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DTSTAMP:20260923T220501Z
CREATED:20260913T154134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T220501Z
UID:9702-1793728800-1793739600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Winter Business Intensive: Infrastructure and Natural Resources
DESCRIPTION:Plan the Physical Farm Around the Business\nWinter Business Intensive: Infrastructure and Natural Resources is the third session in Appalachian RC&D’s 2026-27 Winter Business Intensive Field School. The November 3 class runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Langston Centre in Johnson City\, Tennessee. \nThe session focuses on the physical systems that make a farm work and the natural resources that support production. Buildings\, fencing\, water\, roads\, equipment\, soils\, pasture\, and other resources can determine what an operation can realistically produce and how efficiently it can grow. \n\n\nMatch Investments to Real Farm Needs\nParticipants can consider buildings\, fencing\, water systems\, equipment\, roads\, utilities\, and other infrastructure while also examining soil\, water\, forests\, pasture\, and related natural resources. \nThe goal is not simply to list improvements. Farmers can use the planning process to ask whether a proposed investment actually supports their production system\, markets\, and long-term business goals. A costly building or piece of equipment can become a burden if it does not solve a real production or labor problem. \nPlanning infrastructure before purchasing can help producers prioritize investments and understand how individual improvements fit into the larger farm system. \nPut Conservation Into the Business Plan\nNatural-resource decisions also have business consequences. Soil condition\, water availability\, erosion\, pasture quality\, and woodland management can influence productivity\, costs\, and resilience. \nFarmers can use the session to think about conservation and resource stewardship as part of business planning\, not as a separate activity. In some cases\, conservation practices can also connect producers with technical assistance or cost-share programs that make improvements more affordable. \nPrepare for Later Financial Decisions\nThis session builds on the earlier work of defining farm goals and assessing available resources. It also prepares participants for later discussions about markets\, financial management\, and production planning because infrastructure needs often shape both costs and capacity. \nAppalachian RC&D’s Winter Business Intensive is an eight-session series for beginning and experienced farmers. Completion can also qualify participants for Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program education credit toward eligible Producer Diversification requirements. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/winter-business-intensive-infrastructure-and-natural-resources/
LOCATION:Langston Centre\, 315 Elm St\, Johnson City\, TN\, 37601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Courses & Training,Education,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Infrustructure-Natural-Resources1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261105T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261106T160000
DTSTAMP:20260915T215705Z
CREATED:20260913T154134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T215705Z
UID:9703-1793865600-1793980800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference
DESCRIPTION:The Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference will bring veteran farmers and their families together for two days of agricultural education\, hands-on learning\, farm tours\, and networking in Nashville\, Tennessee. \nThe conference will be held Nov. 5-6\, 2026\, at the Ed Jones Auditorium at the Ellington Agricultural Center\, 416 Hogan Road\, Nashville. The event is part of the Tennessee AgVets Opportunities on FarmLand\, or TN AgVOLs\, program and is being presented through a partnership that includes Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council\, the University of Tennessee Center of Farm Management\, Tennessee AgrAbility\, UT Extension\, and other agricultural organizations. \n\n\nAgricultural Training and Hands-On Learning\nThe Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference connects veterans involved in agriculture with other farmers\, agricultural professionals\, and organizations that provide training and assistance. \nThe two-day program will include farm tours\, workshops\, demonstrations\, and networking opportunities. Participants will learn from agricultural professionals while meeting other veterans who are starting\, operating\, or expanding farms and agricultural businesses. \nThe conference is part of a broader TN AgVOLs effort to help veterans and transitioning service members enter agriculture. The program connects participants with technical assistance\, education\, hands-on training\, and other resources that can help them develop new agricultural businesses or strengthen existing operations. \nResources for Veteran Farmers\nTN AgVOLs works with agricultural organizations across Tennessee to connect veteran farmers with educational opportunities\, internships\, farm mentors\, and other resources. \nThe program also provides information about agricultural training scholarships. TN AgVOLs currently reimburses up to $250 for veterans who complete approved agriculture-related educational programs. Conference organizers also indicate that scholarship assistance is available for the Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference. \nBeyond formal educational sessions\, the conference will give participants time to build connections with other veteran farmers and agricultural professionals. Those relationships can help beginning farmers identify resources\, learn from established producers\, and become more involved in Tennessee’s agricultural community. \nMeals