AgBiz Masters Overview

Learning sound business concepts has never been more important, especially for today’s young and beginning farmers. AgBiz Masters is an interactive learning series designed specifically for young and beginning farmers interested in honing their business and financial management skills. It is a two-year series where participants enroll in one year of the program at a time.

Topics covered in year one include:
  • Megatrends of Agriculture
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Preparing for Your Lender
  • Constructing a Balance Sheet
  • Constructing an Income Statement and Cash Flow Projection

Topics covered in year two include:
  • Understanding Lending Decisions
  • Farm Business Management Factors and Benchmarks
  • Growth and Transition Management
  • Personal Financial Management
  • Communications, Ethics and Leadership

In addition to the eLearning modules, participants take part in online discussion forums and exams as well as complete individual assignments. 

What Do Participants Gain?

Practical business and financial management skills

A step-by-step guide on creating a business plan

The chance to network with fellow young and beginning farmers and industry leaders

Skills for lifelong learning

AgBiz Masters Regional Meetings

Participants can attend three meetings during the program season to supplement the online learning modules. Meetings in 2020-21 may be held in virtual or in-person format depending on the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A kick off meeting (November) and two face-to-face workshops (January and March) are held each year to supplement the online learning and allow discussions and feedback among participants and facilitators. Workshops are held in 13–15 locations across Pennsylvania, Maryland and other neighboring states, and speakers present through video conference technology. All participants are encouraged to attend their appropriate in-person workshops. However, workshops are recorded and a link to the recording is shared with participants that are unable to attend.

All meetings are generally held from 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Exact meeting times may vary slightly.

Meeting locations are based on where participants are located. It is expected that meetings will be held at all AgChoice Farm Credit branch office locations in Pennsylvania as well as several MidAtlantic Farm Credit offices in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. (Past meeting locations have included: Butler, Pa.; Chambersburg, Pa.; Coudersport, Pa.; Dover, De.; Frederick, Md.; Lancaster, Pa.; Lewisburg, Pa.; Martinsburg, Pa.; Meadville, Pa.; Mechanicsburg, Pa.; New Stanton, Pa.; Reedsville, Pa.; Salisbury, Md., Towanda, Pa; Westminster, Md. and York, Pa.)

For specific questions related to the in-person meetings, please contact Ashley Mohn at 800-349-3568 ext. 6017 or amohn@agchoice.com.