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It is no secret that �������� Texas is quickly becoming a premier destination for retirees and others from big cities looking for a slower pace of life. The lower cost of living and abundant land has resulted in a record number of folks purchasing small acreage farms in the area. However, you can only enjoy the scenic view for so long before you realize that you need to†do something†with all that land. This is where the �������� Agriculture Program can help!

If you are looking to learn more about how to make your†small†farm functional and profitable, you won't want to miss the upcoming Bring Back The Homestead series at NTCC.†Whether you are looking to use your land for recreational purposes, animal production or farming, this series of classes will help you design a plan that works best for your operation. The courses will focus on Sustainable Agriculture, which is defined as agriculture that integrates three main goals: environmental stewardship, farm†profitability, and prosperous farming communities. Whether starting-off with an acre or two or just†an apartment with a small patio, there?s something you can do to provide some of your own groceries†and make your land the homestead you?ve dreamt of. But, before your pile the kids into the minivan†in search of dairy goats, peach trees, and heirloom vegetables take some time to consider what you†are about to do.

If you have become interested in the "sustainable agriculture" facet of agriculture as a marketing†niche, want to create a more prosperous farm that could be passed on to your family, or are just†looking for the perfect retirement adventure, contact the NTCC Agriculture Department. The†Director of Agriculture, Rene? McCracken is excited to lead the effort in ?Bringing Back the†Homestead? to area communities. This will be the first annual Homestead Workshop and is set to†begin in February, and is limited to 25 participants a registration fee of $45 for the series of courses†must be paid prior to February 5th.

This will be a series of six workshops held on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon covering topics including:†Laws and regulations for the farm, taxes and insurance, garden planning and design, introduction to†tractor maintenance and welding, livestock care and handling, alternative livestock and crops and†various others. All topics will provide the best management practices to produce agriculture†products profitably on small acreages in East Texas. Some of the topics have been left open, and will†be decided by the participants as needed.†

If you would be interested in learning more about this†program, serving as an example ?homestead?, sponsoring, or attending classes, contact Rene?†McCracken at 903-434-8267 or†rmccracken@ntcc.edu. The workshop series kick-off is scheduled for†Tuesday, February 10, 2014 at the Whately Agriculture Complex located at 2886 FM 1735, Mt.†Pleasant, TX 75455 at 10 am. As the class is limited in size, RSVP is a must with the first 25†participants registered on first come first serve basis. Continuing Education Programs of NTCC are†open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.