Included During the Conference\nRegistration includes a light breakfast and lunch each day. According to event organizers\, the conference is open to veterans and their families. \nThe Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference is the first annual conference organized through the TN AgVOLs initiative. Veterans interested in farming\, developing an agricultural business\, or expanding an existing operation can use the event to explore educational resources\, meet agricultural professionals\, and connect with other veteran farmers from across the region. \nDates: Nov. 5-6\, 2026\nLocation: Ed Jones Auditorium\, Ellington Agricultural Center\nAddress: 416 Hogan Road\, Nashville\, TN 37220\nFormat: In-person conference\nActivities: Farm tours\, workshops\, demonstrations\, and networking\nMeals: Light breakfast and lunch provided both days\nEligibility: Veterans and their families \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/veterans-in-agriculture-conference/
LOCATION:Ed Jones Auditorium\, Ellington Agricultural Center\, 416 Hogan Rd\, Nashville\, TN\, 37220\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-15-2026-05_39_44-PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261109T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261109T200000
DTSTAMP:20260927T215209Z
CREATED:20260913T154135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260927T215209Z
UID:9705-1794249000-1794254400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:NC AgVentures Grant Application Webinar
DESCRIPTION:NC AgVentures will hold its final Farm Grant Application Overview Webinar on November 9 at 6:30 p.m.\, offering farmers one more chance to learn about eligibility\, project requirements\, and the application process. \nLearn How to Prepare an NC AgVentures Application\nNorth Carolina farmers considering an NC AgVentures Farm Grant can learn about the program and application process during the NC AgVentures Grant Application Webinar on November 9 at 6:30 p.m. \nThe online workshop is designed for prospective applicants who want to better understand the grant program before submitting a proposal. NC AgVentures is an NC State Extension program funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The program provides competitive cost-share grants to eligible family farms and qualifying community organizations for projects intended to increase farm income and strengthen agricultural businesses. \nThe November 9 session is one of three applicant webinars offered during the 2026 grant cycle. NC AgVentures says each webinar will cover the same information\, so farmers can choose the session that best fits their schedules. \n\n\nGrants of Up to $10\,000 Available\nNC AgVentures offers awards of up to $10\,000. Eligible farm applicants must operate an established\, independent North Carolina farm that has generated revenue for at least one year. \nFarm projects may include efforts to add new crops\, increase efficiency\, expand production\, develop new markets\, or add infrastructure that can improve profitability. Previous projects have included greenhouses\, farm stores\, packing facilities\, labor-saving equipment\, and equipment for value-added production. Applicants cannot use grant funds to purchase land or animals. \nRecipients must contribute at least 15% of the total project cost in cash. For example\, a farmer requesting grant funding must develop a total project budget large enough to include that required contribution. \nThe program also offers Community Grants for nonprofit organizations\, cooperatives\, and government organizations whose projects directly benefit at least three farms. \nExtension Agents Play a Role\nFarm applicants must work with an N.C. Cooperative Extension agent on their proposals. \nNC AgVentures encourages applicants to contact their Extension agent early and requires applicants to contact an agent by December 1 to schedule time to discuss the proposed project and review the application. Farmers who do not already work closely with an Extension agent can contact their local Extension office for assistance. \nThe webinar can help applicants understand what information they should begin gathering before that consultation. \nThe application includes sections covering farm and contact information\, the proposed project\, project viability\, and the budget. Reviewers consider factors such as whether the project can increase farm income\, improve efficiency\, create or maintain employment\, introduce a new opportunity\, and become financially sustainable. \nApplication Window Opens October 15\nNC AgVentures will begin accepting applications October 15. The deadline is December 15 at 6 p.m.\, but applicants should not assume they can wait until the deadline. \nThe program will accept up to 200 applications for the 2026 cycle. If 200 completed applications arrive before December 15\, the online portal will close early. Each farm may submit only one application. \nFor Appalachian Highlands Farmers Magazine readers\, eligibility depends on location. NC AgVentures serves several counties within or near the magazine’s North Carolina coverage area\, including Alleghany\, Ashe\, Surry\, Wilkes\, and Yadkin counties. The separate WNC AgOptions program serves many western North Carolina counties. Farmers should verify which grant program covers their county before applying. \nPlease register in advance for the November 9 webinar through NC AgVentures. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/nc-agventures-grant-application-webinar-3/
LOCATION:Online / Virtual\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Grants & Deadlines
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/submit-header.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261112T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261112T130000
DTSTAMP:20260921T215538Z
CREATED:20260921T201758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T215538Z
