Farming is more than a lifestyle or a job — it’s a business venture that demands skills and knowledge for success.
To help new and current farmers gain skills in business planning and direct marketing, Washington State University’s Snohomish County Extension offers a new “Cultivating Success: Agricultural Entrepreneurship” class series, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 15, in Everett.
Held in partnership with Snohomish Conservation District, the course features a full line‑up of local guest speakers including business professionals, marketing specialists, and successful farm owners, with a special emphasis on the financial and legal issues unique to farm‑based businesses.
During the course, participants are guided in developing a business plan they can use to help finance and grow a new enterprise or expand an existing farm‑based business.
The course runs 6–8:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings through April 2, along with one Saturday. Classes are held at Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St. SE, Everett, Wash.
Class size is limited, and pre‑paid registration is required. Cost for the twelve‑week course is $300. Register online or download the PDF form and mail with your check.
WSU’s Cultivating Success program brings together a network of experts, farmers, organizations, and partners who provide students with the expertise, real‑world examples, and resources necessary to develop a successful farm operation.
Course facilitators include Bobbi Lindemulder, cattle rancher and District Operations Program Manager for the Snohomish Conservation District; Kate Ryan, grower and Agriculture Program Coordinator for WSU Snohomish County Extension, and Anthony Gromko, WSU Community Sustainability Specialist with expertise in sustainable systems, organizational leadership, micro‑finance, entrepreneurship, and small business development.
For more information on the course, contact Kate Ryan, 425‑357‑6024, kate.ryan@wsu.edu.
