Farm business planning course - build your farm future

By Blake Jackson

Are you considering a new farm business venture but unsure where to begin? Or do you need a solid business plan for your existing farm? The upcoming online course, hosted by Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture, is designed to help you build a comprehensive business plan tailored to your specific needs.

The course, running from January 7 to March 4, 2025, offers farmers and aspiring farm entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a draft business plan while learning essential tools for success.

Over the course of eight weeks, participants will work with their own farm’s data and receive guidance on assessing business ideas, developing marketing strategies, and using financial tools to evaluate profitability.

The course is structured in three key units:

Unit 1: Introduction to Business Planning and the Business Plan

The first unit helps participants assess whether their business idea is viable and offers practical advice on project management. It focuses on setting realistic goals, creating budgets, and understanding the difference between internal business planning and external business plans.

By the end of this unit, participants will be able to ground their vision in reality and develop a preliminary budget for their farm.

Unit 2: Developing a Marketing Plan for Your Farm

The second unit covers the importance of a solid marketing plan, which is vital for attracting customers and ensuring business success.

Students will learn how to identify target customers, analyse market competition, and create a strategic marketing plan aligned with their overall business goals.

Unit 3: Developing a Financial Plan for Your Farm Business

In the final unit, participants will learn to prepare and analyse farm financial statements, develop projections, and assess the need for credit.

This unit equips farmers with the skills needed to make informed financial decisions and improve their business’s financial health.

The course costs $150 for New York State farms and $200 for out-of-state participants. It includes one farm plan, and additional individuals from the same farm can join for a fee.

Weekly webinars will provide opportunities for interaction with instructors and fellow students, with all sessions recorded for later viewing.

For more information and to register, visit https://enych.cce.cornell.edu/event_preregistration_new.php?id=1991.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes