Professional Resource Outreach (PRO) » Agri-Business Management

Agri-Business Management

The MidAmerica Technology Center Professional Resource Outreach (PRO) Agriculture Business Management (AgBM) program works directly with agricultural entrepreneurs to help them grow and strengthen their business. Support is hands-on and tailored to each producer, whether they are just getting started or looking to expand.

 

Services may include:

  • One-on-one guidance and on-site farm visits
  • Create local farmers markets in your community
  • Assistance getting products into farmers markets
  • Connecting producers with co-packers to scale production for retail, online, or larger distribution
  • Guidance on marketing and selling products such as flowers and value-added goods
  • Support with business planning
  • Help setting up record-keeping systems to track performance and identify opportunities for growth
  • Finance and grant assistance 

 

In addition to one-on-one support, we offer on-campus classes designed to help producers build skills and grow their business. You do not have to live in our district to enroll—these classes are open to anyone.

 

A few examples may include: 

(Link will take you to current offerings in the agri-business management category. Some classes may not be available at all times.)

  • Agri-Safety Training
  • Agri-Tourism
  • Basic Recordkeeping
  • Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)
  • Business Plan Development
  • Farm to Table Cooking Classes 
  • Estate and Succession Planning
  • Food Labeling and Food Safety
  • Grant and Report Writing
  • Grants NRCS-Equip Program
  • Greenhouse Operations
  • High Tunnel Operation
  • Livestock Feed and Nutrition
  • Livestock Genetics
  • Marketing Agricultural Products
  • Microsoft Excel for Record Keeping
  • StockTank-Launch a New Product
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Technology/Tools in Agriculture
  • Value-Added Food Products and Rules
 

Cooperative effort is provided to AgBM clients through the Farm Service Agency's borrower training program. Additional support is provided in partnership with local agricultural extension offices and the NRCS in preparing grants, matching funds or conservation plans. 

Jona Kay Squires, has more than 50 years in the agriculture industry. She excels at helping agricultural producers drive profits in Cleveland, Garvin, and McClain counties. Jona Kay will consult, coach, create trainings and workshops to help start-up agri-businesses successfully launch and existing agri-businesses diversify and grow in order to receive top dollar for their agricultural products.