AG-X 2026: From Roots to Results

This 6-week evening series presented by Virginia Cooperative Extension and DEIC is designed to help agricultural producers and farm-based businesses turn ideas into a practical, sustainable business plan. Beginning February 19 and running through March 26, 2026, participants will meet weekly on Thursday evenings from 5:30–7:30 pm to clarify their values and vision, assess their current operation, and develop clear mission statements and goals. Each session builds on the last—covering marketing, operations, human resources, and financial planning—while including tools like SWOT analysis and long-term risk evaluation. By the end of the course, you’ll walk away with a complete, ready-to-implement business plan, action steps, and systems for tracking your progress and guiding future growth.

• Clarify personal, economic, environmental, and community values that guide farm decision-making
• Assess the current state of your farm or ag business across marketing, operations, HR, and finances
• Develop a clear vision, mission statement, and set of short- and long-term business goals
• Build a practical, strategic business plan tailored to your operation
• Strengthen skills in pricing, competition analysis, and market positioning
• Evaluate financial health, risk, and long-term sustainability of the business
• Create concrete action steps, timelines, and record-keeping systems to support implementation and growth

The AG-X 2026: From Roots to Results is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, aiming to accelerate growth in the current economic climate. Tailored for entrepreneurs introducing value-added agricultural products, services, or brands, this program empowers ventures like controlled environment agriculture, artisanal cheese, or field monitoring drones.

The cost to participate in the AG-X Workshop Series is $25 per company for up to three team members. This $25 fee includes all 6 sessions and materials.

Time & Date: Thursdays, 5:30pm – 7:30pm beginning February 19 until March 26.

Location: DEIC, 201 Duncan St., Ashland, VA 23005

Cost: $25 (for all 6 sessions)

Snacks and drinks to be provided

Scot Ferguson, Virginia Cooperative Extension*

Scot Ferguson is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent in Hanover County. While originally from Nevada where he got his Master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Scot spent the last decade working in production agriculture, focusing on greenhouse production, fertilization, and pest management both in ornamentals and vegetable crops.

*Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.

Info: In this opening session, we’ll introduce the course materials and build connections with fellow participants. Together, we’ll explore how your personal, economic, environmental, and community values shape your approach to creating a sustainable agricultural business. By the end of this session, you’ll begin framing your business strategy and setting a clear direction for growth.

Info: In this session, we’ll take a deeper look at your agricultural business by reviewing its history and current operations. You’ll assess key areas—Marketing, Operations, Human Resources, and Finance—to understand where you stand today. We’ll also conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) to help clarify your vision and strengthen your strategic direction.

Info: This session focuses on planning for the future of your agricultural operation. You’ll craft a clear mission statement, set and prioritize achievable goals, and outline the direction of your business plan. By the end, you’ll have a roadmap with actionable steps to guide implementation and long-term success.

Info: Guest Speaker: Frank Long, Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Middlesex County.
In this session, we’ll dig into the core components of your business plan. You’ll evaluate your marketing strategy, including competition and pricing, examine operational logistics, and address human resource needs and challenges. Finally, we’ll develop a strategic financial plan to ensure your business is positioned for long-term stability and growth.

Info: This session focuses on evaluating the long-term outlook for your business, including profitability, liquidity, and risk. You’ll identify potential contingencies to address those risks and explore strategic alternatives. By the end, we’ll work toward selecting the most effective, integrated operational strategy to guide your business forward.

Info: In this closing session, we’ll bring together all the components from previous weeks to create a complete business plan ready for implementation and monitoring. You’ll develop actionable to-do lists, establish record-keeping systems, and set milestones to track progress. We’ll also take time to address any remaining questions and celebrate your achievement.

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