UID:10274-1794470400-1794488400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Knoxville Grower-Buyer Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Connect Directly With Regional Food Buyers\nFarmers\, ranchers\, and food producers looking to expand wholesale sales can meet regional buyers directly at the Knoxville Grower-Buyer Meeting on November 12. The free event runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kern’s Bakery\, 2201 Kerns Rising Way in Knoxville. \nThe Knoxville Grower-Buyer Meeting connects East Tennessee agricultural producers with chefs\, restaurant owners\, grocery managers\, distributors\, and institutional food-service buyers interested in local supply. Ultimately\, the goal is to help growers start conversations\, learn buyers’ needs\, and identify relationships to pursue after the event. \n\n\nLearn What Wholesale Buyers Need\nDoors open at 8 a.m. for networking and coffee\, followed by breakfast and a welcome session at 8:30. The main Grower-Buyer Meeting and Meet the Experts session runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Farmers can introduce their businesses\, discuss products and seasonal availability\, and ask buyers about purchasing requirements. \nOrganizers make clear that the meeting does not guarantee sales or contracts. Instead\, it is an opportunity to open a door and follow up later. That can help producers considering wholesale markets but not yet sure what individual restaurants\, grocers\, or distributors require. \nBusiness Guidance for Producers\nExperts will discuss marketing\, social media\, and food safety. They will cover Tennessee Department of Agriculture requirements and other wholesale-readiness topics. These topics matter because wholesale channels differ from direct-to-consumer sales in packaging\, delivery\, pricing\, and communication. \nThe Knoxville Grower-Buyer Meeting welcomes produce farmers\, fruit growers\, and row-crop operations. It also welcomes livestock producers\, dairies\, egg suppliers\, and specialty or value-added agricultural businesses. These groups are ready to explore wholesale expansion. Additionally\, partners include Real Good Kitchen Foundation\, Nourish Knoxville\, and UT Extension. \nRegistration is free. Farmers planning to attend may benefit from bringing information about their products\, seasonal availability\, production capacity\, and current sales channels to make the most of conversations with buyers. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/knoxville-grower-buyer-meeting/
LOCATION:Kern’s Bakery\, 2201 Kerns Rising Way\, Knoxville\, TN\, 37920\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/20260919_120106-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261117T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261117T210000
DTSTAMP:20260923T222138Z
CREATED:20260913T154140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T222138Z
UID:9707-1794938400-1794949200@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Winter Business Intensive: Markets and Marketing
DESCRIPTION:Find the Market That Fits the Farm\nWinter Business Intensive: Markets and Marketing will help farmers look beyond what they can produce and focus on who will buy it. The fourth session in Appalachian RC&D’s 2026-27 Winter Business Intensive is scheduled for November 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Langston Centre in Johnson City\, Tennessee. \nThe session gives participants an opportunity to examine customers\, sales channels\, pricing\, promotion\, and the practical demands that different markets place on a farm business. \n\n\nCompare Sales Channels Before Committing\nMarkets and Marketing participants can examine options such as farmers markets\, farm stands\, community-supported agriculture programs\, restaurants\, wholesale buyers\, and other outlets. Each channel comes with different expectations for pricing\, volume\, packaging\, delivery\, and customer communication. \nA market with strong sales potential may also require more transportation\, packaging\, labor\, or production consistency. Farmers can compare those demands with their operations’ actual capacity before deciding where to invest time and money. \nThe session also encourages producers to consider whether a market aligns with the farm’s scale and long-term goals rather than chasing every possible sales opportunity. \nBuild a Clear Message for Customers\nMarketing is not only about choosing where to sell. Farmers also need to communicate what they offer\, why it matters\, and how customers can buy it. \nParticipants can think of branding\, promotion\, and customer communication as tools that support the business\, not separate tasks. A clear message can help a farm explain its products\, production practices\, availability\, and value without relying on vague claims or constant discounting. \nUse Marketing Information in the Business Plan\nMarket decisions affect production planning\, infrastructure\, and finances. A farmer who knows which customers matter most can make better decisions about crop mix\, livestock numbers\, harvest timing\, packaging\, and delivery. \nThis November 17 session is part of an eight-session series that guides participants toward a stronger farm business plan. Appalachian RC&D says qualifying graduates can also earn Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program education credit toward eligible Producer Diversification requirements. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/winter-business-intensive-markets-and-marketing/
LOCATION:Langston Centre\, 315 Elm St\, Johnson City\, TN\, 37601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Courses & Training,Education,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Markets1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261201T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261201T210000
DTSTAMP:20260924T152850Z
CREATED:20260913T154140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260924T152850Z
