2025 Small Farm Start-up School: Teaching New Beginner Farmers Business Planning, Including Crop and Animal Production
Agricultural Economics & Community Development
Luis Rodriguez
Agriculture Extension Agent (Small Farms &; Pesticide Education)
UF/IFAS Extension
Lakeland
Abstract
Situation: Farmers earning less than $350,000 annually are classified as small farmers by USDA ERS. In Florida, 81% of the state’s 47,703 farms generate under $99,999 and rely on off-farm income (USDA NASS, 2022; ERS, 2024). Limited business capacity contributes to instability, with 50% of agriculture-related businesses failing within ten years (BLS, 2024). A 2025 survey identified marketing, value-added strategies, technology adoption, and financial management as top educational needs. UF/IFAS Extension can address these gaps through farm business education.
Methods: Between 2022 and 2024, UF/IFAS Extension designed and implemented a hybrid course on farm business management and production practices to equip farmers with tools for informed decision-making in farm business and crop/animal production. After the original agent’s 2025 retirement, the Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Program enhanced the eight-week program using feedback and improved pedagogy. The course includes a farm tour, six online modules with quizzes, a farmer panel, and guided development of a comprehensive business plan covering management, production, agritourism, and regulatory topics.
Results: Thirteen participants from seven counties attended the October–November 2025 program. They reported an average of 1.69 off-farm revenue streams and interest in diverse enterprises. Weekly quizzes averaged 86%, indicating knowledge gains. Post-course surveys (n=6) showed knowledge increases in business (93%), production (86%), and FSA requirements (75%). All respondents (100%) planned farm business behavioral changes, and 67% planned production changes. Reported actions included adding revenue streams, formalizing leases, and crop planning. While only 17% considered their business plan complete, all were actively working toward starting a farm and felt prepared to make informed decisions. Overall satisfaction was 94%. Participants projected creating 18 full-time and 9 part-time jobs. Business plan scores improved by 83% among those submitting mid-and end-of-course plans, suggesting instructor feedback was effective.
Conclusion: The UF/IFAS Extension farm business management program increased participants’ knowledge, confidence, and decision-making capacity. Combining online modules, hands-on activities, and personalized guidance, the program supported farmers in developing actionable business plans, adopting improved practices, and enhancing small farm viability and resilience.
Authors: Luis Rodriguez, Jessica Ryals, David Campbell, David Outerbridge, Jennifer Hagen, Allison Williams, Kendall Gill, Amanda Masholie, Karen M. Stauderman, Danielle D. Treadwell, Ashley Stonecipher
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Luis Rodriguez Agriculture Extension Agent (Small Farms &; Pesticide Education), UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, Florida, 33830
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Jessica Ryals Ext Agent III, Sustainable Ag/Food Systems, UF/IFAS Extension Collier County, Florida, 34120
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David Campbell Education/Training Spec II, UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 32611-0690
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David Outerbridge County Extension Director, UF/IFAS Extension Lee County, Florida, 33916
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Jennifer Hagen Ext Agt II, FCS, UF/IFAS Extension Lee County, Florida, 33916
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Allison Williams Extension Agent I, Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises, UF/IFAS Hillsborough County, Florida, 33584
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Kendall Gill Extension Agent I Livestock, UF/IFAS Extension DeSoto County, Florida, 34266
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Amanda Masholie Interim County Ext Director and Extension Agent III, M.S., UF/IFAS Extension Walton County, Florida, 32433
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Karen M. Stauderman Extension Agent III, M.S., UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County, Florida, 32724
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Danielle D. Treadwell Associate Professor, Ph.D., UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 32611-0690
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Ashley Stonecipher Agriculture and Food Systems Extension Agent, M.A., UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County, Florida, 32724