New Farmer U, Indiana

New Farmer U (New Farmer University) is coming to Indiana! Join Partners IN Food and Farming and fellow farmers ready to take the next step towards creating a successful farm business.

Farming means wearing many hats—including that of an entrepreneur and business owner. Understanding the ins and outs of financial planning, marketing, and business management is key to making your farm thrive.

New Farmer U is a two-day training and gathering designed to help small and mid-scale farmers with 2–6 years of experience develop these skills while connecting with peers and exploring creative ways to manage their operations.

This event is all about practical learning and real-world strategies. Expect farmer-to-farmer conversations, interactive workshops, small group discussions, and plenty of time to connect over shared meals and campfires.

• A full-day deep dive into farm finances

Paul Dietmann, Fearless Farm Finances co-author and Senior Lending Officer at Compeer Financial, will lead a workshop on farm financial management. This will be a unique chance to dig into farm financials and organizational health.

• Breakout Workshop Sessions

Option A: Open Your Books -- Peer Financial Review with Liz Brownlee, Nightfall Farm, SARE

Option B: Building Your Business Plan: Subject to change based on interest.

• Dinner + Evening Open Hours + Activities

We'll end the day with relaxing around the campfire, optional DIY screenprinting, and other activities.

• Full day of workshops on various farm business and adjacent topics

Topics will include:

(1) Farmer Mental Health + Wellbeing - Katie Bishop, The Land Connection

(2) Cooperative + Collaborative Models for Farmers - Hugh Farrell, Indiana Cooperative Development Center

(3) Crop Planning for Risk Management + Profitability - Genesis McKiernan-Allen, Full Hand Farm

(4) Creative Farm Financing - Fresh Robinson, Fresher Together

+ More

• Wrap-Up + Next Steps

We'll conclude with reflections and connections - making sure participants leave with clear avenues of support, resources, and actionable next steps.

• Hotel lodging is available at Springhill Suites by Marriott near downtown Bloomington (<1mile from The Overlook). Saturday night lodging is covered in base ticket price, Friday night lodging can be added for additional $30.
• All meals on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday are included. Snacks and coffee will also be available.

All programming will take place at The Overlook, a cooperatively run community center and makerspace in the Maple Heights neighborhood in Bloomington, IN. The space includes a main programming room, kitchen, woodworking, ceramics, and artist studios, and outdoor area. Learn more about the space here.

PIFF is committed to making New Farmer U accessible. We’re offering 10 full scholarships covering admission and lodging. Apply by September 19 → Scholarship Application

Contact Eavy at [email protected] with any questions or concerns about registration, scholarships, or the event.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

611 W 12th St, 611 West 12th Street, Bloomington, United States