South Central NC Small Farm Boot Camp 2026

2026 South Central Small Farm Boot Camp

Are you interested in farming and want to take your first steps? Did you just buy a few acres and want to start growing something? Do you want to sell at a local farmers' market? Are you within your first couple years of farming and need some help? Or are you already operating a small farm and looking to expand into additional enterprises?

The 2026 Small Farm Boot Camp program is designed for new and beginning farmers, market gardeners, and homesteaders to help increase their knowledge and skills in local food production on small acreage. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate and build fellowship with other new farmers in the Sandhills and Central North Carolina region.

This year's program will run for five consecutive Saturdays from January 17, 2026 to February 14, 2026. Each session will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be chock-full of production information, networking, farm visits, and workshop-style learning. Lunch will be provided on class days to increase networking time.

Core Topics of Small Farm Boot Camp:

• Introduction to Local Foods
• Soil Health
• Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management
• Food Safety and Post Harvest Handling
• Introduction to Business Planning

The fee for the Core Topics is $125.

Benefits of Attending All Five Core Classes:

• A Certificate of Completion for the Small Farm Boot Camp program, which can help with grant and loan applications for your farm business by demonstrating commitment to education and best practices for production.
• A $50 discount toward the NC Farm School program for those who wish to continue their education.
• Direct, weekly support and contact with a regional team of Extension Agents.
• Invaluable networking opportunities with fellow new and beginning farmers.
• Increased knowledge of NC Cooperative Extension, as well as other local and state partner organizations that provide assistance and services to farming operations
• $5 discount on all Specialty Topic Modules in 2026

We will also be offering elective courses later in the spring and summer seasons for you to fill out your knowledge and interests! Some have firm dates set and some are to be determined. Stay tuned! 

Specialty Topics Available (based on participant interest*):

• Plants: Cut Flower Production (Saturday, March 7, 2026), Tree Fruits (June 2026), Small Fruits (July 2026), and Vegetable Production & Season Extension (TBD).
• Animals: Overview of Beef, Pork, or Small Ruminants (TBD), and Poultry Management (TBD).

*Eight-person minimum

The fee for each Specialty Topic is $25.

Please be advised:

• This is a regional program taught by Extension agents across the region, and classes will be taught primarily in Lee County, but some farm visits and specialty modules may be in different counties. Host sites include Lee, Moore, Hoke, and Richmond Counties. 
• You will receive an email each week about where the class will be held and any logistics for attending. You must read this email to know what is going on!

The program is a collaboration with NC Cooperative Extension, utilizing the expertise of Extension Agents, university specialists, and experienced farmers to provide a structured curriculum and hands-on activities. Participants that attend all of the Core Topic Classes will receive a certificate for completing Small Farm Boot Camp and will qualify for a discount to attend the Farm School program, if they choose. Learn more about Farm School here: https://ncfarmschool.ces.ncsu.edu/.

Horticulture and agriculture agents across Johnston, Lee, Richmond, Moore, Harnett, Hoke, Scotland and Montgomery are teaming up to make this program possible! 

Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Extension will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Amanda Bratcher, [email protected], 919-775-5624. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 business days before the event.

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Host or Publisher N.C. Cooperative Extension, Lee County