farm launch

Farm Launch is a RFC program that provides in-depth business technical support to beginning farmers and ranchers

APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 FARM LAUNCH ARE Closed

From October 2023 to March 2024, a cohort of 15 beginning farmers and ranchers will take the next steps toward establishing their farm businesses by writing complete, professional business plans.

Farm Launch combines cohort learning with one-on-one technical assistance and coaching. RFC staff work individually with farmers, providing personalized support to help participants develop a business plan and advance their farming goals. Program participants meet every week for group classes and working time, and are expected to meet 1-on-1 with Future Farms Program Director Geoffrey Van at least three times through the program. Together, we address any questions or barriers that arise along the way, and take the next steps to build an effective and sustainable business plan. 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 Whole Farm Management and other resources as business plan writing guides.

Time commitment

Farm Launch will run virtually from October 2023 through March 2024 with a possibility for extension through continued one-on-one technical assistance. Weekly meetings are 90 minutes long. A brief break will take place from the end of December to mid-January. While there will be ample opportunity for participants to do extra work on their own, Farm Launch is designed to be completed during class time. No homework!

Learning Objectives

Farm Launch participants will gain a solid foundation in business planning and strategies for accessing land and capital. Together, cohort members will develop the different elements of a business plan, formalized in Upmetrics, an online business plan building program. 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 & 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 for starting or establishing a farm business in Oregon

  • Demonstrated a commitment to sustainable farming 

  • Agricultural experience

    • Minimum 1 year of experience producing the crops/livestock that they want to farm, more experience preferred

    • Bonus: farm management experience

    • Bonus: experience with sales, marketing and managing finances

  • Access to a computer and stable internet connection

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, LGTBQIA+, women, and veterans.

Cost

$950, with opportunity to apply for scholarships. This includes all meetings, technical assistance, access to RFC educational materials and resources, a copy of Whole Farm Management, and subscription to Upmetrics (online business plan writing software).

Please reach out to Changing Hands Program Director Geoffrey Van for more information about Farm Launch.

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.