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Small Farm Orientation — Online Option
October 22 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Start with a farm planning foundation
Virginia State University Cooperative Extension will offer Small Farm Orientation Oct. 22, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern through Microsoft Teams. The program serves people with no farming experience and farmers in their first five years. This calendar entry covers the online option, which lets participants join without traveling to the in-person meeting in Cambridge, Maryland. The orientation brings together Ben Dukes, Malique Middleton and integrated marketing specialist Theresa Nartea. Organizers identify the Small Farm Orientation manual as a resource for the program.
Bring your farm questions
Early decisions can shape how a farm develops, and an orientation offers a place to organize the questions that come with starting out. Before the meeting, consider writing a short description of what you hope to produce, the land or facilities you can use and the customers you want to reach. Keep immediate needs separate from ideas that can wait until a later season. For example, you might need to understand your next planning step before deciding on a major equipment purchase. These suggestions help you prepare for the conversation; they do not represent a promised agenda. Participants can also note which parts of farming feel least familiar and ask how Extension resources might support their learning after the orientation.
Connect through Microsoft Teams
Install Microsoft Teams in advance if your device needs it, and test your microphone, speakers and internet connection. Joining early gives you time to resolve access problems before the program begins. Register through the organizer’s event page and follow the instructions in your confirmation for the meeting link. The public listing does not state a registration fee, so contact the organizer if cost affects your plans. Ben Dukes can answer questions at 804-731-7916 or bdukes@vsu.edu. Ask about obtaining the manual, any materials you should review beforehand and the format for participant questions. Keep the contact information close at hand on the day of the meeting. Use the online registration option when signing up so the organizer can send the appropriate joining instructions.
