business plan for a farm pdf

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How to Start a Farm: Plan Your Operation

Think about your operation from the ground up and start planning for your business.  A good farm business plan is your roadmap to start-up, profitability, and growth, and provides the foundation for your conversation with USDA about how our programs can complement your operation. 

Keep reading about planning your business below, get an overview of the beginning farmer's journey , or jump to a different section of the farmer's journey.

On This Page

Why you need a farm business plan.

A comprehensive business plan is an important first step for any size business, no matter how simple or complex. You should create a strong business plan because it:

• Will help you get organized . It will help you to remember all of the details and make sure you are taking all of the necessary steps.
• Will act as your guide . It will help you to think carefully about why you want to farm or ranch and what you want to achieve in the future. Over time, you can look back at your business plan and determine whether you are achieving your goals.
• Is required to get a loan . In order to get an FSA loan, a guarantee on a loan made by a commercial lender, or a land contract, you need to create a detailed business plan . Lenders look closely at business plans to determine if you can afford to repay the loan.

How USDA Can Help

Whether you need a good get-started guide, have a plan that you would like to verify, or have a plan you’re looking to update for your next growth phase, USDA can help connect you to resources to help your decisions.

Your state's beginning farmer and rancher coordinator  can connect you to local resources in your community to help you establish a successful business plan. Reach out to your state's coordinator for one-on-one technical assistance and guidance. They can also connect you with organizations that specifically serve beginning farmers and ranchers.

It is important to know that no single solution fits everyone, and you should research, seek guidance, and make the best decision for your operation according to your own individual priorities.

Build a Farm Business Plan

There are many different styles of business plans. Some are written documents; others may be a set of worksheets that you complete. No matter what format you choose, several key aspects of your operation are important to consider.

Use the guidelines below to draft your business plan. Answering these kinds of questions in detail will help you create and develop your final business plan. Once you have a business plan for your operation, prepare for your visit to a USDA service center. During your visit, we can help you with the necessary steps to register your business and get access to key USDA programs.

Business History

Are you starting a new farm or ranch, or are you already in business? If you are already in business:

• What products do you produce?
• What is the size of your operation?
• What agricultural production and financial management training or experience do you, your family members, or your business partners have?
• How long have you been in business?

Mission, Vision, and Goals

This is your business. Defining your mission, vision and goals is crucial to the success of your business. These questions will help provide a basis for developing other aspects of your business plan.

• What values are important to you and the operation as a whole?
• What short- and long-term goals do you have for your operation?
• How do you plan to start, expand, or change your operation?
• What plans do you have to make your operation efficient or more profitable ?
• What type of farm or ranch model (conventional, sustainable, organic, or alternative agricultural practices) do you plan to use?

Organization and Management

Starting your own business is no small feat. You will need to determine how your business will be structured and organized, and who will manage (or help manage) your business. You will need to be able to convey this to others who are involved as well.

• What is the legal structure of your business? Will it be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, trust, limited liability company, or other type of entity?
• What help will you need in operating and managing your farm or ranch?
• What other resources, such as a mentor or community-based organization , do you plan to use?

Marketing is a valuable tool for businesses. It can help your businesses increase brand awareness, engagement and sales. It is important to narrow down your target audience and think about what you are providing that others cannot.

• What are you going to produce ?
• Who is your target consumer ?
• Is there demand for what you are planning to produce?
• What is the cost of production?
• How much will you sell it for and when do you expect to see profit ?
• How will you get your product to consumers ? What are the transportation costs and requirements?
• How will you market your products?
• Do you know the relevant federal, state, and local food safety regulations? What licensing do you need for your operation?

Today there are many types of land, tools, and resources to choose from. You will need to think about what you currently have and what you will need to obtain to achieve your goals.

• What resources do you have or will you need for your business?
• Do you already have access to farmland ? If not, do you plan to lease, rent, or purchase land?
• What equipment do you need?
• Is the equipment and real estate that you own or rent adequate to conduct your operation? If not, how do you plan to address those needs?
• Will you be implementing any conservation practices to sustain your operation?
• What types of workers will you need to operate the farm?
• What additional resources do you need?

Now that you have an idea of what you are going to provide and what you will need to run your operation you will need to consider the finances of your operation.

• How will you finance the business?
• What are your current assets (property or investments you own) and liabilities (debts, loans, or payments you owe)?
• Will the income you generate be sufficient to pay your operating expenses, living expenses, and loan payments?
• What other sources of income are available to supplement your business income?
• What business expenses will you incur?
• What family living expenses do you pay?
• What are some potential risks or challenges you foresee for your operation? How will you manage those risks?
• How will you measure the success of your business?

Farm Business Plan Worksheets

The Farm Business Plan Balance Sheet can help gather information for the financial and operational aspects of your plan.

Form FSA-2037 is a template that gathers information on your assets and liabilities like farm equipment, vehicles and existing loans.

• FSA-2037 - Farm Business Plan - Balance Sheet
• FSA-2037 Instructions

Planning for Conservation and Risk Management

Another key tool is a conservation plan, which determines how you want to improve the health of your land. A conservation plan can help you lay out your plan to address resource needs, costs and schedules.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff are available at your local USDA Service Center to help you develop a conservation plan for your land based on your goals. NRCS staff can also help you explore conservation programs and initiatives, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) .

Conservation in Agriculture

Crop insurance, whole farm revenue protection and other resources can help you prepare for unforeseen challenges like natural disasters.

Disaster Recovery

Special Considerations

Special considerations for businesses.

There are different types of farm businesses each with their own unique considerations. Determine what applies to your operation.

• Organic Farming  has unique considerations. Learn about organic agriculture , organic certification , and the  Organic Certification Cost Share Program  to see if an organic business is an option for you. NRCS also has resources for organic producers and offers assistance to develop a conservation plan.
• Urban Farming  has special opportunities and restrictions. Learn how USDA can help farmers in urban spaces .
• Value-Added Products . The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) is a national virtual resource center for value-added agricultural groups.
• Cooperative.  If you are interested in starting a cooperative, USDA’s Rural Development Agency (RD) has helpful resources to help you begin . State-based  Cooperative Development Centers , partially funded by RD, provide technical assistance and education on starting a cooperative.

Special Considerations for Individuals

Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers: We offer help for the unique concerns of producers who meet the USDA definition of "historically underserved,"  which includes farmers who are:

• socially disadvantaged
• limited resource
• military veterans

Women: Learn about specific incentives, priorities, and set asides for  women in agriculture within USDA programs.

Heirs' Property Landowners: If you inherited land without a clear title or documented legal ownership, learn how USDA can help Heirs’ Property Landowners gain access to a variety of programs and services

Business Planning

Creating a good business plan takes time and effort. The following are some key resources for planning your business.

• Farm Answers from the University of Minnesota features a library of how-to resources and guidance, a directory of beginning farmer training programs, and other sources of information in agriculture. The library includes business planning guides such as a Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses and an Example Business Plan .
• The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers information about starting, managing, and transitioning a business.

SCORE is a nonprofit organization with a network of volunteers who have experience in running and managing businesses. The Score Mentorship Program partners with USDA to provide:

• Free, local support and resources, including business planning help, financial guidance, growth strategies.
• Mentorship through one-on-one business coaching -- in-person, online, and by phone.
• Training from subject matter experts with agribusiness experience.
• Online resources and step-by-step outlines for business strategies.
• Learn more about the program through the Score FAQ .

Training Opportunities

Attend field days, workshops, courses, or formal education programs to build necessary skills to ensure you can successfully produce your selected farm products and/or services. Many local and regional agricultural organizations, including USDA and Cooperative Extension, offer training to beginning farmers.

• Cooperative Extension  offices address common issues faced by agricultural producers, and conduct workshops and educational events for the agricultural community.
• extension.org  is an online community for the Cooperative Extension program where you can find publications and ask experts for advice.

Now that you have a basic plan for your farm operation, prepare for your visit to a USDA service center.

2. Visit Your USDA Service Center

How to Start a Farm with USDA

Get an  overview of the beginning farmer's journey  or jump to a specific page below.

Find Your Local Service Center

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.

Learn more about our Urban Service Centers . Visit the Risk Management Agency website to find a regional or compliance office  or to find an insurance agent near you.

• Business plans

Farm Business Plan

Used 5,069 times

Farm Business Plan gives an overview of the company, including corporation history, owner backgrounds, creations and more. Use this template to quickly develop your farm company plan.

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Farm Business Plan Template

Prepared by:

​ [Sender.FirstName] [Sender.LastName] ​

​ [Sender.Title] ​

​ [Sender.Phone] ​

​ [Sender.Email] ​

Executive Summary

​ [Sender.Company] is owned and operated by [Sender.FirstName] [Sender.LastName] .

​ [Sender.Company] produces and sells (product types, e.g., produce, pastured animals, herbs, etc.), and we also provide on-farm services including (service types, e.g., apple picking, events, produce stand, etc.).

The target audience for [Sender.Company] 's product will be local consumers and businesses whom we will target directly. To market to this audience, we plan to take advantage of public picking events, farmers' markets, and a roadside farm stand.

Future of the Farm

​ [Sender.Company] plans to turn our XX acres of farmland into a sustainable source of crops, pastured animals, and pollinators. We plan to use regenerative farming practices as much as possible and understand what management techniques work best for our acreage.

Additionally, we will have a large greenhouse and use season extension techniques to get more value out of our farmland.

To build a locally well-known brand and eventually expand our presence across the state.

To sell enough of our product to generate a positive cash flow, support the farm owners and staff, and pay back capital plus 15% interest to our investors.

To preserve and enhance our farmland so that it remains sustainable and we can continue to share the fruits of the land with others.

Follow a thorough 3-year business plan and reassess every year to ensure we remain on track.

Seek funding from our network of contacts and outside funders for start-up costs.

Execute a creative marketing plan that introduces our brand to our target market.

Company Description

Business address and contact.

​ [Sender.StreetAddress] , [Sender.City] , [Sender.State] [Sender.PostalCode] ​

​ [Sender.FirstName] [Sender.LastName] : [Sender.Phone] , [Sender.Email] ​

Principal Members

(Owner.FirstName) (Owner.LastName)

Qualifications/Experience

(number) years of experience as a farm hand at (farm name), plus an additional 5 years of experience as the farm manager

(Education)

(Operator.FirstName) (Operator.LastName)

(Experience)

Legal Structure

​ [Sender.Company] is a sole proprietorship.

Company Details

Our property is zoned for farm use, and we plan to use the land as follows:

X acres for pastured animals

X acres for produce

X acres for agritourism activities and events

Farm Assets

Greenhouse and propagation supplies

Farm stand (planned for 20XX)

Market Research

The demand for locally raised animals and grown produce is climbing at a rate of XX% per year and is expected to reach a total value of $XX billion by 20XX.

Consumer demand for free-range, pasture-raised animals is evidenced by farms like (name competitors) which have grown into valuations of (approximate company values) , respectively.

Regulations

​ [Sender.Company] is a licensed business in the State of [Sender.State] as of the year 20XX. We are in the process of applying for all of the necessary permits for constructing the farm stand, expanding the barn, and hosting on-site visitors to the farm.

Service Line

Product/service.

Services Include:

Pasture-raised animals

Produce cultivation

Public apple picking

Public hay maze

Special event packages

Marketing & Sales

Customer communications.

​ [Sender.Company] will communicate with its customers by:

Interacting with customers in-person via farmers markets, the farm stand, and through the leveraging of networking events.

Building an active social media presence on Instagram and TikTok.

Advertising agritourism activities like apple picking, hay mazes, farm trails, and other events.

Creating SEO-friendly blog posts on the company website to increase online presence.

Establishing listings with the local tourism board and activity guides.

Sales Strategy

​ [Sender.Company] 's product will be sold primarily in the (region) . The farm is located on a road with extensive car traffic, so we plan to build a farm stand on the property to capture attention and drive sales.

We also plan to build a social media presence and leverage local advertising to drive awareness of our brand. We will also attend farmers' markets within the region to meet customers face-to-face and build relationships.

Five-year plan

Year One: 20XX

Create a legal business entity

Apply for necessary licenses and permits.

Finalize farm layout.

Procure additional equipment.

Establish social media profiles.

Build a small farm stand.

Attend farmer's markets.

Year Two: 20XX

(List goals for year two)

Year Three: 20XX

Year Four: 20XX

Year Five: 20XX

​ [Recipient.FirstName] [Recipient.LastName] ​

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Farm Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 3,500 farmers create business plans to start and grow their farm businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a farm business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Farm Business Plan Template here >

What is a Farm Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your farm business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Farm

If you’re looking to start a farm business or grow your existing farm business you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your farm business in order to improve your chances of success. Your farm business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes. It can be used to create a vegetable farm business plan, or a dairy farm, produce farm, fruit farm, agriculture farm and more.

Source of Funding for Farm Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a farm business are personal savings, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a farm business is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

Your business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of farm business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a farm business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of farm businesses.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the farm business industry. Discuss the type of farm business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of farm business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types among others:

• Vegetable Farm : this type of farm grows a wide variety of vegetables (but not grains or soybeans) and melons in open fields and in greenhouses.
• Dairy Farm : this type of farm primarily raises cattle for milk. Typically, this type of farm does not process the milk into cheeses or butter, etc.
• Fruit Farm : this type of farm primarily grows fruits.
• Hay and Crop Farm : More than half of these types of farms grow hay, while a small number grow sugar beets. A variety of other crops, such as hops and herbs, are included in the industry. Some operators also gather agave, spices, tea and maple sap.
• Industrial Hemp Farm : this type of farm grows and harvests cannabis plants with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of less than 0.3% by weight.
• Plant & Flower Farm : this type of farm grows nursery plants, such as trees and shrubs; flowering plants, such as foliage plants, cut flowers, flower seeds and ornamentals; and short rotation woody trees, such as Christmas trees and cottonwoods.
• Vertical Farming : This type of farm involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often using controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technologies. This method dramatically reduces the amount of land space needed for farming and can increase crop yields.

In addition to explaining the type of farm business you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, acquisition of additional acreage, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the farm business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the farm business industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating. 

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards decaffeinated farm business consumption, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for plenty of decaffeinated options.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your farm business plan:

• How big is the farm business (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your farm business. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your farm business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: food manufacturers, grocery wholesalers, retail grocers, restaurants, individual consumers, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of farm business you operate. Clearly food manufacturers would want different pricing and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than retail grocers.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other farm businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes processed foods, imported goods, and growing produce themselves. You need to mention such competition to show you understand the true nature of the market.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other farm businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be farm businesses located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What products do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior products?
• Will you provide products that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to acquire your products?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a farm business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of farm business that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to wholesale crops, will you also offer subscriptions to individuals?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the products you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your farm. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your farm centrally located near gourmet restaurants and specialty grocers, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers. Also, if you operate or plan to operate farm stands, detail the locations where the stands will be placed.

Promotions : the final part of your farm business marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Making your farm stand extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Distributing produce samples from the farm stand or at farmers markets 
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites 
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your farm business such as serving customers, delivering produce, harvesting, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 1,000th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or acquire more arable land.

Management Team

To demonstrate your farm business’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in farming. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in farming and/or successfully running small businesses.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 100 customers per week or 200? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your farm, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. For example, let’s say a company approached you with a massive $100,000 supplier contract, that would cost you $50,000 to fulfill. Well, in most cases, you would have to pay that $50,000 now for seed, equipment, employee salaries, etc. But let’s say the company didn’t pay you for 180 days. During that 180 day period, you could run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a farm business:

• Location build-out including barn construction, land preparation, etc.
• Cost of equipment like tractors and attachments, silos, barns, etc.
• Cost of nutrients and maintaining machinery
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Your new farm’s business plan must include a detailed financial plan based on reasonable assumptions of your costs and revenues. To determine if the results you show in this plan will be attractive to investors, look at industry standard financial metrics to see how you measure up against the farming industry, or your sector of the industry, on average. These are some basic measures and ratios to study.

Value of Production

The value of production is equal to your farm’s cash receipts plus the changes in value of product inventory and accounts receivable, less your livestock purchases. This is a measure of the value of the commodities you have produced in the period.

Net Farm Income

The NFI or net farm income, represents the value of production less direct and capital costs in the time period. This is a dollar figure, and not a ratio relating the income to the investment made, so it cannot be used to compare the farm against other farms.

Gross Margin

This represents the NFI less depreciation. The gross margin shows how much money is available in the year to cover the unallocated fixed costs, and dividends to owners and unpaid operators.

Return on Farm Assets

This is a ratio that can be used to compare the farm with others. This is calculated as NFI plus interest expense less unpaid operator labor, all divided by the total assets of the farm.

Asset Turnover Ratio

This ratio is equal to the value or production over the total farm assets. Combined with the operating profit margin ratio, this shows the efficiency of the farm in generating revenues.

Operating Profit Margin Ratio

This ratio is similar to Return on Farm Assets, but divides the same numerator (NFI plus interest expense less unpaid operator labor) by the value of production figure. This shows the percentage of each revenue dollar that becomes profit. If it is low, a higher turnover can compensate, and if it is high, a lower turnover ratio is required.

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your store design blueprint or location lease.

Farm Business Plan Summary

Putting together a business plan for your farm business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. It can be used for a small farm business plan template or any other type of farm. You will really understand the farm business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful farm business.

Download Our Farm Business Plan PDF

You can download our farm business plan PDF here . This is a small farm business plan example you can use in PDF format.  

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Farm business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.  

Click here to see how Growthink’s professional business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Farm Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Business Plan Outline

• Farm Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan

Farm Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your farm business plan.

We have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their farms.

Below are links to each section of a small farm business plan template. It can be used to create a vegetable farm business plan, fruit farm business plan, agriculture farm business plans or many other types of rural businesses.

Sample Business Plan For Farms & Agricultural Businesses

• Executive Summary – The Executive Summary is the most important part of your business plan. It is a brief description of your farm, its products and services, potential market opportunity, and competitive advantage.
• Company Overview – Also called the Company Analysis, here, you will provide a detailed description of your agriculture business history, its products and other services, and business structure.
• Industry Analysis – In the Industry Analysis, you will provide an in-depth analysis of the industry in which your farm operates including industry trends, market size and growth, and government regulations.
• Customer Analysis – In the Customer Analysis, you will identify your target market and provide insights into their purchasing habits. You will also create customer segments and discuss your marketing strategy for reaching them.
• Competitive Analysis – In the Competitive Analysis, you will identify your direct competition and provide insights into their strengths and weaknesses. You will also discuss your competitive advantage and how you plan to stay ahead of the competition.
• Marketing Plan – The Marketing Plan includes a discussion of your marketing strategy and tactics along with your pricing strategy. You will also provide a budget for your marketing activities including attending farmers’ markets or advertising a farm stand.
• Operations Plan – In the Operations Plan, you will discuss your farm’s day-to-day operations. You will also provide your business goals that you plan to achieve and a budget for your operating expenses.
• Management Team – In this section, you will provide a brief overview of the farm owners and farm management team, their experience in the agricultural industry, and the organizational chart.
• Financial Plan – In this section, you will provide three-year financial statements for your farm. This will include your income statements, projected balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Farm Business Plan FAQs

What is a farm business plan.

A farm business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your farm business. Among other things, a good agriculture farm business plan outlines your business concept, identifies your target audience , presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your farm business plan using our Farm Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Farms?

There are many types of farms. Some have commercial farms that produce crops and agricultural products for sale. Others have cooperative farms owned by people who pool their resources together and share profits among themselves. There are also vegetable farms, dairy, micro, organic, poultry, subsistence, or urban farms.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenues and Expenses for a Farm?

The primary source of revenue for a farm is the sale of its farmed goods such as rice, corn, milk, beef, chicken, depending on the kind of farm a business is.

Some key expenses for a farm are labor expenses, production costs like irrigation, fertilizer, water, and machinery maintenance.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Agriculture Business?

Farm business plans often receive funding from bank loans. Financing is also typically available from grants offered by local and state governments. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are other funding options. This is true for starting any agricultural business.

What are the Steps To Start a Farm Business?

Starting a farming business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

• Develop An Agricultural Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed agriculture business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  It should also include your business goals and mission statement. You can quickly complete your farm business plan using our Farm Business Plan Template here .
• Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your farm business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your farm business is in compliance with local laws.
• Register Your Agriculture Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your farm business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 
• Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your farm business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 
• Choose a Business Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 
• Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 
• Acquire Necessary Farm Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your agricultural business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 
• Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your farm business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful farm business and agribusiness planning:

• How to Start a Farm Business

Where Can I Get a Farm Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free farm business plan template PDF here . This is a good farm business plan template you can use in PDF format.

Don't bother with copy and paste.

Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document.

Agriculture Farm Business Plan

Start your own agriculture farm business plan

Botanical Bounty

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">, opportunity.

The health and vitamin industry is growing at a very quick pace. Customers want to have natural and plant alternatives to medication. They are starting to believe the body is a temple. They don’t want to pollute with chemicals. The industry needs botanical plants that are ready to process as well as give to nurseries for the “do it yourselfers”.

Botanical Bounty is working hard to become a leading producer of botanical plants for the natural supplement industry as well as plant nurseries.

Botanical Bounty has three distinct customers: supplement companies, processors of botanicals for supplement companies, and nurseries that resell the plants.

The first two customers purchase the plants for use in their products which they ultimately sell to the end consumer.

The market for natural supplements is quite exciting. Surveys show that over 158 million consumers (over 55% of U.S. population) use dietary supplements. An estimated 115.3 million consumers buy vitamins and minerals for themselves, and 55.8 million purchase them for other members of their family, including children. Consumer surveys consistently find that nearly half of all Americans now use herbs – a statistic that is particularly remarkable when we realize that today’s herbal products industry is just over a quarter century old.`

Competition

Competition takes two forms, farms similar in size and production capacity to Botanical Bounty and megafarms. The similarly sized farms range in size from 5-30 acres. The number of different herbs grown varies from a handful to upwards of 50. The choice of plants grown is based on owner preference as well as location and the ability of the local growing conditions to support the different plants.

It is Botanical Bounty’s mission to become the leading provider of botanical perennials to the health/vitamin industry. This will be accomplished by providing quality plants at fair prices while exceeding customer’s expectations.

Expectations

To finance our growth and full-time production, we need to purchase $35,000 worth of new equipment as long-term assets taking that total up to $53,800. To that end, we are seeking a $100,000 10-year loan. Sales forecasts conservatively indicate that $190,000 revenue will be generated in year two, rising to over 400,000 by year 4.

Financial Highlights by Year

Financing needed.

We need to have a $100,000 10 year loan. We will use our $35,000 of cash from our current operations.

Problem & Solution

Problem worth solving.

There is a growing trend towards plant cures to common diseases or health issues.Consumers care about getting a natural supplement to make them feel better and take care of their body. Because of this the natural market has grown exponentially in the last few years. The market needs high quality botanicals to keep up  with demand. 

Our Solution

Botanical Bounty has identified three keys that will be instrumental in their success. The first is the implementation of strict financial controls. By having the proper controls, production efficiency will be maximized. The second key will be the never ending pursuit for the industry’s highest concentration levels of botanical ingredients in each plant. The third key is the recognition and implementation of the philosophy that 100% customer satisfaction is required to ensure a profitable business. Profits are a by product of satisfying customers, not the other way around.

Target Market

Market size & segments.

Botanical Bounty has identified three different target market segments: 

Supplement Companies This customer group manufactures botanical supplements for their own label products. The companies purchase the plants and extract the active ingredients and transform them into sellable products for their own brand. There are a handful of large companies that operate in this market space. Ten years ago there were many different ones but through consolidation the industry has grown in size but decreased in the number of different players.

Processors These customers purchase the the plants, extract the botanicals and either sell the concentrated botanicals to the end producers or they themselves produce the supplement and sell the final product to other companies for their private label products. In essence they are the subcontractor for the supplement companies. These companies therefore are one layer within the manufacturing system and do not sell to the end consumer. They act as a supplier/processor for the retail brands.

Other Nurseries/Garden Centers This customer group purchases the plants which they in turn sell at retail to the individual end consumer. The typical consumer is a health conscious individual who is interested in either extracting the botanical from the plant immediately or growing the plant in their own garden for future use.

Current Alternatives

As mentioned previously, competition takes two forms, farms similar in size and production capacity to Botanical Bounty and megafarms. The similarly sized farms range in size from 5-30 acres. The number of different herbs grown varies from a handful to upwards of 50. The choice of plants grown is based on owner preference as well as location and the ability of the local growing conditions to support the different plants.

On the other end of spectrum is the megafarm. These farms have a similar range of species cultivated, however they differ greatly in production capacity. These farms are huge, typically not less than 100 acres, peaking at 300 acres. These growers however are few number.

The buying patterns of the different customers are typically based on these variables:

• Availability
• Ability to deliver consistently on long-term contracts
• Significant % of active ingredients
• Consistency

Our Advantages

Botanical Bounty has a dual competitive edge:

Healthy Plants The healthier the plant, the faster it will grow, the more botanicals that can be extracted from it. This means an increase in production efficiency due to a larger percentage of plants that are sellable. Other characteristics of healthy plants which are important on the production side is: lower pest counts, more established root structures, and high biomass.

High Concentration of Active Botanicals This is beneficial to the purchaser because they are buying the plants precisely for the active botanicals. High concentration levels are valuable to Botanical Bounty because they increase the amount of botanicals produced per plant or per acre, increasing the production capacity of a given amount of land, thereby increasing their return on investment and increasing the attractiveness of Botanical Bounty’s plants relative to the competition.

Keys to Success

Our keys to success are: 

• Strict financial controls.
• The never ending pursuit of the highest concentration of botanicals in every plant.
• Ensuring that all customer’s needs are met and they are satisfied with the purchased products.

Marketing & Sales

Marketing plan.

Botanical Bounty’s sales strategy efforts will focus on identifying qualified leads and turning them into paying customers. The main sales effort that Botanical Bounty will undertake is the reinforcement of the fact that Botanical Bounty’s plants have the industry’s highest percentage of botanicals. This will be quite appealing to the buyers as this is exactly what they want, more botanicals per plant. In addition to selling the buyers on Botanical Bounty’s competitive edge of potent plants, there will be an emphasis on Botanical Bounty’s ability to perform on long-term contracts.

Botanical Bounty recognizes that the transactions should not be thought of as individual sales, but as long-term relationships. This is a reasonable assumption based on the fact that the customers are in the business of utilizing botanicals, that they will continually have the need for the botanicals, and that it is far less expensive to establish a relationship with one vendor than to continually have to find new vendors that can meet their needs.

Locations & Facilities

Botanical Bounty is a 10 acre farm that concentrates on the growing of botanical medicinals. Botanical Bounty has chosen five plant species that have significant market demand as well being well suited for growth in the Willamette River Valley. Botanical Bounty will feature: Echinacea – an immune system booster; Ginseng – a source of energy; St John’s Wort – for mild depression; Skullcap- for inflammation; and Ginger – a stomach soother.

Milestones & Metrics

Milestones table.

Key Metrics

Our key metrics are: 

• Sales, cost of sales, expenses, profits, and cash.
• Production cost of goods. We need to keep them low.
• Keep current on our competitors botanical concentration and prices.
• Measure the number of emails and phone calls.
• Measure the Facebook Page views and Twitter re-tweets. 
• Measure website searches and inquiries. 

Ownership & Structure

Botanical Bounty is an Oregon L.L.C. owned by David and Susan Nealon. The L.L.C. business formation has been chosen as a strategic way to shield the Nealons from personal liability.

Company History

Botanical Bounty has been in operation for two years. Initially it was started as a hobby where Susan could use her plant biology skills while covering some of the costs. The Nealon’s were able to achieve this lifestyle due to a windfall that David received as a result of exercised stock options. After the second year, the Nealon’s decided that although they had the money to live on for many years, it would be irresponsible to needlessly spend it so they got serious about the business and made a concerted effort to become profitable.

Botanical Bounty has chosen the Willamette River Valley as an ideal place to grow perennials. Botanical Bounty has 10 acres of land which they use for production. During several of the winter months, production is moved into their green house for propagation. Botanical Bounty employs a drip irrigation system for all of the plants.

Management Team

Botanical Bounty will be lead by the husband and wife team of David and Sue Nealon. David brings a wealth of business and project management skills to the company. While working at Yahoo!, David was responsible for the successful launch and market lead capture of Yahoo!s driving directions section. Utilizing these skills, David will be responsible for the business operations of the farm. Sue, with a background of plant biology will be the driving force of the operation, growing the highest active ingredient content plants in the country. Additionally, because of her wealth of knowledge, she will be the leader of the sales department.

Personnel Table

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

Key assumptions.

Our key assumptions 

• Our market and customer base are growing and with them the opportunities for sales.   
• The area has wealthy households that can afford to spend money on non essential vitamins.   
• Our customers appreciate our dedication to high quality products and price controls.   
• We will be able to get the 100,000 dollar loan at 8 percent based on our past success and being able to put our property up as collateral. We are a safe investment. If unplanned expenses pop up we have people interested in investing.

Revenue by Month

Expenses by month, net profit (or loss) by year, use of funds.

We will be using the loan to purchase machines and to expand our farm and our personnel to grow the highest quality botanicals and process them so they can be turned into vitamins or other products that give the  customer a natural cure. 

Sources of Funds

We are leveraging our business to get an $100,000 10-year loan. We will also be using the cash on hand from our current business. 

Projected Profit & Loss

Projected Balance Sheet

Projected Cash Flow Statement

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

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Plan Templates

19+ farm business plan templates – word, pdf, excel, google docs, apple pages.

To develop a viable farm business plan , it will take a great idea. During the writing of a farm business plan, you will develop an overall vision and mission for your business. You can add the short and long term goals you have for your farm in the plan. In planning for your next bean of the farm business, deciding on the suppliers, making the deduction of the selling point or shop expansion plan, templates will always inspire a thoughtful plan for you.

Plan Template Bundle

• Google Docs

Construction Business Plan Template Bundle

Farm Business Plan Template

Agriculture Business Plan Template

Dairy Farm Business Plan Template

Animal Farm Business Plan Template

Sample Vegetable Farming Business Plan Template

Poultry Marketing Plan Template

Vegetable Farming Sales Plan Template

Farm Business Plan Template in Pages for Mac

Creating a Farm Business Plan:

Step 1: Goals and Objectives

Step 2: background information, step 3: market research, step 4: strategy and marketing plan, step 5: budget, step 6: review, agriculture farm business plan.

Cattle Farm Business Plan Template

Chicken Farm Business Plan  Template

Cow Farm Business Plan Template

Dairy Farming Business Plan Template

Farming Business Plan Template

Fish Farming Business Plan Template

Goat Farming Business Plan Template

Pig Farming Business Plan Template

Poultry Farm Business Plan

Small Farm Business Plan Template

Solar Farm Business Plan Template

Conclusion:

General faqs, 1. what is a farm business plan, 2. what is the purpose of a farm business plan, 3. what should be included in a farm business plan.

• Gather information and research markets
• SWOT analysis
• Alternative strategies, if any
• Add one or more conclusion
• Add your strategies and reread your mission statement
• Implementation plan to reach your goals
• List of resources and materials needed, budget, etc.

4. What is a good Farm Business Plan?

5. how to make a farm business plan.

• Take stock of the crops growing on your farmland
• Assess how long does it take to grow a certain crop
• Write the mission statements
• Design your business plan
• Action plan to get over any unexpected/expected crisis
• Budget for each crop and their sale values
• Salaries for workers, etc.

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12: Business Plans

What is a business plan.

A business plan is a document that helps you to organize and succinctly summarize the vision you have for your business. The plan contains the operational and financial objectives of a business, the detailed plans and budgets showing how the objectives are to be realized.

