This project used a mixed method teaching approach through Collaborate Live (webinar platform), teleconference, and Blackboard (online education portal) to teach a 12 week (36 hour) course that covered the knowledge and skills to reduce and manage the risks associated with starting or expanding a diversity of farming and ranching enterprises in remote Alaska.
Thirty five beginning farmers were enrolled in the course and learned about variety of risk management topics such as: financial management, record keeping tools to support business decision-making, business structures for agricultural enterprises, analysis tools to evaluate investment decisions, and finding available resources, such as FSA micro-loans. Guest presenters from around the state were invited to collaborate as local experts, and presented on 8 of the 12 topic areas. Throughout the course, participants were assigned readings and assessments from MOSES’s Fearless Farm Finances, and worked towards developing a personal risk assessment, and business plan. Upon completion of the 12 week course, 15 participants had completed a Personal risk assessment, and a new business plan for their individual farm enterprises.