Farm Business Management courses are designed to meet producers where they are, from foundational record keeping and financial planning to advanced risk management, marketing, transition planning, and specialty crop production. Your local FBM instructor can help you determine which courses best fit your farm business goals.
Many FBM courses are individualized to the student’s farm business. Course topics, projects, and areas of focus may be selected with guidance from an FBM instructor. Use the course areas below to explore the different types of FBM offerings, from foundational business management to advanced planning, marketing, crops, livestock, and specialty crop courses.
Jump to a Course Area
Use the links below to quickly move to the course area most relevant to your farm business goals.
Essentials I Applications I Advanced I Commodities Marketing I Current Issues I General Farm Management I Marketing I Crops I Livestock I Specialty Crops
Essentials of Farm Business Management
Build a strong foundation in farm records, goal setting, business planning, financial analysis, and management decisions.
FBMT 1112 Foundations for Farm Business Management – This course is an overview of the Farm Business Management Program. The student will be introduced to goal setting, business assessment, personal assessment, record keeping, and business projections to provide the foundation for personal and business management progress. Current issues affecting business management are an integral part of the course.
FBMT 1121 Preparation for Farm Business Analysis – This course will take the student through a step-by-step procedure to close out a complete year of farm business records. This course will emphasize tax planning, completing inputs to livestock and crop enterprises, and emphasizing cash and liabilities accuracy. A completed business and enterprise analysis will be the course focus.
FBMT 1122 Implementing the System Management Plan – This course continues to build on the foundation of farm business management. The student will complete a farm business financial and enterprise analysis. Sound financial record keeping is an integral component.
FBMT 1131 Managing and Modifying Farm System Data – This course will help the student refine their farm business data system and assist them in applying year end procedures for farm business analysis. Students improve accuracy in the following: farm enterprise analysis, tax planning, data filing, and cash and liabilities checks.
FBMT 1132 Interpreting and Using Farm System Data – This course provides an opportunity for the student to view the farm business and its various components through the application of balance sheets, farm personal and managerial inventories, enterprise reports and historical data.
FBMT 1211 Introduction to Farm Business Management – This course introduces basic farm business management concepts. Students will study the farm management planning cycle and develop an understanding of its relationship to family and farm business goal setting, cash and enterprise accounting principles, and tax planning.
FBMT 2200 Special Topics – General Farm Management – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in general farm management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business.
FBMT 2253 System Plans and Projections – This course enables the combination of concepts for preparing farm system plans and projections, and the interaction of possible implications and/or solutions of these concepts.
FBMT 2310 Environmental Interactions in Agriculture – This course will examine a variety of environmental issues related to agriculture and suggested ways in which to address the issues.
FBMT 2325 Ethics in this Business of Agriculture – This course will explore various ways in which a farm business conducts business and address their proper conduct.
Applications of Farm Business Management
Apply farm financial data, business trends, and planning tools to improve decision-making and long-term business performance.
FBMT 1233 Application of Productive Enterprise Information – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in marketing management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business. Student and Instructor will choose from said topics to best fit student needs.
FBMT 2141 Interpreting and Evaluating Financial Data – This course continues to expand on preparation and evaluation of the farm business analysis. This course provides continued guidance and perfection of business record close out procedures, tax implications of management decisions, and continues to monitor farm business and family goals.
FBMT 2142 Interpreting Trends in Business Planning – This course examines whole farm, enterprise, balance sheet, and inventory trends. Current analysis data is compared to historical data in making future farm business planning decisions. Financial ratios are used to indicate the farm financial structure
FBMT 2151 Strategies in Farm System Data Management – This course will help the student focus on long term strategies necessary to maintain and enhance the farm business and personal future financial goals. The student will complete the year by developing an accurate, usable business analysis.
FBMT 2152 Integrating System Information for Financial Planning – This course uses farm system information to develop a farm financial plan. Interpretation and analysis of the farm system data will enhance the reliability of the farm plan. The comprehensive farm plan will integrate historical trends, farm and personal goals, financial and enterprise performance of the farm business.
FBMT 2161 Examination of the Context of Farm System Management – This course is designed to assist students in preparation of improved farm system management procedures. Students in this course will evaluate several years of an improved farm system analysis.
FBMT 2162 Refining Farm System Management – This course is the culmination of activities designed to enable the student to develop and implement a comprehensive farm business strategic plan. The student will use the components of the Farm Business Management Program to develop and support a strategic plan.
