The online school enables participants to work toward developing a business plan with support from professionals who specialize in each field and topic, Clayton said. Participants can expect to spend roughly two hours per week at their convenience on the lessons and activities.
Enrollees will learn from experts regarding land management techniques and resources, alternative ranching operations, ecotourism opportunities, insurance and tax considerations, direct marketing and more. They will also learn how to set goals with measurable objectives for success.
Upon course completion, participants will have a useful business plan for their operation and receive a Generation Next certificate and T-shirt.
Course benefits new and established producers
While the course curriculum is designed to assist those new to land ownership or agriculture, individuals with existing knowledge also benefit.
“I grew up farming and ranching, but the business and operational details were not discussed,” said Michael Martin, Generation Next alumnus. “I knew that I needed more than just instinct and limited experience to carry on farming and ranching in today’s competitive world.”
Martin is a fourth-generation cattle producer operating his family’s ranch in Central Texas.
“This course helped me understand the why and how to run my operation as a business with ecological and financial goals in mind,” he said.
Martin added that while writing a business plan from scratch is a daunting task, the course breaks the process down into manageable components and helps fill knowledge gaps participants may not be aware of.
Source : tamu.edu