Certified Farm Startup

Do you want to start your own farm or ranch business? Farm Connect’s Certified Farm Startup Program offers a curated online course to acquire the skills and tools needed to access farmland and start a farm business.

The CFS virtual curriculum covers many topics, including:

• Business planning

• Diversification and marketing strategies

• Land lease and purchase strategies

• Creating a farm business plan

• Financial and risk management

All classes are FREE and offered remotely through our online learning portal.

CFS 2025 Schedule

CFS 2025 will begin on February 26th, 2025 and run until April 16th, 2025 (8 weeks).

There will be 3 live, zoom classes spaced throughout the 8 week course. All other course content will be offered in self-paced modules, with weekly videos, readings, and homework to encourage you to stay on track.

Week of February 26th

Live Class: Wednesday, February 26th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Zoom: Introduction to the Program

Week of March 5th

Module 1: Business Start Up

Week of March 12th

Module 2: Production Planning

Week of March 19th

Live Class: Wednesday, March 19th from 6:30 - 7:30 pm on Zoom: Organic Agriculture

Week of March 26th

Module 3: Marketing

Week of April 2nd

Module 4: Financial Management

Week of April 9th

Module 5: Securing Funding

Week of April 16th

Module 6: Land Access

AND

Live Class: Wednesday, April 16th from 6:30 - 7:30 pm on Zoom: Wrap Up and Next Steps