CHIPPEWA FALLS — Beginning farmers are invited to take part in an upcoming retreat on farm financial wellness and business management. The New Farmer U, set for April 28-29th in Rosholt, aims to provide skills training and networking for intermediate and beginning farmers.
The event is being organized by Marbleseed and Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU), with support from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.
“Over the two days, we’ll have sessions focused on helping new farmers boost their business skills, plan for success and gain inspiration as they build a network of farmers they can lean on and gain inspiration from throughout their farming journey,” said WFU Membership Engagement Director Kirsten Slaughter.
Farmers can boost their farm business skills with an optional Friday workshop on “Fearless Farm Finances” with Paul Dietmann of Compeer Financial and Andy Larson from the Farm Finance Institute. Learn basic farm financial management, including how to complete your tax schedule, draft a balance sheet, create enterprise budgets, and analyze profits. Participants will also receive a free copy of Dietmann’s Fearless Farm Finances book.
On Saturday, the group will dive into topics like risk mitigation, marketing, creative financing, and recordkeeping. The day’s workshops and presenters will include:
● Establishing Legal Resilience, Rachel Armstrong from Farm Commons
● How to Tell Your Farm’s Story, Kriss Marion and Danielle Endvick from Wisconsin Farmers Union
● Finance Your Farm Creatively, Andy Larson from Farm Finance Institute and Wisconsin Farm Service Agency
● Make Farm Records Work For You, Kat Becker from Cattail Organics
The New Farmer U will be held at the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt. On-site lodging options include group rooms in the camp buildings or tent camping (bring your own gear).
The cost is $50 per day, with the option to attend one day or the full retreat. Programming runs from 9am to 4:30pm both days, and scholarships are available. Space is limited. Register by April 13th at marbleseed.org/events/new-
