3j. The Goats & the Bees & the Apple Trees - Teen

Farm business and animal husbandry

Interested in homesteading, hobby farming, small-scale for-profit farming, or value-added farm products? Want to get up close and personal with a baby goat or a jar full of bees? In this class we will learn about different products we can make to sell from animals and land that we steward. We'll study animals such as goats, cows, sheep, alpacas, rabbits, chickens, and ducks. We will learn about growing fruit trees & berry bushes, tending market vegetable gardens, and flower farming, with segments about beekeeping and canning a bountiful harvest. We'll discuss how to get started at farmer's markets and wholesaling. We'll talk a bit about branding and the importance of product packaging, touching on the topics of state regulations for certain industries and cottage business laws.

Part of select classes will focus on animal husbandry, or the care required for our animals to thrive. We’ll learn about common diseases and injuries animals can succumb to as well as diseases that can affect our gardens and trees. On select classes, live animals will be brought to CHEC for you to interact with while you learn. That's right, baby goats are coming to CHEC! We’ll learn about anatomies and nutritional requirements for livestock. We’ll discover what that we can produce from different types of animals, such as wool from sheep and rabbits, and cheese from goats. *As a vegetarian, I will not be focusing on animals raised for meat or consumption.*

This class will be a mix of business, agriculture, marketing, science, and animal anatomy. A syllabus will be provided on the first day so students will know what to expect at each class. Classes will be hands on and discussion heavy.

Students with allergies to animals/bees/hay should reach out prior to registration.

Please wear clothes that can get dirty!

Instructor: Amber Jones

I’m an artist with a BFA in Painting & Printmaking from VCU and a specialty in drawing and 2-D media. Currently, I own and operate a small farm which specializes in goat milk soaps. I homeschool my three children whom you may have seen running around the playground at CHEC. We’ve been with CHEC for several years and absolutely love this community!