Our history
About Colorado Building Farmers
In 2007, Colorado Building Farmers (CBF) began as a CSU Extension program in Boulder County through a Western SARE Mini-Grant, CSU Extension Innovation Grant, and support from Boulder County Parks and Open Space and the Boulder County Farmers Markets. CBF expanded into four regions across Colorado in 2009 with a grant from the Western Center for Risk Management.
In 2010, CBF received funds from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program and became a multi-state program, Building Farmers in the West (BFW), with similar classes being offered in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. In 2012, Building Farmers in the West received a second grant from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program to continue programming in Colorado, Idaho, and Utah and to expand programming to Arizona and Wyoming through 2015. Since that time, the Colorado Beginning Farmers and Ranchers program has helped over 600 farm and ranch businesses better define their future plans and connect to the resources they need.
Colorado Building Farmers and Ranchers offers two programs: Principles of Business Planning and Management and Exploring Your Farm Dream.
The Principles of Business Planning and Management program is a series of evening classes designed to help new farmers and ranchers build structure for their farm business and provide intermediate and experienced farmers and ranchers with tools and ideas to refine and enhance their business management, production, and marketing skills.
Additional Resources
Western Extension Risk Management Education Center | WSU
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) | NIFA
Strengthen Your Farm Business
Questions? We’re ready to help guide you toward the programs, resources, and information that best support your path forward.