Courses & Workshops

Non-traditional business development education for non-traditional farmers

For those seeking to take a more holistic approach to their farming education, Mezclada’s courses are designed to address all of what it means to be a small business owner – not just exploring the market channels that will make your operation financially sustainable, but the personal practices and habits that will lead to healthy lifestyle choices and personal relationships long-term. 

Most farmers operating small-scale operations burn out after the first five years because they aren’t addressing these critical issues of entrepreneurship. 

That’s where Mezclada comes in. Your host, Emily Reno, has been traveling the world, working in food systems as a facilitator, regional planner, grant writer, farm hand, waitress, and more for the last 8 years. She advises on statewide policies in Minnesota to improve land and capital access for small-scale, family-run operations and is passionate about supporting those that may not fit the box of ‘traditional farmers’. 

If you’ve got big dreams, creative ideas, but need a bit of help along the way to get clarity about what you’re doing, want to become part of a community of like-minded individuals, and are new to knowing what funding options are available to you, you’re likely to find value in the library of existing and upcoming courses below. 

Offerings are constantly expanding, so check back often or subscribe to the newsletter to find out when new courses become available.

AI Grant Writing Workshop

Grant applications weren't designed for the average person

If you’ve never navigated a request for proposals, you’re curious to know how AI can help you reduce your mental exertion during the grant writing process, or what kinds of ethical considerations should be made during an undertaking such as this one, then you’ll definitely want to check this out. 

AI Think Tank

Join other farmers in testing the uncharted waters together

Have you been wondering what all of this AI stuff is about? Curious to dip your toes in the water? Maybe you nerd out about these technologies as much as I do and are eager to be surrounded by others who want to use tech for good. To streamline workflows, find ways to save not minutes, but HOURS in a day, and more.

I’m overwhelmed by so many ideas I want to test out, but I’d prefer to do so in the company of like-minded individuals, building the community I’m craving to make this come to life, with laughter and play at its center.

Applications to join us will open in early 2025. If you’d like to learn more about this adventure, sign up for the newsletter to be the first to find out more:

BUY A FARM

Why shouldn't starting your farm business be fun?

Did you know? 65% of businesses in the U.S. and the UK are owned by a Baby Boomer…

This means a LOT of businesses are for sale. And you could be the future buyer.

That’s why I decided to launch a month-long Intensive, a container for collaborative learning, where we’ll dig into the who’s who and the what’s what when it comes to buying a FARM business.

This course is currently being turned into an on-demand course and accepting beta students in early 2025. The best way to stay up-to-date on beta testing is to sign up for the quarterly newsletter.

Aligned farm design

Develop your farm from within, by BEING rather than doing.

Aligned Farm Design was created to serve farmers & future farmers struggling with some or all of the following:
Breaking your body and feeling like there’s not enough time to do everything

  • Sacrificing important time with family and friends to invest in time building the business
  • Trying to buy more land in the hopes that scaling up will be the key to profitability
  • Letting fear stop you from expressing your real authenticity with those around you
  • Not looking at your financial statements because they confuse you or it seems insurmountable to tackle
  • Lack of clarity around how to find the resources to make your farm idea a reality
  • Overwhelm with all of the state and federal farming loan and grant programs


Imagine if you were able to leverage your body’s natural rhythms and unique design to create a farm business that reflects your personality, flow, and strengths. 

Looking for a guest teacher or speaker for your existing farm management curriculum?

Schedule a consultation call today to explore partnering with Mezclada for your next cohort of students