Advanced Farm Business Management
Explore higher-level topics such as risk management, strategic planning, transition planning, communication, technology, and personnel management.
FBMA 2200 Current Issues in Farm Business Management– This course is designed to assist students to further develop their skills in business management. It provides an opportunity for students to investigate and apply tools that may be effective in reducing potential risk, performing strategic planning, and revising business plans in their farm business operations. Emphasis is placed on the research of business management alternatives to meet their business and personal needs and goals.
FBMA 2201 Directed Studies – Current Issues in Farm Business Management – This course assists students to further develop their skills in business management. It provides an opportunity for students to identify current issues, maintain the financial and enterprise database, to generate financial statements, business analyses, and financial projections required for risk management planning, strategic management planning, and farm business plan development. This data also provides the basis for commodity market planning and tax management planning. Emphasis is placed on the development and maintenance of farm business data, reports, and plans.
FBMA 2930 Fundamentals of Financial Management as it relates to Risk Management – This course enhances the student’s decision-making skills relating to business risk management. The student will further investigate tools available to their business that would be effective in reducing potential risk for their operation. Emphasis will be placed on having the student research risk management options that will meet their business, family, and personal needs.
FBMA 2931 Applied Financial Management as it Relates to Risk Management – The student will apply concepts in financial management to develop a business risk management program. The student will implement risk management tools to assist in meeting business, family and personal needs.
FBMA 2932 Fundamentals of Financial Mgmt/Strategic Plan Emphasis – Students will identify the elements necessary to create, evaluate, and implement a strategic plan for the business. Student will utilize financial information and records to develop the strategic plan.
FBMA 2933 Applied Financial Management/Strategic Plan Emp – This course will provide practical application of strategic planning skills. Student will utilize financial information and records to apply the strategic plan.
FBMA 2934 Fundamentals of Financial Mgmt/Business Plan Emphasis – Students will identify the elements necessary to create, evaluate, and implement a business plan for the business. Student will utilize financial information and records to develop the business plan.
FBMA 2935 Applied Financial Mgmt/Business Plan Emphasis – This course will provide practical application of the business plan. Student will utilize financial information and records to apply the business plan.
FBMA 2936 Directed Study: Decision Making – This course will examine individual, family and farm business decision-making processes with emphasis on upgrading and improving decision making resources, tools and skills. Particularly, this course will lead the student to critically analyze information, applications, and implications of decision making as it relates to their own situation. Students will evaluate their own decision-making process.
FBMA 2937 Directed Study – Communications – This course will assist the student in further acquiring and developing a higher level of communication skills. Students will review and evaluate various communication methods and techniques in dealing with and relating to individuals in both the public and private sector. Students will use this information in formulating an effective communication method and style.
FBMA 2938 Directed Study – Modern Agricultural Tech – This course will deal with evaluating modern agricultural technological changes and determining if they fit into an individual’s farming operation.
FBMA 2939 Directed Study – Enterprise Alternatives – This course will assist those students wanting to make changes in their farm business through enterprise expansion, addition, enhancement, or elimination. The course will develop a set of procedures for exploring and evaluating alternative choices.
FBMA 2940 Directed Study – Farm Business Family Transition Course Outcome Summary – Students will study the many aspects of farm business and/or family transition which occur in the typical farm business. Both estate planning and transition planning will be explored.
FBMA 2941 Directed Study – Personnel Management -Students will organize skills for effective management of farm employees and agribusiness personnel through development of handbooks, compensation/incentive packages, individual expectations/evaluations, and team meetings.
Commodities Marketing
Learn how to evaluate markets, use marketing tools, manage risk, and develop strategies for selling farm commodities.
FBMT 1170 Introduction to Farm Commodities Marketing – This course is designed to introduce students to the various methods and tools to market farm commodities. The students will study types of marketing contracts, cash markets, the roles of brokers and market advisors, and the importance of insurance.
FBMT 1173 Introduction to Farm Commodities Marketing – This course provides the student with the opportunity to use the various marketing methods and tools. The students will analyze various types of marketing contracts and cash markets. The student will recognize the roles of brokers and market advisors.
FBMT 1180 Applying Commodity Marketing Fundamentals – This course is designed to teach students to apply the various methods and tools to market farm commodities. The students will utilize various marketing tools to enhance their farm business operations.
FBMT 1183 Directed Study – Applying Commodity Marketing Fundamentals – This course is designed to teach students to apply the various methods and tools to market farm commodities. The students will develop various marketing tools to enhance their farm business operations.
