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A Short Course for Hopeful New Farmers in Pennsylvania

If you have ever considered launching a small farm enterprise, but were not sure where to start, this is the course for you!  Designed to help guide you through an initial exploratory decision making process, “Exploring the Small Farm Dream” bridges the gap between ideas and action.

What to expect:

  • Creative exercise, research and class discussions that will help you assess your skills and resources.
  • Interviews with local farm business owners that will assist you in deciding how to carry your dream forward.
  • The opportunity to connect with others interested in new farm  enterprises. 

Who should attend:

  • Career changers and farm newbies breaking into agricultural pursuits.
  • Farm apprentices interested in launching their own start-ups.

Course description:

Whether your vision includes making goat cheese, selling cut flowers, or growing rare tomato varieties, this course will give you the tools to start making that dream come true. Participants will discuss current opportunities in small-scale agriculture, explore objectives, assess personal and financial resources, conduct preliminary market research, and develop an action plan for pursuing their interests in food and farming. All levels of experience are welcome. If you are thinking about starting a farm, this course is designed for you. This includes people thinking about full-time farming, farming part-time while continuing other employment, changing careers to start a farm, and/or developing an existing but informal farming pastime into a more serious business activity.

Course Schedules:

The Exploring the Small Farm Dream Course consists of three to four sessions of 3-4 hours each.
 
Topics covered in the sessions include:
Expressing Farm Dreams and Evaluating Goals
Researching the Landscape and Assessing Resources and Risk
Understanding the Marketplace
Decision – Making and Identification of Next Step

Tuition:

Tuition varies by location due to different facility costs, and materials. Tuition includes a copy of the “Exploring the Small Farm Dream” workbook.

To Apply:

A short application form briefly describing your experience and goals must be filled out before registering. Please click on the "Upcoming Courses" section of the website for location specific schedule and registration information.

To ensure quality, in depth discussions and meaningful interactions among participants, the Explorer class will be limited in size, so be sure to reserve your spot today. Participants must be able to attend all sessions and conduct five hours of home study each week.  
 

Developed in cooperation with the New England Small Farm Institute

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.
 
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the person listed for the location you desire to attend in advance of your participation or visit.

Subpages (1): Upcoming Courses