Full course description
Enrollment for the Winter 2025 course session will open December 1st, 2024.
In order to meet the needs of both Ohio’s Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program Certification and FSA’s Borrower Training Requirements, this course will improve the beginning farmer’s understanding of farm financial management, production record keeping, and enterprise analysis. After completion, successful participants will receive a dated certificate of completion.
Course Format
This course is available fully online with no fixed due dates. Participants can work through course modules independently and at their own pace between January 1st and March 31st, 2025.
Along with the asynchronous modules, participants have the opportunity to attend 3 synchronous Content Overview and Q&A sessions scheduled for the following dates:
- Thursday, January 23rd, 7:00PM (Modules 1-3)
- Thursday, February 13th, 7:00PM (Modules 4-7)
- Thursday, March 13th, 7:00PM (Modules 8-10 and Business Plan)
Zoom session information and links will be provided within the course.
Course Organization
This fully online course consists of ten 1-hour modules that include video lessons, quizzes, and assignments. Participants should plan for an 18-22-hour commitment to complete the course.
This course includes the following 10 modules:
- Module 1 - Farm Business Planning
- Module 2 - Developing a Farm Balance Sheet
- Module 3 - Understanding Income Statements
- Module 4 - Statement of Cashflows
- Module 5 - The Cost of Production
- Module 6 - Record Keeping: Accounting and Production
- Module 7 - Farm Tax Considerations
- Module 8 - Farm Financing
- Module 9 - Financial and Legal Risk Management
- Module 10 - Financial Analysis
Technology Requirements
- For best performance, a computer or tablet that supports the most recent web browser versions can play mp4 files. It is recommended to use a computer five years old or newer with at least 1GB of RAM and high-speed internet connection. Some features may not be compatible with mobile devices.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader. Can be downloaded here for free.
- The recommended web browsers are Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge.
Contact Us
This course is offered through The Ohio State University Extension and the Farm Financial Management and Policy Institute (FFMPI). For questions, contact instructor Eric Richer at richer.5@osu.edu.
First Time ScarletCanvas Users: After you enroll, you will receive two automated emails, one with the subject "Please confirm your email address - Ohio State ScarletCanvas." Use the link in that email to set up the password you would like to use for your account.
For technical assistance with the ScarletCanvas platform, including logging in and password concerns, please contact CFAES Online Outreach team at faes-onlineoutreach@osu.edu. Please allow at least 24 hours for a reply during business hours, 72 hours over holidays and weekends.
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