California Farm Academy Courses

Program Overview

The Beginning Farmer Training Program provides active and aspiring farmers a strong foundation from which to launch and grow their farm businesses. In this immersive educational program, students have the opportunity to gain farm production and business knowledge in a variety of settings that appeal to different learning styles. By choosing which courses they need they can tailor the next phase of their education, ensuring that the next generation of motivated, hard-working farm entrepreneurs gains the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work towards their farming goals.

Beginning Farmer Training

Classes & Curriculum

Curriculum combines lectures by farmers and agricultural professionals, hands-on field experience, and farm visits to expose students to topics critical for a future in farming. Some courses are offered in a hybrid format with both in-person and remote learning, while others are fully in-person. All in-person classes will be held at the Center for Land-Based Learning Headquarters at The Maples Farm in Woodland, CA, unless otherwise noted.

In 2025, the Training Program includes a slate of intensive hands-on courses on topics from business planning and financials to irrigation and animal husbandry. Students can pick and choose which topics they want to dig into or take them all for a holistic curriculum that will prepare them for a future in agriculture.

the Spirit of CaliforniA AgavE

Webinar: Exploring the California Agave Industry Thursday, April 17, 5:30-8:30 PM

Field Day 1: Starting from Scratch Friday, April 25, 9 AM-3 PM

Field Day 2: Exploring Agave Farms around Woodland, Friday, May 16, 9 AM-3 PM

Field Day 3: Harvest and Conclusion Date TBD, 9 AM-3 PM

Format: Online Webinar and three in-person field days

Cost:

$495

Farmer cost $125! Farmers and anyone in need of financial assistance, complete this form to unlock 75% savings.

FREE for Military Veterans! Contact Jon Kupkowski.

Enroll

The Spirit of California Agave, in partnership with the California Agave Council

Webinar: March 18

Field Days: April 25, May 16, and Harvest Field Day TBD 

$495 per student, includes all 4 sessions. 

Agave, the iconic plant responsible for tequila and mezcal, is drought tolerant and fire resistant. Could it be the crop of the future for a thirsty California? Learn about the state of the agave industry in California, including an introduction to agave spirits, the history of tequila and mezcal, and insights into California’s agave farming potential. 

An informative webinar led by industry experts is followed by three hands-on field days where we will learn about all stages of cultivation from planting to harvest. Designed for anyone interested in agave farming, distilling, or exploring opportunities in California’s growing agave industry, register today and reserve your spot!

Session 1: Webinar: Exploring the California Agave Industry
Date: March 18, 2025 | Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Pacific Time)
Format: Virtual, recorded for later access
Duration: 3 hours, with a break included

Our class begins with an engaging and informative webinar on the burgeoning agave industry in California. Hosted by Craig Reynolds (Founder of California Agave Ventures) and Paula Guzman-Delgado, PhD (Lead Researcher at UC Davis Agave Research Center), along with distiller Sean Venus (Owner of Venus Distilling), this event will provide an in-depth look into the agave spirit and farming landscape. 

Agenda:

  1. Agave 101:
    • Overview of the agave spirits industry, including the history of tequila, mezcal, and other agave-based spirits.
    • The global agave market and its current trends.
  2. California Agave:
    • The history and basics of agave cultivation in California.
    • Market insights, including the California Agave Council and UC Davis Agave Research initiatives.
    • Exploration of California’s agave-growing potential as a climate-resilient crop.

Throughout the session, there will be a Q&A segment, allowing participants to interact directly with the experts and dive deeper into their areas of interest.

Field Days
Following the webinar, there will be several in-person field days to explore agave farming practices hands-on. These events will be a great opportunity to apply the knowledge from the webinar and gain practical insights into the cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting of agave.

Session Two: Starting from Scratch Field Day
Date: April 25, 2025 | Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Join us for a field day at CLBL’s HQ at The Maples Farm, where we’ll cover soil requirements, site prep, irrigation, and planting techniques specific to agave. This field day will provide hands-on experience to better understand how to get started and successful cultivation.

Session Three: Field Day Exploring Agave Crops at Various Stages of Maturity
Date: May 16, 2025 | Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMDate: May 16, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Raul “Reppo” Chavez, widely recognized in California’s agave community as the most successful and knowledgeable grower in the state, will lead us on tours of agave farms around Woodland. Born and raised in Tonaya, Jalisco, in the heart of Mexico’s agave region, Reppo brings with him experience growing agave and offers consultation to new growers throughout California. We’ll visit mature agave fields to see first-hand how an established agave farm operates, including harvesting several pups. We’ll cover agave field maintenance, including essential practices such as weed control, fertility management, and water usage to keep your agave plants healthy and thriving. 

Hands-on Harvest Field Day
Date: to be determined
On our final field day, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on agave harvesting. The exact date is subject to the harvest timing but will provide real-world experience in the critical stages of agave harvesting. We’ll celebrate the harvest with a party and agave spirits tasting.

Meet the Speakers

  • Craig Reynolds: Founder of California Agave Ventures and Founding Director of the California Agave Council. Craig has a wealth of experience in agave farming and spirits production, with a focus on climate-resilient agricultural practices in California.
  • Raul “Reppo” Chavez: Field Manager at Muller AG, with decades of experience in growing diverse crops at a commercial scale, Reppo is a highly respected figure in California’s agave community.
  • Paula Guzman-Delgado, PhD: Lead Researcher at UC Davis Agave Research Center. Paula’s research focuses on improving agave cultivation practices for California’s climate and soil conditions.
  • Sean Venus: Owner of Venus Distilling, Sean is a pioneer in California agave distillation, producing high-quality agave spirits from locally grown Yolo County agave.

Edible Landscape workshop for Home Gardeners

Dates:

Saturday, March 8, 2025

Time:

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Format:

In-person

Cost:

$55

enroll

This one-day workshop is designed for home gardeners who want to increase crop production, learn innovative growing strategies, and gain new skills in both agriculture and business. Whether you are an accomplished urban farmer or just starting a backyard veggie garden, this workshop will inspire you and provide supportive resources to point you in the right direction. A farm tour and lunch are included.

Guest Speakers:

Shawn Harrison – Co-Founder,  Soil Born Farms  will share his 25 years of experience training people to “Grow Their Own Groceries” He will talk about adaptation strategies he has employed to grow in an ever-changing climate. 

Jeremy Watts – Owner/Operator, Edible Ecology will share his ecological approach to designing sustainable and dynamic human habitats, integrating natural permaculture principles that help build resilient home gardens and increase food and water security. Jeremy will speak passionately about building healthy soils through regenerative agricultural practices.

Chanowk Yisrael – Farmer/Owner, Yisrael Farm started with a ½ acre backyard farm in Sacramento with his wife Judith and have expanded to multiple locations. They are using urban agriculture as a tool for community engagement, empowerment and employment. They run an online farm stand and make value-added products including soaps, salves, and tinctures.

Randy Stannard – Farmer/Owner, Root 64 Farm has a 1 acre backyard farm in Sacramento with his partner Sara. They consciously grow food for their local community, using ecological methods to build and maintain healthy soil and to support a vibrant farm ecosystem specializing in growing more in less space. They host a weekly farm stand, supply local restaurants, and sell bags of their growing medium.

Jason Perdichizzi Owner/Operator, Yard to Fork runs an edible landscape company in Sacramento. He specializes in foodscape design, raised garden bed installation, edible garden coaching, and organic maintenance services.

Explorer Course for Aspiring farmers

Dates:

Two weekends: March 15 and 16; March 22 and 23

Time:

March 15, 16 and 22: 9 AM – NOON and 1:30 – 4:30 PM

March 22: 9 AM – NOON

Format:

In-person

Cost:

$535

Aspiring farmer cost: $135! Farmers and anyone in need of financial assistance, complete this form to unlock 75% savings.

FREE for Military Veterans! Contact Jon Kupkowski.

enroll

The Explorer Course is designed to orient the farm-curious to the realities of cultivation, animal husbandry, and entrepreneurship. The 4-day crash course will help you decide whether starting an agricultural business is realistic for you and how to take practical next steps. Down-and-dirty farming experience and a field trip are included.

