Farm Start Course Overview

Farm Start is a 4-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: Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, 2820 R St, Sacramento, CA 95816

Dates: Three full days and one half day:
Thursday, October 15 • 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday, October 16 • 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.,
Saturday, October 17 • 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 24 • 9 a.m. - noon

Price: $535
Start Your Journey!

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

    • Speakers

    Farmer Mentor Discussions Panel:
    In this interactive session, you’ll hear directly from 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.

    Supporting Women in Agriculture

    Thanks to the generous support of the Les Dames d’Escoffier International, Sacramento Chapter, we have been awarded a $5,000 Philanthropic Grant to support women in agriculture.

    This funding allows us to offer each qualifying student a 50% scholarship towards one California Farm Academy course, helping reduce financial barriers to hands-on agricultural education.

    This scholarship opportunity is designed for women who:
  • Are at any stage of their agricultural journey, from early exploration to established practice
  • Are interested in hands-on, experiential learning in agriculture
  • Are ready to take a next step toward shaping their path in farming, food systems, or land stewardship
    • Scholarship Application

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