FBMT 1190 Evaluating Farm Commodity Marketing Tools -This course is designed to teach students to evaluate the various farm marketing tools and to select the tool appropriate to the present marketing situation. The student will analyze marketing alternatives and apply to farm business marketing.
FBMT 1193 Directed Study and Evaluating Marketing Tools – This course is designed to teach students to implement the various farm marketing tools and to select the tool appropriate to the present marketing situation. The student will utilize marketing alternatives and apply to farm business marketing.
FBMT 1213 Managing a Farm System in a Global Economy – This course assists the students in achieving awareness of development in agricultural policies and practices throughout the world and assessing the impact of these policies and practices on the profitability and viability of their farm business.
FBMT 2170 Monitoring Farm Commodity Marketing Plans – This course is designed to revise current farm commodity marketing plans. Emphasis will be placed on current market conditions and pricing opportunities. The student will prioritize and evaluate marketing opportunities and risk.
FBMT 2173 Monitoring Farm Commodity Marketing Plans – This course is designed to justify current farm commodity marketing plans. Emphasis will be placed on current market conditions and pricing opportunities. The student will prioritize and evaluate marketing opportunities and risk.
FBMT 2180 Strategies in Farm Commodity Marketing – This course is designed to plan marketing strategies necessary to achieve farm business. The student will create a year-round marketing plan utilizing a variety of marketing strategies to maximize farm income return.
FBMT 2183 Strategies in Farm Commodity Marketing – This course is designed to plan marketing strategies necessary to achieve farm business. The student will implement a year-round marketing plan utilizing a variety of marketing strategies to maximize farm income return
FBMT 2243 Using Financial Instruments in Farm System Management – This course integrates the application of various financial instruments used in acquiring capital for use in the business and investigates the way in which both earnings and financial progress can be measured.
FBMT 2263 Evaluating Farm System Programs – This course develops the student’s awareness of individuals and agencies, both public and private, which have expertise available to assist the farm operator to solve farm systems problems. It enables study and application of farm business evaluation concepts, and exploration of possible implications. Exact subject matter and time spent per topic will vary depending on student need, location, and time.
Current Issues Courses
Focus on timely business management topics and individualized issues affecting today’s farm operations.
FBMA 2210 Current Issues in Farm Business Management – This course is designed to further develop student skills in business management. It provides an opportunity for students to investigate and apply tools that may be effective in improving risk management plans, strategic plans, and business plans in their farm business operations. Emphasis is placed on the research of business management alternatives to meet their business and personal needs. Student and instructor will determine number of credits between one to five and determine current issue(s) topic based on student’s need.
FBMA 2211 Current Issues in Farm Business Management – This course is designed to further develop student skills in business management. It provides an opportunity for students to investigate and apply tools that may be effective in improving risk management plans, strategic plans, and business plans in their farm business operations. Emphasis is placed on the research of business management alternatives to meet their business and personal needs. Student and instructor will determine number of credits between one to five and determine current issue(s) topic based on student’s need.
FBMA 2212 Current Issues in Farm Business Management – This course is designed to further develop student skills in business management. It provides an opportunity for students to investigate and apply tools that may be effective in improving risk management plans, strategic plans, and business plans in their farm business operations. Emphasis is placed on the research of business management alternatives to meet their business and personal needs. Student and instructor will determine number of credits between one to five and determine current issue(s) topic based on student’s need.
FBMA 2213 Current Issues in Farm Business Management – This course is designed to further develop student skills in business management. It provides an opportunity for students to investigate and apply tools that may be effective in improving risk management plans, strategic plans, and business plans in their farm business operations. Emphasis is placed on the research of business management alternatives to meet their business and personal needs. Student and instructor will determine number of credits between one to five and determine current issue(s) topic based on student’s need.
FBMA 2214 Current Issues in Farm Business Management – This course is designed to further develop student skills in business management. It provides an opportunity for students to investigate and apply tools that may be effective in improving risk management plans, strategic plans, and business plans in their farm business operations. Emphasis is placed on the research of business management alternatives to meet their business and personal needs. Student and instructor will determine number of credits between one to five and determine current issue(s) topic based on student’s need.
FBMA 2220 Directed Studies – Current Issues in Farm Business Management – This course is designed to assist students further develop their skills in business management. It provides an opportunity for students to maintain the financial and enterprise data base, to generate financial statements, business analyses, and financial projections required for risk management planning, strategic management planning, and farm business plan development. This data also provides the basis for commodity market planning and tax management planning. Emphasis is placed on the development and maintenance of farm business data, reports, and plans. Student and instructor will determine number of credits between one to five and determine current issue(s) topic based on student’s need.
