On-Farm Workshops

What makes a good workshop topic?

Choose something you do well and that people ask you about, such as growing a vegetable, keeping chickens, preserving food, grafting or fencing. Teach what you have actually done, and say so when something is outside your experience.

Pick a topic that can be learned in a few hours, with hands on practice and a clear result the participant can take home.

A series of short workshops across a season often works better than one large day, since people can return, build skills and bring friends.

• Bring a short written outline of what you will cover.
• Offer a follow up resource list so participants can keep learning.

How do you plan the day?

Write a simple outline with a start time, short teaching segments, hands on practice, a break and time for questions. People learn best when they do something, not only when they listen.

Keep groups small enough that everyone can see and ask questions. Prepare materials ahead of time, test your demonstration and have a plan for rain.

Have a backup plan. If a demonstration fails or the weather turns, you need a second activity or an indoor space where the group can continue.

• Set a clear start and end time.
• Prepare a handout in plain language.
• Allow time for restroom and water breaks.

How should you set the price?

Add up your costs: materials, food if you serve any, insurance, advertising, your preparation time and the time lost from other farm work. Divide by the number of people you realistically expect.

Check what similar classes charge in your region and what your audience can pay. Be clear about refund and cancellation rules in writing before registration.

Sold out workshops are a good sign, but do not raise the price too fast. A price that regular neighbors can afford builds goodwill, which pays you back across seasons.

What about safety and liability?

Hands on activities with tools, animals or food can cause injury or illness. Talk with your insurance agent about coverage before you hold paid workshops on your property, and ask whether a signed waiver is appropriate in your state.

Check with your county health department if you plan to serve food, and with your county zoning office if you expect more than a few cars. Minors should come with a parent or guardian, and activities should match their ability.

Keep a sign in sheet with the date and names of attendees. If you ever need to contact people about a change or an incident, you will have a way to reach them.

How do you teach accurately?

Be careful with advice that could affect health, safety, the law or money. Teach concepts, share what has worked for you, and tell participants to check with their extension office, state agency or licensed professional for the rules that apply to them.

If someone asks a question you cannot answer, say that you do not know and offer to find out. This builds more trust than guessing.

Avoid promising results, such as income, health outcomes or guaranteed harvests. You can teach methods that have worked, but you cannot control weather, pests or someone else's effort. If you demonstrate with tools, animals or heat, keep a safe distance between the group and the demonstration, and stop anything that looks unsafe.

How do you find participants?

Start with your regular customers, neighbors, local gardening groups, libraries and community pages. Describe the workshop in plain language: what will be taught, what to bring, what the cost includes and any physical demands.

Collect only the information you need to register, such as a name and a way to reach the person. Keep it private and do not collect personal information from children.

Be clear about what is not included, such as lodging, tools to take home or ongoing support. Honest descriptions lead to fewer disappointed attendees and fewer refund requests.

• List accessibility information honestly.
• State what the registration fee includes.
• Tell people what to wear and bring.

What do you do afterward?

Ask for feedback while the day is fresh. Note what took longer than planned, what questions came up and what you would change.

Keep a record of income and expense for each workshop. Over a season you will see whether teaching earns enough to be worth the time.

Keep your teaching notes. Over time they become a handout, a guide or a short course, and a good record helps you improve each version.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.