Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

 Course Title:   Agricultural Entrepreneurship & Business Planning

 Title Abbreviation:   AG ENTREPRENEUR/BUS PLAN

 Department:    ENVAG

 Course #:    271

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    6

 CIP:    010308

 EPC:    127

 REV:    2021


 Course Description  

Explore small farm models and entrepreneurship, and conceive of and draft a whole farm business plan. Gain practical knowledge and skills in agricultural business development, market research, and record keeping and finances in the context of farm and ranch production strategies. Field trips are an integral part of this course.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: None.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 33

Lab: 44

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for certificate  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
N/A

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Discuss and evaluate common and emergent small farm models, and describe the entrepreneurial competencies required to sustain these small businesses.
  2. Describe the components of a farm business plan, and create a plan based upon triple bottom line sustainability principles and agricultural market research.
  3. Interpret small farm business licensing and insurance, agricultural zoning, permitting, and regulations, and organic and other certification programs.
  4. Identify production strategies that correspond to market analyses and an assessment of consumer trends, target markets, and competitive advantage.
  5. Employ financial records, such as cash flow and profit-loss statements and actual and projected balance sheets, to inform production efficiency and product pricing.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

  1. Common and emergent small farm models, and describe the entrepreneurial competencies required to sustain these small businesses.
  2. Components of a farm business plan, and create a plan based upon triple bottom line sustainability principles and agricultural market research.
  3. Small farm business licensing and insurance, agricultural zoning, permitting, and regulations, and organic and other certification programs.
  4. Production strategies that correspond to market analyses and an assessment of consumer trends, target markets, and competitive advantage.
  5. Financial records, such as cash flow and profit-loss statements and actual and projected balance sheets, to inform production efficiency and product pricing.