OSU Extension
New and Small Farm College
The New and Small Farm College is an eight-week program that introduces new and seasoned farmers to a wide variety of topics. The program teaches participants how to set goals, plan, budget, and where to find resources if they choose to start a small farming operation. The course will lay out how to manage financial and farm records.
2021 Program Information Coming Soon!
2020 Locations (click on county name to download program brochure and registration form)
| County | Location | Dates | Times |
| Licking | Ohio State Newark and COTC Campus 1179 University Drive Newark, OH 43055 Warner Center Room 126 |
Wednesdays Registration Closed |
Light dinner at 6:00 pm |
| Miami | Miami County Dispatch Center 210 Marybill Dr Troy, OH 45373 |
Tuesdays Registration Closed |
Light dinner at 6:00 pm |
| Ross | Ross County Service Center Meeting Room D 475 Western Avenue Chillicothe, OH 45601 (740) 702-3200 |
Thursdays Registration Closed |
Light dinner at 6:00 pm |
Cost: $150 per person
- Price includes one 3-inch binder of resource materials, meals and dessert each night, and 1 soil sample evaluation
- Additional family member: $100 per individual (does not include a notebook)
- Classes are limited in size so register early
Syllabus for all 2020 colleges:
| Session | Topic | Description |
| One | Getting Started | Goal setting, family matters, business planning, budgeting, resources |
| Two | Appropriate Land Use | Walk the Farm |
| Three | Sources of Assistance | Overview of County resources; OSU Extension, government agencies and programs, (i.e. CAUV, EQIP, Grants) |
| Four | Legal, Insurance, Business Structure | Farm laws, liabilities, insurance needs |
| Five | Natural Resources | Forestry, timber, marketing, wildlife, ponds, etc. |
| Six | Financial & Production Record-Keeping and Taxes | Balance sheet and record keeping |
| Seven | Marketing | Direct marketing, cooperatives, agri-tourism, bed & breakfast, niche markets |
| Eight | Table Top Enterprise Discussion | Ask the Extension expert, enterprise exploration of livestock and horticulture opportunities |
“I recommend this program to anyone
starting or thinking about farming in any
area. The amount of knowledge presented
was priceless.” - J. A.
Extension Educators will illustrate many different enterprises that can be profitable on land as small as one acre. The educators will show the benefits and pitfalls of each enterprise so that the participant will be able to pick and choose what may work best for them and what suits their interest.
Host counties may also include other activities such as a farm tour to give participants an opportunity to interact with successful small farm operations and their families in the area. Registration is limited so sign up early.
Stay Current on Small Farm News!
Sign up for the Small Farms Email list to keep up to date on all of the programs we provide for new and small farm enthusiasts. This list is only used by the OSU Extension Small Farms Team to send relevant information to its stakeholders.