Grow Your Farm workshops help those getting started in agriculture
University of Missouri Extension’s Grow Your Farm is a step-by-step educational program for people new to farming or who are thinking of diversifying their operation. The course is available at various locations throughout the state.
The program focuses on four management keys: marketing, operations, human resources and finance, said project manager Debi Kelly.
"At the end of the course, participants are expected to have developed a complete business plan," Kelly said.
"They first must identify their values, asking the question, ‘What is important to me?’" she said. From there, they take stock of their current situation, clarify their vision and develop a mission statement, which identifies their goals.
Goals lead to strategic planning and evaluation, and the final step, a written business plan, she said.
"Many people want to grow or raise farm products, but most do not think of the building blocks needed to write a successful business plan," she said. "You must ask yourself what skills and human resources you have, what market is out there for your product and how your business will be financed."
The curriculum includes eight weekly seminars and three farm tours. Instructors include extension specialists and farmers who have succeeded at their enterprises.
Cost is $200 per farm business for two people. Each additional person is $25. Fees include a set of course materials, including textbook and PowerPoint presentations.
"Farming takes a lot of work and family commitment," said Ted Cunningham, extension livestock specialist and one of the program organizers. "Participants are likely to be more successful if both spouses, or a parent and an adult child who will be involved in the operation, are part of the learning process."
Northwest Missouri
St. Joseph, Chillicothe, Maryville
Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5
Contact: Tom Fowler
816-279-1691
fowlert@missouri.edu
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