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Unit 1: Planning and Business Development

INTRODUCTION

Southern Illinois Farm. (Patrick Holian/CSREES-USDA)

Welcome to Strategic Farm/Ranch Business Planning and Marketing, the second course of the National Continuing Education Program in Sustainable Agriculture. This course covers three major topics (also identified in the navigation bar to the left):

• Unit 1: Planning and Business Development

• Unit 2: Marketing Opportunities and Strategies for Sustainable Farm/Ranch Businesses

• Unit 3: Managing the Farm/Ranch Business for Long-Term Success.

By the end of this course, you will be better prepared to work with farmers and ranchers as they explore new ideas for the farm business, develop business plans, market their products, assess risks and consider their retirement options. Most of the information, examples and challenges presented in the course apply to farmers in the start-up or transition phases. However, in the third unit, Managing the Farm/Ranch Business for Long-Term Success, we address on-going business management, estate planning and farm transfer for those who have mature businesses or are ready to retire.