Free farm workshops for new farmers

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Beginning Farmer Institute is a unique, free, three-part course designed to help new farmers gain valuable knowledge about farm management. This interactive series aims to provide hands-on learning in a fun, engaging environment.

Participants will receive educational handouts and presentations to help understand various aspects of farm business management.

Learning Objectives

The course will focus on key topics for anyone starting their farming career, including:

• Business Plans and Goals: Learn how to develop business plans using tools like AgPlan, and understand how they integrate into the broader agricultural economy.
• Taxes, Business Entities, and Recordkeeping: Understand the components of taxes and business entities, as well as how to manage record-keeping, expenses, and deductions.
• Financial Statements: Gain knowledge of balance sheets, income statements, and cash flows, which are crucial for financial management in farming.
• Grain Marketing and Land Rent: Learn how to handle grain marketing strategies and understand the costs of land rent and production.

Schedule and Cost

The course will take place on three Thursdays: 

• January 9th from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
• January 16th and 23rd from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

This course is ideal for beginning farmers or anyone interested in refreshing their farm business management skills. The best part is the course is free of charge.

Registration and Accessibility

Registration is required to attend the course. University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities.

If accommodation is needed for persons with disabilities, please contact Nathan Hulinsky at huli0013@umn.edu at least two weeks before the event. Late requests will be honored if possible.

This workshop series provides essential tools and knowledge for anyone looking to build a solid foundation for their farm business and succeed in the agricultural industry.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-zoran-zeremski