FBMA 2221 Directed Studies – Current Issues in Farm Business Management – This course is designed to assist students further develop their skills in business management. It provides an opportunity for students to maintain the financial and enterprise data base, to generate financial statements, business analyses, and financial projections required for risk management planning, strategic management planning, and farm business plan development. This data also provides the basis for commodity market planning and tax management planning. Emphasis is placed on the development and maintenance of farm business data, reports, and plans. Student and instructor will determine number of credits between one to five and determine current issue(s) topic based on student’s need.
FBMA 2222 Directed Studies – Current Issues in Farm Business Management – This course is designed to assist students further develop their skills in business management. It provides an opportunity for students to maintain the financial and enterprise data base, to generate financial statements, business analyses, and financial projections required for risk management planning, strategic management planning, and farm business plan development. This data also provides the basis for commodity market planning and tax management planning. Emphasis is placed on the development and maintenance of farm business data, reports, and plans. Student and instructor will determine number of credits between one to five and determine current issue(s) topic based on student’s need.
FBMA 2223 Directed Studies – Current Issues in Farm Business Management – This course is designed to assist students further develop their skills in business management. It provides an opportunity for students to maintain the financial and enterprise data base, to generate financial statements, business analyses, and financial projections required for risk management planning, strategic management planning, and farm business plan development. This data also provides the basis for commodity market planning and tax management planning. Emphasis is placed on the development and maintenance of farm business data, reports, and plans. Student and instructor will determine number of credits between one to five and determine current issue(s) topic based on student’s need.
FBMA 2224 Directed Studies – Current Issues in Farm Business Management – This course is designed to assist students further develop their skills in business management. It provides an opportunity for students to maintain the financial and enterprise data base, to generate financial statements, business analyses, and financial projections required for risk management planning, strategic management planning, and farm business plan development. This data also provides the basis for commodity market planning and tax management planning. Emphasis is placed on the development and maintenance of farm business data, reports, and plans. Student and instructor will determine number of credits between one to five and determine current issue(s) topic based on student’s need.
General Farm Management Courses
Examine special topics in farm management based on the needs, goals, and structure of the student’s farm business.
FBMT 2201 – 2204 Special Topics – General Farm Management – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in general farm management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business. Student and instructor will choose from said topics to best fit student needs.
FBMT 2205 – 2209 Special Topics – General Farm Management – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in general farm management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business. Student and instructor will choose from said topics to best fit student needs.
Marketing Courses
Explore marketing strategies, value-added opportunities, environmental issues, and ways to strengthen farm business income.
FBMT 1253 Exploration of Value-Added Enterprises – This course will explore value added enterprises and how they can affect the farm business. Students will develop a farm business plan using value added enterprises as a component of the farm business.
FBMT 1254 Incorporating of Value-Added Enterprises – This course will provide the student with the knowledge of incorporating a value-added enterprise and evaluating outcomes of the analysis of the farm.
FBMT 1255 Management of Value-Added Enterprises – This course will provide the student with an in-depth knowledge of evaluation and management aspects of value-added enterprises.
FBMT 1260 Environmental Issues on Today’s Farm – This course will offer the student insights and responsibilities of being a steward of the land. With new environmental policies, the student will learn the necessary requirements to meet the current environmental policies.
FBMT 2210 – 2214 Special Topics – Marketing – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in marketing management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business. Student and instructor will choose from said topics to best fit student needs.
FBMT 2215 – 2219 Special Topics – Marketing – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in marketing management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business. Student and instructor will choose from said topics to best fit student needs.
Crops Courses
Study crop management topics that support production decisions, enterprise planning, and improved farm performance.
FBMT 2220 – 2224 Special Topics – Crops – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in crop management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business. Student and instructor will choose from said topics to best serve the student needs.
FBMT 2225 – 2229 Special Topics – Crops – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in crop management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business. Student and instructor will choose from said topics to best serve the student needs.
FBMT 2233 Special Topics – Livestock – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in livestock management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business. Student and instructor will choose from said topics to best serve student needs.
FBMT 2234 Special Topics – Livestock – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in livestock management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business. Student and instructor will choose from said topics to best serve student needs.
Livestock Courses
Focus on livestock management topics tailored to the student’s operation and business goals.
