UT Extension News: New Farm Manager Program Debuts

October 7, 2020

By Chris Hicks, County Director – UT Extension Smith County

UT Extension is offering a new educational program for farm managers. The Tennessee Master Farm Manager course will focus on solid business principles and efficiently utilizing resources on the farm. The Zoom-based webinar sessions will be held on Tuesday nights for eight weeks starting October 13, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. Registered participants will be emailed a Zoom link and instructions the day before each session.

The class will focus on farm financial management. Topics to be covered include understanding financial statements, business structure, lending, equipment purchasing, trade issues, recordkeeping, tax planning, lease agreements, and farm transitioning.

Any agricultural producer, regardless of location or experience level, may register for the Tennessee Master Farm Manager webinar series. As an additional benefit, Tennessee producers who have previously qualified for the 50% Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) cost share may utilize Master Farm Manager for recertification.

More information and the registration can be found online at MasterFarmManager.tennessee.edu or by contacting the local UT Extension office at 615-735-2900 or cbhicks@utk.edu. The cost for the eight-week course is $100, and participants may register online or at the UT Extension office.