2026 New Farmer School

Hosted by UNH Extension, New Farmer School provides practical, hands-on education for individuals who are planning to start a farm or are in their first few years of farming. The program combines production farming knowledge with business planning support to help participants develop a strong foundation for long-term success.

 

Throughout the course, participants will explore key topics including: 

• Crop and livestock production
• Site evaluation and infrastructure options
• Financial and production recordkeeping
• Food safety considerations
• Farm business planning and marketing
• Accessing agricultural resources and support networks 

Online, evening sessions, taught by experienced Extension Field Specialists, allow participants from all over the state to join. Additionally, New Farmer School includes three field days where the class visits six different established farms for a behind-the-scenes tour. These field days give the class an opportunity to ask real farmers questions about their operations, meet agricultural service providers in person, and have discussions with their fellow classmates. Participants say that these farm visits give them new ideas and inspiration for their own farm plans. Through these online sessions and in-person field days, New Farmer School connects participants with experienced farmers, agricultural professionals, and a network of peers who are navigating similar challenges and opportunities in farming.

“New Farmer School helped us set our farm goals and provided clarity. We realized we can’t do everything and this course prompted us to narrow our focus” — states Pete, a participant from the 2025 cohort.