The Fleming County Agriculture Advisory Council determined the need for a program on business planning for folks that were beginning with farming.  The idea was tossed around because one of the farmers on the council was able to become a better manager of his dairy farm after doing a business plan.  He went from barely making ends meet to becoming quite profitable in his industry.  It was also determined that since the Ag Development Council for Fleming County had decided to allow cost-share funds to be allotted specifically for beginning farmers to be part of use of the tobacco settlement funds that it would be a good idea to make the business planning program a must.  The cost-share application included a requirement for a business plan for folks to be able to apply for the funds.  

In partnership with the local USDA Farm Service Agency, the Fleming County Extension Office offered the Farm Business Plan for Beginners in November of 2019.  The course had a variety of ages in attendance.  The course also reached into the Amish Community where five folks attended from that sector of the community.  Two of the attendees from the Amish Community were youth.  The youth were interested in beginning their own sheep enterprise.  The attendees spoke of how they understood farm management better.  

In Spring of 2020 the youth that attended the course was able to begin his endeavor in the sheep business.  He also was able to suggest to other Amish youth to contact our office to learn more about management of sheep.