Small Farm Certificate Program 2026 Now Accepting Applications

[Kilburn, Augusta]

Dear IDEA Farm Network,

My name is Augusta Kilburn, and I am reaching out on behalf of the University of Illinois Sustainable Student Farm. We are opening applications to our Small Farm Certificate Program for the 2026 season. 

I am emailing you with the hopes that you will share this opportunity with any and all parties potentially interested in this program. We are trying to reach young and beginning farmers that want to build confidence in their skills and go on to become successful producers and advocates in the local food system. This is a great program for those wanting to pivot into small farms without the financial and time commitment that a 4-year degree requires.

I have included a blurb below about the program for your convenience if you would like to share with your audience. I have also attached a flyer pdf if to send or print and hang it on a local pin board. Thank you very much for your time and consideration!

"The Small Farm Certificate Program is a non-degree program for young and beginning farmers that provides skills-based education and prepares participants to be successful producers and advocates in the local food system. The program has three sections that will occur March to November 2026. First, an online remote education provided over 8 weeks in the spring, a 3-month summer on-farm experience developing knowledge and skills to plant, grow, wash, store, and market produce, and a fall farm practicum.

The program is hosted by the University of Illinois Sustainable Student Farm and Department of Crop Sciences and allows students to interact with and learn from experts while also gaining valuable applied knowledge and skills.

Please visit the following link for more information about the program: https://ssf.cropsciences.illinois.edu/small-farm-certificate/

In order to apply for the 2026 season, send your resume, two references (at least one professional) and a cover letter describing why you want to be in the program and why you would be a good fit to illino...@illinois.edu  Please feel free to email any questions regarding the program."

Sincerely,

Augusta Kilburn

SFES Program Coordinator and Sustainable Student Farm Project Manager 

 
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

Sustainability in Food & Environmental Systems | Department of Crop Sciences 

128B Mumford Hall
1301 W Gregory Dr, | M/C 710
Urbana, IL 61801
334.559.4292 | atk...@illinois.edu
cropsciences.illinois.edu
 


Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act any written communication to or from university employees regarding university business is a public record and may be subject to public disclosure.