EVERETT Alternative agriculture is ramping up to meet the demands of a health-conscious culture and the Washington State Universitys Snohomish County Extension is offering a 10-week, award-winning course to help local farmers tap the market.
The class, Agricultural Entrepreneurship Tilling the Soil of Opportunity, starts Jan. 16 at the Everett Events Center.
A growing demand for homegrown meats and organically-grown vegetables, herbs and plants can benefit farmers here in the Stillaguamish Valley as well as other farming regions of Snohomish County, if farmers take the time to learn how to manage a small farm or agricultural business sustainably and profitably.
Taught by local farmer and recent Gourmet Magazine feature farmer Linda Neunzig, owner of Ninety Farms in Arlington, the class is tailored for those interested in developing a profitable farm, nursery/greenhouse operation, or other agricultural enterprise as well as current producers wishing to enhance existing operations.
Graduates will gain skills in business planning, direct marketing, financial and legal issues.
During the course, participants develop a business plan they can take to the bank to finance a new enterprise or expand an existing farm business.
This course offers first-hand knowledge of federal, state, and local programs targeted towards small producers, including resources to improve risk management and conservation practices. In addition, guest speakers include local agriculture professionals as well as bankers, accountants, attorneys, and growers who are models for sustainable agriculture in their farming and marketing practices.

Topics covered include:
Take stock of your resources develop concrete business mission and goals, and assess available financial management and family/social resources.
Determine the best legal structure for your business by identifying and defining regulatory impacts on proposed or existing business.
Determine ways to minimize asset risk, identify management strategies necessary for business success, and develop record-keeping systems and discipline.
Learn key concepts of marketing.
Explore the differences between marketing and advertising and learn to attract potential customers
Understand budgets, project annual cash flow, calculate pricing and margins, and comprehend the power of using what if scenario.
Understand cash-flow projections and their use as a management tool, protect credit ratings, and learn to use balance sheets and profit and loss statements.
Cultivate your money resources by evaluating financing options and determine which is best for you.
The class runs from
6 9 p.m. Wednesdays,
Jan. 16 March 19 at the University Center (Room 310) of the Everett Station. Cost is $250 including all materials.
Registration forms can be downloaded at http://snohomish.wsu.edu/ag/workshops/winterworkshops07.htm.
For information contact Kate Halstead at khalstead@wsu.edu or call 425-357-6024.