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Are you ready to start your own farm business?

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøUniversity’s Agricultural Small Business Incubator helps aspiring farmers overcome barriers, empowering them to successfully establish their own sustainable agricultural businesses.

Increased access to land, infrastructure, equipment, and mentorship allows our farmers to grow alongside our local food system. Farmers who graduate from the program should leave with the skills and resources necessary to acquire their own land and formally launch their business. This program is made possible through generous grant funding from the Small Business Administration.

We are seeking applications for the 2026 growing season!

What We Offer

• Access to low-cost designated growing plots
  • Plots range from 1/4 acre to 4/5 acre
  • Protected with deer fencing
  • Irrigation hookup to frost-free hydrant
  • Actively maintained land through no-till cover-cropping methods
• Training in specialty crop production techniques
  • Access to a variety of agricultural workshops hosted by the Agricultural Innovation Center
  • Regular consultations and troubleshooting with a designated coordinator
  • Hands-on mentorship at the Tabler Farm demonstration plot
• Access to building, tools, equipment, and resources
  • Designated area of greenhouse for transplant production
  • Space in the walk-in coolers and freezer
  • Wash-pack facility and associated equipment
  • Mid-sized tractor with an array of implements available
  • A selection of specialized tools for small-scale vegetable production
• Education and aid in developing business and marketing plans
  • Support and guidance from a designated program coordinator
  • Access to university resources such as faculty and other experts in business and marketing

Application

Farmers with some growing experience and a business plan are invited to apply. Along with your application, email a brief business plan to Molly Sutter at msutter@shepherd.edu, including what you want to grow, where you hope to sell, how you intend to market, estimated costs and revenue, and a general growing plan. The Farmer’s Handbook outlines benefits, expectations, and costs to Incubator Farmers more thoroughly.

• Farmer’s Handbook
  

For more information, please reach out.

Molly Sutter, Incubator Farm Coordinator                                                            msutter@shepherd.edu

Dr. Brooke Comer, Program Director                                                                      bcomer@shepherd.edu