Training Farmers

Who will grow our food in the future?

We know, because we are helping train many of them.

  Questions?  Email emma [at] thelandconnection [dot]org, TLC's Farmer Training Facilitator

Farmer Programs

The Land Connection’s farmer-training initiatives help anyone wanting to plan, launch, and run a successful, diversified farm enterprise.

• Is Entrepreneurial Farming for You is a four-hour, interactive workshop for anyone just starting to think about starting a farm/food enterprise. Participants learn what it takes to start and manage a farm-based business, and decide whether this is the path you are ready to take. For more information click here.

• Central Illinois Farm Beginnings (CIFB) is a year-long program that includes seminars on business planning, field days, and customized mentorships with area farmers. Successful Central Illinois farmer-entrepreneurs participate directly in all seminars and play a leadership role in field days and mentorships. For more information click here.  Over 80% of the graduates from Central Illinois Farm Beginnings are now raising food for their communities. Click here to find out where they are.

• The Central Illinois Sustainable Farming Network provides an opportunity for local farmers and others to share their knowledge with each other.

Meet Crystal and Martin Gray, who graduated from our full-year Central Illinois Farm Beginnings course in 2008:

Starting Out: A First Season on Gray's Farm from ASAP Illinois on Vimeo.