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Virtual Farm Startup Program | Beginning Montana Farmers | Farm Connect Montana

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 2026 Schedule

Registration will open up on November 15th, 2025. The course will be held on Wednesday evenings 6:00-8:00PM, February 4th-March 4th, 2026. Check the general schedule below:

February 4th: Class 1: Introduction, Farm Goals, and Business Startup

February 11th: Class 2: Marketing Channels and Strategies

February 18th: Class 3: Financial Management

February 25th: Class 4: Securing Funding

March 4th: Class 5: Land Access Strategies

What are other CFS benefits?

  • One-on-one support with Farm Connect staff aimed at helping you create your own unique farm business plan.

  • Creation of a farm business plan that will help secure land lease options by showing land-owners you’re confident and dedicated to running a successful farm.

Program Eligibility

  • Live (or plan to live) in Montana during the majority of the program (Winter and Spring of 2025).

  • Have at least two years of experience working on a farm or ranch or gaining equivalent education through a college degree or other experience (this can be completed before or during your enrollment in CFS).

  • Plans to start a farm or ranch business.

  • Complete the CFS Application.

We are happy to chat with you if you are unsure if you can fulfill any of the above requirements. Email farmers@farmconnectmontana.org with any questions.

Applications for CFS 2026 should open on November 15th, 2025. Once opened, create an account in our portal and fill out the application for CFS 2026. We will review applications and accept students on a rolling basis. Once your application has been approved, you can enroll in the CFS 2026 cohort in the portal.

Apply