The Wisconsin School for Beginning Market Gardeners, part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison”s Farm and Industry Short Course is offering a comprehensive three-day course detailing the operation of a fresh produce business. In addition, the School is offering a two-day special-topic workshop on welding for vegetable growers.

The three-day basic course and either a two-day special topic workshop or an Advanced Grower seminar are offered every year. The three-day course emphasizes sustainable production methods and direct marketing strategies as well as basic soil science, greenhouse use, pest and disease management, equipment needs, and economics.

“Special topics seminars provide an excellent opportunity for new or experienced growers to learn about the latest techniques and technologies associated with key aspects of vegetable growing,” says school coordinator John Hendrickson, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences outreach specialist with the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems. Seminar or workshop schedules are based on the needs of the students and future seminars will likely cover marketing and economics, pest management, greenhouse construction and management, and flower growing.

Advanced grower workshops are designed to help experienced growers improve their farming systems, learn new skills, or tackle common challenges with fellow growers.

The courses make up a unique program providing diverse perspectives, invaluable tips, and practical know-how through experienced growers and UW faculty, says Hendrickson. The program also provides a chance to network and learn from fellow gardeners, farmers, and entrepreneurs, he adds.

The courses are taught by a team of UW faculty and experienced growers who range in scale, cropping mix, marketing strategies, and growing methods. Two of the three grower-instructors use certified organic growing methods, and the third practices integrated pest management.

Past students give the program high marks saying, “the farmer-instructors were fantastic; the diversity in size and modes of farming and marketing was excellent.” “The most useful aspect of the course was all the real life experience of the farmer-instructors; how they”ve handled specific situations and how farming has affected their lives,” and “I felt the first day alone easily paid for the tuition.”

The three-day basic seminar will be held on the UW-Madison campus January 13, 14, and 15 and costs $200. The two-day workshop on welding will be held at the Madison Area Technical College February 4 and 5 and costs $150.

To request basic information and registration materials, contact the CALS conference office at (608) 263-1672. For detailed information about the program, call John Hendrickson at 608/ 265-3704.