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How is the course structured?
You'll work together as a group consisting of 5 or 6 other participants and make long lasting friendships. Instruction consists of short dynamic lectures, fun demonstrations and video presentations interspersed with individual and team tasks. Team tasks generally focus on applying course principles and tools to a real case study. Individual tasks generally involve the application of concepts and methods to your farm.
What are the class hours?
Day 1 - 12.30pm - 9.00pm
Day 2 - 8.00am - 6.30pm
Day 3 - 8.00am - 6.30pm
Day 4 - 8.00am - 6.30pm
Day 5 - 8.00am - 12.30pm
When and where are the courses held?
For a current schedule of The Business of Farming courses, please refer to our Events page.
How much does The Business of Farming cost?
$3,500 +gst per business (maximum of 2 people) to attend same course
$660 +gst third and consecutive person from same family/business to same course
$660 +gst current StrategicFocus businesses and StrategicFocus graduates
What does the course fee cover?
The course fee includes tuition, a course manual with comprehensive notes. The feel also includes a meal package which provides morning and afternoon teas, lunch and three dinners.
Do I need to stay in town?
We recommend that you do. Some people commuting to the course have a harder time focusing on $100,000 issues facing their business while they'e doing the $10/hour chores at home before coming to the course.
Are we on our own for meals?
You'll be on our own for breakfast and one dinner but course participants each lunch together.
How do I enrol?
Registration is easy. To register just complete and return the registration form with your deposit of $350. You can also register online.
I've never been good with numbers. Will I be able to keep up?
A lot of people who attend our programs share your concern. But, our specialty is breaking down what can be complicated concepts into very simle principles and step-by-step methods. If you are concerned about your skill with numbers, you won't be alone, and you won't be left behind. Each section of the course is designed to help you understand economic and financial principles and apply them to your farm.
I'm experienced with numbers. Is this course too basic for me?
This course isn't dumbed-down. While the step-by-step methods are simple, the economic and financial principles are extremely powerful. MBA's and accountants attending the school tell us the simple, powerful tools we provide have deepened their understanding and enhanced their ability to serve and advise their clients.
When the course is over, am I on my own to remember and apply these concepts and techniques?
No. Our alumni support is unparalleled. We can be contacted via phone, fax or email to answer your questions after the course.
You will receive a free lifetime subscription to our monthly newsletter and receive ProfitPoints, our twice-monthly management email for alumni.
You'll also be eligible to join StrategicFocus, the most successful alumni network in agriculture. In StrategicFocus, The Business of Farming alumni work together in peer advisory boards. Using a structured review process, they consult with one another about business decisions and hold each other accountable to implement action plans and achieve results. StrategicFocus also includes a benchmarking service and a continuing education program featuring oustanding speakers like Tim Flannery, Robyn Pulman, etc.
How big are the classes?
Class size varies. The average course is 28 participants, but class size has ranged from 10 to 42. Regardless of class size, you'll be working in a team with 5 to 6 other participants.
I'm thinking about buying a farm but I don't have a farm yet. Should I wait before I attend?
You'd be well served to use the school to clarify your goals and build a business plan to achieve them before you start your business. Most of the participants usually have several years of experience in farming. You'll be able to draw on their experience and contacts to avoid costly mistakes.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, a jumper/jacket, a calculator, lots of questions and high expectations. We'll provide a workbook, scrap paper, pencils, erasers and everything else you need to learn how to get in control of your business.
My farm is different than most. Will the concepts and tools apply to me?
Yes. We've been working with agricultural businesses of all sizes and types on four continents for over 25 years and have encountered about every exception to the rule. We have yet to find one that could not benefit from these principles and methods. Occasionally processes need to be adapted to accommodate unique situations. Our instructors will work with you to help you apply the principles and processes to your situation.
What if the course doesn't live up to my expectations?
If you complete The Business of Farming course and at the end believe you have not received your money's worth, we will refund the fee in full.
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