Farm Business Planning Workbook

Planning is essential to any business, no matter how large or small your inventory, payroll and bank account. To be sustainable and profitable a farm operation must have a clear understanding of production, marketing, finances and labor. Having these plans mentally is not enough! Taking time to formulate thoughts, evaluate your business, devise a strategy, and anticipate possible problems will help your business be successful.  The Farm Business Planning tools on this page will help put you on the right track.

Download your free copy today!

Farm Business Planning Workbook and Accompanying Resources:

• Farm Business Planning Workbook
  This is the workbook with forms, descriptions, instructions and a place to record information.  The workbook is provided in three formats:

  1. PDF Edition
  2. Issuu (a digital reader platform)
  3. MS Word Edition: For this edition, you'll be asked to take a short survey (6 questions).  This special edition will allow you to use the workbook on your computer.

• Business Plan Worksheets (Excel)
  BLANKWORKSHEETS03.xls
  These are the financial worksheets required for a business plan. Complete these on a yearly basis for your farm business. Before using this worksheet, please save a copy to a location on your personal computer. Do this by clicking the link below and choosing "Save."

• Greenway Farm Case Study
• Case Study
• Case Study Worksheet
• Hayin Beef Acres Case Study
• Case Study
• Case Study Worksheet

For more information about the Farm Business Planning Workbook and resources, contact:
Shannon Dill, Extension Educator; University of Maryland - Talbot County
Email:sdill@umd.edu
Phone: 410 822-1244

Farm Business Planning Credits:

Authors:
Ben Beale, Extension Educator; University of Maryland - St. Mary’s County
Shannon Dill, Extension Educator; University of Maryland - Talbot County
Dale Johnson, Extension Specialist, Farm Management; University of Maryland

Reviewers:
Ginger S. Myers, Regional Extension Specialist, Marketing; University of Maryland, College Park
Laurie Wolinski, Extension Associate, Risk Management; University of Delaware
Wenfei Uva, Ph.D., Agricultural Economic Development Specialist; Mid-Shore Regional Council