Find workshop descriptions and speakers for the 2024 Business of Farming Conference below, organized by track.
Business Planning | Financial Planning | Risk Management | Marketing | Market Opportunities
Business Planning
Building Blocks: How to Start Your Farm Business
Mountain Bizworks and an early-stage farmer lead this session to help new farmers assemble the building blocks to launch a strong business. Get an easy-to-use checklist, business planning templates, and a resource guide for getting started with financing, insurance, accounting, and more. Presented by Holly Rivers, Mountain Bizworks, and Lyric East, Wild East Farm
Resources for New and Beginning Farmers
Give your business a firm foundation by tapping into the resources available to small farms in the Southern Appalachian region. Get an overview of agricultural support agency programs and hear farmer perspectives on what has been the most useful in starting and growing their own farms. Presented by Alyssa and Salvador Moreno, Moreno Family Farm; Howard Berk, Ellijay Mushrooms; and Nick Race, Race Family Farmstead
Cooperative Farming and Land Ownership
Farmers can often benefit from working together, not only to increase efficiency and income, but to cultivate a community rooted in shared values and mutual aid. This can include shared purchasing, multi-farm CSAs, shared land and labor agreements, as well as systems of collective support and trust among farming groups. Hear from a farmer using a cooperative model and the founder of a community farm as they share experiences and lead a discussion. Presented by Kelly Owensby, Transplanting Traditions, and Delia Jovel, Tierra Fértil Coop
Financial Planning
Planning for Retirement NEW
Retirement may not be top of mind for you right now, but planning for the end of your career can ensure long-term success. NC FarmLink will lead a discussion on retirement planning and the steps beginning and midcareer farmers can take now in order to confidently retire when the time is right. Presented by Steven Bishop, NC FarmLink, and Carol Coulter, Heritage Homestead Creamery
Farm Financials and Recordkeeping
Basic recordkeeping and financial planning skills are essential for farm owners to keep their businesses organized and efficient. This workshop from Mountain Bizworks offers a farmer-led overview of recordkeeping best practices and key financial management principles, designed to serve as a guide to getting started or improving the systems your farm business already has in place. Presented by Janelle Tatum, Mountain Bizworks, and Jesah Segal, Sprout Culture Microgreens
Alternate Capital: Fundraising, Grant Seeking, and Grant Writing for Farmers NEW
This workshop will walk you through the process of finding grants for your farm, provide tools for writing successful grant applications, and explore fundraising strategies to support your farm business. Hear from experienced farmers about what methods they have found most effective. Presented by Jess Mrugula, NC Cooperative Extension, Mark McDonagh, Mighty Gnome Market Garden, and Nora Scheff, ASAP
Risk Management
Legal Tools for Protecting Your Farm
Join agribusiness attorneys from Ward and Smith, P.A. for an overview of the real-life legal issues affecting farms every day. Learn how to address challenges and mitigate risks around business formation, labor and employment, litigation, estate/succession planning issues, and more. Presented by Bill Durr, Jenny Boyer, and Avery Locklear, Ward and Smith, PA
Understanding Agricultural Land Use NEW
Andrew Branan, an agricultural and environmental law specialist from North Carolina State University, will lead this session on land use and access regulations and issues, including sales and property tax, bona fide farm zoning and building permits, fencing and trespass, neighbor complaints, access easements, leased land, restrictive covenants, and more. Presented by Andrew Branan, North Carolina State University
Branding and Marketing
Communicating Your Farm Values
The value of your farm extends well beyond a price sheet. But is this value—whether it’s your production practices, niche products, or farm identity—understood by your customers? This workshop will explore ways that farmers have used storytelling to communicate the values that set them apart. Presented by Vannah Roddy, Encompass Farm, and Amy Miller, Root Cause Farm
Cultivate Your Brand
A brand is much more than your logo. Whether you are selling direct to consumers or through wholesale accounts, a cohesive farm voice is critical to standing out and retaining customers. Learn about the key elements of effective branding and hear from farms that have recently gone through the process. Presented by Steven Beltram and Danielle Hutchison, TendWell Farm, and Chloe Moore, Southside Community Farm
Marketing Local Meats
Selling local meats (i.e., meats raised outside the commodity market) has its own specific marketing challenges and opportunities. Hear from a local meat producer as well as Lee Menius of NC Choices about marketing consideration, including identifying customers, talking about your meat, increasing sales at farmstands and markets, and creating a consumer-friendly bulk meat program.Presented by Lee Menius, NC Choices, and Michael Richarde, Good Wheel Farm
Market Opportunties
Farm Fresh for Health
From produce prescriptions and SNAP incentives to workplace wellness and farm to school, there is expanding awareness that local foods are deeply linked to the health of our communities. Learn about opportunities to align your farm business with Farm Fresh for Health, connecting with community-based initiatives to expand your customer base and increase sales. Presented by Molly Nicholie, ASAP, and Mark McDonagh, Mighty Gnome Market Garden
Determining Your Market Mix
Having diversified outlets—from farmers markets to restaurant sales to agritourism—can help a farm business weather changing market dynamics. But keeping up with varied schedules, product demands, volumes, and personalities is a challenge. This workshop will help you create efficiencies and decide which outlets are right for your farm. Presented by Edeoba Edobor, North Carolina State University
Diversifying Through Value-Added Products
Value-added products can be an opportunity to diversify your farm’s offerings, increase revenue, and allow your business to be successful year-round. Learn from farmers and value-added producers as they share their experiences creating and marketing artisan products. Presented by Michael McDonald, Blue Ridge Food Ventures, and Alicia Stump, Stump Farms