Farming Profitably: Business Planning & Management, Marketing, and Record-Keeping

A Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) Intensive Learning Program presented by the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) with support from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Risk Management Agency.

Course Offered in Three Locations Across Pennsylvania

West

Date: Saturday, April 4th
Location: Storm Harbor Equestrian Center; Slippery Rock,  Butler County

Southeast

Date: Saturday, April 18th
Location: Chester Co. Economic Development Council (CCEDC), Exton, Chester County

Central

Date: Saturday, May 2nd
Location:  TBD, Centre County

All Three events will run from 9am-4pm (lunch is included)

Cost: $50 PASA members,  $75 all others
Limited to 25 registrants per event

Participants will be guided through:

•  Creating a business plan
•  Developing a marketing strategy
•  Maintaining finances using both traditional bookkeeping methods and the latest computer software

The experts at SBDC work with local farmers in seven rural designated counties, providing instruction on  how to construct a functional business plan, as well as the proper records to provide measurements and track trends for the benefit of the farm business.


This day-long intensive seminar will also cover:

•    Defining of a "good set" of farm business records
•    Developing a farm management/business plan
•    Choosing your form of organization (LLC, Inc., etc.)
•    Understanding basic farm accounting (farm cash flow/income statements)
•    Pricing for profit
•    Using software and database management on your farm
•    Finding funding - Developing a financial package

 
Extensive examples will be given for a diversity of farm businesses.  Participants will receive a free trial software package from the Center for Farm Financial management, Univ. of Minnesota Extension Service and have the opportunity to practice using the software in the class.  During lunch, hear a special presentation on changes in Farm Bill that effect insurance options and other ways to manage risk on your farm.  Brought to you with support from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency.  Attendees will be given access to an on-line farm business planning tool, and follow-up assistance by the Scranton SBDC consultants who serve as Agricultural Specialists on staff.

For more information about this course, including a short PowerPoint outlining the agenda for the day, visit www.pasafarming.org. 
To register call 814-349-9856 ext. 205 or email Rachel@pasafarming.org.