Beginning farmers face tremendous risks in establishing and maintaining farming operations.  Two tools that can greatly assist beginning farmers are the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis and the Risk Management Checklist.  Click here to access the SWOT Analysis and click here to access the Risk Management Checklist.  

Spanish version of the SWOT Analysis

Spanish version of the Risk Management Checklist

UMass Extension

UMass Extension has a variety of information and resources for beginning farmers.

Further Assistance for Beginning Farmers,

UMass Extension, in cooperation of the USDA Risk Management Agency, provides new and immigrant growers with tools to assist in evaluating and managing potential risk.  To learn more, visit the USDA New Farmers website

The following links may also provide valuable resources or information for farmers starting out in Massachusetts:

Beginning Farms

Center for Rural Affairs

Land for Good

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project

Rural Information Center

World Farmers