On March 30, 2015, the University of Maryland Extension held a graduation ceremony for 14 aspiring farmers who completed the 8 week nationally recognized agricultural entrepreneurship training Farming: Pencil to Plow.
Each graduate of this beginning farmer program completed farm business training are now prepared to take the next step in their dream to own and operate a small farm business. New farm operation ideas from the class included grain farming, organic, community supported agriculture (CSA), roadside vegetable stand, home grown meats, pick your own blueberries, and more. The course is designed for aspiring small farmers and those producers interested in diversifying their operation. Topics covered during the course include discussions on Agricultural Market Research;, the 4 P’s (Product, Price, Placement, and Promotion); Bookkeeping and Record Keeping; Government Regulations, Contracts, and Leases; Income Statements, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Cycle; and Developing Customer Profiles. Each session was supplemented by presentations from agriculture experts such as a CPA, business bankers, insurance agents, marketing experts, and University of Maryland Extension.
Upon graduating, each graduate gave a summary of their business plan along with being awarded a certificate of completion from NxLevel, a nationally recognized entrepreneurship training provider.
This program would not be possible without the support of our donors and we would like to thank the following organizations and business that provided financial support the program: MidAtlantic Farm Credit, Farmers Bank of Willards, and Beginning Farmer Success.
Congratulations and good luck to all our graduates!