A good business plan will contain the following:

• Your business vision, mission statement, key values, and goals
• Description of the product(s) you intend to produce
• Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats the business may experience are described
• Production plans
• Marketing plans
• Estimated start-up costs
• Information on your legal structure and management team
• Current financial statements or projected financial statements.
• Resume or brief explanation of your background and relevant experience
• Less than 10 total pages so that people actually read it

Helpful Publications for Writing a Business Plan

General Business Resource Publications:

• Starting an Ag-Business? A Pre-Planning Guide http://publications.dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2004/Cornell_AEM_eb0408.pdf
• Business Transfer Guide: Junior Generation http://publications.dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2016/Cornell-Dyson-eb1605.pdf
• Producing a Business Plan for Value-Added Agriculture http://publications.dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2007/Cornell_AEM_eb0708.pdf
• Business Planning for the Agriculture Sector: A Guide to Business Plan Development for Start-up to Mid-size Operations http://publications.dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2010/Cornell_ pdf
• Building a Sustainable Business (Sustainable Agricultural Research Education (SARE)Publications) sare.org/publications/business.htm 280 pages of education and practical exercises to guide you through the financial, management, and interpersonal skills needed to start a successful farm business. Order hard copy for $17 or download PDF online for free.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Publications for Specific Commodities:

• Landscape Business Planning Guide http://publications.dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2003/Cornell_AEM_eb0313.pdf
• Writing a Business Plan: A Guide for Small Premium Wineries http://publications.dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2002/Cornell_AEM_eb0206.pdf
• Writing a Business Plan: An Example for a Small Premium Winery https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/122203/2/Cornell_AEM_eb0207.pdf

Getting Help Writing a Business Plan

[Pdf Sample] Crop Farming Business Plan Docx

In today’s agricultural landscape, having a well-structured business plan is essential for the success of any crop farming venture. A business plan serves as a roadmap, guiding farmers through various stages of planning, implementation, and growth.

[Pdf Sample] Crop Farming Business Plan Proposal Docx

To write a business plan , here is a breakdown of how it should be structured and what should be in each category. After this instruction, I will provide you with a sample of one I wrote for my farm , let us go:

Executive Summary

The executive summary acts as an overview of your crop farming business plan. It highlights the key points, objectives, and strategies of your venture, providing a concise snapshot of your business.

Business Description

In this section, you’ll delve deeper into the details of your crop farming business . Discuss the type of crops you plan to cultivate, the size of your farm, and any unique selling propositions that differentiate your farm from others. It is crucial to outline your vision, mission, and core values, showcasing your commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices .

Read Also:  [Pdf Sample] Palm Oil Farming & Production Business Plan Docx

Market Analysis

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Products and Services

Describe the specific crops you intend to grow , highlighting their nutritional value, market demand, and potential profitability. Discuss any value-added products or services you plan to offer, such as organic produce or agritourism activities. Emphasize the quality and uniqueness of your products to attract potential customers.

Marketing Strategy

Read Also:  [Pdf Sample] Farm Business Plan Example Docx

Operational Plan

Management and organization.

In this section, outline the management structure of your farm and introduce key personnel responsible for various aspects of the business . Highlight their qualifications and expertise, demonstrating their ability to contribute to the success of your crop farming venture. Additionally, discuss any plans for employee training and development to ensure a skilled workforce.

Read Also:  [Pdf Sample] Business Plan For Farming In South Africa Docx

Financial Plan

Risk assessment and mitigation.

Every business faces risks, and it is essential to identify and mitigate them effectively. Discuss potential risks associated with crop farming , such as adverse weather conditions, market fluctuations, or pest infestations. Outline risk mitigation strategies, such as crop insurance, diversification, or implementing sustainable farming practices . Demonstrating your ability to manage risks will instill confidence in potential investors or lenders.

Here Is a Download Link to the Crop Farming Business Plan Proposal Prepared By Agrolearner.com

Business Model for Agrolearners.com’s Crop Farming Business:

Key partnerships:.

Technology Providers: Partner with online learning platforms, video production companies, and website developers to ensure seamless delivery of educational resources.

Read Also:  [Pdf Sample] Business Plan For Cattle Farming In South Africa Docx

Key Activities:

Content Development: Create comprehensive and interactive courses, webinars, videos, and articles that cover all aspects of crop farming , from theory to practical application.

Platform Management: Maintain and update the Agrolearners.com website, ensuring a user-friendly experience and smooth access to educational resources.

User Support: Provide customer support through various channels, including email, chat, and forums, to address inquiries, provide guidance, and resolve any technical issues.

Value Proposition:

Comprehensive Agricultural Education: Agrolearners.com offers a wide range of resources, including structured courses, webinars, videos, and articles, covering all aspects of crop farming, from beginner to advanced levels.

Flexibility and Accessibility: Our online platform allows learners to access educational resources at their convenience, from any location, enabling them to learn at their own pace and according to their individual schedules.

Community and Networking: Agrolearners.com creates a community of like-minded individuals, allowing learners to connect, share experiences, and collaborate with other aspiring farmers and industry experts.

Customer Segments:

Existing Farmers: Farmers who want to enhance their knowledge, adopt sustainable practices, and explore new crop varieties to improve the productivity and profitability of their farms.

Agricultural Students: Students pursuing agricultural studies who wish to supplement their formal education with practical insights and hands-on experience in crop farming.

Customer Relationships:

Interactive Webinars and Q&A Sessions: Conduct live webinars and interactive sessions with agricultural experts, allowing learners to engage, ask questions, and receive personalized guidance.

Community Engagement: Foster an online community where learners can connect, share experiences, and learn from each other, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Revenue Streams:

Webinar Registrations: Offer specialized webinars and charge participants a registration fee to attend live sessions with agricultural experts.

Advertising and Partnerships: Collaborate with agricultural suppliers and other relevant businesses to offer targeted advertising opportunities on the Agrolearners.com platform.

Cost Structure:

Content Development: Allocate resources to create high-quality course materials, videos, and articles.

Technological Infrastructure: Invest in website development, hosting, and maintenance, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Operational Expenses: Cover ongoing expenses such as personnel salaries, customer support, and administrative costs.

Key Resources:

Expertise and Knowledge: Engage agricultural experts and educators to develop content and provide guidance.

Content Creation Tools: Invest in video production equipment, e-learning software, and other tools required to develop high-quality educational materials.

Marketing and Analytics Tools: Utilize digital marketing tools, analytics platforms, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to track performance and optimize marketing efforts.

Is it necessary to create a business plan for a crop farming venture?

Yes, a business plan is crucial for the success of any crop farming business. It helps in defining goals, strategies, and financial projections, and serves as a roadmap for your agricultural endeavor.

How can I assess market demand for specific crops?

Conduct market research, analyze consumer trends, and engage with potential buyers or distributors to understand the demand for your chosen crops.

What financial aspects should I consider in my business plan?

How can i mitigate risks in crop farming.

Identify potential risks such as weather fluctuations, pests, or market volatility, and develop strategies to mitigate them. This may include insurance coverage, diversification, or implementing sustainable farming practices .

