Plan Your Farm
free tutorials to get started planning a small farm business
Ready to Plan your Farm?
This free self-paced course guides you through videos, readings, and planning activities to help you take the first step toward developing your farm plans. This course also serves as the primary "textbook" for BF 101: Starting at Square One, an instructor-led course which offers the opportunity to meet other new farmers, hear from successful producers, get your questions answered, and get feedback on your farm plans.
Work through the following topics in order and you’ll have a solid foundation for the start of your farm business.
Target Audience
Aspiring/Beginner/Start-up - This free course is for people who are exploring the social, emotional, financial, and ecological aspects of operating a farm business.
Your Instructor
Erica owns and operates Shelterbelt Farm, a diversified operation with sheep, an orchard, high tunnels, and overnight accommodations in Brooktondale, NY. She is also Associate Director of Distance Learning and Special Projects for the Cornell Small Farms Program.
Course Curriculum
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StartWelcome
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StartMeet the Farmers
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StartLove of Farming and Lessons from Experience
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StartGetting Started with Goals, Skills, and Resources
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StartAssessing Your Resources
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StartBeginning Farmer Skills Checklist
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StartLet Your Values Guide You
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StartCreate Your Mission Statement
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StartDeveloping Goals
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StartExpand Your Knowledge!
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StartEvaluating Land and Facilities for Farming
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StartLand Access Strategies and Support
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StartHow Much Land is Enough?
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StartOnline Farmland Directories
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StartCultural History
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StartSoils: What Does "Soil Health" Really Mean?
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StartSoils: Type and Testing
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StartMacroclimate: Growing Degree Days, Precipitation and Other Considerations
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StartMicroclimate: From Lakes to Frost Pockets
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StartInfrastructure: Buildings and Facilities
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StartMapping Farm Land: Google Earth Tutorials
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StartACTIVITY: Scale of Permanence
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StartQuiz Yourself: Land Evaluation
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StartExpand Your Knowledge!