2026 New Farmer U: Giving Your Beginning Farm a Boost!

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center | Lanesboro, MN

March 21–22, 2026 | Saturday 10:00 am through Sunday 3:00 pm 

Register HERE

Hit the ground running this growing season with New Farmer U, an early spring mini-academy designed to build farmers’ business skills. This weekend-long retreat in March welcomes farmers who are just starting out—whether you are still dreaming, just beginning, or in your first ten years of farming—no matter where you live or what you grow.

The event will be held at the beautiful Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, a nonprofit that helps people learn through a variety of hands-on experiences that encourage care for the earth and each other. Located in Minnesota’s Driftless region, this setting offers a special place to explore, learn, and grow in nature, making it an ideal setting for New Farmer U.

Program:

Featured presenters include Paul Dietmann, a Senior Lending Officer at Compeer Financial and a well-known farm author, along with more speakers to be announced, including skilled organic farmers and agriculture experts.

Farming means wearing many hats, including running your own business. To make your farm successful, you need to understand money, selling your products, and how to manage your farm well. Through large and small group sessions on many topics, farmers will learn new ideas and receive hands-on guidance about their farm finances and daily operations.

Get ready to learn about a range of relevant topics. Full list of speakers and workshops coming soon!

• Financial planning for a successful farm
• Easy ways to keep good farm records
• Creative ways to market your products
• Choosing the right equipment early on
• Accessing funding and government programs

The weekend will also be full of friendly connections, learning from one another, plenty of chances to network, and a relaxed bonfire gathering on Saturday night.

Meals:

Your registration includes a light morning pastry, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, plus breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Tea and coffee will be available all day. Please let us know about any food needs or allergies so we can make plans when possible.

Lodging: 

Your registration also includes one night of on-site lodging in clean, shared dorm-style rooms with basic comforts. If you would like a private room or a room for two, you may request one for an extra cost. There are also several off-site lodging options nearby.

Registration & Cost:

Spots are limited! Your fee covers all workshops, four meals plus snacks, one night of lodging, and a free farm finance book. Save your spot by buying your registration ticket today!

• Early Bird Registration $125 (now through February 24, 2026)

• Standard Registration $150 (registration closes March 11, 2026)

Scholarships:

A small number of need-based scholarships are available to help lower the cost of registration. Requests will be accepted through March 2, 2026. For more information, contact Sam Gutierrez at [email protected].

Refund Policy:

Refunds can be requested but have a 25% processing fee. Requests must be sent by March 11, 2026. No-shows cannot get a refund. To request a refund, email [email protected].

General Information:

Have questions, need language support, or want more details? Contact Gilbert at [email protected] or 612-296-9020.

Sponsors:

This New Farmer U is a program of Marbleseed and is produced by Renewing the Countryside and co-hosted by Big River Farms.