Ready to start your Farm Business?
The SWVA Field School is a beginning farmer training program that includes training on business planning, finances, and marketing all geared toward helping beginning farmers create sustainable and profitable small farms. The Field School is made up of two sessions: the Summer Field School and the Winter Business Intensive.
Registration for the 2024 Winter Business intensive is now open! Classes are free. You can attend one or all. Classes are available in person or virtually – you’ll be given the option to choose during the registration process.
2024 Winter Business Intensive
About: 8 intensive classes designed to help set beginning farmers on the path to a successful career in agriculture production. Students will participate in topics such as business planning, sustainable practices, financial management, marketing, and more. You can sign up for individual classes or the whole series. NOTE: This is helpful prep if you’re planning to apply for the Appalachia Regional Food Business Center Business Builder Subaward.
When: 1st and 3rd Thursday during the months of November through February at 6:00pm.
Cost: Free for all 8 classes; includes class binder and a copy of Whole Farm Management.
2025 Summer Field School
About: 8 on-farm classes to where students will have the opportunity to visit local farms and hear about different successful production methods implemented there. Topics include soil health/no-till farming, season extension, forest farming, cattle work, and more.
When: Schedule will be released in 2025.
Cost: Details will be released in 2025. Stay tuned!
Contact the Program Manager
