Fearless farm finances training, December 9 & 10

The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) announced that it is offering a two-day training session titled "Fearless Farm Finances" for farmers interested in learning about farm financial management on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9 & 10, in La Crosse. The cost for the two-day training is $95. An organic lunch will be featured on Friday and organic breakfast and lunch on Saturday.

The Fearless Farm Finances training is planned for both beginning farmers and for established farmers who desire to better understand the financial aspects of their farms.This program is planned and hosted by MOSES and will be an interactive session led by three experienced teachers with diverse farm finance backgrounds: Chris Blanchard, owner/manager of Rock Spring Farm, a vegetable market farm and CSA; Craig Chase, farm management program specialist at Iowa State University Extension; and Paul Dietmann, director of the Wisconsin Farm Center at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

"Farm financial management isn't as tough as it may seem but many farmers are intimidated by tracking and working with numbers," says Paul Dietmann. "Learning the basics in this training will take away the fear and uncertainty and help farmers make more informed decisions about their farm businesses."

Topics covered over the two days will include: setting your farm financial goals; understanding your farm through the standard reports of income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows; using enterprise budgets; data collection, budgeting and monitoring; and understanding profitability. There will be significant time allocated for questions and discussion. Participants will receive a copy of the companion book, "Fearless Farm Finances," to be published by MOSES in 2012.

The Fearless Farm Finances training will be held at the Radisson Hotel in La Crosse, 200 Harborview Plaza. MOSES is offering a limited number of reduced-rate scholarships for attendees. Details can be found on the MOSES website. To view the program schedule and register, go to http://www.mosesorganic.org/farmfinances.html, OR call the MOSES office at 715-778-5775 for questions and to receive a mailed registration form.