Can I modify my business plan as my farm grows?

Yes, your business plan should be a dynamic document that evolves with your farm . Regularly review and update it to reflect changes in the market, technology, or your business goals.

Conclusion:

With a comprehensive business plan , a dedicated team, and a strong marketing strategy, we are confident in the success of Agrolearners.com in the agricultural education sector.

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Farm Business Plan

Most entrepreneurs are terrified of planning. But this can be a different scenario for you.  A farming business can be more successful if you will develop a farm  business plan . Not only will you set the steps that you need to follow to achieve your goals, but you can also become more prepared with the risks. More so, your  strategic plans  will help you develop a mission statement that will guide you through. So, are you ready for this? Below,we provide you a farm business plan examples that you can look into as a guide.

20+ Farm Business Plan Examples

1. farm business plan template.

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What Is a Farm Business Plan?

A farm business plan is an excellent organizational and business material that you can use for a variety of purposes. All you must do is to be familiar with  business plan guidelines  and the basics of farm business management so you can already identify the specific business plan document that you need.

Importance of a Farm Business Plan

Have you ever been to a hotel where you can see each process’s organization from the welcoming of guests up to their check-out procedures? One of the planning documents that provide a contribution to that organization is a  hotel operational business plan . This can be compared to the usage of a farm business plan if you want to ensure that the operations of your farm business are laid out properly. According to a gathered  analysis  published by Noble Research Institute,  the advantages of a farm business plan  includes an easy application to loans. It can also promote solidarity within the farm business’s stakeholders. This is relatively substantial, especially for every small business in the agricultural industry.

How To Create a Farm Business Plan

Creating your farm business plan can be easier if you will refer to helpful agriculture business plan examples. But aside from the items mentioned above, there are still some items that can make it more efficient for you to develop an outstanding, complete, and organized farm business  plan . Some of these tips and guidelines are all listed below.

1. Begin with a Realistic Plan

To begin with, always start by visualizing your ideas. After that, you can now proceed with outlining your goals and objectives. Remember to make it as realistic as possible. Come up with measurable and obtainable plans. This should include  proposals ,  marketing , and budget . Truly, there is no easy business. So, plan long-term, and everything else will follow.

2. Provide an Executive Summary

Next, you have to learn how to write an  executive summary  for your business plan. Especially for farm business startups, an executive summary is one of the parts of the farm business plan that will be first seen by your target audience. Make it as appealing and as presentable as possible so you can already get positive responses and impressions. But remember, don’t make it too long and invite confusion from readers. Make it precise as much as possible.

3. Set an Action Plan

What could be the necessary steps to do in achieving your goals? Here, you have to outline your  action plans . It should be relevant to your objectives. Therefore, they must align. You can also set a  schedule  to follow. This helps you cope with your daily tasks while keeping it on time. Another thing to remember is to make it attainable for everyone in the organization.

4. Present the Values and Benefits

make sure that your farm business plan can present your business values. It should be a reflection of your identity, brand,  mission statement , and image as a business. These characteristics can set you apart from your competition. It can promote memory retention, which is an excellent way for you to remain relevant and memorable in the marketplace where the farm business belongs.

5. Proofread the Plan

Don’t propose it right away. But make sure that you check your content from the cover page down to the last pages. Is your budget for the business plan considerable? Can your members achieve success in no time? It is essential to check it first before using it for actual scenarios. This helps you come up with an excellent  report  later on.

FAQ’s

How much is a typical business plan.

The price of a business plan depends on the agency that creates it. But in most cases, it reaches up to $15,000 for a complete plan.

Is a business plan necessary?

A business plan is a necessity if you take a look at the bigger picture when it comes to finances and projects. This helps you accomplish more than what you imagine for your business.

What are the two primary elements of a business plan?

Among the various elements of a business plan, the executive summary and market analysis are standard.

Again, feeling overwhelmed with everything that you need to consider when developing a farm business plan is normal. However, you should make sure that you will not be carried away so you can focus on the items that can help you give the farm business a boost in productivity, efficiency, sales, visibility, and leads. Be mindful of how you will develop farm planning strategies. Also, see how an effective one can improve your farm business’s overall operations . So, get ready with your  document  and follow the list of steps above.

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Poultry Business Plan / Holistic Business Plan for Poultry / Business Plan for Poultry / Complete Business Plan for 10,000 Poultry Birds / Investment Opportunities in Poultry

• January 2023

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Harris has yet to outline her plan for climate change. Here's what the Democratic Party platform says.

By Mary Cunningham

August 24, 2024 / 7:36 AM EDT / CBS News

The Democratic Party devoted seven pages of its 90-page 2024 platform to climate policy, offering a few clues about what Vice President Kamala Harris  could do to combat climate change if she wins the presidency. 

Harris, who only emerged as her party's nominee in mid-July after President Biden dropped out of the race , has not yet articulated her own climate policy. The topic was scarcely mentioned at the Democratic convention this week, making the party platform the only guide to what climate policy in a Harris White House might be.

During her nearly 40-minute long address at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night, she talked about the economy, the war in Gaza, and immigration, but made just one brief reference to the issue in outlining the "fundamental freedoms" at stake in this election — "the freedom to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live free from the pollution that fuels the climate crisis."

Stevie O'Hanlon, a spokesperson for The Sunrise Movement, a youth-led climate group, said that Harris' decision not to speak more forcefully on climate change – both at the DNC and leading up to it – was a "missed opportunity."

"Anyone running for president has a responsibility to talk about it," she said. 

While voters wait for more details about how she'll tackle climate change, here are some key takeaways from the party's platform on climate.

Continue to build on the groundwork of the Inflation Reduction Act

In keeping with the goals of the Inflation Reduction Act , which made investments in curbing health care costs and combating climate change, the Democratic Party's platform calls for the investment in clean energy, such as solar and offshore wind, and the electrical grid, with a focus on delivering these technologies to the communities most impacted by climate change.

The "clean energy boom," the platform says , is projected to triple clean-energy generation, cut electricity rates by 9% and cut gas prices by as much as 13% by 2030.

To bring this new technology online, Democrats say they'd create new taxpayer-funded jobs through executive action and triple the American Climate Corps — a program training 20,000 young people in clean-energy and climate-focused jobs — by the end of the decade.  According to a White House press statement  on the second anniversary of the legislation, the act has created over 330,000 jobs.

Critics of the Inflation Reduction Act call it a "climate slush fund" and question whether or not it will meet the ambitious goals outlined by the Biden administration to reduce carbon emissions. A Princeton University  study last year estimated the legislation would make a significant dent in curbing emissions but would fall short of the nation's 2030 climate goals. 

