The Beginning Farmer Farm Business Management Scholarship program provides scholarships to eligible farmers in Minnesota to learn business management strategies that will lead to profitable and satisfying farming operations.

What is Farm Business Management?

Minnesota State Farm Business Management (FBM) is available through seven Minnesota State College and Universities. FBM instructors work one-on-one with farmer students to design a program that best meets their business and personal goals. Focus is on using quality records and sound business decisions using tools such as the FINBIN Farm Financial Database and the AgPlan Business Planning Program.

How does the program work?

  • We offer grants to the Minnesota State affiliated Foundations, who work with their respective colleges to award the scholarships to students.
  • FBM faculty and the Dean of the college review the applications and determine scholarship recipients.
  • Each scholarship pays up to 50 percent of tuition for up to 40 credits (after financial aid and any other grants). Amounts are determined as follows:
    • Up to 20 credits – 50%
    • 21 to 30 credits – 40%
    • 31 to 40 credits – 25%

Am I eligible?

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a Minnesota resident
  • Have fewer than 40 credits of FBM instruction
  • Own and operate a farm or ranch, wholly or in partnership with others, for 10 years or fewer
  • Have a financial interest in the farm
  • Participate in management decisions and operation of the farm on a regular basis

How do I apply?

To apply for a scholarship:

  1. Find an FBM instructor, if you don’t already have one.
  2. Work with your instructor to complete a scholarship application
  3. Submit your application through your college website