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Agricultural Business Training Program

"Tilling The Soil of Opportunity"

A National NxLeveL(c) Curriculum for Today's Agricultural Entrepreneurs

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) sponsors regional delivery of this comprehensive business planning course designed specifically  for existing agricultural businesses * that want to take a closer look at  their operation and/or make sustainable changes.

"Tilling the Soil of Opportunity" was revised after testing with farmers in 1999. The course includes  35 hours of “classroom/meeting” time, individualized technical assistance and confidential financial planning to walk you through creation of a business plan that can help guide decision making on your farm. Over 250 Massachusetts farmers have taken this course. Many attendees have commented that the farm-to-farm networking duringand after  the class was one of the most beneficial features of the course.

* Existing businesses have been operating for two or more years. If you consider yourself to be a start-up or even idea-stage business, we can refer you to a more appropriate course using a similar approach.

Previous Student Quotes:

"By the time the class was finished, I was surprised we had a plan of action for our fruit orchard, and a new commercial vegetable garden."

"(The course) motivated me to make real changes in my business. I am enjoying those changes already."

Unique Features of the MDAR Course Opportunity

  • Your nationally certified Course Instructor will be supported by a Program Manager familiar with your region and the available local resources.
  • An easy to use and interactive text uses Agricultural case studies to illustrate business plan principles and formats.
  • After the course,  you will receive additional individual technical assistance in topic areas needed to complete your plan.
  • Guest speakers will be drawn from local agricultural businesses and business service providers to personalize the key principles of many sessions.
  • The business plan you will create in this course can simplify your eligibility for many federal, state and local assistance programs.
  • This course qualifies as a "Borrower Training Program" for the USDA Farm Service Agency, and can enhance your efforts to secure funds from any lender.
  • Some courses will include extra features such as computer training and extra sessions on special topics.

Course Structure

Classes meet once per week during a 10-12 week window. The design is cumulative, with each session building on the last to create chapters of a full fledged business plan.  Participants are expected to attend all sessions. The time you put in to do the job right will be your biggest and most valuable investment.

Session Titles

  1. Take Stock of Your Resources
  2. Basic Planning and Research
  3. The Legal Terrain
  4. Manage from the Ground Up
  5. Bring Your Product to Market
  6. Reap the Benefits of Market Strategies
  7. Get Your Budgets in Line
  8. Analyze Cash Flow and Financial Statements
  9. Cultivate Your Money Resources
  10. Harvest Your Future - Using Your Plan

How Do I Sign Up or Find Out More?

  • Classes are held during the "off season "  - January to early April. Custom scheduling is common once the specific  group is known.
  • Classes are scheduled in areas where there is demonstrated demand, so please let us know of your interest at any time. Enrollment is limited to 15 businesses per course, with a minimum of 8.
  • Class sessions are three to four hours long, often 6:00-9:30 PM.

Please complete our written application.You may bring another person from your farm under the same registration if space permits. We are happy to provide referrals to alumni of our programs to help you decide if this course is for you.

INTERESTED?

For additional information and an application form, contact Rick Chandler.

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