Taking Online Farming Courses Can Qualify You For No Interest Loans – Ag Matters

As the farming paces slows a bit in the coming winter months, Cornell Cooperative Extension's online course season starts.  Whether you're thinking of starting a farm, changing the direction of a current operation or learning more about the business end of farming; there's a class for that.

The Northeast Beginning Farmer's Project offers online courses from October through early April.  Courses run for six weeks and most start after the holidays.  Here's a list of course beginning in the New Year.

January

• BF 102: Markets and Profits – Exploring the Feasibility of Your Farming Ideas
• BF 120: Veggie Farming – From Planning to Planting
• BF 140: Small-scale Organic Grain Production – Is it Right for Your Farm?
• BF 151: Intro to Maple Syrup Production
• BF 201: Effective Marketing for Busy Farmers – Sell Smarter, Not Harder
• BF 203: Holistic Financial Planning – Building Profit into the Picture
• BF 231: Grazing Management – Improve Your Triple Bottom Line Through Better Grazing

Feb

• BF 121: Veggie Farming – From Season-Long Care to Market
• BF 150: Farm-Scale Mushroom Production – For Fun and Profit
• BF 202: Planning to Stay in Business – Writing Your Business Plan

March

• BF 103: Taking Care of Business – Understanding the Business, Regulatory, and Tax Implications of Your Farm
• BF 220: Season Extension with High Tunnels – Know Before You Grow

Courses cost $200, but can be shared amongst 4 people. Participants who complete all requirements of one or more online courses are eligible to be endorsed for a 0% interest loan of up to $10,000 through Kiva Zip.  Get more class details.

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension