Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Plan demonstration farm to include farm business incubator and educational use

Project ID: M2006-24

Abstract

A farm plan was created to guide land use decisions for the demonstration farm at the Midwest Center for Entrepreneurial Agriculture in Marshalltown, Iowa.

Key Question: What would be the best way to develop the land owned by the Marshalltown Community College into a teaching facility to launch farmers into entrepreneurial and diversified businesses?

Findings: This farm plan provides a practical, visible, hands-on example of a working diversified farm so that college administrators, beginning farmers and the community have the opportunity to see and learn all that is possible with small diversified farming in central Iowa. In addition to its role as an example, the farm now serves as an incubator for students and new farmers.

Lead investigator: Linda Barnes, Marshalltown Community College, et al

Year of grant completion: 2009

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Marketing Initiative.

Topics: Business management, distribution and marketing, Community-based food systems, Human systems, demographics and beginning farmer programs