By Blake Jackson
The Lincoln University of Missouri Cooperative Extension is offering a yearlong agribusiness certification training series designed to help farmers strengthen their business knowledge, improve production practices, and develop effective marketing strategies.
The free program runs from October 2026 through September 2027 and provides participants with practical tools to support long-term farm success.
The training is led by Eleazar Gonzalez, Ph.D., State Extension Specialist of Agricultural Economics and Marketing. The program is organized into three sections, each focusing on a different stage of agribusiness development.
Participants receive guidance on business planning, sustainable production practices, and marketing techniques that can help improve profitability and operational efficiency.
The first section, running from October through May, focuses on building a strong business foundation. Through eight two-hour educational sessions, participants learn how to create an agribusiness plan tailored to their farming goals. The lessons cover key topics related to farm management, planning, and decision-making. Guest speakers also provide information on sustainable agriculture practices and resources available through the university.
Explaining the purpose of the training, Eleazar Gonzalez, Ph.D., State Extension Specialist of Agricultural Economics and Marketing said, “They will learn by creating their own business plan. During the first [section], they will strengthen their farming purpose with clear goals and build confidence in their production plan.”
The second section shifts learning from the classroom to the field. Running from April through July, this phase utilizes the Lincoln Agribusiness Wagon School (LAWS), a mobile classroom designed to provide hands-on agricultural training. Participants learn practical farming techniques and gain experience with modern tools and technologies used in small-scale farming operations.
During this stage, trainees receive instruction on soil preparation, drip irrigation systems, mechanical weed control, pest management, and equipment operation. Selected farms also receive direct support through the program, allowing participants to apply sustainable farming practices and improve their growing operations.
Discussing this hands-on approach, Gonzalez stated, “We are sharing with participants an innovative learning approach and practical experience that offers participants an option to turn their farming activities into a more profitable venture.”
The final section, scheduled from July through September, focuses on postharvest management and product marketing. Topics include value-added products, food safety, pricing strategies, and identifying market opportunities. These lessons help producers understand how to maximize returns from their products and strengthen cash flow.
To earn certification, participants must complete requirements across all three sections, including attendance at lectures, field activities, and marketing sessions. However, certification is optional, and farmers or community members may attend individual sessions without enrolling in the full program.
By connecting business education, practical farming experience, and marketing preparation, the program aims to help farmers achieve stronger yields, increased profitability, and greater confidence in managing their agricultural enterprises. The initiative provides valuable support for both new and experienced producers seeking sustainable growth and long-term success.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Missouri, Sustainable Agriculture