Washington State University Snohomish County Extension is offering "Cultivating Success: Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Farm Business Planning" to help new and current farmers gain skills in business planning and direct marketing.

The course runs 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 15-April 9, at WSU Snohomish County Extension's Cougar Auditorium in McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett, Wash. The class also will include two out-of-class seminars and a Saturday farm field trip.

The course features a full line-up of local guest speakers including bankers, business professionals and successful farm owners, with a special emphasis on the financial and legal issues unique to farm-based businesses, according to a WSU press release.

During the course, participants are guided in developing a business plan they can take to the bank to finance a new enterprise or expand an existing farm-based business.

Course facilitator Holly Thompson, is a Stanwood Angus beef rancher and WSU graduate in animal science and agriculture economics.

Class size is limited and prepaid registration is required. Cost for the 12-week course is $275. To register online, click the following link to brownpapertickets.org, or download the form at snohomish.wsu.edu and mail it with your check. For help with registration contact Karie Christensen at 425-357-6039, email christensen4@.wsu.edu.

For more information, contact Andrew Corbin, 425-357-6012, corbina@wsu.edu or go to the Cultivating Success program website.