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Farm Building, Training Programs Attract Young Farmers

There’s little doubt that the nation needs more young farmers, because statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show the average American farmer is 58 years old. Hope lies in farm incubators that equip young agrarians with the technical skills and the business savvy needed to compete in the fierce, burgeoning market for locally grown produce.

At Kinsman Farm (KinsmanFarm.net), in Cleveland, the Ohio State University Extension gives would-be farmers quarter-acre starter plots and helps them develop business plans. Financial support is available, too. “The city of Cleveland recently received private funds to expand its Gardening for Greenbacks Program,” advises spokesperson Marie Barni. “Our urban farmers can now receive a $5,000 grant to help start their farming microenterprise.”

Some city planners have voiced considerable skepticism about whether urban farms are an effective tool for creating jobs and rebuilding economies like Cleveland’s, but advocates point to other farm incubators in North Carolina, Oregon and Rhode Island, as well as in Kansas City, Kansas, Holyoke, Massachusetts, St. Louis, Missouri, and Seattle, Washington.

In Chicago, students at the role model Windy City Harvest, coordinated by the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Richard J. Daley City College (ChicagoBotanic.org/windycityharvest), engage in six months of hands-on horticulture training, and then a three-month paid internship with a farm or food justice organization.

Source: Emagazine.com

 

 

The Tick Tackler Tutor: Three Impactful Tick Remediation Strategies for the Homeowner

By Jennifer Meisenbacher

Did you know most tick bites occur in and around the home—and that ticks spend more than 95% of their life off a host?

With more than 19 years of field experience, Tick Tackler offers a practical, easy-to-follow approach that empowers homeowners to significantly reduce tick activity on their properties. From gardening and yard work to children’s play areas, this guide outlines essential adjustments to help protect your outdoor spaces from ticks.

The Tick Tackler Tutor introduces three impactful strategies designed to identify high-risk areas and minimize exposure. These methods are versatile and adaptable—whether you’re a homeowner, pet owner, beekeeper, or managing a larger property such as a doggy daycare or horse farm.

Inside, readers will discover how education leads to confidence, how small changes can yield visible results, and how breaking tick control into manageable steps restores a sense of control. The book simplifies complex concepts into three core strategies, guiding readers in creating a personalized plan to reduce tick activity effectively.

For those eager to reclaim their yards but unsure where to begin, this guide delivers clear, actionable solutions. Transform your outdoor environment into a safer, more enjoyable space for family, pets, and everyday living.

Available now on Amazon.

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