Small Farm Entrepreneurship
New and experienced small-scale producers are exploring options for starting rural farm businesses to meet the increased demand for locally produced food and fiber products.
Our Extension small farms programming provides research, education, outreach and expertise to facilitate producer success in specialty crop, livestock, organic, value added, agri-tourism or other farm enterprises on small acreages. Our participants gain knowledge in production, planning, risk management and more; they also adopt sustainable production practices, stabilize and expand personal and community income, and achieve success in maintaining successful small farm businesses.
Is a small farm in your future?
Browse our publications, sign up for a class, attend a tour or schedule a one on one consultation with one of our Extension educators in person, over the phone or even videoconference.
Already farming?
Check out our lineup of continuing education courses, workshops and webinars through Cultivating Success™ or contact an Extension educator for more information on how we can help you succeed in your small farm pursuits.
Cultivating Success
Sustainable Small Farm Education
Courses, workshops, tours, webinar training and support for farmer mentors and a Farm Link program are all features of Cultivating Success. Many opportunities are offered as online content or hybrid online and in-person events. Courses focus on exploring small farm possibilities, goal setting, whole farm planning, entrepreneurship, financial management, sustainable production methods, marketing and much more.
Cultivating Success is a regional collaboration of University of Idaho Extension, Washington State University and the nonprofit organization Rural Roots.
Did You Know?
- 48 percent of Idaho's farms and ranches are smaller than 50 acres. Another 20 percent are between 50 and 179 acres.
- 66 percent of Idaho farmers have annual gross farm sales less than $25,000.
- Women are the principal operators of 1,789 of the farms smaller than 50 acres and 652 of the farms between 50 to 179 acres.
- Almost 2,500 farms in Idaho report selling their products directly to consumers.