Stateline Farm Beginnings Farmer Training

 Launch or Expand Your Farm Business with Stateline Farm Beginnings

Stateline Farm Beginnings is a yearlong training program designed to help farmers evaluate and refine their farm business, learn sustainable farming practices, and develop a tailor-made farming/business plan.  For more information and how to apply, click here. 

 

The program attracts both rural and urban participants from Chicago, Rockford, Milwaukee, Madison – and everywhere in between. We also encourage veterans to apply!  Stateline is part of the Farm Beginnings Collaborative. The Farm Beginnings model is emerging as the most effective way to increase the number of beginning farmers building food & farm economies that are green, fair, and healthy. Farm Beginnings is approved as an educational provider through the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Completion of this course fulfills the educational requirements for FSA loan applicants.

Stateline Farm Beginnings has four components:

• Winter Business Planning Sessions (October to March) focused on goal-setting, planning for profit, marketing & pricing strategies, and developing a business plan.
• Field Day Workshops (January to October) hosted at sustainable farms in northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin and the Chicagoland area. 
• One-On-One Mentorships (April to September) carefully match participants with a successful sustainable farmer in their field of interest. Arrangements are flexible, taking location, employment and family into account.
• Last Session & Graduation Event (Late September) celebrates the completion of the course with a graduation potluck. Participants also socialize and reflect on experiences. 

And check out our most recent graduate profile!  We caught up with Ben and Meghan Snare from Field and Farm Co., a couple who uprooted their city life to the country to launch their farm dream. Learn more about their journey, with the help of Stateline Farm Beginnings, by watching their video or reading their blog here!

 

Apply before September 7th to receive $150 off your tuition!  Questions?  Call 815-389-8455 or email us! 

 

 

Learn more about beginning farmer training from beginningfarmers.org at https://www.beginningfarmers.org/beginning-farmer-training-programs/

 

Find more beginning farmer resources from beginningfarmers.org at https://www.beginningfarmers.org/additional-farming-resources/