Montana State University Extension in Gallatin County will host its ‘Planning for On-farm Success’ class starting Wednesday, Feb. 11, and running for six Wednesdays and two Saturdays until March 25.
MSU Extension in Gallatin and Park Counties are partnering with the Community Food & Agriculture Coalition and the National Center for Appropriate Technology to offer the series.
The workshops will teach beginning farmers and ranchers the skills and resources needed to launch a business in Montana. The Planning for On-Farm Success program is modeled after successful farmer training programs happening across the country to help build a sustainable, successful farm business.
Hands-on courses will be taught by expert farmers and agriculture professionals. Topics include:
- Envisioning your farm – develop goals and a plan to get there;
- Marketing your products – identify the market and find your niche;
- Planning for financial success – understand financial statements and find funding;
- Managing risks and assets – learn how to start a business in Montana and protect yourself and your customers.
Workshops will be held at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds on Wednesdays, 6-8:30 p.m., Feb. 11- March 25, excluding March 8. Two Saturday field trip dates will be announced in class.
Registration includes a newly-developed workbook for beginning farmers in Montana and hands-on assistance from business planning experts between workshops to help refine plans and prepare for lender or financier discussions.
The cost for the workshop series is $100 per person. An additional farm partner involved in the same farm operation may attend for $40.
source:montana.edu