<b>By DOUG GRAVES<br>
Ohio Correspondent</b> </p><p>

MONROE, Ohio — What started out as a way to help the fledgling tobacco farmer has turned into a small farm college.</p><p>
Entitled the Southern Ohio New and Small Farm College, this eight-week program is the perfect course for anyone wanting to try farming for the very first time. This in-depth program, which is conducted by an 18-member planning committee from 18 counties, is the perfect short course for the new landowner or anyone wanting to learn how to make the most on a few acres. The program is in its sixth year and is limited to the first 50 registrations.</p><p>
“We’ve had 200 farmers in this program over the years,” said Clinton County Extension Specialist Tony Nye, who is spearheading this eight-week program with the help of 17 other such specialists. “The average plot of interest is 46 acres, but we do get a lot of five- to 10-acre growers. We have a lot of 50- to 400-acre inquiries, as well.</p><p>
“It was evident that people were purchasing small acres and wanted to get into farming and generating some dollars from a tax standpoint. But others want to head back to farming for other reasons, like wanting to endure what two or three generations before them were doing. Some have a high interest in livestock and some look into greenhouses, and some attend the classes to learn about pick-your-own opportunities and farm markets.”</p><p>
This new and small farm college started when extension educators wanted to help tobacco producers in southern Ohio transfer away from tobacco production since that program was phasing out in the United States.</p><p>
“The purpose of this program is to give attendees a flavor of everything and provide them with the building blocks for a foundation to get started at their venture,” Nye said. “With the many extension staffers on hand the new farmer can pull in specific information needed.”</p><p>
Such topics on the syllabus include “Getting Started,” “Where to Get Assistance,” “What are the Legal Issues and Taxes,” “Financial Management and Farm Records,” “Assessing Your Natural Resource,” “Crops & Horticulture Options,” “Animal Production” and “Marketing Alternatives.”</p><p>
“Sixty-five percent of those attending haven’t participated in an extension program and most haven’t been involved in 4-H,” Nye said.</p><p>
OSU Extension Specialist Steve Bartels of Butler County is one of the program’s moderators.</p><p>
“A lot of people buy property out in the country and don’t know what to do with it,” Bartels said. “Many want something out in the country for that way of life, but we tell them to get with their family before purchasing and make sure everyone has the same goals. They must realize that some enterprises demand constant attention while others are more relaxed.</p><p>
“We don’t teach them how to grow crops or how to feed their cattle, but we talk about problems they’ll see and where they can get proper information,” he added.</p><p>
The course costs $150 per person and $50 for each additional member of the family. There are two locations for the eight-week course:</p><p>
In Butler County, the course will start on Jan. 28 at the United Food Workers Hall, 913 Lebanon Street in Monroe. Classes run from 7-9 p.m.</p><p>
In Gallia County, the course will start Jan. 22 at the University of Rio Grande, McKenzie Hall, Room 105. Classes run from 6:30-9 p.m.</p><p>