08/28/2026
Earlier this week, Marbleseed gathered beginning and aspiring farmers at Daisy Garton Community Farm in Bloomington, Indiana, for the Sobremesa Farmer Advancement Training.
Participants explored how to assess and manage farm resources, set realistic goals, evaluate market opportunities, and develop farm business plans that aligned with their values and available resources. Through presentations, discussion, and hands-on exercises, attendees learned tools for improving profitability, managing risk, and making informed decisions about land, labor, equipment, and finances.
The training featured Indiana agricultural and business professionals, including:
• Martha Miller of the Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Grant Sherfick of the Indiana Small Business Development Center
• Nathan Shoaf and Rebecca Koetz of Purdue Extension.
Presenters shared conservation resources, business development guidance, and agricultural expertise to help farmers develop and strengthen their farm enterprises.
Special thanks to Sobremesa Foundation for organizing and hosting the event, and to sponsors and supporters: George Bridge Landscape Design, Midwest Farmers of Color Collective, Raymond James, KOFI (Kentucky Organic Farm and Feed), Purdue University, Sobremesa Farm Organics, and Taste of India. Their support helped make this valuable training opportunity possible for beginning farmers.
This program is supported by the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (Award No. 2020-49400-32787).
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