University of Missouri Extension's Grow Your Farm program helps individuals interested in farming to refine business strategies, develop marketing and diversify traditional farms with alternative endeavors.
Justin Knoll strolled underneath the sunscreen netting that sheltered the potted flowers, grasses and other plants that are staples of Seven Cedars Farm.
While other 20-somethings have left the farm, Justin recently returned to manage the family farm in Jonesburg. His parents, John and Melissa Knoll, decided to diversify with the help of the University of Missouri Extension Grow Your Farm program.
“We want to give Justin an opportunity as a young farmer to succeed,” John Knoll said. “We had ideas coming in, but the program reinforced our plans, gave us direction and actually excited my son and made him eager.”
At the Warrenton MU Extension center last summer, the Knolls attended Grow Your Farm classes with six other families, including those with established farms, some with “town jobs,” and those without land who are just now deciding to get into farming.
Reviewed 2013-02-18