Do you have growing experience but need the land, tools, or support to start your own farm business? We’re here to help!

Shepherd University’s Agricultural Small Business Incubator minimizes barriers for aspiring farmers. This program is available to new or beginning farmers who are ready to launch a farm business, but do not yet have access to land or equipment of their own. Based in Jefferson County, WV, we border MD, VA, and are very close to PA.

Farmers must have some previous gardening or farming experience and a basic business plan. Plots are leased annually with an option to renew the lease upon review and assessment at the end of the season. Farmers who graduate from the program should leave with the skills and experience necessary to acquire their own land and formally launch their business.

Program fee is $100 for the season and plots begin at $30 per season for 1/4 acre deer-fenced, irrigated land with the option for tractor services. Farmers have designated space in the heated greenhouse, walk-in coolers, and freezer as well as access to a wash-pack facility and a selection of specialized tools for small-scale vegetable production. Specialty equipment (grain mill, commercial dehydrator, freeze dryer, mushroom media mixer and bag packer, pellet mil, apple press) available to rent time on. Educational opportunities include bi-weekly check-ins with a designated mentor, a series on workshops in winter and spring 2026 focused on sustainable growing techniques, farm business planning and marketing, and hands-on learning opportunities at the Tabler Farm demonstration sites diversified vegetable production farm, aquaponics lab, apiary, orchard, and
mushroom production operation.

More information and application on our website: https://www.shepherd.edu/farmincubator

Category:
Jobs, Internships & Opportunities
Region:
West Virginia
Address:
301 N King Street

Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443
Contact Name:
Molly Sutter
Contact Email:
msutter@shepherd.edu
Date Posted:
11/12/2025