Beginning Farm & Enterprise Development

Beginning Farm & Enterprise Development
Explore and assess new business ideas or revenue streams with tools and resources provided by Extension
Extension connects Wisconsin farmers with practical resources, trusted information, and opportunities to learn from others as they explore new business ideas or ways to bring in additional income. These tools can help you decide whether a new enterprise is a good fit and understand what it takes to make it successful—from value-added production to marketing and business planning.
Many farmers look to diversify as a way to smooth out ups and downs in yearly income. Adding new revenue streams can improve cash flow and help cover expenses like inputs, loan payments, and family living costs. At the same time, trying something new often means investing in equipment, learning different production or marketing skills, or spending time and money building expertise.
Beginning Farmer Resources
Beginning Farmer Resource Guide
Designed as a road map, this guide walks beginning farmers through a variety of resources available to support them through their journey of starting an agriculture operation, farm, or food business. Print copies are available at your local USDA service center.
Looking to rent or lease farmland in Wisconsin?
Each year, the National Agricultural Statistics Service and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection publish a County Cash Rent Report of cash rental averages for non-irrigated cropland and pastureland in Wisconsin.
Getting Started with Your Food or Farm Business
Are you just getting started with your business plan? The Getting Started with your Food or Farm Business webinar series offers essential strategies for developing a sound business plan.
Learning Opportunities

Navigating Your Ag Business: From Stress to Success is an online course designed to support farm businesses to make decisions, take action to move their farms forward, and reduce the farm members’ stress

Farm Pulse: Financial Management and Analysis is a self-paced online course for conventional and organic farmers interested in learning how to use farm financials to explore their farm business decisions.
Resource Library
Agricultural Automation & Technology
Business Planning and Strategy
Education, Training, and Support
Financial Management and Funding
Land, Labor, and Operations
Legal, Risk, and Business Structure
Marketing and Sales
Connect With Us

Work with Extension’s business development network
Connect with Steph to develop a plan and find farm business development support tailored to your operation.
Steph Plaster
stephanie.plaster@wisc.edu
Statewide Farm Business Development Outreach Specialist











































