Planning for On-Farm Success

This unique course series uses a combination of statewide curriculum and local presenters to help farmers and ranchers build their marketing and business plans, while connecting participants with local resources that can be used well beyond the end of the series. These workshops are valuable for young or beginning farmer/ranchers, families with a younger generation returning to the operation, people interested in direct-marketing a product, or anyone looking to diversify.

Oct 29th, Strategic Planning – local rancher Bob Lee will discuss setting attainable and practical goals for the farm or ranch

Nov 5th, Knowing Your Market – Matt Speed and Drew Galahan of Gally’s Brewing will talk about how to connect with local buyers for direct marketing

Nov 12th, Promoting Your Product – local ranchers Nick and Marti Schultz will tell their story of raising beef and selling their product locally

Nov 19th, Managing Finances and Dec 3rd, Financial Decision-Making – local CPA, Stacie Arntzen will discuss essential financial statements in the first session, then talk about using that information to evaluate financial health and make decisions moving forward. *Attending both of these sessions qualifies you for FSA borrower credits.

Dec 10th, Financing the Farm and Dec 17th, Managing Farm Risk – representatives from Northwest Farm Credit Services and the Farm Service Agency will discuss financing options, young producer programs, and options for minimizing risk on the farm or ranch.

Planning for On-Farm Success is a program made possible by a grant from the USDA, through Farm Link Montana. Anyone interested in the class is encouraged to attend, whether the whole series or just an individual session. Participants can pay $75 for all seven classes, or can pay $15 per session to attend just the classes most relevant to them. Class fees include all class materials and dinner each week.

There is no registration deadline, but to ensure we have enough food and materials for everyone, the Extension office requests that you register at least a few days in advance of the session(s) you plan to attend. To RSVP, or for any questions about the class, please call the Extension Office at 406-535-3919.