Learn about the major legal business structures available to farms at this session.

Farm Business Development & Management Workshop Series

Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Workshop III

In this third session of the Farm Business Development & Management Workshop Series, participants will explore the major legal business structures available to farm operations and learn how to develop an effective farm business plan.

Kellie Greene of the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Center will lead the session, guiding participants through the major legal business structures available to farm operations — including sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, corporations, and cooperatives — and the factors that impact business structure choice. The session will then shift to business planning, walking attendees through the key components of an effective farm business plan and how to use it to guide operations and secure financing.

While designed primarily for beginning and relatively new farmers, this workshop series is open to all current and aspiring farmers and ranchers. Over the course of the series, participants will cover the essential elements of establishing and maintaining a successful farm operation — from conducting market research and obtaining licenses to managing cash flow and analyzing financial performance. Each 90-minute workshop will feature expert speakers who will address the many critical aspects of business development and management.