Curriculum

Farm Business Course Curriculum

8-Week Live Online Program

THRYV Institute — Regenerative Farming & Farm Business Education

This curriculum is designed to help aspiring growers, market gardeners, homesteaders, and agricultural entrepreneurs build profitable regenerative farm systems through practical education, operational planning, and real-world implementation.

Each week combines live instruction, discussion, guided assignments, and strategic planning exercises designed to support long-term success in regenerative agriculture and farm business development.

Week 1 — Course Introduction & Farm Vision

Topics Covered

  • Welcome & cohort introductions

  • Understanding the THRYV regenerative philosophy

  • Introduction to regenerative agriculture

  • Defining your farm vision and long-term goals

  • Exploring different farm business models

  • Understanding local food systems and opportunities

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • identify personal farm goals,

  • understand regenerative farming principles,

  • and start developing a clear business direction.

Assignment

Write a "dream farm" vision statement describing:

  • your goals,

  • the type of operation you want,

  • your desired lifestyle,

  • and your long-term farm vision.

Week 2 — Regenerative Farming & Soil Health

Topics Covered

  • Soil biology basics

  • Nutrient density principles

  • Organic matter and biological systems

  • Water retention and soil resilience

  • Introduction to regenerative growing practices

  • Biodiversity and ecosystem health

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • understand living soil systems,

  • identify regenerative growing practices,

  • and evaluate ways to improve long-term soil health.

Assignment

Create a regenerative improvement plan for your current or future growing space.

Week 3 — Farm Planning & Operational Strategy

Topics Covered

  • SMART goal development

  • Farm planning frameworks

  • Time management and operational systems

  • Infrastructure planning

  • Seasonal production planning

  • Risk management basics

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • create operational goals,

  • improve planning clarity,

  • and understand scalable farm systems.

Assignment

Complete SMART goal worksheets and begin outlining your operational farm plan.

Week 4 — Market Gardening Business Foundations

Topics Covered

  • Introduction to market gardening

  • Understanding which crops are most profitable

  • Crop spacing and production efficiency

  • Small-scale farm economics

  • Enterprise budgeting basics

  • Revenue forecasting

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • understand core market garden business principles,

  • identify profitable crop opportunities,

  • and evaluate production efficiency.

Assignment

Create a sample budget for one crop including:

  • production costs,

  • labor,

  • pricing,

  • and projected profitability.

Research pricing at local markets or grocery stores and develop a basic pricing strategy.

Week 5 — Farm Business Planning & Financial Systems

Topics Covered

  • Farm business structures

  • Budgeting and financial planning

  • Understanding startup costs

  • Record keeping and operational tracking

  • Long-term business sustainability

  • Developing realistic growth strategies

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • understand foundational farm financial systems,

  • improve operational organization,

  • and continue building their business plans.

Assignment

Develop a draft business narrative and operational outline using previous planning worksheets.

Week 6 — Marketing, Branding & Local Food Sales

Topics Covered

  • Marketing regenerative agriculture

  • Building customer trust

  • Farmers markets and CSA systems

  • Direct-to-consumer sales

  • Social media and storytelling

  • Community-supported agriculture

  • Value-added opportunities

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • understand local food marketing systems,

  • identify customer opportunities,

  • and develop foundational marketing strategies.

Assignment

Create a basic marketing plan for your future or existing farm business.

Week 7 — Business Plan Development & Review

Topics Covered

  • Bringing operational systems together

  • Reviewing financial assumptions

  • Refining marketing strategies

  • Evaluating production systems

  • Identifying strengths and opportunities

  • Preparing for implementation

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • strengthen their farm business plans,

  • improve operational clarity,

  • and prepare for practical execution.

Assignment

Finalize your regenerative farm business framework and prepare your presentation materials.

Week 8 — Student Presentations & Course Wrap-Up

Topics Covered

  • Student business plan presentations

  • Group feedback and discussion

  • Operational next steps

  • Building long-term resilience

  • Continuing education and mentorship

  • Course wrap-up and future planning

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • present their farm business concepts,

  • receive feedback,

  • and leave with a clearer roadmap for implementation.

Program Features

Included With Enrollment

  • Weekly live online instruction

  • Interactive discussions and Q&A

  • Practical assignments and worksheets

  • Business planning frameworks

  • Regenerative farming education

  • Community-based cohort learning

  • Real-world implementation guidance

Who This Program Is For

This course is designed for:

  • beginning farmers,

  • market gardeners,

  • homesteaders,

  • CSA operators,

  • local food entrepreneurs,

  • and growers seeking regenerative business systems.

No prior farming experience is required.

Continue Exploring

Learn More:

Explore Educational Topics:

  • Regenerative Farming

  • Soil Health

  • Market Gardening

  • Farm Business

Ready to Join the Next Cohort?

Start building a profitable regenerative farm business from the soil up.

Enroll Now!