University of Maryland Extension

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)

  • 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."

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 -WMREC
Ginger S. Myers, Extension Specialist, Marketing, University of Maryland - WMREC

Reviewers:
Laurie Wolinski, Extension Associate, Risk Management; University of Delaware
Wenfei Uva, Ph.D., Agricultural Economic Development Specialist; Seaberry Farm

Section: 
Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center
We embody the University's land-grant mission with a commitment to eliminate hunger, preserve our natural resources, improve quality of life, and empower the next generation through world-class education.
Maintained by the IET Department of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. © 2021. Web Accessibility

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office.