Revamped course on farming fundamentals hopes to help beginning farmers
Source: UT Extension
A newly updated Farming Fundamentals course has been launched online by the University of Tennessee Extension. The course provides new and beginning Tennessee farmers with practical, research-based education to help build successful farm businesses.
Originally introduced in January 2022, Farming Fundamentals has helped new producers gain confidence in the knowledge and skills needed to establish and manage a successful farm business. The updated course features expanded content, including new instructional videos, additional resources and enhanced learning materials designed to better meet the needs of today’s beginning farmers. The course complements the hands-on education and individualized assistance available through UT Extension offices in all 95 Tennessee counties, where Extension agents provide local expertise, educational programs and one-on-one assistance as producers start and grow their operations.
The self-paced, online course gives participants the flexibility to complete the program at their own pace while learning from UT Extension specialists, county Extension agents, industry professionals and experienced Tennessee producers from across the state. The course covers enterprise selection, business planning, marketing, recordkeeping, budgeting, financial statements and risk management specifically developed with new and beginning farmers in mind. Each topic is covered in a module with videos, written materials and a quiz. The entire course takes approximately 12 hours to complete. Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies they can apply directly to their farming operations.
Completion of the course satisfies the educational requirement for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Beginning Farmer cost-share program, making it an excellent resource for individuals planning to invest in their agricultural operations.
“Beginning a farming operation involves many important decisions and knowing where to start can be one of the biggest challenges. Starting with a strong foundation in farm business management is critical for long-term success,” said Rachel Painter, farm management specialist with UT Extension. “The course provides practical, research-based information that helps producers make informed decisions as they establish and grow their farms.”
Registration for Farming Fundamentals is now open. The course fee is $150. Once registered, participants will have immediate access to the Canvas course and one year from the purchase date to complete it. For more information and to enroll, visit farmingfundamentals.tennessee.edu.
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