NOFA-VT accepting applications for long-term planning cohort

From NOFA-VT:

NOFA Vermont is convening a cohort of experienced farmers (those who consider themselves beyond start-up phase) who are looking to use what they have learned in their early years of farming to develop a plan for long-term viability for the farm. This program will help you clarify your goals, improve the financial tools used to guide the business, and create a clear path forward for the farm.  

This intensive program will consist of 4 sessions that each include a group presentation with question and answer time, breakout working sessions, check-in time with business planners, and time for group sharing, learning, and feedback.  Meredith Davis (see below for her bio) will be the lead instructor with support from NOFA-VT Farm Business Advisors Bill Cavanaugh and Jen Miller.  

The cohort will meet on-line from 10:00-3:00 on January 13th, January 27th, February 10th, and March 3rd. 

The goals of this program are for farmers to: 

  • Develop business and personal goals to guide business decisions for the next 3-5 years.

  • Review the business financials and discuss what the growth potential is for the business under different scenarios.

  • Consider questions that are facing the farm (e.g. purchasing equipment, expanding staffing, paying down debt, how much to save for retirement) and learn how to evaluate the options using financial analysis.

  • Learn from other farmers about what metrics they use to evaluate if things are on track. Decide which metrics matter most for their own farm.

  • Create a farm budget that reflects decisions made during the course. The program will be 4 days, running every other week in January-February. Part of the day

To apply for the cohort, please complete this short intake form.

About the Instructor:

Meredith Martin Davis is a business advisor who has been working with farms and businesses for over 25 years. She spent 10 years at High Mowing Organic Seeds, most of that time as General Manager. Prior to joining High Mowing, Meredith worked as business advisor at the Micro Business Development Program, the Women's Small Business Program, and in her own consulting practice. She served as the Executive Director of the Women Business Owners Network, and taught business classes for Champlain College, Woodbury College, and the Small Business Development Center. Meredith has a double-major in Economics and Geography from Dartmouth College. She lives in Elmore, Vermont with her 3 daughters.

If you have any questions please reach out to Bill Cavanaugh, 802-434-7154 or bill@nofavt.org

Rural Vermont