Today's agricultural business climate favors farms that :
1. Identify and reach diverse markets to distribute risk and net better returns
2. Consider loans and/or make personal investments of time and money based on realistic financial planning and based record keeping
3. Provide for a living wage and rewarding work for family members and key employees that keeps them involved in the business and improves stability Understand and work as partners within the regulatory requirements of Commonwealth and the municipalities in which the farms are located, and
4. Pay attention to trends in the larger “food system” that are increasingly affected by climate, global commerce and local/regional economies
MDAR's Agricultural Business Training Program responds to these and other planning needs by raising awareness and providing a forum for feedback and support . More than 475 agricultural enterprises have completed one of three MDAR course formats for different stages of farm development. Before completing an application, please review the individual course descriptions for relevance and pre-requisites:
- Course Description: For pre-venture and just beginning farmers still trying to decide on their basic early ideas – a five session course:
- Course Description: For those a step beyond Explorer who have firm access to land and a clearer sense of what they want and are capable of doing, but who do not yet have a financial , marketing and personnel track record for their enterprise – a six session course:
- Course Description:: For existing agricultural enterprises with at least two years of income generating operation and farm recordkeeping. that are seeking an in-depth tune-up and are preparing to make new investment and/or prepare for expanded operation – a 10 session course:
