Master Your Farm Finances: A Financial Record Keeping & Analysis Checklist Template

Introduction: Why Farm Financials Matter

Running a farm is more than just a passion; it's a business, often a complex one navigating weather, market fluctuations, and a unique set of challenges. While your expertise in cultivating crops or raising livestock is undeniable, neglecting the financial side of your operation can quickly erode profitability and jeopardize long-term sustainability.

Think of your farm financials as the vital signs of your business. Just like a doctor monitors a patient's heart rate and blood pressure, you need to regularly assess your farm's financial health to identify potential problems early and make informed decisions. Without a clear understanding of where your money is coming from and where it's going, you're essentially flying blind - making strategic choices based on guesswork rather than data.

Accurate financial records provide invaluable insights. They allow you to track performance, analyze trends, identify areas for improvement, and confidently navigate the ever-changing agricultural landscape. From securing loans to complying with tax regulations, a solid foundation of financial data is essential for the success of any farm, large or small. Let's dive into how you can build that foundation.

1. Setting the Stage: Farm Business Structure & Legalities

Selecting the correct business structure is a foundational decision with long-term implications for your farm. It impacts everything from personal liability and tax obligations to fundraising potential and succession planning. While a sole proprietorship might seem simplest initially, a more complex structure like a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or even a corporation can offer significant advantages as your farm grows.

Here's a breakdown of common structures, along with key considerations for each:

• Sole Proprietorship: Easy to set up, with minimal paperwork. However, you are personally liable for all business debts and obligations. Profits are taxed as personal income. Suitable for small, low-risk operations where personal liability isn't a major concern.
• Partnership: Similar to a sole proprietorship but with two or more owners. A written partnership agreement is crucial to define roles, responsibilities, and profit/loss sharing. Partners share liability.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): Offers liability protection - your personal assets are shielded from business debts and lawsuits. Provides flexibility in taxation (can be taxed as a partnership, LLC, or corporation). Popular choice for many farms.
• S Corporation: Can offer tax advantages by allowing you to pay yourself a salary and take distributions, potentially reducing self-employment taxes. More complex to administer than an LLC.
• C Corporation: Rarely chosen by farms due to double taxation (corporate profits are taxed, and dividends are taxed again when distributed to shareholders).

Beyond the Basics: Legal Considerations

Beyond the business structure itself, consider these legal aspects:

• Operating Agreements (for LLCs and Partnerships): These documents outline ownership, management, and operational procedures. Essential for preventing disputes.
• Contracts: Ensure all agreements with suppliers, customers, and employees are clearly written and legally sound.
• Insurance: Adequate farm insurance is critical to protect against risks like crop failure, livestock loss, and liability claims.
• Permits and Licenses: Research and obtain all necessary permits and licenses required by your state and local government.

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an attorney to determine the best business structure for your specific farm needs.

2. Income Tracking: Beyond the Crop Yield

Beyond the basics of recording crop sales, a truly robust income tracking system reveals a more complete picture of your farm's financial health. Consider these often-overlooked income streams and how to accurately document them:

• Custom Work & Services: Do you offer custom harvesting, planting, or livestock care? Detail the date, client, service provided, and payment received.
• Government Subsidies & Grants: Carefully track all subsidy payments, grant awards, and related documentation. Understand reporting requirements tied to these funds.
• Agritourism Activities: If you offer farm tours, U-pick operations, or other agritourism experiences, meticulously record ticket sales, workshop fees, and merchandise sales.
• Value-Added Products: Income from jams, sauces, baked goods, or other processed farm products needs to be tracked separately to accurately assess profitability.
• Equipment Rentals: If you rent out farm equipment, record rental fees, dates, and equipment used.
• Renewable Energy Production: If your farm generates income from solar or wind power, document energy sales and associated credits.
• Lease Income: Income from leasing land or buildings should be recorded distinct from other farm operations.

Accurate tracking of these diverse income streams allows for a more nuanced understanding of your farm's overall revenue and allows for more informed decision making regarding production and pricing strategies.

3. Expense Management: From Seed to Sales

Tracking farm expenses isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about understanding where your money is going and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency. This goes far beyond simply recording the cost of fertilizer. Let's break down the key areas and how to manage them effectively.

