With opportunities in value-added, direct marketing, and new crops and technologies, there has never been a better time to start or expand an agriculture business in Montana. You have the skills to produce high-value products and Planning For On-Farm Success teaches you how to manage the profitable business that turns your passion into your career.
In Planning For On-Farm Success, you will learn how to:
- Create a Business Plan
- Evaluate New Market Opportunities
- Promote Your Brand
- Create Financial Documents
- Manage Your Cash Flow
- Access the Right Financing
- Prepare to Meet With a Lender
- Manage Risks in Your Operation
Each workshop includes:
- Expert Topic Instruction
- Q&A With Experienced Producers
- Networking with Fellow Farmers & Ranchers
- Supported Work on Your Farm or Ranch Plan
- Planning For On-Farm Success workbook
To obtain Farm Service Agency borrower financial management training credit, you must attend the workshops on Managing Your Financials and Financial Decision-Making. For more info on FSA credit, email mary@missoualacfac.org.
Check out the links below to learn more about the curriculum.
2020 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE AND PRESENTERS
Workshops will be offered on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Registration for workshops will open in November. Check back soon for locations all across Montana!
Workshops will be held in multiple communities simultaneously. All locations will receive the same high-quality content delivered via Adobe Connect broadcast and each class will feature in-person insight from local farmers, ranchers and service providers. Check back soon to find out if Planning For On-Farm Success is being held in your community!
Farm Strategic Planning – January 15th
Topics: Walks through the process of identifying goals and values for your operation, drafting a mission statement and using your values and goals to make decisions.
Researching Your Market – January 22nd
Topics: Identify your target customer, conduct a market research trial, compare and evaluate market channels, and identify and evaluate your competition.
Farm Marketing & Promotion – January 29th
Topics: Think about what makes your product unique, develop marketing messages that set you apart from your competition and develop a marketing plan.
Managing Your Finances – February 5th
Topics: Develop an effective record-keeping system and learn how to estimate income and expenses. Learn how to prepare and use balance sheets, income and expense statements, and cash flows. This workshop is eligible for FSA financial management borrower training credit and will include information on income statements, balance sheets, cash flow budgets, and how to maintain and utilize these systems.
Financial Decision-Making – February 12th
Topics: Learn to evaluate the overall financial health of your farm or ranch and learn when and how to use partial-budgeting, break-even, and ROI to enhance decision-making. This workshop is eligible for FSA financial management borrower training credit and will include information on using your financials to make financial and production decisions as well as how to describe your business goals, changes required to attain those goals, and how those changes will occur using present and projected budgets.
Financing Your Farm – February 19th
Topics: Learn about the different types of financing that are available and the best time to access them over the establishment and growth of your business. Understand credit scores, how to improve them, and how to prepare for a meeting with a lender.
Managing Farm Risks – February 26th
Topics: Identify the risks and liabilities in your operation and make a plan to mitigate them and be prepared if something goes wrong.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Still, have questions about how the PFOS Workshop Series works, or just want to learn more? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page. Or send questions about topics and presenters to mary@missoulacfac.org.