UID:9708-1796148000-1796158800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Winter Business Intensive: Business and Financial Management
DESCRIPTION:Understand What the Numbers Say About the Farm\nWinter Business Intensive: Business and Financial Management focuses on the records and financial information farmers need to understand how their operations are performing. The December 1 session runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Langston Centre in Johnson City\, Tennessee. \nThe class is the fifth session in Appalachian RC&D’s 2026-27 Winter Business Intensive Field School and builds on earlier work involving farm goals\, resources\, infrastructure\, and markets. \n\n\nMake Records Useful for Decisions\nBusiness and Financial Management participants can explore budgeting\, cash flow\, recordkeeping\, expenses\, and other financial-management tools that help turn farm activity into useful business information. \nGood records can show whether an enterprise is profitable\, where costs are increasing\, and whether the farm has enough cash to meet obligations throughout the year. They can also make tax preparation\, loan applications\, and grant or cost-share reporting easier because key information has already been organized. \nThe point is not recordkeeping for its own sake. The value comes from using those records to make better choices. \nSeparate Production Success From Financial Success\nA crop can produce excellent yields and still fail to make money. A livestock enterprise can generate strong sales while consuming more labor\, feed\, or overhead than the income justifies. \nThe session encourages producers to look at the financial performance behind production results. That can include comparing enterprises\, evaluating prices\, identifying major cost drivers\, and understanding how cash moves through the business during the year. \nFarmers can use those insights to decide which enterprises deserve more investment and which may need to change. \nBuild Financial Information Into the Farm Plan\nFinancial management becomes especially important when a producer is considering expansion\, new equipment\, borrowing\, or outside funding. A farmer who understands costs\, cash flow\, and profitability is better positioned to evaluate whether a proposed investment can realistically support itself. \nThe December 1 class is part of Appalachian RC&D’s eight-session Winter Business Intensive. Qualifying graduates can also earn Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program education credit toward eligible Producer Diversification requirements. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/winter-business-intensive-business-and-financial-management/
LOCATION:Langston Centre\, 315 Elm St\, Johnson City\, TN\, 37601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Courses & Training,Education,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Management-and-Finance1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261215T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261215T210000
DTSTAMP:20260924T154515Z
CREATED:20260913T154140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260924T154515Z
UID:9709-1797357600-1797368400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Winter Business Intensive: Sustainable Production Planning
DESCRIPTION:Connect Production Decisions With the Whole Farm\nWinter Business Intensive: Sustainable Production Planning helps farmers connect what they produce with the land\, labor\, infrastructure\, markets\, and management capacity available on the farm. The December 15 session runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Langston Centre in Johnson City\, Tennessee. \nThe class is the sixth session in Appalachian RC&D’s 2026-27 Winter Business Intensive and follows earlier sessions on farm goals\, resources\, infrastructure\, markets\, and financial management. \n\n\nPlan Production Around Real Capacity\nParticipants can consider production schedules\, labor needs\, land capability\, infrastructure\, input costs\, and market demand when deciding how much to grow or raise. \nExpanding an enterprise may sound attractive\, but additional production can create new demands for labor\, storage\, equipment\, transportation\, or customers. A plan that looks profitable on paper can become difficult to manage if those supporting resources are not available at the right time. \nSustainable planning therefore involves matching production goals to what the farm can realistically support. \nThink Beyond a Single Season\nLong-term\, sustainable production planning also involves soil\, water\, forage\, pest pressure\, animal health\, and other factors that influence whether the farm can maintain productivity over time. \nFarmers can use the season to consider how production practices affect resilience and short-term output. Choices such as crop rotation\, season extension\, grazing management\, cover crops\, or other conservation practices may influence both environmental conditions and business performance. \nBring Production Into the Business Plan\nBy this point in the Winter Business Intensive\, participants have examined many of the elements that shape a farm business. Sustainable production planning ties those pieces together by translating goals\, market demand\, and financial expectations into a workable operating plan. \nThe December 15 class is part of Appalachian RC&D’s eight-session Winter Business Intensive Field School. Qualifying graduates can also earn Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program education credit toward eligible Producer Diversification requirements. The planning process can also help farmers identify where they may need additional technical assistance\, infrastructure\, or recordkeeping before the next production season begins. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/winter-business-intensive-sustainable-production-planning/