The Big Categories: Your expenses will generally fall into categories like Raw Materials (seeds, fertilizer, chemicals), Operating Expenses (fuel, repairs, utilities), Labor, Marketing, and Depreciation. The more granular you are with these categories, the better insights you'll gain.

Detailed Tracking is Key: Don't just write down "Fertilizer - $500." Note what kind of fertilizer, the supplier, the rate applied, and the acreage treated. This level of detail allows you to analyze per-unit costs, compare suppliers, and optimize application methods. The same applies to all expenses - be specific!

Fuel Management: Fuel is a significant expense for most farms. Implement strategies to monitor fuel consumption per task (e.g., fuel per acre planted, fuel per milking). Consider a fuel card with detailed reporting capabilities.

Labor Costs: Accurately track all labor costs, including wages, benefits, and payroll taxes. Understanding your labor costs per product or task is crucial for profitability analysis.

Maintenance and Repairs: Don't neglect the cost of maintaining your equipment. Implement a preventative maintenance schedule and track all repair expenses. Unexpected downtime can be costly, and proper maintenance can save you money in the long run.

Marketing & Sales Expenses: Account for all expenses related to promoting and selling your products, from advertising to farmer's market fees. Knowing your customer acquisition cost helps you evaluate marketing ROI.

Inventory Management: Efficient inventory management minimizes waste and reduces carrying costs. Implement a system for tracking inventory levels and rotating stock to prevent spoilage.

Utilizing Technology: Farm management software or even a well-structured spreadsheet can streamline expense tracking. Automate where possible and integrate with your accounting system.

Tip: Regularly review your expense reports to identify trends and potential areas for cost reduction. Small savings in multiple areas can add up to significant savings over time.

4. Asset & Liability Inventory: A Comprehensive View

Beyond simply knowing you have assets and liabilities, a regular and detailed inventory is crucial for accurate financial reporting, informed decision-making, and even disaster preparedness. Think of it as a financial "health check" for your farm.

What to Include in Your Asset Inventory:

• Land: Legal descriptions, purchase dates, cost basis, assessed value.
• Buildings: Construction dates, original costs, improvements made, estimated useful lives.
• Equipment: Tractors, combines, planters, irrigation systems - document make, model, serial numbers, purchase dates, costs, and estimated salvage values. Keep maintenance records linked to each asset.
• Vehicles: Trucks, trailers, ATVs - include purchase dates, costs, and mileage.
• Livestock: Record breed, age, purchase price, and any improvements (like vaccinations or training).
• Intangible Assets: Patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property.
• Inventory: Crops in storage, harvested produce awaiting sale, finished goods.

Liability Inventory: Knowing Your Obligations

A complete liability inventory isn't just about listing loan balances. It's about understanding all your financial obligations:

• Loans: List all loans, including the lender, loan type, interest rates, payment schedules, and outstanding balances.
• Lines of Credit: Include details of any available lines of credit.
• Accounts Payable: Record amounts owed to suppliers, contractors, and other vendors.
• Leases: Document lease agreements for land, equipment, or buildings.
• Deferred Revenue: If you've received payments for services not yet rendered (e.g., pre-paid crop harvesting), track this as a liability.

Why Regular Inventory Matters:

• Accurate Financial Statements: Proper asset and liability inventories lead to more accurate balance sheets and income statements.
• Tax Compliance: Essential for calculating depreciation and other tax deductions.
• Insurance Coverage: Helps determine appropriate insurance coverage levels.
• Risk Management: Identifies potential financial vulnerabilities.
• Succession Planning: Provides a clear picture of the farm's financial health for future generations.

Frequency: Aim to conduct a full inventory at least annually. More frequent spot checks (e.g., quarterly or even monthly for livestock) can help maintain a more up-to-date picture.

5. Depreciation & Amortization: Accounting for Farm Assets

Depreciation and amortization are essential accounting principles that recognize the decline in value of your farm assets over time. While often used interchangeably, they apply to different types of assets. Let's break down what each means and why it matters for your farm's financial health.

Depreciation: Tangible Assets - The Wear and Tear

Depreciation applies to tangible assets - those you can physically touch - like tractors, combines, buildings, irrigation systems, and livestock. These assets experience wear and tear through use and obsolescence. Depreciation isn't about how much you paid for the asset; it's about recognizing its decreasing usefulness and value.

Several depreciation methods exist, each spreading the cost of the asset over its "useful life" (the estimated period it will be in service). Common methods include:

• Straight-Line: Spreads the cost evenly over the asset's useful life. (Cost - Salvage Value) / Useful Life
• Declining Balance: Applies a higher depreciation expense in the early years and less in the later years.
• Sum-of-the-Years' Digits: Another accelerated method, resulting in higher depreciation early on.

The IRS provides guidelines on estimated useful lives for various types of assets. Selecting the appropriate method requires careful consideration and often involves consulting with a tax professional.

Amortization: Intangible Assets - The Loss of Value

Amortization is similar to depreciation but applies to intangible assets - those without a physical form. This might include patents, copyrights, software licenses, or land improvements (like drainage systems). Unlike depreciation, amortization typically has a defined legal or contractual life, which dictates how the asset's cost is expensed over time.

Why Does It Matter for Your Farm?

• Accurate Financial Statements: Depreciation and amortization provide a more realistic picture of your farm's profitability and net worth.
• Tax Implications: Depreciation and amortization expenses reduce your taxable income, potentially lowering your tax liability.
• Asset Management: Tracking depreciation helps you plan for asset replacement and make informed investment decisions.

Important Note: Determining the correct depreciation and amortization methods and useful lives can be complex. Consulting with a qualified accountant or tax advisor is highly recommended.

6. Financial Statement Fundamentals: Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow

Understanding your farm's financial health requires more than just tracking income and expenses. It demands a grasp of the core financial statements: the Profit & Loss (Income) Statement, the Balance Sheet, and the Cash Flow Statement. Think of them as different lenses through which you view your farm's performance.

The Profit & Loss (Income) Statement: Your Farm's Profitability

This statement summarizes your revenues and expenses over a specific period (e.g., a year, a quarter). It reveals whether your farm generated a profit or incurred a loss. Key components include:

• Revenue: Income from crop sales, livestock sales, custom work, etc.
• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Direct costs associated with producing your goods (seed, fertilizer, feed).
• Gross Profit: Revenue minus COGS.
• Operating Expenses: Costs to run your farm (fuel, labor, insurance, repairs).
• Net Profit (or Loss): The bottom line - your farm's profitability after all expenses are considered.

Regularly reviewing your Profit & Loss statement highlights trends and areas for improvement. Are your revenue streams diverse enough? Are your expenses under control?

The Balance Sheet: A Snapshot of Your Farm's Assets, Liabilities, and Equity

Unlike the Profit & Loss statement, the Balance Sheet provides a snapshot of your farm's financial position at a specific point in time. It follows the fundamental accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity.

• Assets: What your farm owns - land, equipment, livestock, cash.
• Liabilities: What your farm owes to others - loans, accounts payable.
• Equity: Your farm's net worth - the difference between assets and liabilities. This represents the owner's stake in the farm.

A healthy Balance Sheet demonstrates a strong asset base, manageable liabilities, and positive equity.

The Cash Flow Statement: Tracking the Movement of Cash

While the Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet are crucial, they don't always tell the whole story. The Cash Flow Statement focuses solely on the movement of cash in and out of your farm. It breaks down cash flows into three categories:

• Operating Activities: Cash generated or used in your day-to-day farming operations.
• Investing Activities: Cash used to purchase or sell long-term assets (land, equipment).
• Financing Activities: Cash flows related to borrowing and repaying loans, or issuing equity.

Understanding your Cash Flow Statement is vital for managing liquidity - ensuring you have enough cash on hand to meet your obligations. A farm can be profitable on paper but still struggle if it lacks sufficient cash flow.

7. Tax Compliance for Farmers: Deadlines and Deductions

Farming presents unique tax challenges, and staying compliant isn't just about avoiding penalties; it's about maximizing your farm's financial health. Here's a breakdown of key deadlines and deductions to keep in mind.

Critical Deadlines:

• Estimated Taxes (Form 1040-ES): Farmers typically make estimated tax payments four times a year to cover income taxes and self-employment taxes. These deadlines are generally April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. Note: These dates may shift slightly depending on the calendar year.
• Income Tax Return (Form 1040): The standard deadline is April 15th, but farmers can often request an automatic six-month extension (until October 15th) using Form 4868.
• Payroll Tax Returns (if applicable): If you have employees, you're responsible for filing and paying payroll taxes regularly (monthly, quarterly, or annually).

Key Deductions & Credits to Explore:

• Depreciation: As mentioned earlier, deducting depreciation on farm assets (equipment, buildings, etc.) is crucial. The Section 179 deduction allows for immediate expensing of certain asset purchases, potentially reducing your taxable income significantly. Consult with a tax professional to determine eligibility.
• Seed & Fertilizer Costs: Direct costs associated with crop production, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, are generally deductible.
• Livestock Expenses: Expenses related to raising livestock, such as feed, veterinary care, and breeding costs, can be deducted.
• Farm Insurance: Premiums paid for farm insurance, including crop insurance, liability insurance, and property insurance, are deductible.
• Interest Expense: Interest paid on farm loans is deductible, which can help offset borrowing costs.
• Conservation Practices: The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and other conservation efforts often provide tax benefits for implementing sustainable farming practices.
• Fuel and Repairs: Costs associated with fuel and repairs for farm machinery and vehicles are deductible.
• Family Farm Relief Act: This act can be beneficial for family farms selling or transferring their operations.
• Qualified Disaster Losses: Farmers affected by natural disasters may be able to deduct certain losses.

Record Keeping is Essential: Maintaining meticulous records is your best defense in case of an audit. Keep track of all income and expenses, and consult with a qualified tax advisor to ensure you're taking advantage of all available deductions and credits. The IRS provides resources and publications specifically for farmers, so familiarize yourself with those as well.

8. Key Financial Ratios: Gauging Farm Performance

Financial statements are more than just numbers on a page; they's a story about your farm's health. But simply having those statements isn't enough. You need to understand what they mean. That's where key financial ratios come in. These ratios provide a quick and easy way to assess performance, compare to industry benchmarks, and identify areas for improvement.

Here are a few crucial ratios every farmer should be tracking:

• Gross Profit Margin: (Gross Profit / Revenue) x 100. This tells you how much profit you're making before considering operating expenses. A declining margin might indicate issues with crop yields, input costs, or pricing strategies.
• Net Profit Margin: (Net Profit / Revenue) x 100. This shows your overall profitability after all expenses are considered. A low margin signals a need to cut costs or increase revenue.
• Return on Assets (ROA): (Net Profit / Total Assets) x 100. This measures how efficiently your assets are generating profit. A higher ROA means you're making better use of your farm's resources.
• Current Ratio: Current Assets / Current Liabilities. This assesses your ability to meet short-term obligations. A ratio below 1 could indicate liquidity problems.
• Debt-to-Equity Ratio: Total Debt / Total Equity. This indicates the level of financial leverage. A high ratio means you're relying heavily on debt financing.
• Operating Expense Ratio: Operating Expenses / Revenue. This ratio showcases the efficiency in managing your farm's day-to-day operations. A rising ratio can suggest a need to optimize these expenses.

Benchmarking is Key: Don's just calculate these ratios - compare them to industry averages and your own historical performance. Local agricultural extension offices and industry associations often provide benchmark data. Analyzing trends over time can reveal valuable insights into your farm's financial health and pinpoint areas needing attention.

9. Technology & Software: Streamlining Your Record Keeping

Let's face it: manually tracking every transaction with spreadsheets and paper ledgers is time-consuming and prone to errors. Luckily, technology offers a wealth of tools to simplify your financial record keeping. Here's a breakdown of options, from basic to more advanced:

1. Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets):

These remain a valuable starting point. They's flexible, allowing you to customize templates to fit your specific needs. Pre-built farm budget and income statement templates are readily available online, which can save you considerable time. However, spreadsheets require meticulous upkeep and lack automated data syncing.

2. Farm Management Software:

These platforms are specifically designed for agricultural operations. They often integrate multiple functions, including crop planning, livestock management, inventory tracking, and financial record keeping. Popular options include Agrivi, FarmLogs, and Granular. While generally more expensive than spreadsheets, they offer significant time savings and improved data accuracy by linking your operational data directly to your financial records.

3. Cloud-Based Accounting Software (QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks):

These platforms are hugely popular for small businesses, and farms are no exception. They offer features like automated bank feed integration, invoice creation, expense tracking, and reporting. Cloud-based accessibility means you and your team can access data from anywhere with an internet connection. Integration with other farm management tools is also a growing trend. Consider which features align with your farm's size and complexity when selecting a platform.

4. Mobile Apps:

Several apps are available for capturing expenses and income on the go. These can be especially helpful for tracking cash transactions or documenting field activities. Many integrate with larger accounting systems for seamless data transfer.

Choosing the Right Tool:

The best solution depends on your farm's size, complexity, and budget. Start with a free trial of several options to see what fits your workflow best. Don't be afraid to scale up as your farm grows and your needs evolve.

10. Data Security & Backup: Protecting Your Financial Records

Your farm's financial data is a treasure trove of information - a roadmap to your business's success and, unfortunately, a potential target for cyber threats. A data breach can lead to financial losses, legal complications, and irreparable damage to your reputation. Protecting this information is not just good practice; it's a necessity.

Layered Security: A Multi-Faced Approach

Think of data security as a layered defense. Here's what you can do:

• Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use complex passwords (a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols) and enable MFA wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection even if a password is compromised.
• Firewall Protection: A firewall acts as a barrier between your network and external threats. Ensure it's properly configured and regularly updated.
• Antivirus & Anti-Malware Software: Keep these programs up-to-date to detect and remove malicious software.
• Regular Software Updates: Patching software vulnerabilities promptly reduces the risk of exploitation.
• Limited Access: Restrict access to financial data to only those employees who absolutely need it. Implement user permissions and regularly review access rights.

Backup is Your Safety Net

Even with robust security measures, data loss can occur due to hardware failure, natural disasters, or human error. A comprehensive backup strategy is your last line of defense.

• The 3-2-1 Rule: Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule:
  • 3 Copies: Keep three copies of your data.
  • 2 Different Media: Store the copies on two different types of media (e.g., external hard drive, cloud storage).
  • 1 Offsite: Keep one copy offsite (e.g., in a secure cloud storage service, at a relative's home).
• Automated Backups: Automate your backup process to ensure consistent and reliable data protection.
• Regular Testing: Regularly test your backups to verify their integrity and ensure you can restore your data when needed.

Protecting your farm's financial records is an ongoing commitment. By implementing these security measures and a robust backup strategy, you can minimize the risk of data loss and safeguard your business's future.

11. Benchmarking Your Farm: Comparing to Industry Standards

Benchmarking isn't about striving to be exactly like someone else; it's about understanding how your farm stacks up against the broader agricultural landscape. It provides crucial perspective and highlights areas ripe for improvement. But where do you even begin?

Several key metrics are commonly used to benchmark farm performance. These include:

• Profitability Ratios: Gross Profit Margin (revenue minus cost of goods sold, divided by revenue), Net Profit Margin (net income divided by revenue) - compare these to averages for your specific commodity and region. Are you leaving money on the table?
• Efficiency Ratios: Asset Turnover (revenue divided by total assets) - are you maximizing the use of your resources? Labor Productivity (revenue divided by labor hours) - are you efficient with your workforce?
• Debt-to-Equity Ratio: This ratio indicates the level of financial risk. Lower is generally better, but acceptable levels vary by commodity and farm size.
• Return on Assets (ROA): Measures how efficiently you're using your assets to generate profit.
• Operating Expense Ratio: Total operating expenses divided by gross revenue. Helps identify areas where expenses may be too high.

Where to Find Benchmark Data:

• USDA (United States Department of Agriculture): Provides a wealth of agricultural data and reports.
• State Extension Services: Often publish regional benchmark data specific to common crops and livestock.
• Farm Management Associations: Many states have organizations that collect and analyze farm financial data, often for a membership fee.
• Industry-Specific Organizations: Commodity groups (e.g., corn growers, dairy farmers) frequently provide benchmark data related to their sector.
• Financial Lenders: Your lender may have access to industry benchmarks to assess your farm's financial health.

Important Considerations:

• Size Matters: Benchmarks should be compared to farms of similar size and production scale.
• Commodity Specificity: Averages for a broad farm are meaningless. Compare your performance to farms producing the same commodities.
• Regional Variations: Climate, soil conditions, and market access all influence farm profitability.
• Data Limitations: Benchmark data is often historical and may not fully reflect current market conditions.

