Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost to enroll?

Annual enrollment costs vary depending on the two-year college the participant chooses to enroll in. On average, the personalized instruction costs $850 per year.

I don’t want my financial information to become public. Should I be concerned?

There is no need for concern in sharing information. All information and data collected are completely confidential. We will establish a relationship with your lender so information can be shared. Your analysis will be submitted for the purpose of publishing state and regional averages but will only be used as part of a group average.

Is there assistance available for paying tuition?

Yes, if you require assistance in paying tuition, please contact your local instructor or reach out to us via the contact form on our website.

Who should enroll in the ND Farm Business Management program?

Our program has great value for all ages and situations. We have students from ages 18 to 70 and from 1st-year farms to well-established operations. It is all about understanding your farm or ranch’s financial situation and performance and helping you make better decisions.

How to Enroll

To enroll in one of the ND Farm Management programs near you, contact one of the instructors here

Are group classes held?

Regular group classes are not held but there may be special group presentations from time to time which are optional to attend.

What is the time commitment that is required of me?

The time you put into the program will determine how much you get out of it. At a minimum you will be expected to keep a complete set of financial and production records suitable to complete a whole farm analysis. Three to five visits a year are typical but new enrollees may meet monthly. Long-term participants may meet less often. Everyone’s needs are different.

Do I need to be proficient with computers?

You do not need to be proficient with a computer to take the course. Although learning to use a computerized accounting program is the most common task for first-year participants and will ultimately prove to be a time saver it is not a requirement. Our instructors can guide you through the process of learning a new computer program. We have many valuable and time-saving tools and spreadsheets that farmers come to rely on so we do encourage learning how to use them.

I already use a computerized accounting program. Will I have to switch?

You will not need to switch accounting systems. Although each instructor has their preferred accounting program it is your choice. We will make recommendations if you are choosing a program or looking to switch. We can do a better job of answering questions and solving problems if we are familiar with the program. The only requirement is that you have accurate, reliable numbers to work with at the end of the year.