Small Farm Start-up School

Take a serious step forward in becoming a farmer with our eight-week series that covers all aspects of starting a farm business, including market research, business planning, production, pricing, sales, marketing, legal and regulatory. Guest speakers will join virtually to share their expertise. Register early to save your spot, ONLY through ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com, as third-party sites are not affiliated with our classes or events.

Registration covers a family unit (husband-wife, father-daughter, etc.)

First, fourth (tentative) and last sessions are in person; rest of sessions are virtual. First session includes a tour of several local farms. Last session will include a farmer roundtable. Each family (farming enterprise) is required to work on a business plan. Coaching and other resources will be provided. This course will require 2-3 hours weekly outside of class to maximize learning and to complete deliverables and work on business plan.

Completion of all deliverables for the program will enable you to be a qualified borrower for Farm Service Agency beginning farmer loans, based on their education requirements.

More details will be shared closer to the start date with information on Zoom and Canvas arrangements.

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Rod Greder, sustainable agriculture agent, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County

PRICE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

• Registration for up to two people per farm
• Web access to all resources and course material
• Business plan guidance
• Farm tours/Farmer panels
• Networking with peers and experts Lots of great handouts and links
• Evidence-based, unbiased information

TOPICS TO BE COVERED IN THIS EIGHT-WEEK PROGRAM (Subject to changes)

• Taking Stock: What Do I Have and What Do I Want to Do?
• Financial Planning and Business Plans
• Soil, Water, Air, Climate.
• Buildings, Equipment, Infrastructure Needs
• Woodlands and Wildlife.
• Fruits, Vegetables, and Alternative Crops
• Animal Care and Management
• Legal, Regulatory, Sales and Marketing, E-commerce

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Type: Take A Class

Topic: Food

Organization: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County

Host or Publisher Sustainable Agriculture: Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability