January 31, Bridgewater
US(NJ): Winter lettuce workshop at Rutgers Cooperative Extension
The class is being offered as part of its Ultra-Niche Crops Series of workshops. The cost for this workshop is $20 and includes a lite supper at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m. and light refreshments at the conclusion of the workshop. To register for this workshop, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/rutgers-cooperative-extension-7714519251?s=70373360
Ultra-Niche Crops are exceptionally high value crops that can be grown on small acreage. The project goal is to teach new and beginning farmers about the cultivation, marketing, and business management of 10 "ultra-niche" crops. Attendees will learn how to make more money with less land and how to grow and market their crop.
The advantage of high tunnel lettuce is that they are a hardy, cool season crop that can be grown in high tunnels 12 months of the year. There are several lettuce types and several hundred lettuce varieties that are commercially available for growers and differ by color, texture, maturity and head size. "Our goal for this project is to help the next generation of farmers achieve both crop and financial success and also assist existing farmers in improving their profitability," said Nick Polinan, Agricultural and Natural Resource Agent for Somerset County.
The series, sponsored by a grant from the USDA-NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, will be offered at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County at 310 Milltown Rd., Bridgewater, as well as, at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County, and the Rutgers EcoComplex in Burlington County.
For more information call Jenny Carleo, Agricultural Agent at (609) 465-5115 or email Jennifer Matthews at jlm479@njaes.rutgers.edu. To join the mailing list for information on future classes, go to http://tinyurl.com/ultraNiche