OSU extension’s Agripreneur program accepting enrollments now

March 6, 2012 | Filed under: Featured Stories,Small Farms & Home Gardener | Posted by: SOregonAg

Fastening the fabric to framing members of greenhouse

OSU Extension recently led a group of agripreneurs (Agricultural Entrepreneurs) through the basics of what they call a Propagation House (greenhouse) to lead to a better understanding of propagating plants starts. The March 3 class was held at the OSU extension facilities on Hanley Road in Central Point.

The class was broken into classroom time and a demonstration of greenhouse construction. In the classroom, students learned how to extend growing seasons, maintaining a controlled environment for optimal propagation, and elements such as choosing locations, site prep, sizing of the greenhouse and work flow. Classes were led by Shaina Bronstein, OSU Small Farms specialist. About 40 students filled the classroom.

Outside, students learned how to apply a vinyl “skin” to a greenhouse under the tutelage of Southern Oregon Greenhouse Supply of Shady Cove. This same company made a donation to OSU so they could have the greenhouse to use for propagation of plant starts during the 7-month program. Other donations came from Lady Bug Garden Center, Oregon West Lumber, Fastenal, American Lumber, White City Metals, Grange Coop and several others.

The Agripreneurs program has been made possible through a grant from Oregon Department of Agriculture. Classes will include Basic Horticulture, Greenhouse Management, Crop Rotation & Cover Cropping, Soil Fertility, Irrigation, Entomology & Farmscaping, Compost, farm equipment Post-Harvest, seed saving and winter farming.

Eleven classes will be held between April and October on various aspects of small-scale production. Classes will be led by OSU staff, experienced farmers and professionals. Some classes will be held at the OSU facility and others on host farms around the Rogue Valley.

On weeks classes are not held, participants will work alongside a mentor at OSU’s Franklin Teaching Plot for three hours per week. There they will learn seeding,

Construction crew fastens the fabric to the bottom frame, the last step in completing the basic greenhouse structure

transplanting, cultivation and harvesting. All produce harvested will be donated to local food pantries.

Throughout the season, students will have the opportunity to sell at a local farmer’s market. They will participate in market harvesting, packing, booth display and sales. Students will also learn to pack-out and distribute produce through the Rogue Valley Local Foods on-line marketing program.

Cost of the program is $350 per participant. Further information is available at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/sorec/farms. Shaina Bronstein is available at (541) 776-7371 ext. 208.