Land Stewardship Project

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Farm Beginnings Class

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Is Farm Beginnings a Good Fit for You?

The Farm Beginnings class is a 12-month training session that helps beginning farmers clarify their goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building their operation. The course uses a mix of farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network.

Farm Beginnings is designed for new and prospective farmers who want to plan a profitable farm business. Students do not need to currently own land, but some farming or production experience is helpful to get the most out of the class.

In this class, participants will:

• Establish quality of life goals and clarify their values.

• Learn about whole farm planning, marketing and financing.

• Write a farm business proposal.

• Learn from some of the most innovative and skilled farmers operating in the Midwest.

• Learn alongside a classroom of your peers.

• Access an extensive network of farmers through the Farmer Network.

• See sustainable farming practices in action on active farms.

2021-2022 Course Starts in November

LSP’s 2021-2022 Farm Beginnings course will be begin in November 2022. The application deadline is Sept. 15, and the early bird discount deadline is Aug. 15.

You Can Apply for the Class Here

 

The class cost is $1,000, which covers up to two individuals per farm. Applications are due September 15, 2022, and applications that are received before August 15 (and accepted) will receive a $100 discount. More information and application materials can be found here or by contacting Annelie Livingston-Anderson at 612-217-0553 or via e-mail. Scholarships are available as well as a Minnesota Beginning Farmer Tax Credit for the cost of the class (Minnesota residents).

Farm Beginnings has always been and will continue to be:

  • Farmer-led: Class participants will hear from regional farmers about their farms and how they’ve implemented goal setting, marketing, and financial management practices.
  • Community based: Applicants from Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and northern Iowa will be given priority because LSP is best able to provide resources and connections in this area. If you are located elsewhere, check out the Farm Beginnings Collaborative website to see if there is an organization near you offering Farm Beginnings.
  • Focused on sustainable agriculture: All farmers are encouraged to create a farm plan that is economically, socially, and ecologically sustainable.

  • Farm Beginnings Profile: A Raw Deal on Farmland

    June 15, 2021

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    Farm Beginnings Profile: A Raw Deal on Farmland

  • Farm Beginnings Profile: An Enigmatic Edge in Corn Country

    January 6, 2021

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    With its pool table topography and coffee-colored soils, southern Minnesota’s Nicollet County perennially ranks…

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  • Farm Beginnings Profile: A Land-Based Launching Pad

    December 14, 2018

    On a warm day in early October, the owner-operators of Clover Bee Farm are preparing a delivery for the 43 shareholders that make up their…

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Contact:

Annelie Livingston-Anderson, LSP Farm Beginnings facilitator, 612-217-0553, e-mail

  • For Farmers & Landowners
    • New Farmers
      • Farm Beginnings Class
      • Journeyperson Course
      • Farm Dreams Workshop
      • Farmland Clearinghouse
      • Accessing Farmland
      • Beginning/Retiring Farmer Tax Credit
      • Beginning Farmer Profiles
    • Retiring Farmers & Landowners
      • Farmland Clearinghouse
      • Conservation Leases
      • Beginning/Retiring Farmer Tax Credit
      • Land Transition Tools
      • Transition Stories
    • Soil Health
      • Cover Crops
      • Grazing
      • No-till
      • Microbiology
      • Soil Builders’ Network
      • Soil Builders’ E-Letters
    • Cropping Systems Calculator
    • Conservation Leases
  • Join, Donate, or Renew
  • Building People Power

Upcoming Events

December 2021

Sunday December 5

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
ISAIAH Southern MN Climate Summit
ISAIAH Southern MN Climate Summit
Sunday December 5
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

https://secure.everyaction.com/n0Pe-AURFUWPnjDN5FiYxg2

Tuesday December 7

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
100% Campaign Climate Caucus Training
100% Campaign Climate Caucus Training
Tuesday December 7
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

https://secure.everyaction.com/bbbA7twgl0GkI50IErd3xA2

Thursday December 9

9:00 am – 10:30 am
Vegetable Farm Labor Grower Gathering
Vegetable Farm Labor Grower Gathering
Thursday December 9
9:00 am – 10:30 am

All businesses are struggling with labor shortages and vegetable farms are no exception. Anna Racer of Waxwing Farm, Elisabeth Minich of Steadfast Acres, and Dana Jokela of Sogn Valley Farm will set the stage for this gathering with a brief overview of the labor picture on their particular operations, how that picture is changing, and how their farms are changing as a result. Join this online gathering of farmers from throughout the Midwest for a broad discussion of labor challenges and possible solutions.

Register for this event here.

This free event is offered in partnership with FairShare CSA Coalition, UW Extension, and  Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES).
Vegetable Farm Labor Grower Gathering with MOSES &
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Building Community Food Webs with Ken Meter
Building Community Food Webs with Ken Meter
Thursday December 9
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Our current food system has decimated rural communities and confined the choices of urban consumers. Even while America continues to ramp up farm production to astounding levels, net farm income is now lower than at the onset of the Great Depression, and one out of every eight Americans faces hunger. 

But a healthier and more equitable food system is possible. Come hear how grassroots food and farming leaders across the U.S. are tackling these challenges by building community food webs that strive for health, wealth, capacity, and connection. 
 
Register here: https://secure.everyaction.com/2AubG0x1TEaSRGhdOxLhAQ2

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Direct Marketing Workshop: How to Market to Your Ideal Customer & Manage Your Limited Time
Direct Marketing Workshop: How to Market to Your Ideal Customer & Manage Your Limited Time
Thursday December 9
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Description: Rachelle Meyer of Wholesome Family Farms, will share specific and actionable tips for building your ideal customer and figuring out which marketing strategies work for them by using technology to track customer activity and communicate effectively. Rachelle combines tried and true marketing principles with firsthand experience as a farmer/direct-marketer to help you refine your marketing approach, avoid needless pitfalls and focus on what’s working well for your business and customer. Registration for this event here.

View Full Calendar

Recent Posts

  • Winona County BOA Denial of CAFO Variance a Win for Farms, People & the Land December 2, 2021
  • LSP Job Announcement: Farm Beginnings Organizer November 18, 2021
  • Court’s Decision a Win for Land, Communities & Farms November 3, 2021
  • The Importance of Investing in Soil Health & Resilient Rural Communities October 26, 2021
  • The Wonder of Farming with Nature October 22, 2021

Montevideo

117 South First Street
Montevideo, MN 56265
(320) 269-2105

Lewiston

180 E. Main Street
Lewiston, MN 55952
(507) 523-3366

Minneapolis

821 E. 35th Street #200
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 722-6377

Copyright © 2021 Land Stewardship Project. All rights reserved.

https://landstewardshipproject.org/farm-beginnings-class