Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
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Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
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Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers
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One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership
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Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
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Access to Field Days with regional partners
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Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
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Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
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15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
