Farmer Events

Richard Wiswall's experience from farming full time for the last 35 years, coupled with his thirst for appropriate farm business strategies, gives a hard-to-find authenticity to his workshops. Richard will lead this full day workshop focused on making a profit, record keeping strategies, building budgets, and improved financial management for your farm. Beginning and seasoned farmers alike will benefit, and share in some eye opening results. Registration required.

Join experts, educators, and scientists from the University of Massachusetts, University of Vermont, University of New Hampshire, and the University of Maine at an event organized and presented by UMass Extension. The objective of this event is to provide research-based information on the use of hayfield and pasture. Topics include: Managing Alfalfa/Grass Mixtures for High Quality […]

This course helps aspiring and beginning farmers assess and manage a variety of risks that a farmer will face as they operate their enterprise. Throughout the six-week period, topics essential for operating a viable farm business will be discussed, including insurance coverage, types of business structures, and tax information.

Are you considering starting an agricultural enterprise in Massachusetts? The “Explorer” courses are intended for those considering farming as a (small) business. Its purpose is to help pre-venture, aspiring farmers learn what it will take to start and manage their own agricultural enterprise. Explorer makes use of four, guided group sessions and a farmer panel […]

Adding weeks to either end of your growing season can mean attaining a premium for having products available well before (or long after) other local growers. But the structures that make this possible–(unheated plastic-covered “high tunnels” or “hoop houses”) can cost a lot of money, and they bring special management considerations that need to be understood in order to be profitable additions to your farm.

Completion of this online course will enable you to better understand how to price your products, position yourself in the “buy local”, direct sales or wholesale marketplace, and understand low-cost “guerrilla” marketing tactics to get the best bang for your buck and make your farm operation financially sustainable. If you complete the activities in this course, you will possess a marketing plan to guide decisions for which market channels to enter, branding and crisis management plans and pricing guidelines for your farm products