and vegetable farmers, but there is room for more! Aspiring growers need training and support to be successful.
- Your involvement in the program helps K-State Research and Extension continue providing relevant grower education.
- You have access to free, quality workshops where you receive valuable knowledge and helpful books and resources.
Ways to get Involved
1. Host an apprentice
One of the main ways that aspiring growers learn the ropes is simply getting down in the dirt and doing the work. Bringing an apprentice onto your farm may fit within a wide range of commitment and opportunity:
- Your apprentice may be volunteer or paid, depending on your financial situation.
- They may work anywhere from 4 hours a week to full time, depending on both your capacity and availability.
- Their work responsibilities can vary, but we ask that you train your apprentice in a variety of farm tasks so they get a well-rounded picture of daily life as a specialty crop grower.
What sets an apprentice apart from a regular farm hand is the mentorship . As a host farm you provide one-on-one mentoring for your apprentice, where you’ll cover big picture, background concepts that go into running a farm. From seed ordering to crop planning to recordkeeping to business management considerations – this is where your apprentice will have the chance to learn about the less obvious parts of running a farm.S
2. Host a tour or demonstration
To build a mutually beneficial learning network, we need growers to host farm tours, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and networking events. The range of possibilities for this opportunity to participate is wide – if you have an idea for an event topic, let us know!
We are especially looking for farm tours to follow the lecture portion of each core workshop.
Important Links
Browse current host farms here
Contact Information
Have Questions? Contact:
Abbey Draut
Food Crops Horticulture Agent
(316) 660-0142
abbeyd@ksu.edu
Sarah Stafford
Expansion Coordinator
(316) 660-0145
sarahstafford@ksu.edu