Plan Your Farm

Free Tutorials to Get Started Planning a Small Farm Business

  Enroll in Course

Ready to Plan your Farm?

This FREE self-paced course guides you through videos, readings, and planning activities to help you take the first step toward developing your farm plans. This course also serves as the primary "textbook" for BF 101: Starting at Square One, an instructor-led course which offers the opportunity to meet other new farmers, hear from successful producers, get your questions answered, and get feedback on your farm plans.

Work through the following topics in order and you’ll have a solid foundation for the start of your farm business.

Target Audience

Aspiring/Beginner/Start-up - This free course is for people who are exploring the social, emotional, financial, and ecological aspects of operating a farm business.


Your Instructor


Erica Frenay
Erica Frenay

Erica owns and operates Shelterbelt Farm, a diversified operation with sheep, an orchard, high tunnels, and overnight accommodations in Brooktondale, NY. She is also Associate Director of Distance Learning and Special Projects for the Cornell Small Farms Program.


Course Curriculum


  Getting Started Tutorial
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Accessing and Evaluating Land Tutorial
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Choosing What to Produce
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.

Please consider the level of support you are able to commit to for access to this course.
Thanks in advance for supporting small farms!

Get started now!