CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois Farm Beginnings (SIFB) is a full-year program for anyone wanting to engage in sustainable, entrepreneurial farming. The program provides education and information to beginning and transitioning farmers and ranchers in three key ways:
- One-on-one farmer mentorships
- On-farm field days
- Classroom business and marketing seminars
Through Southern Illinois Farm Beginnings, you will:
- Articulate your values and goals into a vision and mission statement for your farm business
- Formulate short- and long-term farming goals
- Craft a detailed business plan for your farm enterprise
- Learn critical farm management skills such as financing and marketing strategies
- Tap into the knowledge of innovative and skilled farmers in Southern Illinois
- Access opportunities for land and equipment use and/or rental
- Receive mentoring from a farmer engaged in a similar enterprise
- Develop important connections with beginning and experienced farmers
- Make personal contact with a wide range of Illinois professionals that support small-scale local farmers, including USDA specialists, bankers, farmers market managers, reporters, and attorneys
2017-2018 Enrollment Deadline is October 2nd.
Click here to learn more and apply.
— Food Works
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