The Challenge
For the past two decades, state and federal agencies have worked to develop programs that encourage the transfer of agricultural enterprises to the next generation. Few programs, if any, focus on higher education students studying agriculture.
 

The Solution
NCTA’s new 100 Acre Farm Advantage program provides an educational curriculum and forum whereby students, parents, employers, and agencies come together to create business plans and transfer programs that will lead to young farmers returning to rural communities as owner-operators.
 

The Program
Students enroll in NCTA’s degree program in Agriculture Production Systems, which includes the development of a business plan in a cap-stone course. This plan will be presented to FSA and NDA for the lease of land and equipment purchase that will allow the beginning farmer to start building equity in an agricultural enterprise. Within three years, the low interest operating loan can be enhanced by a real estate loan for the purchase of a farm. Students, their parents, employers, and landowners, also attend a series of seminars to fine tune the students’ individual business plans in the environment in which they will be working. The initial program will provide a catalyst for graduates and their parents or employers to set in place a long range plan that will eventually provide the graduates and their families a profitable cropping system enterprise.
 

Prepare Students as Entrepreneurs
NCTA’s new 100 Acre Farm Advantage Program allows students to return home with a business plan, partnership agreement, and a low interest loan to acquire substantial agriculture assets to one day own a farm. It is the NCTA faculty’s belief that if students become familiar with entrepreneurial concepts and leadership skills they will help their rural communities become economically viable once again.