LOCATION:Langston Centre\, 315 Elm St\, Johnson City\, TN\, 37601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Courses & Training,Education,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/zoe-richardson-production-planning-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270105T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270105T210000
DTSTAMP:20260924T163243Z
CREATED:20260913T154240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260924T163243Z
UID:9719-1799172000-1799182800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Winter Business Intensive: Entrepreneurship and Risk Management
DESCRIPTION:Evaluate Opportunity Without Ignoring Risk\nWinter Business Intensive: Entrepreneurship and Risk Management examines the opportunities and uncertainties of operating an agricultural business. The January 5 session runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Langston Centre in Johnson City\, Tennessee. \nThe class is the seventh session in Appalachian RC&D’s 2026-27 Winter Business Intensive and gives farmers a framework for thinking about growth\, new enterprises\, and the risks that accompany business decisions. \n\n\nLook at the Risks Behind a New Idea\nFarmers regularly consider new products\, markets\, equipment\, land\, and other investments. Each opportunity can create potential income\, but it can also introduce financial\, production\, or market risk. \nParticipants can learn to evaluate opportunities more systematically by considering potential returns\, costs\, and possible problems before committing significant resources. That process can help separate a promising business opportunity from an idea that may expose the farm to more risk than it can comfortably absorb. \nPrepare for Problems Before They Arrive\nRisk management does not eliminate uncertainty. Weather\, crop or livestock losses\, price changes\, labor shortages\, accidents\, and unexpected expenses can still affect an operation. \nThe goal is to identify where the farm is vulnerable and consider ways to reduce the consequences. Depending on the situation\, that may involve insurance\, diversification\, emergency planning\, better records\, contracts\, business structures\, or simply maintaining enough financial flexibility to absorb a setback. \nUse Risk Management to Strengthen the Business Plan\nA business plan becomes more realistic when it addresses what could go wrong\, not just what could go right. Farmers can use the January 5 session to test assumptions and determine whether their plans include enough margin for uncertainty. \nAppalachian RC&D’s Winter Business Intensive is designed for beginning and experienced farmers. Qualifying graduates can also earn Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program education credit toward eligible Producer Diversification requirements. The session also gives participants a chance to compare risk-management ideas with the realities of their own farms before finalizing the business plans developed through the series. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/winter-business-intensive-entrepreneurship-and-risk-management/
LOCATION:Langston Centre\, 315 Elm St\, Johnson City\, TN\, 37601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Courses & Training,Education,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Farm-Entrepreneurship-and-Risk-Management.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270119T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270119T210000
DTSTAMP:20260927T215326Z
CREATED:20260913T154241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260927T215326Z
UID:9721-1800381600-1800392400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Winter Business Intensive: Loans\, Grants and Support Programs
DESCRIPTION:Find Funding That Fits the Farm Plan\nWinter Business Intensive: Loans\, Grants and Support Programs closes the eight-session instructional portion of Appalachian RC&D’s 2026-27 Winter Business Intensive Field School. The January 19 session runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Langston Centre in Johnson City\, Tennessee. \nThe class focuses on financial and technical resources that may help farmers strengthen\, expand\, or improve their operations. \n\n\nUnderstand the Difference Between Funding Tools\nParticipants can learn about agricultural loans\, grants\, cost-share programs\, and other forms of assistance offered through government agencies\, nonprofit organizations\, and agricultural support programs. \nDifferent funding sources serve different purposes. A grant may support a narrowly defined project\, while a cost-share program may reimburse part of an eligible investment after you meet specific requirements. A loan may be the better tool for an investment expected to produce enough income to repay the debt. \nUnderstanding these differences can help farmers avoid chasing programs that don’t match their needs. \nPrepare Before Applying\nFunding programs often require more than a good idea.  Farmers may need business plans\, financial records\, budgets\, farm numbers\, production histories\, estimates\, or clear explanations of how a proposed investment will improve the operation. \nThe Winter Business Intensive gives participants an advantage because earlier sessions have already addressed many of those building blocks. By January\, farmers should have spent time on their goals\, resources\, infrastructure\, markets\, finances\, production\, and risk management. \nThose pieces can strengthen an application and help the farmer decide whether outside funding is appropriate. \nConnect With Agricultural Support Networks\nThe session also helps farmers identify organizations that provide technical assistance in addition to money.  Extension\, USDA agencies\, conservation programs\, lenders\, and nonprofit agricultural organizations can often help producers interpret requirements\, develop plans\, or identify programs that fit a specific project. \nThe January 19 class completes the eight-session instructional series.   Appalachian RC&D says qualifying graduates can earn Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program education credit toward eligible Producer Diversification requirements\, and the broader Field School process is designed to leave participants with a stronger business plan and a clearer understanding of available support. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/winter-business-intensive-loans-grants-and-support-programs/
