UNIVERSITY PARK — Interested in starting a farm, diversifying an existing farm or beginning an agritourism business?

To help participants explore new business and production practices, Penn State Extension will hold the “Starting and Improving Farms Conference” Sept. 23-24 at Penn State Harrisburg, 151 O Street, Suite 210, Middletown.

This event is designed for anyone who is considering starting a farm, those who began farming within the past five years, existing farms considering diversification, team members on existing farms, women farmers, providers who support farmers, and producers focused on agritourism, livestock or horticulture.

The two-day conference is aimed at helping attendees build and expand networks and identify new ideas and opportunities. Organizers emphasized the significance of a robust business network for essential support, solutions to challenges and beneficial opportunities. The conference will include presentations, tours, exhibits and networking opportunities with like-minded professionals.

On the first day, attendees will connect with new and existing farmers as they tour small regional farms.

Day 2 will address both production and business best practices for startups and expansion. Attendees can choose from four breakout rooms where discussions will address the needs of farming operations, including horticulture, livestock and poultry, agritourism, and finances. These sessions will allow attendees to participate in industry-specific discussions with farmers and extension personnel.

The conference will feature: business and production techniques from farmers, researchers, extension educators and extension associates; insights on how existing farmers started their businesses and the hurdles they overcame; opportunities for networking with peers, lenders and educators willing to assist with start-up or diversification plans; and various breakout sessions on a wide range of topics to enable participants to tailor their learning experience to address specific farming goals.

Participants can register through 11:59 p.m. Sept. 15. The $99 registration fee covers lunch on both days, happy hour with appetizers on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2.

More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/startingandimprovingfarms.