New Farmer U (NFU)is coming to Indiana! Join Partners IN Food and Farming, Marbleseed, and fellow farmers ready to take the next step towards creating a successful farm business.
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Saturday Nov 8th- Sunday Nov 9th + Pre-event Social Friday Nov 7th
Where: The Overlook, Bloomington, IN
Early Bird Price: $35 before Oct 17th
General Price: $45 closes Oct 31st
Scholarship Applications are Open!
Scholarship Applications are Open!
PIFF is committed to making New Farmer U as accessible as possible. We’re offering 10 full scholarships covering admission and lodging.
Apply by September 19 → Scholarship Application
We’ll notify recipients by October 1st. You do NOT need to purchase a ticket prior to hearing back about the scholarship.
Why New Farmer U?
Why New Farmer U?
Farming means wearing many hats—including entrepreneur and business owner. Strong skills in financial planning, marketing, and management are key to a thriving farm.
New Farmer U is a two-day training and gathering for small- and mid-scale farmers with 2–6 years of experience. You’ll build business skills, connect with peers, and explore creative approaches to managing your operation.
This event is all about practical learning and real-world strategies. You can expect farmer-to-farmer conversations, interactive workshops, small groups, and time to connect over meals and the campfire.
NFU Preliminary Program (1).pdf
About the Location
About the Location
All programming will take place at The Overlook, a cooperatively run community center and makerspace in the Maple Heights neighborhood in Bloomington, IN. The space includes a main programming room, kitchen, woodworking, ceramics, and artist studios, and outdoor area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Eavy Barbieux at eavy@indianafarming.org with any questions or concerns about registration, scholarships, or the event.
Who hosts NFU?
Who hosts NFU?
NFU is co-hosted by Partners IN Food and Farming and Marbleseed and supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
New Farmer U is a Marbleseed program hosted with regional partners, like PIFF, who set the agenda to match what beginning farmers need in their area.
What should I expect?
What should I expect?
Expect a mix of hands-on workshops and small group discussions, finding a balance of intensive deep-dives, intentional peer learning, and space for casual conversations and creativity.
Who is NFU for?
Who is NFU for?
NFU is designed for farmers who are 2-6 years into their farm business ventures and are looking to refine their business and financial skills.
The material is highly adaptable and covers topics that apply to diversified vegetable, livestock, and value-added operations.
How does lodging work?
How does lodging work?
We have reserved a room block at Springhill Suites by Marriott near downtown Bloomington (less than 1 mile from The Overlook). Saturday night lodging is covered in base ticket price, Friday night lodging can be added for additional $30.
How much does it cost and what's covered?
How much does it cost and what's covered?
The $45 base ticket (Early Bird $35) includes:
Programming + Workshops: 2-days of programming (Saturday + Sunday)
Friday Night Social: Entry to the pre-event social on Friday at the Bloomington Farm Stop Collective
Lodging: Saturday night stay at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hotel
Food: Breakfast, lunch and light snacks on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Snacks and coffee will also be available.
What topics will be covered?
What topics will be covered?
The focus of NFU is on the business and financial side of farming. The 2025 NFU Indiana program features a deep dive into farm finances, plus workshops on:
Creative financing
Cooperative and collaborative farming models
Crop planning for risk management,
Farmer mental health
and more as we finalize the schedule
Can I attend either Saturday or Sunday?
Can I attend either Saturday or Sunday?
We strongly encourage folks to attend both days but it is not required. We understand that overnight events can be challenging for a variety of reasons. Please let us know in advance if you plan to only attend one day.
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