farm launch

Farm Launch is a business planning program for beginning farmers and ranchers

Applications now open! apply by september 20.

From October 2024 to March 2025, a cohort of 12-15 beginning farmers and ranchers will take the next steps toward establishing or developing their farm businesses by writing complete, professional business plans.

Farm Launch combines cohort learning with one-on-one technical assistance and coaching. Program participants meet every week for virtual group sessions and work time, and meet 1-on-1 with Future Farms Program Director Geoffrey Van at least two times for individual personalized support. Together through these group and individual sessions we address questions and barriers that arise, and take steps to build effective and sustainable business plans as well as advance participants’ farming goals. Additionally, we explore a variety of start-up questions, including hiring best practices, bookkeeping, and options for accessing land and capital. We also connect program participants with more specialized resources and service providers as needed. 

Throughout the six month program, we invite industry experts to shed light on critical business topics with real life examples and best practices. Meanwhile, the cohort provides a space for peer-to-peer learning, mutual support, accountability, and relationship building. Farm Launch uses the book “Whole Farm Management” and other resources as business plan writing guides.

why Business Planning?

Whether for non-profit or for-profit operations, business plans are essential for beginning farmers. They're crucial for accessing capital, whether through grants, loans, or investors, by demonstrating financial viability. These plans also help farmers prioritize daily tasks, providing a clear roadmap for operations. Additionally, they encourage thorough analysis of sales and distribution strategies, helping farmers identify target markets and optimize their business model. Overall, a well-crafted business plan can significantly improve a farm's efficiency, viability, and long-term sustainability.

Schedule

Farm Launch will run virtually via Zoom on Tuesdays from 6-7:30pm from October 15, 2024 through March 25, 2025, with the opportunity for continued one-on-one technical assistance after the program ends. A break will take place from December 10 to January 7. While there will be ample opportunity for participants to do extra work on their own, business plan writing & other activities are designed to be completed during class time. No homework!

Farm Launch will meet from 6-7:30pm on the following dates:

  • October 15, 22, 29

  • November 5, 12, 19, 26

  • December 3, 10

  • January 7, 14, 21, 28

  • February 4, 11, 18, 25

  • March 4, 11, 18, 25

One-on-One meetings with Geoffrey will be scheduled individually.

Learning Objectives

Farm Launch participants will gain a solid foundation in business planning and strategies for accessing land and capital. Cohort members will develop and write the various elements of a business plan. Our cohort curriculum will cover:

  • Visioning and goal setting: matching farm goals with personal life goals

  • Marketing and branding: identify your niche, know your market, and reach your customers

  • Hiring employees, business structures, and business insurance

  • Understanding farm labor

  • SWOT analysis

  • Production, operation, and sales

  • Financial preparedness and keeping accurate records

  • Understanding options and strategies for accessing capital to build your business

  • Understanding options, strategies, and creative models for accessing land

  • And more!

Who should apply?

Farmers who are ready for Farm Launch will have:

  • A clear vision or idea for a farm or ranch operation in Oregon. This business can have already started or be in the pre-start-up phase.

  • Demonstrated a commitment to sustainable farming 

  • Agricultural experience

  • Minimum of 1 year experience with the crops/livestock that they want to produce; more experience preferred

  • Bonus: farm management experience

  • Bonus: experience with sales, marketing and managing finances

  • Access to a computer and stable internet connection

  • No business plan or an incomplete business plan

RFC recognizes that systems of exclusion create steep barriers that make it difficult for certain groups to advance in agriculture, especially for individuals endeavoring to access land and capital. All farmers and ranchers with a passion for sustainable agriculture and desire to grow their farm business are welcome to apply to Farm Launch, and preference will be given to farmers who are underrepresented and underserved in agriculture, such as BIPOC, LGTBQIA2S+, women, and veterans.

Cost

$500, with opportunity to apply for scholarships within application form. This includes all meetings, technical assistance, access to RFC educational materials and resources, and a copy of the Whole Farm Management book.

Please reach out to Future Farms Program Director Geoffrey Van for more information or if you have questions about Farm Launch: geoffrey@roguefarmcorps.org.

This work is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, grant number 2022-70017-38177 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.