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Steve Richards, NY FarmLink, Cornell University, 2002
This workbook is designed to assist those who are considering getting started in farming through the transfer of an existing farm operation. It complements a similar guide for those who are interested in transferring their farming operations to a younger generation. Together, the guides take you through a step-by-step transfer process at your own pace, with the assistance of several service providers.
$10. To order, call NY FarmLink at 1-800-547-3276.
Nancy Grudens-Schuck et al, Community, Food, and Agriculture Program, Cornell University, 1988
An award-winning workbook for beginning farmers and established farmers looking to make a change in their farming operations. Complete with case studies and worksheets.
$8. Click here to order from Cornell's CFAP or call (607) 255-9832.
Iowa State University Extension, July 2001
Addresses different options a person has and considerations a person must make after inheriting a farm. Publication is in PDF format.
Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, University of Wisconsin-Madison
From 1996 to 1999, the UW-Madison Program on Agricultural Technology Studies (PATS) and the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) surveyed over 300 beginning dairy farmers across Wisconsin and conducted in-depth interviews with 30 beginning farmers. These results show that there are a variety of ways to start a successful dairy farm.
Kathryn Hayes, Eric Toensmeier, Michelle Wiggins, Judith Gillan, New England Small Farm Institute, 2002
The workbook is designed to help users learn what it would take to make a "small farm dream" a reality as a commercial agricultural business. It is specifically for those who are in the exploratory stage, and is designed as a decision-making tool. It will assist in establishing a clear vision to guide the decision on whether or not to go farther in developing a full business plan.
71 pages. $22.50. To order, visit web site or call (413) 323-4531.
Wisconsin Rural Development Center
This 37-page publication includes case studies and recommendations for beginning farmers. The 10 case studies cover topics like livestock, value-added, and fruit/vegetable production. Publication is in PDF format.
A resource packet full of good information on agricultural agencies, resources, and organizations helpful to the beginner farmer. Although tailored for New Hampshire beginner farmers, much of this information is useful outside of New Hampshire.
$7 per copy. Include with order check payable to UNH Cooperative Extension for $7 (includes S&H). Order from:
Publications Center
16 Nesmith Hall
131 Main St.
Durham, NH 03824-3597
Preston Sullivan, Lane Greer, Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas
This publication provides information to help you judge whether a new enterprise is right for your operation. It also provides a resource section of additional information on relevant topics.
Topics are Getting Started in Farming, Mostly on Your Own, Part-Time or Small Farms, Via the Home Farm, and So You Have Inherited a Farm.
MidWest Plan Service, University of Minnesota, April 2002
"Getting Established in Farming" focuses on the process of deciding whether or not to farm and how best to get started and established in farming, if that is the choice. With its emphasis on the decision-making process, this publication should prove useful to educators, lenders, consultants, those considering farming as a career, and others. Topics include: deciding if farming is a suitable personal choice; determining if sufficient resources are available; deciding if farming with a partner is workable; developing a partnership agreement; strategies for transferring farm assets and management responsibilities; and keys to building a full-time farm business.
$9. Order publication NCR-610E by calling 1-800-562-3618 or visiting http://www.mwpshq.org/.
Canadian Farm Business Management Council
This booklet is designed to help you learn about the business of farming, address the main factors to consider in starting a farm business, and to provide you with sources of information and suggestions for successfully entering this dynamic industry. Publication is in PDF format.
A more detailed, up-to-date version is available for $19. Click here for more information and to order.
