Master-Agri Manger Workshop Series
Agricultural Economics & Community Development
Blake Carter
County Extension Agent
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service
Springfield
Abstract
In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic created even more problems for crop, livestock, and specialty crop producers. Although 2021 saw a recovery in commodity prices through higher demand for agricultural products via increased domestic consumption (increased productivity and consumer spending) and record or near record export levels, producers were also faced with higher input prices, labor shortages, continued supply chain disruptions, and higher transportation costs. As a result, the farm economy is experiencing more volatility and uncertainty than we have seen in over a decade. Farmers must become even better at the business aspects of farming. These business aspects include strategic planning and marketing, risk management, creation of the appropriate legal organizational structure, financial management, capital budgeting, and human resource management. A team of faculty from the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics and Cooperative Extension Service worked together to create the Master Agri-manager program. This program was done in collaboration with the UGA Small Business Development Center, AgSouth Farm Credit, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency, and a Private Practice Attorney. The pilot Master Agri-manager series consisted of six face-to-face sessions through November 2021.The pilot program was held in Monroe County, GA with a total of 16 participants. Each session of the Master Agri-manager series included 90 minutes of lecture from UGA Extension faculty and collaborative partners with designated time for networking with other participants, interactive hands-on work, discussion, and Q & A. Participants were asked to fill out pre and post program surveys to determine knowledge improvement and value of content. Twenty-five percent of participants self-reported that they will consider converting their farm into a Limited Liability Company. Furthermore, 25% of participants reported they intend to develop a farm business management plan. All of the skills learned will combine to help them improve the business side of their farming or ranching operation. The Master Agri-manager Curriculum is now available for agents to adopt and use in their counties across the state. The goal is to hold two Master Agri-manager Programs per year.
Authors: Blake Carter, Yangxuan Liu, Ben Campbell, Robyn Stewart, Amanda Smith, Greg Fonsah, Tommie Shepherd, Vanessa Shonkwiler
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Blake Carter County Extension Agent, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, Georgia, 31329
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Yangxuan Liu Extension, Economist & Agribusiness Instructor, University of Georgia Ag Econ , Georgia, 31793
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Ben Campbell Extension, Economist & Agribusiness Instructor, University of Georgia Ag Econ , Georgia, 30602
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Robyn Stewart Lincoln County ANR , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, Georgia, 30817
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Amanda Smith Extension Coordinator, Economist & Agribusiness Instructor, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, Georgia, 31793
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Greg Fonsah Economist & Agribusiness Instructor, University of Georgia Ag Econ , Georgia, 30602
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Tommie Shepherd Agribusiness Economist, University of Georgia Ag Econ , Georgia, 30602
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Vanessa Shonkwiler Agribusiness Economist and Instructor, University of Georgia Ag Econ , Georgia, 30602