In addition, you will:

  • Assess Yourself
    Is starting an agricultural business right for you? Explore your own interests, skills and motivations so you’re better able to answer the question. Identify what it takes to own and operate an agricultural business, including the rewards and risks, and get an introduction to other opportunities in the field of agriculture.
  • Research the Landscape
    We look at specific resources and approaches that will help you with agricultural business and market research. We identify regulatory issues that must be considered and ways to research the market and discover potential revenue streams.
  • Assess Your Resources
    We build an understanding of how to assess and evaluate personal financial resources and what can be invested in business start-up costs and introduce external financial resources available to beginning farmers. You’ll also understand how to inventory and evaluate the physical resources needed for a business start-up. We provide an overview of marketing options for small-scale farmers.
  • Make Decisions & Take Next Steps
    How do you envision your farm? Make a concrete plan for the next 6-12 months to advance your farm dream and identify the additional resources you’ll need to achieve it. If you’re not sure you’re ready to start pursuing it, what will you need to do to help you in your decision? What are other ways that you can pursue your interest in agriculture?

By the end of the course, participants will have actionable tools and knowledge to effectively promote their farm products, enhance customer loyalty, and drive sales. This course is ideal for farmers, market vendors, and small-scale producers looking to enhance their marketing skills and grow their customer base.

Tractor Training

Dates:

Tuesdays, April 8-29, 2025

Time:

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Format:

In-person

Cost:

$270

Farmer cost: $67.50! Farmers and anyone in need of financial assistance, complete this form to unlock 75% savings.

FREE for Military Veterans! Contact Jon Kupkowski.

enroll

This comprehensive four-week program is designed for new tractor operators and those seeking a refresher on safe and effective tractor operation. Throughout the course, participants will engage in practical, real-world experiences that enhance their learning and confidence.

  • Introduction to the history, types, uses and components of tractors.
  • Safety protocols, including hands-on inspections and a practical safety training session.
  • Setting up the tractor and attachment of implements.
  • Practical exercises to ensure that students can safely and effectively prepare equipment for use.
  • Hands-on experience operating tractors and implements in various field scenarios, including the use of grain drills.
  • Learn to drive and use best practices for field operations.
  • Focus on calibration techniques for accurate planting.

Marketing Essentials

Dates:

Tuesdays, May 6-27, 2025

Time:

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Format:

Hybrid

Cost:

$215

Farmer cost: $55! Farmers and anyone in need of financial assistance, complete this form to unlock 75% savings.

FREE for Military Veterans! Contact Jon Kupkowski.

Enroll

This 4-week course is designed to equip farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs with essential marketing skills to grow their businesses and reach new customers. Participants will explore the fundamentals of marketing with a focus on practical strategies tailored to the agricultural industry.

Topics include branding, customer recognition, digital marketing, and product display, with an emphasis on modern marketing techniques such as social media outreach. Additionally, the course will cover the importance of product labels, farm-to-table storytelling, and how to position products to stand out in competitive markets.

By the end of the course, participants will have actionable tools and knowledge to effectively promote their farm products, enhance customer loyalty, and drive sales. This course is ideal for farmers, market vendors, and small-scale producers looking to enhance their marketing skills and grow their customer base.

CENTER FOR LAND-BASED LEARNING

efficient irrigation

Dates:

Tuesdays, June 3-24

Time:

5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Format:

In-person

Cost:

$320

Farmer cost: $80! Farmers and anyone in need of financial assistance, complete this form to unlock 75% savings.

FREE for Military Veterans! Contact Jon Kupkowski.

enroll

This 4-week hands-on course provides practical training on the principles of irrigation specifically tailored for small farms. Participants will learn essential techniques for designing, installing, and maintaining efficient irrigation systems that promote sustainable water usage and support healthy crop growth.

We’ll cover various irrigation methods, including drip, sprinkler, and surface systems, while exploring soil moisture management, water conservation practices, and the integration of technology for improved efficiency. Through field demonstrations and real-life applications, participants will gain the skills needed to optimize water distribution, reduce waste, and ensure their crops receive the right amount of water at the right time.

