Beginning Farmer Training Program

REGISTRATION ENDS April 15th!  APPLY NOW!

Beginner Farmer Training Program Online Registration

Interested in starting a farm business?

Would you like to learn how to grow and sell vegetables, flowers and herbs for profit?

CCE Niagara’s Beginning Farmer Training Program is a hands-on certificate program for aspiring and beginning farmers. This season-long program (starting April 29th, 2026) will teach you the business of profitable market gardening* and give you experience in taking a crop from seed to sale. Students will get a unique and comprehensive education by growing produce in our greenhouse and 1-acre Field Lab and from experienced farmers and industry experts in the classroom.

Learn how to avoid common start-up mistakes! Make your farm more efficient! Learn about emerging agricultural industries and how to think outside the box!

Graduates will gain:

• A Certificate in Market Gardening** from Cornell Cooperative Extension
• Experience in crop production, from seed to sale
• A deeper understanding of small-scale farm management
• Entrepreneurial skills to start a farm business or find employment at local farms
• A network of incredible people to provide support and guidance
• Knowledge on climate resiliency in farming 

Our curriculum starts in the field and continues in the classroom – from learning how to harvest lettuce efficiently to listening to a presentation on soil fertility management – every part of the program is designed to give you the confidence and know-how to take your business idea to the next level.

Over the course of four months, participants will develop production and management skills including, but not limited to:

Field Production	Farm Business Management
●Seed starting and greenhouse management	●Starting a farm business in New York
●Field preparation	●Agricultural business planning
●Direct seeding and transplanting	●Crop planning and field mapping
●Soil health and maintenance	●Farm financials
●Insect, disease and weed management	●Lean farming techniques
●Harvesting techniques	●Grants and loans
●Processing vegetables for storage and sale	●Marketing and sales

Beyond the Farm - Field trips to local farms will complement the curriculum and connect participants with the local food scene

See details below:

When: Wednesday Evenings, April 29 - September 9 2026 (6:00-8:00pm)

Where: Cornell Cooperative Extension office at the Niagara County Fairgrounds

Cost: $500 (Includes cost of books and required materials – payment plans available!)

How:  Class size is limited and may fill-up quickly. To sign-up, fill out the application form and submit payment by April 15th to:

CCE- Niagara 

Attn: Heather Nedroscik

4487 Lake Ave

Lockport, NY 14094

Requirements for Admission:

Applicants should be committed to learning and passionate about developing a profitable farming enterprise. Strong commitment and effort is required and solid time management skills are essential. Applicants will need to feel comfortable in an educational setting. Parts of the class may require intensive physical effort, a willingness to be outside in adverse weather conditions and to function positively in a team and as part of a collaborative work environment.

CCE Niagara is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community and strongly encourages aspiring farmers from all backgrounds to apply.

*Market gardening entails the intense production and sale of high-value crops.

**Certificate requires attendance of 17 out of 20 Beginning Farmer classes, and 60 hours of field experience (to be completed at the CCE Niagara Beginner Farmer Test Field or other approved farms.

About the Instructor: Heather Nedroscik is a part of the Becker Farms Family, a 5th generation 340 acre diverse fruit and vegetable farm in Gasport NY. She started a CSA in 2011 that her husband now runs and averages about 250 members per year. Becker Farms also includes U-pick, a winery/brewery, event space and is well know fro agritourism. 

Last updated December 15, 2025