OVERVIEW:

Humans evolved in savannas – grasslands with scattered trees and grazing mammals – the most diverse, productive, and functional ecosystems on Earth. We believe that savannas offer the ultimate model for healthy, sustainable, and permanent agriculture and food systems in many parts of the planet. As modern humans with unprecedented access to genetic and natural resources, we are capable of designing, planting, and maintaining abundant, beautiful and productive planet-healing ecosystems. Whether you call it farm-scale permaculture or regenerative agriculture, this is a very different type of land management than any since the dawn of agriculture, and requires a new (or very old) way of observing, relating to, and behaving in the natural world……

This 5-day farm-immersion course will get you up to speed on the ecological theory and practical skills you need to design and manage regenerative agro-ecosystems.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Experienced team of instructors with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives

• Beyond organic, paleo-friendly, farm-grown pastured meats and veggies, expertly prepared for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, everyday

• Meals by the pond

• Camping available up in the oaks or down on the trout stream in the prairie

• Experience life and chores on a working regenerative farm and off-grid homestead

• Develop your own designs and receive feedback from other participants and instructors

• Hands on work – surveying and laying out keylines, digging swales, planting trees, setting up fencing, moving chickens, etc..

• Women in Permaculture – Leading women in permaculture will be sharing skills and stories

• Tour New Forest Farm with Mark Shepard to observe and learn from his maturing agroecosystem, twenty years in the making

• Tour Beyond Vineyard and Winery with mIEKAL aND and taste the excellent small and unusual fruit wines, ciders, and meads from his permaculture orchard

• Meet amazing people doing amazing things. This is always the highlight of our year. We think it’ll be the highlight of yours, too.

• Join a growing network of regenerative agriculturalists providing continuing education and support

COURSE TOPICS:

• Site assessment and reading the landscape

• Multi-species rotational grazing

• Holistic Management for farm and family decision-making

• Water management

• Perennial crop establishment and maintenance

• Silvopasture establishment and conversion

• Nursery establishment

• Appropriate technologies, building, and renewable energy

• Self-sufficient homestead layout and design

• Marketing and logistics

• Land access and acquisition strategies

• Farm start-up and cashflow strategies

• Grants, cost-share, and funding opportunities

• Enterprises, corporate structures, and taxes

COURSE INSTRUCTORS

REGISTRATION

A non-refundable deposit of $300 is necessary to secure your spot for the course. Tuition for the 2020 course is $1200 and includes:

• 5 full days of classroom and hands-on learning and experience

• Camping available with access to bathroom, electricity, and internet

• Best Food Ever. Seriously. We know because we grow it – veggies, fruits and nuts, and pastured meats. Let us know your dietary needs and we can accommodate. 3 meals/day + locally roasted coffee, herbal teas, and snacks.

• Access to an extensive library of permaculture, ecology, and agriculture books and resources during your stay.

• Continuing support and education

• A new crew of superbestfriends

• Ask us about discounts for couples, active farmers, and military veterans

• Includes additional webinars available in the weeks prior to the in-person course

See what past students had to say in our Course Testimonials. 

Register Here