Beginning Farmer Training & Education Programs

A variety of programs exist in the upper Midwest region that can provide new farmers in Wisconsin with training and education around production, business planning, farm financials, and more. Programs range from on-farm apprenticeships, mentorships, short-term workshops, longer-term curriculum-based programs, and academic institution degrees. Programs often serve beginning farmers with a range of prior knowledge and experience, but certain programs may be best suited for farmers at a certain level. Find the right education, hands-on training and mentorship programs for your experience level.

I am exploring farming and am looking for education programs

School for Beginning Market Growers Aims to give students a realistic picture of what it takes to run a successful small-scale produce operation—including capital, management, labor and other resources. Contact sam.oschwaldtilton@wisc.edu for more information.
Cut Flower Growers School Contact sdoyel@mchenry.edu for information about this program.
Midwest Apple Growers School https://ipminstitute.org/services/midwest-apple-grower-school/ A three-day course that demonstrates what it takes to set up and run a successful orchard business.
UW-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course The Farm and Industry Short Course (FISC) is a 16-week certificate program for people who want to develop or expand the skills needed to operate a farm, run an agricultural business, or work in the agribusiness sector. The program, first offered in 1886, has provided opportunities for generations of farmers to expand their businesses and career options. https://fisc.cals.wisc.edu/
WI Technical College Ag Food & Natural Resources Programs https://www.wistechcolleges.org/explore-careers/cluster/agriculture-food-and-natural-resources
Northeast WI Technical College (NWTC) Sustainable Food &Agricultural Systems Associate Degree Sustainable Food & Ag Business Course As a graduate of the Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems associate degree program, you’re ready for careers in sustainable gardening, field crop production, livestock operations as well as emerging areas like aquaponics. You will have the necessary knowledge to run your own successful food-related business and add value to your farm products or be qualified for employment in a variety of positions associated with sustainable agriculture, including commercial gardens, livestock operations, farmer support, and local food system efforts.
Bachelor Degree Programs: UW-Madison CALS https://cals.wisc.edu/ ; UW-River Falls CAFES https://www.uwrf.edu/CAFES/ , UW-Platteville School of Agriculture https://www.uwplatt.edu/department/school-agriculture

I am exploring farming and am looking for hands-on training

Rooted – Field School This program offers applicants the opportunity to gain hands-on skills in urban agriculture and garden education through work at Rooted programs: Troy Farm, the Troy Kids’ Garden, and the Goodman Youth Farm. Trainees will choose a focus area: Urban Farming or Garden Education. https://www.rootedwi.org/engage-with-us/training-program/
Farming After Incarceration Release (FAIR)
Wellspring, Inc. – Farmers-in-Training (FIT) Program This program sets up aspiring organic farmers for success with full-time immersive learning and working experience each season https://www.wellspringinc.org/#/
Practical Farmers of Iowa – Labor4Learning This program helps beginning farmers get paid on-the-job training with experienced farmers, and pays experienced farmers for their time and effort. https://practicalfarmers.org/programs/beginning-farmers/labor4learning/
Angelic Organics Learning Center – Take Root Beginning Farmer Program This program connects aspiring farmers to paid employment and training on established farms in southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and the Chicagoland area. https://www.learngrowconnect.org/takeroot
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship This is a National Apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration. This innovative program consists of full-time paid employment, comprehensive training in all aspects of running a managed grazing dairy operation, and the experience needed to transition to dairy farm business ownership. https://www.dga-national.org/

I am exploring farming and am looking for mentorships

Practical Farmers of Iowa – Beginning Farmer Retreat This annual event brings beginning farmers together to network, plan and discuss ways to improve their farms while helping to build a sense of community among this fast-growing farming demographic. https://practicalfarmers.org/events/beginning-farmers-retreat/

