| PROJECT SUMMARY |
| The purpose of this project is to develop a complete curriculum for developing an agricultural production business plan. Both producers and Extension personnel will be able to utilize this curriculum in completing a business plan and in identifying all risks faced by an agricultural operation. The project will build upon work already completed under the auspices of the Tomorrow´s Top Agricultural Producer Program created and implemented by the Texas Cooperative Extension. During this two-year program, participants are required to complete a business plan for their operation. At the core of this program is TTAP Enterprises, Inc., a complete case study business plan developed by TTAP team members. This business plan is distributed to the TTAP participants and serves as a guide for developing their own plans. With this case study serving as a base, this project will develop the necessary publications, lesson plans, and worksheets to expand TTAP Enterprises, Inc. into a full curriculum for business plan development. This curriculum will then be uploaded to the TTAP website where Southern Region Extension personnel and others will be able to access any or all portions. While there have been other business planning publications, very few exist in a curriculum format. |
| NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 28 |
| TOPICS COVERED |
| Product and enterprise diversification |
| Market analysis and outlook |
| Contract production, branded or certified marketing, and value-added enterprises |
| Financial records, analysis, and bench-marking |
| Plans and tools to address succession, estate planning, health, and well being |
| Tools for managing legal liability |
| Understanding of economic risks associated with new production technologies |
| Business and strategic planning |
| Employee recruitment, management and retention |
| Interpersonal, family and business relationships |
| Ability to manage changes in policy and regulation |
