Do you teach classes/workshops on your farm?

hiddensprings · #1 10/15/13, 03:28 PM

I am in the final stages of writing a book that will help homesteaders learn to add classes and/or workshops to their homestead as a way of teaching others how to do homesteading type things and as a way of adding additional income to their place.

I want to include tips and suggestions from other homesteaders that are currently offering classes or workshops on their farm. I just have a few questions that I can email you and if your information is selected, we'll be sure to include all of your information in the book so folks will know about you and the good work you are doing. Please either PM me or reply to this posting if you'd like to give your input. I appreciate it!

TnAndy · #2 10/15/13, 05:34 PM

Where are you doing about liability insurance ? My agent said "don't even ask".

ErinP · #3 10/16/13, 08:56 AM

I'm not sure what'd I'd teach that people don't already know, personally...

Grumpy old man · #4 10/16/13, 09:24 AM

My attorney and insurance both said NO WAY ! Even with signed waivers

hiddensprings · #5 10/16/13, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TnAndy

Where are you doing about liability insurance ? My agent said "don't even ask".

We've piecemealed together a policy that covers everything. I worked with Shelter, Farm Bureau, and Nationwide Ag Insurance. Tennessee has a law in place that limits liability base on the fact that coming to a farm is inherently a risk. As long as you have the sign posted at the entrance of your place, folks are acknowlegding their are risk. Won't keep you from getting sued but the injuried party would have to prove they were injured from something other then the agritourims activity they were attending.

hiddensprings · #6 10/16/13, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErinP

I'm not sure what'd I'd teach that people don't already know, personally...

I'm sure it depends on location but we teach classes on Raising Chickens, Raising Goats, Cold Process Soap Making, Chicken Processing, Growing Herbs, and Canning. In 2014, we're adding Cheese Making since we've had so much demand for it.

Bret · #7 10/16/13, 09:48 AM

Good work.

I get a lot of lessons.

Some easy. Some hard.

A pasture walk was scheduled for this fall through the soil office. It was canceled due to the gov't shut down.

Grumpy old man · #8 10/16/13, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiddensprings

We've piecemealed together a policy that covers everything. I worked with Shelter, Farm Bureau, and Nationwide Ag Insurance. Tennessee has a law in place that limits liability base on the fact that coming to a farm is inherently a risk. As long as you have the sign posted at the entrance of your place, folks are acknowlegding their are risk. Won't keep you from getting sued but the injuried party would have to prove they were injured from something other then the agritourims activity they were attending.

And why even bother to open yourself up to the possibility of a lawsuit . unless your making money from agritourism ? I don't grow pumkins for sale mainly animals that weigh over a 1,200 lbs .it's sad you can't share some knowledge or instruction for fear of lawsuits that cost time and money even if you win !

hiddensprings · #9 10/17/13, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

And why even bother to open yourself up to the possibility of a lawsuit . unless your making money from agritourism ? I don't grow pumkins for sale mainly animals that weigh over a 1,200 lbs .it's sad you can't share some knowledge or instruction for fear of lawsuits that cost time and money even if you win !

We actually do quite well with our classes. Enough that I can afford the insurance necessary to cover myself. I find it quite rewarding to see my students take the knowledge they gotten and do their own thing. I know its not for everyone, but I really enjoy it.