Financial Management and Enterprise Training for FSA Borrowers :

Three courses are being offered through the Department of Agricultural Economics at Alcorn State University in conjunction with other departments on campus, to help meet the requirements for borrower training as outlined in Farm Service Agency (FSA) regulations. These courses are designed to address real world problems and help agricultural producers be more profitable and better prepared to operate in today's changing business environment. Producers can take any combination of three courses as determined through consultation with FSA personnel. Additional courses may be needed to meet FSA proficiency requirements especially with regard to production practices for specific enterprises. Courses will be offered at various locations around the state. The courses and enrollment procedures are as defined in this page.

• Business Planning and Financial Management (12 hours)  
• Crop Production (6 hours)  
• Livestock Production (6hours)

(All three are offered at a minimal Fee)

Basic Course Outline :

Business Planning and Financial Management  

  A. Goal Setting

  B. Risk Management

  C. Information Systems (record keeping)

  D. Budgets and Decision making (enterprise and family budgets  

       and cash flow projections)

  E. Financial Statements and Efficiency Measures (balance sheets, 

       income statements, and financial ratios)

Crop Production

  A. Farm Records Keeping

  B. Production Practices

  C. Evaluating current sources of information and new production  

       practices 

Livestock Production

  A. Record Keeping

  B. Production Practices (source of information, evaluating current and new production practices)

Competence: Practical exercises, participation in class, and testing will be used to evaluate the participants, ability to understand and utilize the concepts taught. Based on FSA established guidelines, a score for each participant will be provided to the FSA state office. FSA will determine the need, if any, for additional training.

Enrollment: The borrower first signs an "Agreement to Complete Training" form at the local FSA office. FSA personnel will determine who is required to take training in any given area. If the borrower choose ASU as the vendor for some of  his/her training needs, the local credit manager will forward the borrower's name , address and phone number to : Dr. Jesse Harness, Associate Extension Administrator,1000 ASU Drive #479, Alcorn State, MS 39096-0075. (please specify which courses are to be taken.) For more information contact Mr. Anthony Reed at 601-877-2305. 

Class Schedule: Classes will be scheduled when enough participants in a given area (one or two adjoining credit offices) have signed agreements and chosen ASU as a vendor. Minimum class size is 15 farmers. These two sessions will be held twice per week (Tuesday and Thursday) from 6-9 pm. Participants can attend the training session of their choice. Classes will be held if a minimum of 15 farmers. For inquiries about the class timing and location, you may contact the Alcorn Cooperative Extension office at 601-877-2305.

The University : Alcorn State University is the oldest predominantly black land grant institution in the country. Part of the Institution's purpose-which has been carried out for more than a century-is that of providing technical assistance to small farmers and small farmer's children. The University has a long lasting commitment to commercial and small farmers in the state of Mississippi. Both Cooperative Extension Small Farm Outreach, Training and Technical Assistance Programs and the Farm Service Agency,  are consistent with the University's mission.

These workshops are offered to help meet  the requirement for borrowers training as outlined in FSA Regulations. These session are designed to address real world problem and help agricultural producers become more profitable and better prepared to operate in today’s changing business environment. Staff, Specialist, Agent, Professors, Scientist and Local Governmental Agencies conducts the workshop topics of Goal Setting, Risk Management, Record Keeping, Budgets and Decision Making, Crop production, etc.