I’m a beginner farmer am looking for education programs

School for Beginning Market Growers Aims to give students a realistic picture of what it takes to run a successful small-scale produce operation—including capital, management, labor and other resources. Contact sam.oschwaldtilton@wisc.edu for more information.
Cut Flower Growers School School for Beginning Apple Growers Contact sdoyel@mchenry.edu for information about this program.
Midwest Apple Growers School https://ipminstitute.org/services/midwest-apple-grower-school/ A three-day course that demonstrates what it takes to set up and run a successful orchard business.
Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers https://www.cias.wisc.edu/category/dairy-livestock/ This is the only program of its kind in the nation. Specialized training is offered through traditional classroom activities, hands-on internships, and farm tours. We strongly emphasize the business and financial planning knowledge required to run a successful farm business.
Stateline Farm Beginnings® This is a yearlong program designed to help launch or expand your farm business. Participants learn sustainable farming practices used on real farms, develop a tailor-made farm business plan, and begin to view the farm as an interconnected system. https://www.learngrowconnect.org/SFB
Farm Dreams This is a four-hour workshop designed to help people clarify what motivates them to farm, get their vision on paper, inventory their strengths and training needs and get perspective from an experienced farmer. (Land Stewardship Project https://landstewardshipproject.org/morefarmers/farmdreams )
Managed Grazing Dairy Certificate (Online) Managed Grazing Innovation Center provides high quality education on managed grazing production systems, farm business management, and conservation stewardship in an online format. https://www.dga-national.org/mgic.html
UW-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course The Farm and Industry Short Course (FISC) is a 16-week certificate program for people who want to develop or expand the skills needed to operate a farm, run an agricultural business, or work in the agribusiness sector. The program, first offered in 1886, has provided opportunities for generations of farmers to expand their businesses and career options. https://fisc.cals.wisc.edu/
WI Technical College Ag Food & Natural Resources Programs https://www.wistechcolleges.org/explore-careers/cluster/agriculture-food-and-natural-resources
Northeast WI Technical College (NWTC) Sustainable Food &Agricultural Systems Associate Degree Sustainable Food & Ag Business Course As a graduate of the Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems associate degree program, you’re ready for careers in sustainable gardening, field crop production, livestock operations as well as emerging areas like aquaponics. You will have the necessary knowledge to run your own successful food-related business and add value to your farm products or be qualified for employment in a variety of positions associated with sustainable agriculture, including commercial gardens, livestock operations, farmer support, and local food system efforts.
Bachelor Degree Programs: UW-Madison CALS https://cals.wisc.edu/ ; UW-River Falls CAFES https://www.uwrf.edu/CAFES/ , UW-Platteville School of Agriculture https://www.uwplatt.edu/department/school-agriculture

I’m a beginner farmer and am looking for hands-on training

Rooted – Field School This program offers applicants the opportunity to gain hands-on skills in urban agriculture and garden education through work at Rooted programs: Troy Farm, the Troy Kids’ Garden, and the Goodman Youth Farm. Trainees will choose a focus area: Urban Farming or Garden Education. https://www.rootedwi.org/engage-with-us/training-program/
Wellspring, Inc. – Farmers-in-Training (FIT) Program This program sets up aspiring organic farmers for success with full-time immersive learning and working experience each season https://www.wellspringinc.org/#/
Practical Farmers of Iowa – Labor4Learning This program helps beginning farmers get paid on-the-job training with experienced farmers, and pays experienced farmers for their time and effort. https://practicalfarmers.org/programs/beginning-farmers/labor4learning/
Angelic Organics Learning Center – Take Root Beginning Farmer Program This program connects aspiring farmers to paid employment and training on established farms in southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and the Chicagoland area. https://www.learngrowconnect.org/takeroot
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship This is a National Apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration. This innovative program consists of full-time paid employment, comprehensive training in all aspects of running a managed grazing dairy operation, and the experience needed to transition to dairy farm business ownership. https://www.dga-national.org/
Organic Vegetable Farm Manager Apprenticeship This apprenticeship provides a structure that meets the needs of both experienced and aspiring farmers. This unique competency-based program provides comprehensive, hands-on training under approved Farmer Educators and paid employment for apprentices interested in taking on farm management positions. https://organicvegetableapprenticeship.org/
Savana Institute Agroforestry Apprenticeship This apprenticeship program provides experience and technical education for aspiring agroforestry farmers through on-farm training with a mentor farmer as well as community-building opportunities for farmers, apprentices, and those interested in agroforestry. http://www.savannainstitute.org/apprenticeship.html

I’m a beginner farmer and am looking for mentorships

Practical Farmers of Iowa – Beginning Farmer Retreat This annual event brings beginning farmers together to network, plan and discuss ways to improve their farms while helping to build a sense of community among this fast-growing farming demographic. https://practicalfarmers.org/events/beginning-farmers-retreat/
SCORE Business Mentoring SCORE is a nonprofit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), mentoring services are free, regardless of the number of times you visit a mentor. Mentors are experienced in all aspects and stages of business development, whether you’re thinking of starting a business or growing your existing company. https://www.score.org/find-mentor?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw6fi9brw6QIVycDACh103Q0SEAAYAiAAEgJ71_D_BwE

