Tilling the Soil of Opportunity

Tilling the Soil of Opportunity is a Nationally Recognized Ag Entrepreneurship Training Program Customized for Local Farmers and Agricultural Business Owners

OVERVIEW OF THE CLASS

In this multi-session program, farmers will learn to tune-up or reinvent their agricultural enterprises. Business planning, marketing research, and financial management skills are a few of the concrete tools taught by certified business trainers and local experts.

Using proven adult learning techniques and a curriculum tailored to the unique needs of Pennsylvania agriculture, participants will evaluate their business ideas and complete business plans ready for a banker’s review.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE?

The program is designed to help a broad range of small to mid-sized farmers, food processors, distributors, retailers, food professionals and others working in the agricultural sector. Owners and managers of new and existing businesses are encouraged to participate.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

In six years of teaching Tilling the Soil of Opportunity classes in Pennsylvania, more than 100 farmers have been taught the skills and mindset necessary to have a sustainable agricultural business. Many of the graduates have noted specific advantages of attending this class, in relation to their value-added enterprises. Some have noted an immediate increase in profitability because of changes made. Others who entered the class in the pre-venture stage cite that they are taking more care in business development; this means that they are sometimes behind their original timeline, but moving ahead with less risk to their investment of time, energy and resources. Here are a few profiles of Tilling the Soil students who credit the class as a key factor of success in their enterprise:

A Christmas tree grower attending the class began a detailed survey of the market for cut trees, and as a result set a goal of beginning to market trees to charitable organizations for their holiday lot sales. Previously, he had only sold tagged trees at the farm. In relation to value added items on the farm (wreaths and swags), because of the class, he was able to realize that he had to reformulate his prices. By pricing the wreaths and swags in line with current market price, he was able to increase his profit margin the season after attending Tilling the Soil. Because of further market analysis and increase in number and sophistication of pricing, he anticipated an additional increase in profit in subsequent years.

An orchard owner/vegetable farmer reported substantially increased profits for the summer after attending the winter session of Tilling the Soil. She points to the opportunity to direct market her vegetables, small fruit and apples at USDA sponsored farm market in Washington D.C. as the reason for this increase. Prior to attending the class, she had primarily depended on local customers coming to a market stand on her farm.

A young entrepreneur developed a more thorough start-up process for his freezer beef operation, as a result of what he learned in the class. When interviewed 3 months after the last session, he reported that, while he is behind his original timeline, he has a specific work plan that is in place and progressing the way it should. He credits the information received from Cooperative Extension with his not launching into the business without all of the supports in place - supports that will help him do set up the operation profitability and in a sustainable manner. As he said, the class made him "realize that he has to do the research before starting a business."

Another student who has been in business for over thirty years commented half way through the course, "if the class was over today, I have learned a great deal."

COMING SOON TO A LOCATION NEAR YOU!

Throughout Pennsylvania, this series of 6 classes will begin in January 2008 on the following schedule:

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, January 9 & 23, February 6 & 20, and March 5 & 19 in the following counties:

Bradford/Susquehanna
Centre
Lebanon
Mercer

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, January 16 & 30, February 13 & 27, and March 12 & 26 in the following counties:

Adams
Clinton
Fayette/Washington
Jefferson
Warren

Students must attend all 6 sessions in order to receive instruction about all parts of the business plan.

TO REGISTER OR RECEIVE INFORMATION

A Registration fee is $195 for an individual, or $245 for two people from the same farm sharing the curriculum. This fee covers all materials and breaks (lunch on your own). To register, or receive more information about this class, call the Lebanon County Extension Office at (717)270-4391 or email wwm1@psu.edu to receive a complete registration packet.