WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Beginning farmers who want to take their operation to the next level can receive profitable business tools and training during a farm viability workshop presented by a specialty crop farmer and farm business consultant.

The Beginning Farmer Northwest Regional Workshop will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the 4-H Community Building, White County Fairgrounds, 12 N. 25 E., Reynolds.

Nathan Boone, an organic grower with experience in commercial vegetable, herb and flower production, will present a wide range of issues facing Indiana’s small farmers, from the personal dimensions of farm life to market development and planning.

“Taking the next step in your operation is an exploration that asks you to bring everything you’ve got to the table,” Boone said.

Attendees for this workshop can learn about:

• Developing/refining a vision, personal goals and objectives.
• Understanding your farm strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis).
• Financial record-keeping systems.
• Monthly cash flow projections.
• Profit and loss/income statements.
• Balance sheets to understand farm assets and liabilities.
• Enterprise budgets.
• Enterprise analysis.
• Cost of production and break-even analysis.
• Loan preparation.
• Business plan development.

Cost is $10 and lunch will be provided.

To register or to find more information about other regional workshops, go to www.conf.purdue.edu/BegFarmerTours. Registration tabs are located at the upper and lower right corners.

— Purdue University