FARM BOOT CAMP
Farm Boot Camp is a training program for people interested in or involved in agriculture. Anyone is welcome to attend the trainings and participate in the free program. We are just kicking off the program and are excited about all of the interest. This program will have general trainings about farm business topics, land, equipment, and labor. In addition to the general trainings, we will have 4 commodity tracks that people can choose from: bee keeping, mushrooms, vegetables, and cattle.
Mushroom Course
On-Going Training
Online during July (with optional in-person in October)
Mushrooms can be a great main revenue source for a farm or a way to diversify an already successful farm business. This course will be taught by Mushroom Mountain, who is a national leader in mycological research and education.
The mushroom production training will take place as a hybrid course with the initial knowledge presented during live Zoom sessions in July and a hands-on interactive portion to apply your knowledge happening in October.
If you are at all interested in mushroom production, please register. There will be 5 live Zoom sessions. If you are not able to attend all of them live, please still sign up, and you will be sent recordings to view at your own pace.
The live Zoom session will take place from 9 am to 6 pm (breaks built in) on the following days:
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July 1st - Foundations of Cultivation
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July 8th - Planning & Industry Insights
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July 15th - Building Your Grow Space
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July 22nd - Lab Skills, Substrate Recipes, & Contamination Prevention
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July 29th - Cultivated Mushroom Species & Marketing
Farm Boot Camp Online Produce Production
On-Going Training
(At your own pace)
This topic area will look different than the other topics we have offered to date. The format of the course will be flipped, with the primary teaching done by prerecorded video. This will allow all participants to move through the training at your own pace.
This online training has 12 sections, each with a video and a brief quiz. After completing all sections and quizzes, you will be awarded a certificate for the online training!
In addition to the online training, there will be opportunities for in-person hands-on training at farms. These opportunities will be offered quarterly based on how many people have completed the online training and received the certificate. (You do not have to do the in-person farm experience if you do not want to after taking the online training.)
This training is hosted on UGA’s e Learning Commons, where online classes are administered for the University. If you would like access to the free course, click "register" below. After registering, you will receive email communication from Stephanie Wallace about your online profile for the UGA e Learning Commons and instructions on how to navigate the course. (You can expect to see these communications within 1 business day of registering for the course on JotForm.)
Previous Farm Boot Camp Events
Intermediate Beef Cattle Course
May 09, 2025
9am - 4pm EST
This course is designed for those with foundational knowledge seeking to advance their skills. This hands-on workshop covers topics such as forage, cattle chutes, rainfall, sampling basics (soil/forage/litter), meat science, weed identification, and marketing. Participants will engage in practical exercises and discussions led by industry experts, focusing on enhancing productivity and efficiency in beef cattle operations. This workshop provides valuable insights and techniques to elevate your beef cattle management practices to the next level.
Location: Walters Farms, 176 Walters Rd., Barnesville, GA 30204
Registration closed.
Beef Cattle Record Keeping Webinar
April 4, 2025
12pm - 1pm EST
This session will introduce you to software solutions designed to streamline and optimize cattle operations. Learn about tools and strategies that can help track herd health, manage breeding records, monitor feed efficiency, and analyze performance data. Ideal for producers looking to enhance their management practices, the webinar will provide practical insights into selecting and using different methods of record-keeping to improve efficiency and productivity in your cattle operation. Registration closed.
Meat Cuts Webinar
March 20, 2025
12pm - 1pm EST
Join the University of Georgia Farm Boot Camp for an informative webinar on "Understanding Meat Cuts," where you'll delve into the essentials of beef and pork cuts. You'll learn about the anatomy of different cuts, their culinary uses, and tips for selecting and preparing meat for optimal flavor and tenderness. This webinar will be very beneficial for producers who are selling meat directly to the consumer.
Registration closed.
Introduction to Beef Cattle Course (new date)
February 28, 2025
9am - 4pm EST
The University of Georgia Farm Boot Camp offers an engaging introductory course on beef cattle management, designed for beginners and aspiring ranchers. This comprehensive program covers the fundamentals of beef cattle care, including nutrition, breeding, health management, and pasture management. Participants will gain hands-on experience through practical demonstrations and fieldwork, guided by experienced instructors. The course aims to equip attendees with essential skills and knowledge to successfully manage a beef cattle operation, ensuring a solid foundation for future success in the industry. Registration closed.
