As more consumers search for fresh local foods, more farmers are considering adding an entrepreneurial business such as eggs, honey, or produce to their farm business. Many new farmers, even those with just a few acres, often consider producing food to sell within their community. 

“This four-hour workshop is designed to help people who think they might want to get their feet wet in sustainable farming learn what it takes to start and manage a farm-based business, and decide whether this is the path they are ready to take,” said Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture Extension Specialist.

The workshop will cover resource assessment, goal-setting, financial planning, and marketing options. Participants will have the opportunity to meet experienced sustainable farmers, graduates of the longer 10-month Central Illinois Farm Beginnings course, and other prospective farmers. They will learn about different successful farm enterprises, and be able to ask questions about the genesis and development of farm businesses.

“Participants in the workshop will walk through the next steps required in pursuing their farming goals and leave with a clear idea about what’s possible and what the risks are, so they’ll be better prepared if they decide to take the plunge,” said Terra Brockman, Director of Farmer Training at The Land Connection.

Registration for each workshop is $30 and includes a light supper. All workshops are from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Payment can be done by mail, by contacting The Land Connection  at 847-570-0701, or online at http://www.thelandconnection.org/farmers/dreams.cfm.

The Dates and locations for “Is Entrepreneurial Farming for You?” are:

June 1

University of Illinois Extension, Cass County Unit Office

651 S. Job, Virginia

June 16

University of Illinois Extension, Logan County Unit Office

980 N. Postville Drive

Lincoln

June 22

Pembroke Community Center

13647 E. Central Ave.

St. Anne

June 29

University of Illinois Extension, Moultrie-Douglas Unit Office

122 S. Walnut Street

Arthur

“Is Entrepreneurial Farming for You?” was developed and will be facilitated by Terra Brockman of The Land Connection and Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, the Small Farms Specialist with the University of Illinois Extension.

University of Illinois Extension is a statewide educational network that links the resources and research of the University of Illinois to the people of Illinois.  The programs and workshops, which take place throughout the state, address issues involving youth, families, community development, agriculture, and natural resources. For more information, please visit, http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/  If reasonable accommodations are needed in order to participate in any of the programs, call 217-241-4644.

The Land Connection is a 501(c)3 educational non-profit organization that works to ensure successful farmers, healthy farmland, and an abundance of delicious local and organic food by training beginning farmers and facilitating sustainable farmland successions. For more information please visit www.thelandconnection.org or contact Kathy McGroarty-Torres at (847) 570-0701 or info@thelandconnection.org.