For Beginners

Farming Courses For Beginners

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There are several reputable farming courses for beginners, both online and in-person, designed to help new farmers gain essential skills in agricultural production, business planning, and sustainable practices.

  • Beginner Farmer Training Program (BFTP): A 12-month immersive course combining online classes and on-farm field days, with three levels for varying experience. The program covers hands-on skills, mentorship, and peer support. All levels are free and provide additional benefits such as conference admission and field days[1].
  • Farm Beginnings® Program: A year-long, 200+ hour program focusing on holistic management, business, marketing, and financial planning. The program includes classroom sessions, farm tours, mentoring, and networking opportunities, with equity and social justice integrated throughout the curriculum[2].
  • Market Gardening & Organic Farming for Beginners: This online, self-paced course provides written and video instruction for those interested in market gardening or small-scale organic farming. It takes about nine hours to complete and is accessible anytime, anywhere[3].
  • OFRF Beginning Farmer Training Program: A free, self-paced program suitable for all organic farmers, though tailored toward California specialty crop producers. Includes readings, demonstration videos, and resources on foundational organic principles[4].
  • Maryland Beginning Farmer Online Course: Year-round access to a free, interactive guidebook with videos and live links. There’s also an annual blended in-person and online course each winter, covering farm business and production basics[5].
  • RU Ready to Farm (Rutgers): Phase 1 is an online basic course on starting a farm business, including business planning, crop selection, equipment, marketing, and more. The course also offers farm tours and hands-on workshops. Registration for the next session opens in April 2026[7].
  • Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP): The only federal program dedicated to training new farmers and ranchers via hands-on training, technical production, and business skills. Grants fund local and regional training projects; interested individuals can contact local project sites for participation[8].

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