The rollout of rebates on solar panels, heat pumps, home insulation and electric vehicles has come with its own hiccups. It's been slower than expected , and those who've taken advantage of the savings have mostly been on the  higher end of the income scale , leaving some to question whether the policy benefits the middle class.

Make farming net zero-emissions by 2050

The platform also calls for the adoption of practices that will bring farming in the U.S. to net-zero emissions by 2050, which would make it the first country to do so. USDA  data says farming accounted for 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2021. 

According to the platform , over 80,000 farms have adopted "climate-smart practices" with funding from the Agriculture Department aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving soil health . 

Despite the progress, full decarbonization is expected to be an uphill battle. Experts point out , according to The Conversation, that many of the proposed climate measures can more readily be put into practice by large corporations but may be impractical or simply too expensive for small farmers to adopt.

Electrify the transportation sector

The Democrats also aspire to eliminate the transportation sector's carbon footprint by 2050. Vehicles are responsible for a third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. 

The Biden administration issued a rule requiring about 56% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2032; however,  Americans aren't yet sold on EVs , a poll earlier this summer found. Consumers worry about range and the length of time it takes to charge EVs. According to Kelley Blue Book , around 1.2 million electric cars were sold in 2023, less than 10% of total sales in the U.S. vehicle market that year. 

The slow rollout of electric charging stations presents a formidable challenge for the Biden administration, which has barely made a dent in its goal to install 500,000 chargers nationwide by 2030. As of June, just seven chargers have been rolled out so far this year, the car news site Autoblog  noted.

Fund climate agencies and research

Democrats say they'll increase funding for the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as for NASA, NOAA, the National Science Foundation and other agencies to ensure "America leads the world in clean energy innovation." This would require congressional approval, which would likely be challenging even with Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate, and even more difficult if Republicans win control.

"Stand up to Big Oil"

The platform also promises to be tough on Big Oil, as the companies struggle to maintain their grip on the energy industry. Moving forward, the party says it will "eliminate tens of billions of dollars" in oil and gas subsidies, fight price-gouging, and increase protections against drilling and mining in the Arctic.

But these promises don't mean the Democrats are turning their backs on gas entirely. Under the leadership of Mr. Biden, fossil fuel jobs have actually grown more quickly than clean energy jobs, and U.S. oil production has hit record highs, according to reporting by Reuters that tracked his record on fossil fuels . Harris has not yet released her energy policy plans , but her campaign has said that she will not ban fracking if she is elected president. 

Shore up infrastructure

The Democrats propose rolling out new roads, bridges and ports that can stand up to the worst effects of climate change. In 2023, the United States suffered from a  record-breaking $28 billion in climate disasters . The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, which was passed under the Biden administration, allocated $50 billion for protection against extreme weather.

The fate of thousands of these kinds of construction projects  started under Mr. Biden will depend on who ends up in the White House. Some Republicans have said they oppose continuing to fund the measure.

Enhance "America's global climate leadership"

Democrats want the U.S. to lead the way in transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy.

"As Democrats, we believe the United States has an indispensable role to play in solving the climate crisis, and we have an obligation to help other nations carry out this work," the party platform says .

One of the most visible ways the U.S. has taken on this role is in negotiating and signing the Paris climate agreement in 2016, during the last months of former President Barack Obama's administration. Under the accord, countries agreed to lower greenhouse gas emissions to try to slow the rise in global temperature. After he took office in 2021, former President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the agreement, and Mr. Biden signed an order to reenter it on his first day as president.

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Advancing social justice, promoting decent work ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations

Breaking Barriers

26 August 2024

The ILO ProAgro project working with partners, aims to assist farmers in creating market access by collecting eggs from growers, packing them, and distributing them to the nearest market in Addis Ababa

In support of the Ethiopian Government’s priority to increase decent job creation through entrepreneurship, the ILO ProAgro Ethiopia project has been supporting medium and small enterprises in the agro-processing sector. With a special focus on women engaged in poultry businesses, the project partnered with Yegna Farms, a female-owned business, to scale up support for women’s inclusive agri-business models, creating sustainable jobs in the poultry value chain.

A workshop and experience-sharing visit were organized from 25–26 July 2024. Twenty-eight female poultry growers from Holetta and Sendafa towns, along with the town mayors, Woreda/District agriculture experts, and researchers from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Holetta Agricultural Research Center (HARC), attended the one-day workshop held in Addis Ababa.

The Holeta Agricultural Research Center indicated that they have trained 216 women poultry farmers in the two towns in chicken management and community poultry immunization for the Bovens, Sasso, and Koekoek breeds through the Tropical Platform initiative.

As a result of the collaboration between the ILO ProAgro Ethiopia project and the ILRI, technical advisory support on nutrition-sensitive agriculture is provided to these farmers by the ILRI.

The support from the ILO ProAgro project through Yegna Farms aims to assist these farmers in creating market access by collecting eggs from growers, packing them, and distributing them to the nearest market in Addis Ababa. Discussions and marketing negotiations with large businesses in Addis Ababa are currently ongoing.

The lack of quality feeds, high feed prices, fluctuations in market demand for eggs, and limited market opportunities were identified and discussed as the major challenges faced by women poultry growers.

To address these challenges, it was agreed to continue the joint effort by the ILO, ILRI, and HARC to formulate alternative, low-cost poultry feed in collaboration with Yegna Farm. Additionally, to tackle the limited market access challenge, it was agreed to put a joint effort into creating a direct market linkage with supermarkets.

On July 26, 2024, a visit to Yegna Farm, located in Bishoftu (50 km from Addis Ababa), was conducted to share experiences and discuss the way forward. The poultry farm has created job opportunities for four individuals and has 5,000 layers that produce and supply eggs to the market. Yegna Farm indicated that the high input cost of production in the poultry sector has been a significant challenge, leading to very low marginal gains in profitability, as is the case for most businesses in the sector.

This has led Yegna Farm to partner with the ILO and invest in producing its own feeds. With the support of the ILO ProAgro Ethiopia project, Yegna Farm procured two feed processing machines that will be installed in Holetta and Sendafa towns with technical support from ILRI and HARC.

You may also be interested in

Improving the production and productivity of the poultry sector towards creating more and decent jobs in Ethiopia

Training of Trainers and handbook validation on Core Skills in Agro-processing in Ethiopia

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Interview with Alexio Musindo, Director ILO CO-Addis Ababa about ProAgro Ethiopia Project

Digitalizing agro-processing small and medium sized businesses in Ethiopia