Self-Paced Schedule and Participant Guide
2023-2024 Update
Live instruction of this course will not be offered during the 2023-2024 season. We welcome you to complete this course on a self-paced schedule that works for you. All webinars are recorded and posted here in our online classroom for you to watch anytime. You will retain access to all materials indefinitely and can return to view them anytime.
Overview
This course is the second part of learning about what type of farm business you want to start and how you will measure progress. The first part was the BF 101: Starting at Square One course. You can take this course without taking BF 101 first!
The first week of BF 102 is the only week of overlap with BF 101. We want all learners to further refine mission/vision/goals or to start the process and then start on a marketing plan.
Weekly Topics
Week 1 – Introduction and what is planning
Topics covered: Course overview and tips for using the course content software, Teachable. Student will revisit general planning and start work on crafting a mission statement for their farm.
Week 2 – Intro to Marketing
Topics covered: General introduction to marketing and making that part of your business plan. How to research questions and "tools you can use" you will need for developing a marketing plan.
Weeks 3 – Marketing Channels and Intro to Marketing Plan
Topics covered: Various outlets for selling products, and the pros/cons of each. Students will continue building their marketing plan as we explore these topics.
Week 4 - Understanding Financial Statements
Topics Covered: Balance sheet, Income statement, Cash Flow Statement, Partial Budgeting
Week 5 - Spend time working on your Plan and Doing Research - There is no live webinar this week.
Complete exercises to bolster understanding of marketing and financial statement topics.
Week 6 – Using Financial Statements to Plan and Manage your Farm Business - Course Wrap- Up
Topics covered: Using statements to assess profitability, looking at different pieces and evaluating them financially. Review concepts covered in the course. Students continue working on their marketing & financial plans.