LAUNCHING NEW FARMERS

Okay, everybody, here is a bold-faced promo for what I think is the most important farm/homesteading/agriculture conference in America this year:  the Stockman Grass Farmer LAUNCHING NEW FARMERS summit Aug. 21-22 hosted this year at Polyface Farm here in Virginia's scenic and historic Shenandoah Valley.

                  I've grown weary of attending farm conferences where everyone whines about young people not being able to get into farming.  When I came back to the farm fulltime Sept. 24, 1982 they were whining about it then.  It hasn't changed.

                  High land prices, low commodity prices, high input prices, capitalization costs--same old boat crossing the same old river.  

                  It ain't easy, but it's doable, and thousands of young people would love to farm if they felt like they could make a living.  In this two-day gathering, we're going to feature 8 young people who have succeeded in today's climate: 

                  "I WAS 20 YEARS OLD, NO LAND, NO MONEY, AND AM NOW FULLTIME FARMING AT 40 WITHOUT GOVERNMENT HELP." 

                  How's that for a catch phrase?  We'll feature 4 each day, with 90 minutes to tell their story and hang around for meal time interaction.  We'll feed you lunch and have support vendors for this space.  Each of these stories is inspiring, but taken together, you will leave brimming with ideas, protocols, and a "we-can-do-this" emotional high from 8 stellar success stories.

                  Tickets are on sale through Stockman Grass Farmer magazine at 1-800-748-9808 and www.stockmangrassfarmer.com.   We can accommodate 400 and I don't know when I've wanted something to fill up so badly.  It's not to make money; it's because I'm bombarded by people wanting to know how to start and this is the most efficient way I know of getting lots of avenues in one spot with the synergy that naturally flows from physical presence.  Screens don't do it. 

                    If you EVER entertained the notion of farming with a white collar income, this is the best investment you'll ever make.  If not for you, perhaps a young person or young couple you know.  Exposure to ideas gives the best return you'll ever get.

                  Let's fire up a conversation about optimism instead of pessimism.  No question at the end of this blog today; just call Stockman and get here.  School's out and it's time to plan that one big hoohaa trip for the summer.  This one should be it.  Talk to your beloveds and make this happen.  You deserve it.  Invest in yourself; it beats a 401(k) plan.

                  I look forward to seeing you here in August.  You won't regret it.  Yes, this is the end of the promo.