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SC New and Beginning Farmer Program

From Dream to Decision: Aspiring Farmer Workshops

Overview

Exploring the idea of starting a farm business? Before you buy the tractor, start your journey here! This workshop will help you understand the realities of farming as a business, consider what it takes to get started and succeed, connect with organizations and resources that can help, and  identify your next steps.

Four workshop opportunities will be offered across the state this fall (2026), three in person and one online. In-person workshops will include lunch and a farm tour.   Choose the one that works best for you; each workshop is a stand-alone program.

No farming experience or land access is required. Whether you have land and an idea, are searching for property, or are simply wondering if farming could be part of your future, this workshop is a place to begin.

During this workshop participants will:

  • Explore whether a farm business fits their goals, lifestyle, skills, and resources.
  • Identify key business, land, and financial considerations before launching a farm business.
  • Recognize the people, organizations, and professional support that can help along the way.
  • Identify practical next steps for moving from dream to decision.

In-Person Workshops

There's no better way to explore the realities of starting a farm than to learn on one! Each in-person workshop combines practical farm business start-up education with the opportunity to meet and connect with representatives from local agricultural and business development resources and learn firsthand from working farmers!

Darlington County Workshop

Thursday, November 12, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Workshop Location
American Legion Post 13
1752 Harry Byrd Highway
Darlington, SC 29532

Cost: $25, includes lunch

Participants will begin the day at American Legion Post 13 with an educational presentation, opportunities to connect with agricultural resource providers, and lunch. After lunch, the workshop will continue with a tour of Covered in Cotton Farm, approximately 25 minutes away. Note: participants will be responsible for their own transportation to the farm.

Click here to register 

Deadline to register: Friday, November 6 at 5:00 PM

Questions? Contact Bethany Funkhouser, Clemson Extension Agribusiness Agent, bnf@clemson.edu

Chester County Workshop

Wednesday, November 18, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Workshop Location
Two Creek Farm
2946 Montgomery Road
Blackstock, SC 29014

Cost: $25, includes lunch

Spend the entire workshop day at Two Creek Farm, a small-scale certified organic market fruit and vegetable farm in southern Chester County. Participants will take part in an educational presentation, connect with agricultural resource providers over lunch, and learn directly from the farmers through a guided farm tour and Q&A.

Click here to register 

Deadline to register: Friday, November 13 at 5:00 PM

Questions? Contact Ben Boyles, Clemson Extension Agribusiness Agent, boyles2@clemson.edu

Dillon County Workshop

Saturday, December 19, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Workshop Location
Holiday Inn
2513 Cattle Farm Road
Latta, SC 29565

Cost: $25, includes lunch

Participants will begin the day at American Legion Post 13 with an educational presentation, opportunities to connect with agricultural resource providers, and lunch. After lunch, the workshop will continue with a tour of Agape Farm South, approximately 25 minutes away. Note: participants will be responsible for their own transportation to the farm.

Click here to register 

Deadline to register: Monday, December 14, at 5:00 PM

Questions? Contact Charley Maxwell, Clemson Extension Agribusiness Agent, chmaxwe@clemson.edu

Online Workshop

Zoom Workshop

Tuesday, December 1, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $10

Not able to attend in person or need an evening option? Join us online! This two-hour workshop will introduce the key considerations of starting a farm business through an educational presentation, live Q&A, and information about agricultural and business development resources available to aspiring and beginning farmers across South Carolina.

Click here to register 

Deadline to register: Monday, November 30 at 12:00 PM

Questions? Contact Diana Vossbrinck, SCNBFP Program Manager, dvossbr@clemson.edu