About

Strengthen Your Farm. Sharpen Your Leadership. Secure Your Future.

The Executive Farm Management (EFM) Program at NC State University is an intensive, two-week professional development experience designed for progressive farm owners, operators and decision-makers who want to improve the profitability, sustainability and long-term success of their operations.

Through hands-on learning, real-world case studies and direct interaction with industry experts, participants gain practical tools they can immediately apply to their farm businesses.

Who Should Attend

  • Farm owners and operators
  • Multi-generational family farm decision-makers
  • Farm managers and partners
  • Agricultural professionals preparing for leadership roles

What You Will Learn

  • Financial management and analysis
  • Strategic planning and goal setting
  • Risk management and decision-making
  • Farm business structure and succession planning
  • Marketing and business growth strategies
  • Leadership and communication within farm operations

Program Format

  • Two-week, in-person program (five days each week)
  • Led by industry professionals and faculty from NC State, East Carolina University, University of Georgia and Clemson
  • Combines lectures, group discussions, case studies, and applied exercises
  • Opportunities to network with fellow farm leaders from across the region

Why Choose NC State’s EFM Program

  • Backed by NC State’s nationally recognized agriculture expertise
  • Focus on real-world challenges facing today’s producers
  • Proven program with decades of impact on farm businesses
  • Small-group setting encourages discussion and collaboration