Homestead Workshop #2, March 13, Jacksonville

Hello Homesteader, March 9, 2010

We are off and running! What a great meeting it was Saturday. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you and I can’t wait to see the project that this group puts together. The next class will meet at the Texas Forestry Service Building on Loop 456 in Jacksonville, on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 10 am. There is a demonstration garden designed by the Cherokee County Master Gardners that should help provide some tips on layout and design of your own garden beds. However, the primary topic at this class will be “Tools of the Trade”, we will be discussing tractor and tiller selection and maintenance, gardening gadgets and best home engineered tools. If you have a favorite tractor, tiller, implement, or homemade gadget that just makes the work a lot easier on your homestead then bring it or a picture of it for discussion Saturday. Additionally, there is an arboretum of historic and commercial trees that we will be viewing at a later date when we discuss forestry production for small farms.

Please bring something to take notes on and with and you are welcome to bring camera’s to take pictures and “steal” helpful hits for your homestead. I have invited, Cooperative Extension Agent, Crispin Skinner from Nacogdoches County that will be able to help diagnose some of your farm equipment problems. This will not be a mechanic session per say, but you might receive the answer to a problem that has you stumped your or at least referral to someone who can help you. The weather is forecasted to be beautiful and sunny, but you still need to come dressed to do a little walking in the “woods”. Restroom facilities and refreshments will be provided. The class will begin at 10 a.m. and end by noon.

This workshop series classes are currently full, however we have begun a “waiting list” for the next class series. When we have meetings that allow for larger groups to participate, I will include a note to those on the waiting list and you may invite friends as well. This workshop is open to those who would like to drop in for this session. If you require special services, please let me know prior to the meeting and I will make the necessary accommodations. If you need more information or will not be able to attend as previously scheduled, contact Rene’ McCracken at 903-683-5416 or lrmccracken@ag.tamu.edu. I have also set up a blogsite http://myowngroceries.blogspot.com where you can find all the handouts, presentations, resources, and news about the class. Don’t miss this opportunity to show off your best farm gadget or invention! Educational programs of Cooperative Extension Program are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.

Thank you,


Rene’ McCracken