ESSENTIALS OF FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE
Program Course Requirements

Required Courses (20 credits)
FBMT 1112 Foundations for Farm Business Management, 4 cr
FBMT 1121 Preparation for Farm Business Analysis, 4 cr
FBMT 1122 Implementing the System Management Plan, 4 cr
FBMT 1131 Managing and Modifying Farm System Data, 4 cr
FBMT 1132 Interpreting and Using Farm System Data, 4 cr

Electives (10 credits)
Student must choose an additional 10 credits from the Farm Business Management Master Course Listing. Electives can be identified when the second numerical placeholder is a "2". (i.e. FBMT 1211)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT - 30 CREDITS

Click here to download the Essentials of Farm Business Management Certificate Program Planning Form (PDF)

Program Information: The primary emphasis of the Farm Business Management Program is to assist farm families in meeting their business and personal goals through quality farm records and sound business decisions. This program is primarily taught at the student’s place of business, but classroom and group instruction are also very important. Individualized instruction is used to the fullest extent. Students are enrolled in the program on a continuous, part-time basis. Normal credit load is 10 credits per year, for the equivalent of 1/3 of a full-time college student. The instructor visits the farm on a regular basis and understands the strengths and weaknesses of each student’s business. Developing a set of sound farm records is the basis for the program. Primarily, computerized accounting is used to handle the complex records, which must be kept in an efficient farm business. At the close of the calendar year, these records are summarized by the instructor and a computerized business analysis is prepared for each student to show how well his/her business did financially during the year. Each student also receives an area Farm Business Analysis Summary, which allows them to compare their information with averages of other Farm Business Management students (farmers) in their local area and around the state. The Farm Business Management Program offering consists of four certificate programs. The first three certificate programs are 30 credits in length. These three programs include Essentials of Farm Business Management, Applications in Farm Business Management, and Advanced Farm Business Management. The fourth certificate option is the Marketing Certificate, consisting of 25 credits.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:

• Maintain accurate records regularly;
• Complete business analysis annually;
• Complete accurate balance sheets annually or as needed;
• Complete business planning annually and strategically;
• Continue in business after completing award area(s).

Special Program Requirements: The Farm Business Management Program is designed for business owners, managers, and key employees of farm and agricultural business. In addition, individuals in the process of starting a farm or agricultural business may also enroll.

Admissions: The Farm Business Management Program is primarily offered as individualized instruction at the business. Classroom instruction is also offered on a limited basis. Normal credit load is 10 credits per year, for the equivalent of 1/3 of a full-time college student.