Old Fort Incubator Application
Preference is give to applications received by November 29, 2020. Decisions will be made by December 2.

Description: Join the Old Fort at Hesperus Farm Incubator program to take the next step toward your goal of operating a farm in Southwest Colorado. This program provides educational classes, access to land, water and infrastructure (irrigation, post-harvest sheds, coolers and root cellar). Incubators  join a team of farmers on 4 deer-fenced acres who run independent businesses but also cooperate with each other to produce a variety of foods at 7,600 feet. Marketing assistance is available through the Old Fort is also available, and incubator produce helps fill Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares as well as feeds students at the dining hall at Fort Lewis College.

About us: The Old Fort at Hesperus is a growing and multi-faceted answer to farmer training in the Four Corners region. Welcoming everyone from college interns for brief summer experiences to Farmers in Training (FIT) who cooperatively farm an acre, to incubator farmers ready to start a business, the Old Fort offers good (and challenging) growing conditions, supportive and knowledgeable staff, and rich resources for high elevation market farming. The Old Fort also includes a half acre education garden, two large high tunnels, and cattle and hay production.

Important: Before you apply, read through the Program Information and Site Guidelines available here: https://www.fortlewis.edu/about-flc/initiatives/the-old-fort/sustainable-agriculture-training-programs/market-garden-incubator-program. Note that there is a $50 non-refundable acceptance fee.
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Provide your name, phone number, and email address. *
List the name(s) and describe the role(s) of any partners who may contribute significantly to your farm business. They will need to attend educational sessions and receive appropriate training. We will provide curriculum for two people per business.
Which of the following programs have you completed? Check all that apply.
Briefly describe your participation in any of the above programs.
How did you hear about the Old Fort Incubator Program?
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Explain your interest in the Old Fort Incubator Program and how it fits into your future plans. *
Describe your farming experience, especially as it relates to vegetable production. *
Describe the type of farm enterprise you are interested in creating. What crops do you plan to grow? (Remember, we have a growing season of approximately 90 days and the fields are at 7600' in elevation.) *
Drip is the primary method of irrigation. Do you have experience with drip irrigation? Do you plan to grow crops that will require different irrigation? *
How do you plan to manage weed and pest pressure? The field has a population of both annual and perennial weeds, and "pests" may include flea beetles, gophers, and ground squirrels. *
Where do you intend to sell your vegetables? Are you interested in selling through the Old Fort? *
Describe the inputs you need in order to be successful, including training, equipment, or capital. *
Where do you see your business in 3-5 years? Do you plan to stay in the Four Corners region? *
Attendance at all Spring Immersion classes are required for first-year incubators. Are you available all of the following Fridays? Check your work and travel schedules for conflicts on these dates: February 26, March 26, April 16, April 30, May 14. *
Required
Are you planning to attend the Colorado Building Farmers Virtual Short Course? It takes place on Thursday evenings from December 3 through February 4 (except holidays). Participation is strongly encouraged, and scholarships may be available.
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What support do you need in terms of farming and business education? Please check the boxes next to 5 topics that you need the most information about. *
Required
Have you read the Old Fort Incubator Program Information, including the fee structure and schedule, and the site guidelines? You can find the information in the link above. Do you have any questions? *
With the high cost of living in the Durango area and the small plots for first-year farmers, how will you support yourself financially while working on your incubator project? Do you have reliable housing and transportation? *
What plot size are you requesting? *
Provide the name, job title, relationship to you, and contact information for three professional references. *
Thank you for applying! The last step is to email your resume to ewwhittlesey@fortlewis.edu (this will also confirm that your application has been received). If you have a written business plan, include that as well. Do you have any questions about the program or application process?
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