Which is more difficult: growing a great crop of heirloom tomatoes, or pricing and selling them in order to make a profit? How do you control the flea beetles in the cabbage and the cucumber beetles in the melons? How do you build fertile soil using organic methods? How much can be earned from an acre of fresh vegetables, and how hard will you have to work to grow and sell them? These and many other issues will be front and center at the 2006 Wisconsin School for Beginning Market Growers.

First offered in 1998, the school reveals what it takes to set up and operate a fresh produce business. The workshop is instructed by three experienced growers who provide diverse perspectives and practical know-how. The 2006 school will be held on the UW-Madison campus. Registration for the three day-long program costs $250.

“Nothing like this was available to me when I was starting my farm,” observed Michael Racette, one of the grower-instructors. “Learning from experienced growers would have helped me avoid common, and costly, mistakes.”

Organic production methods and direct marketing are emphasized in the school. Fertility management, greenhouse use, season extension, pest and disease management, equipment needs and sales are also covered.

“The course is a unique opportunity to learn from experienced growers in addition to UW staff,” said school coordinator John Hendrickson. “The workshop also presents opportunities to network and learn from others intent on making a business out of growing and selling fresh produce. Many students also appreciate the show-and-tell table which features various small tools and gadgets.”

In addition to the School for Beginning Market Growers, a separate Cut Flower Growers School is being offered for the first time in 2006. It will be held on the UW-Madison campus February 11 and 12, at a cost of $175.

The School for Beginning Market Growers is sponsored by the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems and is open to the public. Enrollment is limited to 30, so those interested are encouraged to sign up soon. For more information about the School or the cut flower growers” workshop, contact John Hendrickson at (608) 265-3704 or jhendric@wisc.edu, or visit CIAS.