Land Conservation Workshop
February 11, 2025
10am - 2pm EST (lunch provided)
We’re excited to invite you to an inspiring and informative workshop focused on Farmland Conservation! This event brings together leading experts and organizations to explore ways to protect and sustain farmland for future generations while also looking at immediate benefits to your current farming operation. Whether you’re a farmer, landowner, advocate, or simply interested in safeguarding our agricultural lands, this workshop offers valuable knowledge and connections. This workshop will be held at University of Georgia Griffin Campus.
What to Expect:
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Gain insights from the American Farmland Trust, Athens Land Trust, and the Working Farms Fund on innovative strategies and tools for farmland conservation.
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Learn about successful projects and how you can set your farm up to take advantage of conservation efforts
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Hear from a panel of farmers who have put their land into conservation
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Network with like-minded individuals passionate about preserving farmland and supporting local agriculture.
Registration closed
Farm Marketing Webinar
July 17, 2024
12 pm - 1:15 pm EST
Discover the secrets to successful farm marketing with Ellen Polishuk of Plant to Profit in an exclusive webinar hosted by the University of Georgia Farm Boot Camp. Join us for an engaging session designed to elevate your marketing strategies and boost your farm's profitability. Ellen Polishuk, a seasoned expert in agricultural marketing and 25 years of farming experience, will share practical tips and proven techniques to effectively promote your farm products and connect with your target audience. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned farmer, this webinar offers invaluable insights to help you thrive in today's competitive market. Registration closed.
GATE Program Webinar
July 30, 2024
1 pm - 2 pm EST
This webinar will be delving into the GATE Card Program. This webinar aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the GATE Card Program, covering its benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process. Whether you're a new farmer looking to maximize savings on agricultural inputs or an existing farmer needing a refresher on this beneficial program this webinar is for you. Don't miss this opportunity to learn directly from experts and ask them questions. This webinar about the GATE Card program will be taught by William Rutherford with the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Mark your calendars and register today to secure your spot by clicking on the registration link below. Registration closed.
Beekeeping Course
September 6-7, 2024
This workshop is located in Morganton, GA at Doc’s Healing Hives. This hands-on two day course is on beekeeping, where buzzing enthusiasm meets practical learning! This will be a free workshop and anyone is welcome.Offered at Doc’s Healing Hives and led by fellow veteran Tim Doherty, this immersive experience invites you into the fascinating world of bees and honey production. Over the two days, you will learn everything you need to know about caring for your bee colony and have a great time networking with other participants. Registration closed.
How to Find Land and Equipment Webinar
October 11, 2024
Join the University of Georgia Farm Boot Camp for an informative session on "How to find Land and Equipment," tailored for aspiring farmers and ranchers. This workshop will guide you through the essential steps for locating and evaluating suitable farmland, including understanding soil types, land valuation, and regional considerations. Additionally, you’ll learn about sourcing and selecting the right farm equipment to meet your operational needs. Presenters will provide practical advice on negotiating purchases, maintaining equipment, and making informed decisions to set up a successful farming operation. This session is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively navigate the land and equipment acquisition process. Registration closed.
Keep Your Community Healthy
QPR Online Gatekeeper Training
October 2, 2024
Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR is the most widely taught Gatekeeper training in the world. QPR stands for Question, Persuade & Refer and is an evidence-based training created by the QPR Institute.
KEY COMPONENTS COVERED IN TRAINING:
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How to Question, Persuade and Refer someone who may be suicidal
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How to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide
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The common causes of suicidal behavior
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The warning signs of suicide
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How to get help for someone in crisis
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Supplemental training for supporting Veterans, Service Members and their Families
Registration closed.
USDA Programs and Resources
December 12, 2024
12pm - 1pm EST
Join us for an informative webinar hosted by the University of Georgia Farm Boot Camp, where we will explore essential USDA programs designed to support farmers in their agricultural endeavors. This session will focus on key resources available through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Risk Management Agency (RMA). What You Will Learn-FSA Programs: Discover various financial assistance programs available for farmers, including loans, grants, and disaster relief options. Learn how to access these resources to help manage your farming operations effectively. NRCS Resources: Understand the conservation programs offered by NRCS that promote sustainable agricultural practices. We’ll discuss how to apply for funding to enhance soil health, water management, and wildlife habitat. RMA Risk Management: Gain insights into crop insurance options provided by RMA to protect your investments. We will cover different types of policies, eligibility requirements, and how to navigate the application process.
Registration closed.
