CANTON -- The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) will offer a three-session class to help livestock farmers get their business plan down on paper.

As a farmer you may want to apply for New Farmer grants or approach your banker for a loan. They will want to see your business plan. If there is a question about whether you have a hobby farm or a farm business, a business plan will prove if a farmer is serious or not.

All classes are 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the CCE Learning Farm, 2043B State Highway 68. The first session on Feb. 9 will be an introduction to the parts of a business plan and what information you need to gather. Peggy Murray, Farm Business Educator from Lewis County CCE will present the topic and help you get started. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptop, receipts, account books, etc.

The next two classes will be held on Feb. 23 and March 1 at the same time and location. Staff from the Small Business Development Center in Canton will be on hand to assist with filling out plans.

The class is free and supported by a USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant. There will be a light supper provided at the first class. The class will be geared towards livestock but all farms are welcome.

Pre-registration is appreciated with Bobbi-Jo at 379-9192 or bmr37@cornell.edu. Email or call Betsy Hodge at bmf9@cornell.edu at the same phone number for more information.