Cultivating a New Crop of Sustainable Farmers

Starting a farm business is no easy task. That is why Angelic Organics Learning Center coordinates the Stateline Farm Beginnings® program to help people plan and launch sustainable farm businesses. The application period for the yearlong program starting in October is now open.

Stateline Farm Beginnings helps new farmers plan for success. The training program helps people on both sides of the IL/WI state line to evaluate and plan their farm enterprise. Farm Beginnings participants learn directly from a variety of successful, innovative farmers; attend practical high quality seminars, field day workshops and exchanges; and engage in internship, employment, or mentorship with an experienced farmer.

Components of the program include:
• Winter Course (October – March) 10 business planning sessions

• Training Events (April – October) monthly CRAFT field days at sustainable farms in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin

• Advising from a successful sustainable farmer in your field of interest

Stateline Farm Beginnings has a 10-year track record in training beginning farmers in business planning. Since 2005:
• Over 200 individuals have graduated from Stateline Farm Beginnings

• Over 70% of our graduates are farming

• Over 55 farm businesses have been started by graduates

Angelic Organics Learning Center is located in Caledonia, IL, just north of Rockford. For more information, or to register, visit www.learngrowconnect.org or Call Sheri Doyel at 262-374-4903.