FBMT 2230 – Special Topics – Livestock – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in livestock management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business. Student and instructor will choose from said topics to best serve student needs.
FBMT 2231 Special Topics – Livestock – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in livestock management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business. Student and instructor will choose from said topics to best serve student needs.
FBMT 2232 Special Topics – Livestock – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in livestock management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business. Student and instructor will choose from said topics to best serve student needs.
FBMT 2235 – 2239 Special Topics – Livestock – This course focuses on the analysis of special topics in livestock management for students actively engaged in the operation and management of a farm business. Student and instructor will choose from said topics to best serve student needs.
Specialty Crops Courses
Learn business, production, marketing, soil, pest, irrigation, and financial planning skills for specialty crop enterprises.
SCMT 1110 System Goal Setting – This course is geared towards people who are thinking about starting a business growing specialty crops. Students will consider several major factors before deciding whether or not to become a specialty crop producer.
SCMT 1111 Introduction to Specialty Crops – This course introduces the student to specific crop enterprise opportunities available to generate income on limited acreage. Emphasis will be placed on establishing family and business goals that will help the student select crop enterprises that would be compatible with their economic requirements and management ability.
SCMT 1112 Introduction to Financial Planning and Analysis – This course will introduce the student to the process of financial planning and analysis for the specialty crop business. Students will establish an effective record keeping system and learn how to use the information to plan cash flow needs and monitor the performance of the business.
SCMT 1114 Marketing of Specialty Crops – This course covers the steps involved in developing a strategy to sell locally grown produce. Students will estimate the population in their marketing area and determine if farmer’s markets, wholesale or consumer supported agriculture (CSA) will provide the best approach for selling their products.
SCMT 1116 Introduction to Soils and Plant Growth – This course will provide students with an understanding of soil types, their characteristics and which crops will grow best on their soils. Students will learn how to manage soils to achieve desired plant growth by using nutrient management techniques appropriate to specific soil types and crop growth needs.
SCMT 1117 Pest Identification and Control – This course introduces the student to Integrated Pest Management techniques. Students will learn how to identify the most common insects, diseases and weeds that threaten their crops, and learn to choose appropriate cultural practices and pesticides for each pest.
SCMT 1119 Pesticide Safety and Handling – This course covers how to properly and safely apply pesticides to crops. Students will learn the difference between restricted use and non-restricted use pesticides and determine if they will need to acquire a pesticide applicators license. Different sprayers appropriate for their farming operation will also be covered.
SCMT 1121 Fertilizer Selection and Handling – This course covers the selection and application of fertilizer materials used in the production of specialty crops. Students will learn how to calculate nitrogen and other nutrient needs for their crops based on crop demand and soil tests.
SCMT 1124 Irrigation Planning and Management – This course covers the selection, design and management of irrigation systems appropriate to specialty crops. Students will learn the advantages of using a drip system versus using impact sprinklers or micro sprinklers. The unique water needs of various specialty crops and soil types will be covered.
SCMT 1135 Labor, Risk and Tax Management – This course covers unique labor, insurance and tax circumstances that pertain to the business of producing and selling fruits and vegetables in direct market and wholesale outlets. Students will learn about options for buying crop insurance for specialty crops, and will also learn steps they can take to reduce their liability insurance.
SCMT 2125 Advertising and Customer Relations – This course covers the use of advertising to increase sales and expand the customer base. Students will identify the most effective advertising strategies for their business location and learn methods to handle dissatisfied customers.
SCMT 2127 Advanced Financial Planning and Analysis – This course provides students with a systematic method to assess specialty crop business enterprise strengths and weaknesses based on information obtained through computerized analysis of specialty crop business accounts. Students will learn how to use information from the analysis to make changes in their specialty crops business.
SCMT 2131 Advanced Soils and Plant Nutrition – This course identifies the nutrient needs for various specialty crops and alternative methods of achieving and maintaining desired nutrient levels. Students will learn how CEC and pH influence soil fertility and which nutrients are best added with foliar feeding.
SCMT 2132 Advanced Marketing Strategies – Students will look at different ways to market their products to determine which marketing channel will help them meet their business goals. Students will learn how to interpret specialty crop business analyses to help make marketing decisions.
SCMT 2136 Advanced Pest Identification and Control – This course covers alternative methods of weed, insect and disease control. Students will learn both cultural practices and chemical methods to control specific pests. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the life cycles of insects, fungi and weeds that reduce crop yields.
