Farming is a Business: Proactive Education to Teach Florida Farmers How to Develop or Improve their Agricultural Operation
Agricultural Economics & Community Development
Luis Rodriguez
Agriculture Extension Agent (Small Farms &; Pesticide Education)
UF/IFAS Extension
Lakeland
Abstract
Background: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that approximately 20% of new businesses fail during the first 2-3 years. Farmers are particularly susceptible to failure as they are often knowledgeable in crop management but lack resources or experience managing businesses. Many farmers may also have new business opportunities, such as agritourism in Florida, that require them to have strong business skills to pursue. Because of this, farmers seek resources to help them make good business decisions in farm management. Objective: Provide practical farm business education in Florida through workshops to increase knowledge and intent of adoption of best practices on topics related to farm business management and agritourism so that farmers achieve success in their business. Methods: Four educational events were planned (2 in-person, 2 Zoom), conducted, and evaluated by UF/IFAS Extension agents to provide education to beginner farmers (68 participants) to facilitate essential tools and strategies to help them develop their agricultural operation’s farm business plan. Two of these workshops focused on general introductory business topics, while the other 2 focused on Florida agritourism options. Topics included business and marketing plans, laws and regulations, and best management practices. The workshops were interactive, and farmers were provided with examples of real and hypothetical farm business models. Results: Surveyed participants (n=25) reported the following increase in knowledge: 54% developing a farm business plan or 43% marketing plan, 36% assessing farm resources, 40% laws and regulations, and 37% best management practices. Eighty-one percent of survey participants reported their intent to implement what was learned, 100% reported they would develop a farm business plan, 95% reported that they would create a marketing plan, and 80% reported they would implement some type of agritourism. Conclusion: Providing workshops on farm business and other related topics could help farmers make better management decisions and have a financially sustainable agricultural enterprise. By providing business training, UF/IFAS agents can play a major role in the economic development of the communities they serve. Providing educational experiences such as these workshops can help beginning farmers understand their roles as business owners, preparing them for the challenges they will face.
Authors: Luis Rodriguez, Jonael Bosques, Trent Blare, Allison Williams
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Luis Rodriguez Agriculture Extension Agent (Small Farms &; Pesticide Education), UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, Florida, 33809
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Jonael Bosques County Extension Director and Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County, Florida, 33873
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Trent Blare Country Representative & Scientist, Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), Florida, 33030
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Allison Williams Small Farms Alternative Enterprises Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, Florida, 33584