Farm Business Navigation
As part of our mission and the mission of our newly established partnership in the Heartland Regional Food Business Center, we’re offering farm business navigation services to better support the needs of farm entrepreneurs and small businesses across Kansas. We engage in outreach to farmers, ranchers, and growers in our state to better understand the barriers and challenges that call for various forms of support and resources. We aim to be a guide in identifying these resources that are needed in order to foster a flourishing farm business.
Leslie Montee, Farm Business Navigator
Through the Kansas Rural Center, farmers, ranchers, and rural entrepreneurs can receive free, confidential support to help strengthen and grow their operations. As a Farm Business Navigator, Leslie works with producers to identify opportunities, solve problems, and connect with the programs and resources that best fit their needs.
What is a Farm Business Navigator
Our farm business navigation services are intended to direct your farm business to a suite of resources that address your needs. We continuously work to identify both traditional and alternative resources that can serve your needs. While this is not an exhaustive list, these are some of the areas we focus on to support your business:
Business Planning Services
A business plan is an integral part of a successful farm business; whether it’s a plan between partners, holistic management, or a more technical written plan, we can help.
Mentorship and Technical Support
Knowledge comes from many sources; we will help you decide which outlet fits your needs and make that connection.
Access to Capital
We will help you decipher sources of capital from federal programs and grants to lenders and guide you to the most plausible sources for additional capital.
Land Access
Access to land is a common issue for farmers; through traditional and creative new sources, we work to help our farmers find their piece.
Markets
After harvest, the importance of buyers becomes very real. We will help you identify and pursue markets that best fit your operations.
