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:
Topics covered in year two include:
In addition to the eLearning modules, participants take part in online discussion forums and exams as well as complete individual assignments. Two in-person learning sessions are held regionally each year throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states to supplement the online material and allow discussions and feedback among participants and facilitators. Regional farm tours are a new component of AgBiz Masters this year. Tours will be held across the AgBiz Masters area to expose participants to different facets of agriculture. |
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 |
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AgBiz Masters Regional Meetings
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 videoconference 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.
Meeting dates for the 2017-18 season are:
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. Meeting sites will be announced in October 2016. (Past meeting locations have included: Butler, Pa.; Chambersburg, Pa.; Coudersport, Pa.; Dover, De.; Frederick, Md.; Lancaster, Pa.; Lewisburg, Pa.; Lewistown, Pa.; Martinsburg, Pa.; Meadville, Pa.; Mechanicsburg, Pa.; New Stanton, Pa.; Salisbury, Md., Towanda, Pa; and York, Pa.) For specific questions related to the in-person meetings, please contact Kayla Wilson at 800-349-3568 ext. 6027 or kwilson@agchoice.com. |