Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm-based business - perhaps a pumpkin patch, apple orchard, or even raising honey bees? If so, how do you know if this type of Entrepreneurial Farming is for YOU??? Come find out...the possibilities are endless!

Join us on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at the Hancock County Extension Office in Carthage for "Is Entrepreneurial Farming For YOU?", a half-day, interactive workshop, where participants will have the opportunity to meet experienced sustainable farmers, Farm Beginnings graduates, and talk with other prospective farmers. You will learn about different successful farm enterprises, and be able to ask questions about the genesis and development of farm businesses. The day will cover resource assessment, goal-setting, financial planning, marketing options, and finding land and equipment. "Is Entrepreneurial Farming for YOU?" will help you learn what it takes to start and manage your own farm-based business, and decide whether this is the path you are ready to take.

The workshop will begin at 1:00 p.m. and should conclude around 5:00 p.m. Refreshments and reference materials will be provided. Registration fee is $15 if pre-registered on or before Friday, March 6, $20 if registered after March 6. For more information or to pre-register, call (217) 357-2150 or register online at www.extension.uiuc.edu/hancock

Co-sponsors of the workshop include University of Illinois Extension, Hancock County Farm Bureau, Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs, Carthage Industrial Development Corporation and The Land Connection. Persons needing a reasonable accommodation to participate in the class should make their request known at the time of registration.

Source: Kristin Huls, Ag Program Coordinator, U of I Extension, Hancock County Phone: 217-357-2150