I’m a farmer and am looking for education programs

Journey Person Course. This course is designed to support people who have several years of managing their own farm under their belt, and are working to take their operation to the next level. https://landstewardshipproject.org/morefarmers/lspjourneypersonfarmtrainingcourse
Farm Pulse Continuum This program is for farmers interested in learning how to use farm financials to explore their farm business decisions. The Farm Pulse Program provides the framework for informed decision-making for the farm manager. https://farms.extension.wisc.edu/programs/farm-pulse/
Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers https://www.cias.wisc.edu/category/dairy-livestock/ This is the only program of its kind in the nation. Specialized training is offered through traditional classroom activities, hands-on internships, and farm tours. We strongly emphasize the business and financial planning knowledge required to run a successful farm business. UW-Madison CIAS
Stateline Farm Beginnings® This is a yearlong program designed to help launch or expand your farm business. Participants learn sustainable farming practices used on real farms, develop a tailor-made farm business plan, and begin to view the farm as an interconnected system. https://www.learngrowconnect.org/SFB
Farm Beginnings This is a a 12-month training session that helps beginning farmers clarify their goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan and start building their operation. https://landstewardshipproject.org/morefarmers/farmbeginningsclass
Managed Grazing Dairy Certificate (Online) Managed Grazing Innovation Center provides high quality education on managed grazing production systems, farm business management, and conservation stewardship in an online format. https://www.dga-national.org/mgic.html
Farm Pulse Continuum This is a program for farmers interested in learning how to use farm financials to explore their farm business decisions. The Farm Pulse Program provides the framework for informed decision-making for the farm manager. https://farms.extension.wisc.edu/programs/farm-pulse/
UW-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course The Farm and Industry Short Course (FISC) is a 16-week certificate program for people who want to develop or expand the skills needed to operate a farm, run an agricultural business, or work in the agribusiness sector. The program, first offered in 1886, has provided opportunities for generations of farmers to expand their businesses and career options. https://fisc.cals.wisc.edu/
WI Technical College Ag Food & Natural Resources Programs https://www.wistechcolleges.org/explore-careers/cluster/agriculture-food-and-natural-resources
Northeast WI Technical College (NWTC) Sustainable Food &Agricultural Systems Associate Degree Sustainable Food & Ag Business Course As a graduate of the Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems associate degree program, you’re ready for careers in sustainable gardening, field crop production, livestock operations as well as emerging areas like aquaponics. You will have the necessary knowledge to run your own successful food-related business and add value to your farm products or be qualified for employment in a variety of positions associated with sustainable agriculture, including commercial gardens, livestock operations, farmer support, and local food system efforts.
Bachelor Degree Programs: UW-Madison CALS https://cals.wisc.edu/ ; UW-River Falls CAFES https://www.uwrf.edu/CAFES/ , UW-Platteville School of Agriculture https://www.uwplatt.edu/department/school-agriculture

I’m a farmer and am looking for hands-on training

Organic Vegetable Farm Manager Apprenticeship This apprenticeship provides a structure that meets the needs of both experienced and aspiring farmers. This unique competency-based program provides comprehensive, hands-on training under approved Farmer Educators and paid employment for apprentices interested in taking on farm management positions. https://organicvegetableapprenticeship.org/
Savana Institute Agroforestry Apprenticeship This apprenticeship program provides experience and technical education for aspiring agroforestry farmers through on-farm training with a mentor farmer as well as community-building opportunities for farmers, apprentices, and those interested in agroforestry. http://www.savannainstitute.org/apprenticeship.html
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship This is a National Apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration. This innovative program consists of full-time paid employment, comprehensive training in all aspects of running a managed grazing dairy operation, and the experience needed to transition to dairy farm business ownership. https://www.dga-national.org/

I’m a farmer and am looking for mentorships

MOSES Farmer-to-Farmer Mentorship. Get 1-to-1 guidance from an experienced organic farmer who can show you best practices for your type of farming operation; how to get your farm ready for certification; an tips to move your farm forward https://mosesorganic.org/projects/mentor-program/
OGRAIN Mentorship Program. The Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN) is an educational framework for developing organic grain production in the upper Midwest. OGRAIN resources include on-farm field days, annual winter and summer intensives, written resources, an organic grain Resource List, a series of educational videos and a mentorship program. http://www.uworganic.wisc.edu/ograin/
SCORE Business Mentoring SCORE is a nonprofit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), mentoring services are free, regardless of the number of times you visit a mentor. Mentors are experienced in all aspects and stages of business development, whether you’re thinking of starting a business or growing your existing company. https://www.score.org/find-mentor?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw6fi9brw6QIVycDACh103Q0SEAAYAiAAEgJ71_D_BwE