Remember, benchmarking isn's a one-time task. Regularly review your performance against industry standards to identify opportunities for growth and ensure your farm remains competitive.

12. Troubleshooting Common Financial Record Keeping Challenges

Even with a solid plan, you're bound to encounter challenges. Let's tackle some common stumbling blocks and how to navigate them.

1. "I Don't Have Time!" We hear you. Farming demands constant attention. Prioritize small, consistent efforts. Even 15 minutes a day is better than a frantic scramble at tax time. Integrate record-keeping into existing routines - for example, note expenses while fueling equipment.

2. "It's Too Confusing!" Accounting jargon can be intimidating. Start with the basics: consistently track income and major expenses. Utilize user-friendly software and don't be afraid to ask for help from an accountant or experienced farmer. Focus on understanding the purpose of each record, not just the technical details.

3. "Paper Receipts are Lost Constantly!" Go digital. Scan receipts using a mobile app (many accounting software programs have this functionality) or take clear photos. Cloud-based storage ensures accessibility and prevents loss.

4. "I Don't Know Where to Start with Depreciation!" Depreciation calculations can be complex. Consult with a qualified professional (accountant or agricultural consultant) to understand your asset's useful life and appropriate depreciation method. Some software simplifies this process.

5. "My Expenses are a Jumbled Mess!" Create clear categories for your expenses (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, labor, fuel). Develop a system for organizing invoices and receipts. Consistent categorization allows for better expense tracking and analysis.

6. "I Can't Afford Accounting Software!" While paid software offers advantages, free or low-cost options (like spreadsheet templates or basic accounting software tiers) can be a good starting point. Evaluate your needs and budget accordingly.

7. My Partner and I Have Different Record Keeping Methods" Agree on a standardized system and stick to it. Regular communication and joint review of records are vital for avoiding discrepancies and fostering transparency.

8. "I'm Not Sure How to Categorize Certain Expenses" When in doubt, err on the side of caution and consult with a tax professional. Proper categorization is crucial for accurate tax reporting.

9. "I Feel Overwhelmed by the Amount of Data" Focus on the key performance indicators (KPIs) that matter most to your farm's success. Don't try to track everything; prioritize the data that informs your decision-making.

10. I'm Scared of Making Mistakes Everyone makes mistakes. Learn from them, correct them promptly, and seek guidance when needed. Accurate record-keeping is a process of continuous improvement.

11. "I Don't Understand How to Use Financial Ratios" Start with the basics - profit margin, debt-to-asset ratio - and gradually expand your understanding. Online resources and agricultural advisors can provide guidance.

12. "I'm Not Seeing the Value of This Effort" Regularly review your financial records to identify trends, areas for improvement, and potential savings. Seeing the direct impact of your efforts can be a powerful motivator.

Conclusion: Cultivating Financial Success

Beyond the rows of crops and the care for livestock, a thriving farm is built on a solid financial foundation. Implementing this checklist isn's just about compliance; it's about empowering yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions, navigate challenges, and ultimately, cultivate long-term success. Remember, consistent record-keeping isn't a burden-it's an investment in your farm's future. Embrace the process, seek guidance when needed, and celebrate the milestones along the way. Your dedication to financial management will yield a harvest of prosperity for years to come.

Resources & Links

• USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture - Farm Management Resources - General farm management information and resources.
• USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) - Information on farm programs and financial assistance.
• Risk Management and Insurance for Farmers - Resources and information on farm insurance and risk management.
• Saskatchewan Agriculture - Business and Economics Section - Example of a provincial/state agricultural resource offering financial management guides (adapt for your region).
• Purdue Extension - Farm Management - Extension resources for farm financial management. (Replace Purdue with your local land-grant university extension.)
• Cornell Small Farms Program - Resources and information geared towards smaller farms and direct marketers.
• Farm Credit - Financial services and resources for farmers.
• ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service - Information on sustainable farming practices, including financial management.
• Farmers.gov - USDA portal for farmers with information on loans, disaster assistance, and other programs.
• US Treasury - Small Business Tax Resources - Information on farm-related tax issues.