Ideal for small-scale farmers, market gardeners, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, this course offers the tools and knowledge to implement effective irrigation strategies for better yields and resource management.

Animal Husbandry Basics

Dates:

Tuesdays, July 1-22, 2025

Time:

5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Format:

In-person

Cost:

$215

Farmer cost: $55! Farmers and anyone in need of financial assistance, complete this form to unlock 75% savings.

FREE for Military Veterans! Contact Jon Kupkowski.

enroll

This 4-week introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of livestock management, focusing on poultry, hogs, and ruminants. Participants will learn the basic needs of these animals, including nutrition, housing, and health care, while exploring best practices for maintaining healthy, productive livestock.

The course covers proper housing design, disease prevention, and herd management, emphasizing practical skills for small-scale farming. In addition, participants will be introduced to strategies for marketing and selling livestock products, from meat to eggs, and how to navigate local markets. Ideal for beginners or those interested in expanding their knowledge of livestock farming, this course offers essential insights into raising and managing poultry, hogs, and ruminants efficiently and profitably.

Farmer smiling

Farm Business Planning

Dates:

Mondays, August 18-November 3, 2025

Time:

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Format:

Hybrid/Remote

Cost:

$535

Farmer cost: $135! Farmers and anyone in need of financial assistance, complete this form to unlock 75% savings.

FREE for Military Veterans! Contact Jon Kupkowski.

Enroll

This comprehensive 12-week course is designed for aspiring and established farmers who want to develop a robust business plan for their agricultural enterprises. Offered in a hybrid format, combining both in-person and online learning, the course covers essential components of farm business planning, providing practical tools and insights to navigate the complexities of the agricultural industry. Students should have a crop plan in order to enroll.

  • Executive Summary – this module will help you explore the structure, mission and goals of your farm, including the unique value propositions that set your business apart.
  • Market Analysis – identify target markets, analyze the competition, and understand industry trends to position your farm for success. Define and differentiate your offerings.
  • Marketing & Sales – learn effective techniques and strategies tailored to the ag sector.
  • Operational Plan – delve into logistics, production processes, supply chain management, and day-to-day operations.
  • Management & Organization – identify key roles to build your team and organizational structure to ensure smooth operations. Create a detailed financial plan, including budgeting, forecasting, and funding strategies to ensure your farm’s financial health.
  • Risk Management – develop strategies to mitigate risk and ensure resilience in your farming operation. Learn to enhance sustainability and minimize negative environmental impact.

COming Soon: Welding 201

Dates:

TBA

Time:

5:00PM – 7:00 PM

Format:

In-person

Cost:

TBA

Apply

We will pick up with what we learned in Welding 101.. More details to come. Click the Apply button to get more information.

Testimonial

Cultivating opportunity

The Urban Ag Internship has been transformative, teaching me practical skills while fostering a sense of community with the people I work with. I’m grateful for the support and opportunities it has provided as I’m able to learn day by day and meet great people along the way.

Hana Yang, 18 | Sacramento

Sending Enrique, one of our most respected employees, through the Apprenticeship Program was one of the best decisions for our farm. Enrique not only learned new techniques and grew his personal network that he still uses today, more importantly, he built up his confidence in himself.  He learned how to question the status quo and find ways to make influential changes on our farm.  Through his experience in the Apprenticeship Program, he has become an invaluable manager on our farm managing our shop. This program doesn’t just train future farmers, it builds stronger, more innovative agricultural leaders.

David Ogilvie | Wilson Vineyards

The Explorer Course did not shy away from sharing the risks, challenges, and hardships that small farmers face, and it was designed to really make us think about our values and goals and where we wanted to take our farm journey, whether that was moving on to start a farm business, work on a farm, or be involved with farming in some other way. Every risk, every challenge, every opportunity that we discussed in class really sparked my interest and I came to realize that, yes, that is what I want for my life, and ultimately it led me to continue my farm journey with CLBL.

Jenny Mensch | Savor Farm