Explorer Course for Aspiring Farmers
The 2 weekend, 7-session crash course will help you decide whether starting an agricultural business is realistic for you and how to take practical next steps.
Explorer Course Overview
Saturday and Sunday,
March 15th/16th and 22nd/23rd, 2025
9am - 12pm and 1:30pm - 4:30pm
The Explorer Course is a two weekend 7-session program designed for the farm-curious to explore the realities of farming, animal husbandry, and agricultural entrepreneurship. Through hands-on experience, a field trip, and practical guidance, participants assess their interests, skills, and resources to determine if starting a farm business is the right path. The course covers agricultural business planning, market research, regulatory considerations, financial resources, and marketing strategies. By the end, participants will have actionable tools to advance their farm dreams or explore other opportunities in agriculture.
Location: Center for Land-Based Learning, 40140 Best Ranch Rd, Woodland, CA
Price: $535
Aspiring farmer cost: $135! Farmers and anyone in need of financial assistance, complete the form below to unlock 75% savings.
FREE for Military Veterans! Email Jon Kupkowski at [email protected] for your enrollment code.
Location: Center for Land-Based Learning, 40140 Best Ranch Rd, Woodland, CA
Price: $535
Aspiring farmer cost: $135! Farmers and anyone in need of financial assistance, complete the form below to unlock 75% savings.
FREE for Military Veterans! Email Jon Kupkowski at [email protected] for your enrollment code.
Course Content
Class Lessons Introduction to Farming
Understanding the Agricultural Landscape
Resource Assessment
Planning Your Farming Future
Marketing Your Farm Products
Activities
Farm Tour
Farmer Panel
Hands on Field-Day
Activities
Speakers
Farmer Mentor Discussions Panel:
In this interactive session, you’ll hear directly from three farmers as they share their experiences, successes, and challenges. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into how these growers got started, built their markets, and navigated the realities of running a farm business. This discussion offers a unique chance to learn from experienced farmers and gain valuable mentorship.
Cindy Gause
Owner, Bella Vida Farm- West Sacramento
Cindy founded Bella Vida Farm, a one-acre market garden, to unite people through cooking and food. A lifelong gardener with a background in environmental science, horticulture, and permaculture, she discovered her true passion in farming. Through the California Farm Academy, she turned her vision into reality, cultivating both food and community.
Denise Lyons
Co-owner, Lockewood Acres - Vacaville
Denise and her husband Ben, founders of Lockewood Acres, farm 10 certified organic acres, specializing in estate-grown heirloom fruits and vegetables. They also raise sheep, hogs, and goats while crafting value-added products like pomegranate jelly and garlic powder, creating a farm rooted in sustainability, tradition, and quality.
Farm Tour:
Jim and Karina Knight
Owners, PoleStar Farms - Esparto
After 30 years in Davis, Jim and Karina embarked on a new adventure, founding Polestar Farm in 2018. On their 12-acre organic farm, they tend over 700 Royal Blenheim apricot trees alongside peaches, plums, and lemons. They craft value-added products like salves and dried fruit and have expanded into agritourism, hosting farm dinners and weddings in their beautiful, tranquil setting.
In this interactive session, you’ll hear directly from three farmers as they share their experiences, successes, and challenges. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into how these growers got started, built their markets, and navigated the realities of running a farm business. This discussion offers a unique chance to learn from experienced farmers and gain valuable mentorship.
Cindy Gause
Owner, Bella Vida Farm- West Sacramento
Cindy founded Bella Vida Farm, a one-acre market garden, to unite people through cooking and food. A lifelong gardener with a background in environmental science, horticulture, and permaculture, she discovered her true passion in farming. Through the California Farm Academy, she turned her vision into reality, cultivating both food and community.
Denise Lyons
Co-owner, Lockewood Acres - Vacaville
Denise and her husband Ben, founders of Lockewood Acres, farm 10 certified organic acres, specializing in estate-grown heirloom fruits and vegetables. They also raise sheep, hogs, and goats while crafting value-added products like pomegranate jelly and garlic powder, creating a farm rooted in sustainability, tradition, and quality.
Farm Tour:
Jim and Karina Knight
Owners, PoleStar Farms - Esparto
After 30 years in Davis, Jim and Karina embarked on a new adventure, founding Polestar Farm in 2018. On their 12-acre organic farm, they tend over 700 Royal Blenheim apricot trees alongside peaches, plums, and lemons. They craft value-added products like salves and dried fruit and have expanded into agritourism, hosting farm dinners and weddings in their beautiful, tranquil setting.
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