Networks can help farms and other businesses prosper

Few farmers fully utilize their resource networks. These networks include Extension Agents, fellow farmers and other agricultural personnel with production, processing and sales skills. Other network resources include funders like bankers, agency staff and grantors. Potential customers are part of networks too: neighbors, CSA members, off-farm co-workers, PTA members, church members, 4-H families, etc. All may offer insights, help or a shoulder to lean on when needed.

“Women farmers need networks like the Women’s Agricultural Network (WAgN) more than ever,” said Mary Peabody, University of Vermont Extension. For the past 150 years, farm families have generally trained sons to grow foods and daughters for domestic chores like canning and food preservation. As more women turn to farming, either by choice or as widows inheriting farms, they need to learn about available resources and training for maximum effectiveness and efficiency. [more]