Structured support to help you set goals for your farm business resulting in a written business plan with financial projections by attending 5 sessions over 6 weeks. Topics include assessing your resources, risk management, marketing strategy, financial & capital planning, goal setting and quality of life, and applying it on your farm. The course is taught by instructors with years of experience working with farmers – Ray and Jaqueline of Fish Park Consulting. Enrollment is open to farmers who have been managing a farm business in Massachusetts for at least the two prior years, but could also have years of experience and utilize the course to plan for growth or to obtain financing.
2027 Growing Your Farm Business Plan course schedule* - in-person & virtual classes
Tuesdays, January - March 2027:
- January 26 (in person* 2:00-5:00pm) - Assessing Resources; Farm Operations & Management
- February 2 (virtual 5:00 – 8:00pm) - Develop Marketing Strategies
- February 9 (in person 2:00-5:00pm) - Financial Management & Planning
- Week of February 16 – break, no class
- February 23 (virtual 5:00 – 8:00pm) - Applying it on your Farm – Mission & Goal Setting
- March 2 (in person* 2:00-5:00pm) - Presentations MDAR grants, potluck celebration
Prior to taking this course, participants should understand how to generate financial statements by attending or listening to recording of Farm Financial Foundations, or have had similar financial management training. Note: Those who take both the Farm Financial Foundations workshop and Growing Your Farm Business Planning course will meet requirements for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) certified borrower training for financial management.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until a course is filled.
- To register for the farm business plan course, fill out application at this link: Growing Your Farm (Application)
For more information or to submit an application, contact Melissa.L.Adams@mass.gov. The course fee, subsidized by MDAR, has been reduced to $100 per farm for up to two owner/operators from each farm. It is important to us that the course fee does not create a barrier to participation. If the fee would prevent you from participating, please contact Melissa to discuss waiving the fee at the above email or at 857-276-2377.