At the end of July, my husband and I applied to a program called Stateline Farm Beginnings.  This is a program that educates beginner farmers about sustainable organic farming, and much more.  We were required to make a $100 deposit and applied just as the early bird cut off was ending and therefore received an additional $150 off.  When we applied there were only 6-7 applicants.  This class is limited to 15 couples/individuals, in an effort to keep the class relatively small.

We received a call the last full week of September from the Program Director saying that we had been accepted.  There had been a total of 29 applicants!  We were pretty amazed to learn we had been one of the chosen few; considering the program director said there were many strong applicants this year.

In addition to applying to the program, we also applied to the scholarship they offered. In researching, we learned of an amount we could apply for and applied for what we “thought” was the maximum.  On September 28 we received our welcome package to Stateline Farm Beginnings in the mail.

Here is the paragraph that rendered us quite speechless:
“We have received your $100 deposit.  Our records indicate that you did qualify for the $150 early bird discount.  You have been awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1250. You currently have a $0 balance due.”

We were given a full scholarship.  This was above what we expected or thought possible. This is marks the miraculous start to our farming dream.  We are excited to see where this program will lead us!

In just three weeks, my husband and I will be starting Stateline Farm Beginnings for their 2009-2010 year.  This course will really help us map out our plan as aspiring farmers.  More details to follow in future posts…