Education
Small-acreage farming workshop series to begin May 25 at UOG
By
University of Guam May 16, 2024
Jackie Hanson, Extension Associate III/Communications Lead Cooperative Extension & Outreach
University of Guam May 16, 2024
(From left) Mark Acosta, Glenn Takai, Bob Barber, and Frank Quinata hold papaya plants that were given out during a soil workshop for farmers hosted by University of Guam Cooperative Extension & Outreach and the Southern Soil & Water Conservation District in October 2023. (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)
New farmers with small acreages are invited to a free six-session workshop series being offered by the University of Guam’s Land Grant extension agents. The workshops will teach agroforestry — the simultaneous cultivation of crops and trees — using sustainable practices for growers with limited space of up to 1 acre.
The workshops will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon on six Saturdays, starting on May 25. Each workshop will include a classroom portion, a field activity, and a special crop highlight. After each session, participants will take home several handouts and publications as well as a food-producing tree that they can plant.
The schedule and topics are as follows:
Saturday, May 25
Topics: Agriculture philosophies, methods of production, sheet mulching
Crop Highlight: Lemongrass
Saturday, June 8
Topics: Farmer classifications, plant propagation techniques, fruit trees for windbreaks
Crop Highlights: Soursop and sweet potato
Saturday, June 15
Topics: Soil testing, soil fertility and nutrient management, propagation by corm and stem cuttings
Crop Highlights: Plantains and bananas
Saturday, July 6
Topics: Mapping your microplot, container production, composting
Crop Highlights: Basil and eggplant
Saturday, July 13
Topics: Farming on a slope, vegetative barriers and hedgerows, less toxic homemade pesticides, government programs for farming
Crop Highlight: Pigeon peas
Saturday, July 20
Topics: Requirements to become a bona fide farmer, requirements for CHamoru Land Trust leases, drip irrigation, raised bed gardening
Crop Highlights: Okra, lettuce, kale, Chinese kale, hot peppers
Research associate Ferdinand Galsim, left, and UOG soil scientist Dr. Mohammad Golabi demonstrate how to take a soil sample at a soil workshop for farmers in October 2023. UOG will begin a New Farmer Training for Small Acreages workshop series on May 25. (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)
New Farmer Training Series for Small Acreages (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)
Registration
Register at https://url.uog.edu/new-farmer-training-2024. Registration is on first-come, first-served basis up to 50 people per session. Registrants are encouraged to sign up for all six, although they can choose individual workshops as well.
For more information or assistance registering, contact Tiana Paulino at (671) 735-2000 or paulinot16265@triton.uog.edu.
The workshop series is funded by a Renewable Resources Extension Act grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a Professional Development Program grant from Western Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education.