Southern Illinois Farm Beginnings

Southern Illinois Farm Beginnings (SIFB) is a full-year program for anyone wanting to engage in sustainable, entrepreneurial farming. The program provides education and information to beginning and transitioning farmers and ranchers in three key ways:

1. One-on-one farmer mentorships
2. On-farm field days
3. Classroom business and marketing seminars

Through Southern Illinois Farm Beginnings, you will:

• Articulate your values and goals into a vision and mission statement for your farm business
• Formulate short- and long-term farming goals
• Craft a detailed business plan for your farm enterprise
• Learn critical farm management skills such as financing and marketing strategies
• Tap into the knowledge of innovative and skilled farmers in Southern Illinois
• Access opportunities for land and equipment use and/or rental
• Receive mentoring from a farmer engaged in a similar enterprise
• Develop important connections with beginning and experienced farmers
• Make personal contact with a wide range of Illinois professionals that support small-scale local farmers, including USDA specialists, bankers, farmers market managers, reporters, and attorneys

The course includes:

• Crafting a detailed business plan for your farm enterprise
• 48 hours of seminar time, much of it with established farmers
• Eight on-farm education field days and workshops
• Course books, binders and other materials
• Connection to a network of established sustainable farmers interested in helping you succeed
• Membership to the Regional Farming Network

Course Fee: $975 (Limited number of full or partial scholarships available.)

Application Deadline Extended

For application guidelines, visit the SIFB Application page.

Download the printable scholarship application by clicking here.

For more information or to have application materials mailed to you, contact:

Dayna Conner
Executive Director, Food Works
P.O. Box 3855
Carbondale, IL 62902
Phone: 618.319.0542
E-mail: dayna(at)eatsouthernillinois(dot)org