Applications will be available in late 2023.

If interested in the program, please reach out to info@fwsoil.org for additional details.

This year, Southern Illinois Farm Beginnings (SIFB) is offering a special year-long program open to anyone wanting to engage in sustainable, entrepreneurial farming. The program provides education and technical assistance for new and beginning farmers and ranchers with less than 10 years of experience. SIFB supports farmer development in three ways:

1. Seminars focused on your holistic farm vision, financial management, and marketing (Online and in-person meetings, as conditions permit. Support is available to help with online access).
2. On-farm field days and online meetings with experienced farmers, exploring on-the-ground sustainable farming practices
3. One-on-one mentorship with a successful farmer ​

- Crafting a detailed plan for your farm enterprise
- 56 hours of seminar time on business and marketing, much of it with established farmers
- Classroom and on-farm sessions developing skills in specialty crops, humane animal husbandry, and a special section on accessing land and resources.
- On-farm field days and workshops
- Course books and materials
- Connection to established sustainable farmers interested in helping you succeed
- One year membership to the Southern Illinois Farming Alliance

- Articulate your values and goals into a vision and mission statement for your farm business
- Formulate short- and long-term farming goals
- Craft a detailed plan for your farm enterprise
- Learn critical farm management skills such as financing and marketing strategies
- Tap into the knowledge of innovative and skilled farmers in Southern Illinois

- Access opportunities for land and equipment use and/or rental
- Receive mentoring from a farmer engaged in a similar enterprise
- Develop important connections with beginning and experienced farmers
- Make personal contact with a wide range of Illinois professionals that support small-scale local farmers, including USDA specialists, bankers, farmers market managers, reporters, and attorneys

Application Guidelines:
1. Up to two people in the same family or business can attend Southern Illinois Farm Beginnings® under one tuition payment. If two people intend to take the course together, please identify one person as the Primary Applicant.

2. Applications are due October 1, 2023.

3. To apply, please send your completed application to info@fwsoil.org OR mail to: Food Works, P.O. Box 3855 Carbondale, IL 62902.

4. Regular tuition for the 2023-24 program is $450. Three to twelve-month payment plan options and scholarships are available. We’ll make every effort to work with qualified applicants.

5. All Applicants will have a phone, Zoom, or in-person interview with one of the program facilitators. Following the interview you will be notified immediately of your status with the program.

Special scholarships are available for the 2023-2024 program! Contact us to learn more.

Questions or interested in an application? Please reach out to program facilitator Jennifer Duensing at jenniferduensing@fwsoil.org