Applications Open for 12-Week Master Urban Farmer Training Course Offered by U of I Extension

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University of Illinois Extension in Kane County, in partnership with Cook County Extension, is now accepting applications for the Master Urban Farmer Training Course. This 12-week program is designed for growers, entrepreneurs, educators, and food system leaders with at least two years of growing experience.

Upon completion, participants will gain the knowledge and tools needed to grow, harvest, plan, market, and finance a small farm. They will also understand how to expand a farm’s capacity by implementing systems and standardized practices.

Key topics include marketing, business plan basics, integrated pest management, specialty crop planning, soil management, and produce safety.

Extension educators Alexis Barnes, Zack Grant, and Kathryn Pereira will lead the course, with additional guest lectures and workshops from experts and farmers. The program runs from September 22 to December 8, 2025, and will be delivered virtually on Mondays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. CST, with a field day scheduled for late September.

The course fee is $150. Applications are open now and will close on August 14.

If you are experiencing economic hardship or need reasonable accommodation, please contact Alexis Barnes at arbarnes@illinois.edu.

Apply here: https://illinois.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bkl7xfI2G8KmSoK