Sponsored by the Maine Women’s Agricultural Network, and funded by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, the Beginning Women Farmers program draws on the work of Allen Savory and others to help women farmers to be successful.

This innovative program instructs participants on using a holistic approach to decision making on their farms. Participants will meet for ten sessions on topics such as goal setting, financial, business, and marketing planning, land and infrastructure planning, soil fertility, and planned grazing.

Participants are provided with a mentor and are connected with a network of other beginning women farmers throughout the Northeast for additional support. Two of the classes take place on local farms.

Classes will be held in Fairfield, Maine, on Sundays from 9 – 4. Cost for all sessions is $150.00 – $500.00, based on a sliding scale Scholarships are available.

Class subject matter and dates:

For more information, and to request an application, contact:
Gail Chase gchase@kvcog.org
207 453-4258 ext. 218

The Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese (VIAC) at the University of Vermont in Burlington is offering three courses in October:

• Oct 8 – 10, 2012; Artisan Cheesemaking Practices: Soft Cheese Family
• Oct 11 – 12, 2012; The World of Starters and Curdling Agents
• Oct 15 – 17, 2012; Artisan Cheesemaking Practices: Washed Rind Cheese Technologies

For descriptions and more information about signing up for one or more of these classes, visit www.uvm.edu/viac.