Project Overview
This project addresses risks associated with starting or transitioning to new agricultural businesses or enterprises. These businesses typically have great needs for financial, marketing, and production expertise. Building collaborative relationships and accessing existing resources is difficult for them, due to the rural nature of the region.
Sixty participants were from six rural counties of Northern New York (Essex, Clinton, Franklin, St. Lawrence, Lewis and Jefferson). Participants attended a workshop series on building the right agricultural business. The workshops included sixteen two-hour sessions where producers were led through an in-depth evaluation of resources (land, equipment, labor, knowledge, interest, ability etc.) available to them. Viable business options were discovered, discussed, and ranked. Additional resources required and timeframes were incorporated into customized business plans (25 total plans). Upon completion of the workshop, participants were given additional one-on-one assistance to help them put their business plans into action. Three participants decided to not implement their business plans at the present time.
The participants identified the need for mentor led groups in the areas of Equine Boarding, Breeding, Training,Tack Sales; Small Ruminent Production and Marketing; Natural/Grassfed/Organic Livestock Production and Marketing; Vegetable/Herb Growning and Marketing; Forestry/Natural Resources/Agroforestry Management and Marketing.
Number of Participants: 60
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
There are no educational materials available for this project.
REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.