ORONO — Registration is open for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Business Planning for Producers course. The course is designed for aspiring producers as well as new and beginning producers in the first or second year in production.

Participants can learn about the core concepts of business operations, finance, management and marketing.

Planned for Thursdays 5-7 p.m. Nov. 7 through Feb. 6, 2025, the 10-session online course consists of live training sessions with experts from throughout the state coupled with self-paced learning modules. The modules will include videos, quizzes and readings in an online learning platform.

Topics include marketing and market research, financial record keeping, funding and sustainability. This course will also support participants in drafting a business plan.

By signing up for the Level 2 offering of Business Planning for Producers, participants can earn U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency borrower training credits. Attendees who wish to receive FSA borrower training credit must attend all live sessions or view the recordings, complete all assignments successfully and attend a one-on-one meeting with an approved business coach.

A stable internet connection and registration is required. For exact course fees, schedule and to register, visit extension.maine.edu. To request a reasonable accommodation, call 207-933-2100 or email extension.newfarmer@maine.edu.

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