Community Crops Education & ClassesCome learn with us! Classes and workshops are offered throughout the year on gardening and farming topics, cooking, and sustainable living. |
Urban Grower Classes
This class series, running 2023 through 2025 will focus on teaching sustainable growing skills for gardeners and farmers. Class formats may vary between field days, lectures, online classes, and other alternative formats. Registration is required, but classes are free! Accommodations for translation can be made by request with advance notice of 2 weeks, and there is a question in the registration regarding translation needs. Please contact us with any questions. Registration forms close approximately 2-3 days prior to class or in some cases earlier due to the number of students signed up.
Upcoming Classes
TBD, 6pm – 8pm, Seed Savers Skills: Planning for Seed Saving, at the Family Service Lincoln office
Join us for a hands-on, informative workshop on seed saving and planning your seed saving garden or farm plot. This class will cover the basics of seed saving, preservation and creating techniques. Genetics, breeding, patents, and best seed storage practices will be discussed. Taught by seed saving expert, Cait Caughey. This class is currently in the process of being rescheduled to a new date!
February 4th, 6pm – 8pm, Gardening in Nebraska, at the Family Service Lincoln office
Discover and explore Southeast Nebraska’s food-growing essentials: climate, season length, pest/weed management, and soil types. This course is tailored for growers who are new to the region. Taught by Community Crops staff.
February 11th, 6pm – 8pm, Garden Planning, at the Family Service Lincoln office
This class will include both lecture elements and individual work. Learn about considerations to make when breaking new ground or planting a garden that you are old friends with. This class will cover where to grow and what to grow, how to build a planting and seeding calendar, and discuss how to manage your garden with sustainability and conservation in mind. Taught by Community Crops staff.
February 18th, 6pm – 8pm, Seed Starting 101, at the Family Service Lincoln office
Participants will learn basics of seed starting at this class. Materials needs, best practices, planning, seedling care, sourcing, and troubleshooting common issues will be discussed. The February 18th & February 25th sessions will be the same class – you choose which date works best for you. Taught by Community Crops staff.
February 25th, 6pm – 8pm, Seed Starting 101, at the Family Service Lincoln office
Participants will learn basics of seed starting at this class. Materials needs, best practices, planning, seedling care, sourcing, and troubleshooting common issues will be discussed. The February 18th & February 25th sessions will be the same class – you choose which date works best for you. Taught by Community Crops staff.
Business and Marketing for Small Scale Farmers
Upcoming Classes
January 15th, 6pm – 8:30pm, Marketing and Sales Avenues for Farmers, at the Family Service Lincoln office
This course will cover marketing basics and available sales avenues for farmers local to southeast Nebraska. We will learn about different things to consider when choosing markets and examine how to build strong relationships with customers. Taught by Community Crops staff.
January 22nd, 6pm – 8:30pm, Production Planning, at the Family Service Lincoln office
“Writing a Production Plan” explores why production planning is important, what information should be factored into your crop plan, strategies and best practices when planning for a variety of markets, and helpful tools and programs that can be used. This class will be taught by Gary Fehr, owner and operator of Green School Farm.
February 5th, 6pm – 8:30pm, Becoming a Business, at the Family Service Lincoln office
“Becoming a Business” explores the advantages of moving from self-employment to a formal business entity. It gives participants the information to decide the right time to make this transition, considering factors such as growth potential and legal changes. Additionally, the class discusses the various types of businesses available, helping individuals make informed decisions about selecting the right business structure to align with their unique goals and aspirations. This class is taught by Kelly Ross, Executive Director of ECHO Collective.
February 12th, 6pm – 8:30pm, Business Planning, at the Family Service Lincoln office
“Business Planning” is an interactive class designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills. Participants will learn the art of crafting a comprehensive business plan, gaining insights into the key elements necessary for success. This course also emphasizes the important role of business plans in guiding decision-making, securing funding, and measuring progress. It also provides strategies for setting and achieving growth-oriented goals, ensuring that students are well-equipped to chart a clear path towards success in their ventures. Taught by Community Crops staff.
February 19th, 6pm – 8:30pm, Finance Management & Accounting, at the Family Service Lincoln office
“Finance Management & Accounting” equips individuals with financial skills for personal and business success. Participants will learn the art of effective budgeting, enabling them to manage their finances efficiently. Additionally, the course covers the establishment of checking and savings accounts, demystifies the process of accessing loans by teaching when to consider one, how to secure it, and how to plan for responsible repayment. Lastly, students will grasp the significance of meticulous recordkeeping in accounting, understanding why it’s crucial for making informed financial decisions in both personal and professional contexts. This class is taught by Kelly Ross, Executive Director of ECHO Collective.
March 5th, 6pm – 8:30pm, Farm Recordkeeping, at the Family Service Lincoln office
“Farm Recordkeeping” explores why recordkeeping is important for small scale growers. We will cover good recordkeeping methods and practices, what farm records are necessary and why, and how records can be used in making business related decisions. This class will be taught by Gary Fehr, owner and operator of Green School Farm.
Contact
If you want more information about our current classes, or have questions about your registration, contact aGerdes@familyservicelincoln.org.