NC Farm School lives up to its slogan of “growing farmers from the ground up” as the school has wrapped up the last classes of 2015.

Almost half of those who graduate will go on to start new or diversified ventures from the information they have learned.  Farmers and future farmers attended evening classes once a month for seven months to gain knowledge from experienced farmers, local agents and university specialists.

Among the graduates are Holly and Justin Miller from Davie County.

“We started farming about three years ago and we were looking for a crop that took less acreage and made more money,” says Justin.

Given the suggestion to attend from local Extension agent Pam Jones of Davie County Extension, Justin gained what he needed to take the next step. “The budgets and the business side is something I would have never been able to gain on my own without [NC Farm] School.”

Holly said: “I feel like we have gained a community, people that you can kind of lean on to find answers you need.”

Jones was just one part of that community.

Jones, who comes from a farming background, is passionate about farmers finding new ways to keep farming using a profitable business model.

“One of the greatest gifts that NC Farm School gives to participants is the ability to temper their passion for their profession with business sense.”

Jones played a key role in connecting with students during 2015 and helping them find the resources that Extension brings to help farmers succeed. The good news is that there is more to come from Jones and a team of agents across the state.

NC Farm School is preparing this fall for another year where you can learn about starting your own profitable farm. Listen to Holly and Justin tell their story on video or find out more about how you can get connected with NC Farm School at www.ncfarmschool.ces.ncsu.edu.

Applications are being accepted for the 2016 NC Farm School, Southern Piedmont. Business sessions will be held in Rowan County at the Cooperative Extension office. Farm field trips will be to surrounding counties. The school will begin in February with graduation in August.

Contact Jones, Extension Agent Horticulture and Local Foods Coordinator for Davie at pam_jones@ncsu.edu or by calling 753.6100. Her office is at 180 S. Main St., Mocksville.