About Us

The program provides participants with the tools, knowledge and skills necessary to be successful entrepreneurs through the following program objectives:

1. Teach fundamentals of farm business management, and provide exposure to more advanced topics.
2. Increase participant awareness and familiarity with local, state and federal resources.
3. Help beginning farmers to better understand their personal and professional goals,values, and motivations, to better “Know Thyself.” 
4. Encourage the development of thoughtful business plans, including selection of legal structure, development of land acquisition strategies, and multiple marketing strategies.
5. Facilitate and encourage peer learning, networking, and support.

The SCNBFP consists of an evolving variety of programs to meet the needs of South Carolina’s emerging farmers. Details on 2026 – 2027 programming coming soon.

The SCNBF Program is administered by the Clemson University Extension Agribusiness Program Team with Ben Boyles serving as program director and Diana Vossbrinck serving as program manager.

• Learn best agri-business practices and develop a business plan.
• Network with peer farmers in your own area as well as throughout the state.
• Engage with state and federal government agencies in order to better leverage public resources and increase participation in their programs.
• Learn more about yourself and your business goals.

Founded by Dr. R. Dave Lamie, the South Carolina New and Beginning Farmer Program (SCNBFP) began its inaugural class in 2011 with the support of a three-year USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) grant, graduating classes in 2011, 2012, and 2013. A partial program funded through participant fees graduated a class in 2016. The program received another BFRDP grant in 2016 to run three more cohorts between 2017 and 2019. The 2020 - 2021 programs were supported by a USDA-Rural Development RDBG grant. The 2022 - 2025 programs were supported by a four-year USDA-NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) grant.

• Since 2011, the program has successfully graduated over 750 individuals in the Cohort Program with an 92% average graduation rate.
• Between 2021 and 2025 alone, SCNBFP delivered 53 advanced educational workshops reaching 769 participants and hosted two statewide SC Farmer Resource Rodeo events connecting 251 participants with 42 agricultural service providers.
• The SCNBFP has created a strong network of collaboration that allows them to coordinate with other agencies, businesses, and organizations to provide the support and resources needed by the participants.