Steps to Success self-assessment tool
Not all successful organic farms excel in the same way. Steps to Success (PDF: 363 KB / 4 pages) is a series of five simple worksheets meant especially for organic farmers who want to assess their own management and financial strengths -- and identify areas they want to improve. We designed Steps for Success with input from farm business management instructors, agricultural economists, and organic farmers. It is free to use and share. If you want a print copy, call 651-201-6012.
Scholarships Available for Specialty Crop Growers and Farmers in Transition to Organic
Minnesota specialty crop growers and crop or dairy farmers who are transitioning to organic in Minnesota can apply for scholarships to offset the cost of farm business management education. Applications are being accepted now.
The scholarships defray farmers' cost to enroll in farm business management education programs offered by schools in the Minnesota State College and University (MnSCU) system. Farmers in the program work one-on-one with management instructors, learning to keep and use quality records to make sound business management decisions. They receive comprehensive year-end analysis that can be used for tax preparation, discussions with lenders and enterprise planning. By participating, they will also help University of Minnesota (UMN) researchers increase the public knowledge and understanding about the economics of both specialty crops and organic transition. Strict privacy measures protect the confidentiality of both participants and their information. See links to the brochures and other resources at right.
Minnesota farmers eligible for the scholarships include:
- Organic and conventional producers of fresh market apples, berries, grapes, pumpkins, vegetables, and sweet corn.
- Crop and dairy producers who are in active transition to organic (or who have been certified less than 3 years).
To learn more about these opportunities, contact a farm business management instructor in your area or call Meg Moynihan at 651-201-6616.
Scholarship funds are provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant program and the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture.
Project partners include MDA, MnSCU, UMN Center for Farm Financial Management, UMN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.
MDA Contact
Meg Moynihan, Principal Administrator
Meg.Moynihan@state.mn.us or 651-201-6616
Ag Marketing & Development Division |
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