LOCATION:Langston Centre\, 315 Elm St\, Johnson City\, TN\, 37601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Courses & Training,Education,Grants & Deadlines,Workshops & Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/loans-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270202T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270202T210000
DTSTAMP:20260924T195228Z
CREATED:20260913T154241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260924T195228Z
UID:9722-1801591200-1801602000@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Winter Business Intensive Graduation and Potluck
DESCRIPTION:Field School Graduation Marks the End of the Series\nThe Field School Graduation and Potluck on February 2 will bring participants in Appalachian RC&D’s 2026-27 Winter Business Intensive together for the season’s final gathering. \nThe event follows eight classroom sessions held from October through January covering the major business decisions farmers face as they start\, strengthen or expand an agricultural operation. Appalachian RC&D describes the Winter Field School as a farm-business training program that brings together agricultural professionals and experienced farmers to provide practical tools participants can apply to their own operations. \nThe graduation and potluck give participants a chance to close out the learning process\, reconnect with other group members\, and recognize the work completed throughout the series. \nEight Sessions Cover the Farm Business\nThe Winter Business Intensive begins with Getting Started and moves through a sequence of increasingly specific farm-management topics. \nParticipants examine farm visioning and available resources; infrastructure and natural-resource planning; markets and marketing; business and financial management; sustainable production planning; entrepreneurship and risk management; and loans\, grants\, and support programs. \nTogether\, these sessions encourage farmers to view the operation as a complete business rather than focusing only on production. \nFor beginning farmers\, the series can provide a framework for turning ideas into a realistic plan. Established producers can use the same process to evaluate expansion\, new enterprises\, changing markets or investments in infrastructure. \nGraduation Recognizes More Than Attendance\nThe Field School Graduation marks the completion of a structured educational commitment extending across several months. \nAppalachian RC&D says the Winter Business Intensive includes presentations from more than 20 agricultural professionals\, including representatives from Extension\, USDA agencies\, other agricultural organizations\, and experienced farmers. Participants also receive take-home resources and practical tools intended for use on their own farms. \nThe final gathering gives farmers a chance to reflect on what they have learned and consider which ideas they want to carry into the next growing season or business year. \nThe potluck also creates space for the peer relationships that develop during a multi-session program. Those connections can remain useful after the formal classes end as farmers continue working through similar production\, financial\, and marketing challenges. \nTAEP Credits Add Practical Value\nGraduates of the Winter Business Intensive may also qualify for up to two education credits toward Tennessee’s Agricultural Enhancement Program Producer Diversification Cost-Share Program. \nAppalachian RC&D says the Tennessee Department of Agriculture accredits the Winter Business Intensive and that qualifying education credits remain valid for up to three years after the class ends. \nThat gives the series an additional practical benefit for Tennessee farmers considering future Producer Diversification investments. \n\n\nA Final Gathering for the 2026-27 Class\nThe February 2 Field School Graduation and Potluck closes a program built around helping farmers make stronger business decisions and connect with agricultural resources across Northeast Tennessee. \nThe gathering is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Langston Centre in Johnson City. \nParticipants should check with Appalachian RC&D for final instructions about the potluck\, attendance requirements\, and any graduation details as the event approaches. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/winter-business-intensive-graduation-and-potluck/
LOCATION:Langston Centre\, 315 Elm St\, Johnson City\, TN\, 37601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/graduation.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270803T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270805T000000
DTSTAMP:20260913T160740Z
CREATED:20260913T154246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T160740Z
UID:9724-1817251200-1817424000@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Farm to Classroom: Foothills and Western North Carolina
DESCRIPTION:NC State Extension professional development experience for high school science educators using farms\, research facilities\, and agricultural businesses as real-world science classrooms. This is the Foothills and Western North Carolina portion of the 2027 summer experience. \n 
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/farm-to-classroom-foothills-and-western-north-carolina/
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/High-Country-Farm-Tour.webp
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