farm business plan examples

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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.

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

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.

Details of a Small Farm Business Plan

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• Indoor Gardening

Writing a farm business plan can be a tool for you to plan your farming business. It can also be a requirement of securing grants and loans for your farm business. The process of writing a farm business plan may seem overwhelming and intimidating at first, but if you break it down into its component steps, it becomes much more manageable.

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a roadmap for your small farm . It is both process and product. During the writing of a farm business plan, you'll develop an overall vision and mission for your business. You will think about your short- and long-term goals. You'll define the steps needed to achieve those goals. You'll set the direction for your business to develop over the next five years.

If you're already an established business, your new business plan will show where you're going next. A good business plan should be:

Mission Statement

Your farm’s mission statement is your overarching purpose for your business:

• Why does your farm exist?
• What purpose does your farm serve?
• Where is your farm headed?

This is beyond “make money.” This mission statement is based on your values and your core identity as a small farm.

The goals in your business plan are the specific, measurable “things” you will achieve with your small farm. Short-term goals are defined as those that you will complete within one year. Long-term goals are those that take longer than one year to complete.

SMART Goals are:

• Rewarding, and have a

Background Information

In this section of your business plan, take inventory of what you have right now:

• Where are you located?
• How many acres of land are you farming?
• When did you begin farming?
• How are you currently operating?
• What general practices do you use for such things as conservation, tillage, environmental impact, and marketing?

Farm Strategy

This is where your business plan gets to looking forward. You are going to formulate your farm strategy from now into the next five years or so.

• Gather information and research markets. Make sure that your farm plan fits into the general market in terms of supply and demand. Investigate and analyze industry trends, identify competitors, and define buyers.
• SWOT Analysis. This is an analytical tool that can be used in making decisions. SWOT stands for: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. As a business, analyze your internal strengths and weaknesses. Then look externally at what opportunities and threats exist - competitors, new markets, government regulations, economic conditions, and so forth.
• Create alternative strategies. Looking at the information you've gleaned and the analysis you just did, think through options for your farm strategy. Don't rely on price alone; economies of scale are challenging on the small farm level.
• Don't jump to one conclusion immediately. Really spend some time fleshing out the specifics of some of the strategies and looking at their advantages and disadvantages. Try to find options that combine your internal strengths with opportunities in the external environment.
• Look at all your strategies, then reread your mission statement. The ideal farm plan will fit your mission best.
• Write an implementation plan. This is where you write a plan that will make your new strategy happen.

Marketing Strategy and Plan

In the next part of your farm business plan, you develop and outline a marketing strategy for your products and services. This can build on the research you did in the previous step. For each product, include ​the price, placement, and promotion ideas. Consider how you will convey real and perceived value to your customers.

Management Summary

This part of your business plan details your farm business’ structure. Everyone who is involved in the management of the business should be listed here. External resources are listed here as well.

Financial Analysis

In this section, you will need to detail the financial aspect of your farming operation. List your current finances in detail, including all income and operating expenses. Referring to your new strategy, you will forecast what is needed for future growth and to meet the goals you have outlined in terms of capital. Include what your future operating expenses will be.

Pulling It All Together

Writing a farm business plan is a big project. Don’t let that put you off. Your plan can be as simple as it needs to be for right now. Begin with your mission statement and goals. Do your homework by analyzing markets and researching competitors and trends. Have fun brainstorming alternative strategies and let them marinate a while. Take it one step at a time.

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Sample Farm Business Plan

Writing a business plan is a crucial step in starting a farm. Not only does it provide structure and guidance for the future, but it also helps to create funding opportunities and attract potential investors. For aspiring farm business owners, having access to a sample farm business plan can be especially helpful in providing direction and gaining insight into how to draft their own farm business plan.

Download our Ultimate Farm Business Plan Template

Having a thorough business plan in place is critical for any successful farm venture. It will serve as the foundation for your operations, setting out the goals and objectives that will help guide your decisions and actions. A well-written business plan can give you clarity on realistic financial projections and help you secure financing from lenders or investors. A farm business plan example can be a great resource to draw upon when creating your own plan, making sure that all the key components are included in your document.

The farm business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your farm as Growthink’s Ultimate Farm Business Plan Template , but it can help you write a farm business plan of your own.

Farm Business Plan Example – GreenAcres Harmony

Table of contents, executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

At GreenAcres Harmony, we are embarking on an ambitious journey to revolutionize the way Bostonians experience farm products. Based in the heart of Boston, our mission is to provide the community with fresh, sustainably grown produce that not only nourishes the body but also supports the environment. By harnessing innovative farming techniques and a commitment to sustainability, we aim to establish a strong connection with our customers, offering them a taste of what truly fresh, quality produce can be. Our farm is not just a place of business; it’s a beacon for environmental stewardship and a testament to the power of community engagement in fostering a healthier, greener future.

Our journey to date has been marked by significant accomplishments and a clear set of success factors that underscore our potential for growth. Our dedication to sustainable farming practices has not only set us apart in the industry but has also fostered a deep sense of trust and loyalty among our customers. Our strategic location in Boston provides us with direct access to a vibrant and growing market of health-conscious consumers. Furthermore, our team’s expertise in both agriculture and business management has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the market and positioning GreenAcres Harmony as a leader in the sustainable agriculture space. These factors, combined with our commitment to quality and sustainability, lay a solid foundation for our future success.

The agricultural industry, particularly the segment focusing on sustainable and locally grown produce, is experiencing a significant surge in demand. This trend is driven by an increasing awareness of environmental issues and a growing commitment among consumers to support practices that are beneficial to the planet. In Boston, this shift is particularly evident, with more individuals seeking out farm-to-table experiences and prioritizing the freshness and sustainability of their food. This evolving market landscape presents an opportune moment for GreenAcres Harmony, as our core values and business model align perfectly with the current consumer trends. Our focus on sustainability, coupled with the high quality of our produce, positions us to capture a substantial share of this growing market.

Our target customers are health-conscious individuals and families residing in Boston who prioritize quality, freshness, and sustainability in their food choices. These consumers are typically well-informed about the benefits of locally grown produce and are willing to invest in products that support their health and environmental values. Additionally, we cater to local businesses, such as restaurants and cafes, looking to enhance their menus with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Understanding the preferences and values of our target customers enables us to tailor our offerings and marketing strategies to meet their specific needs, fostering a loyal customer base committed to supporting local, sustainable agriculture.

Top Competitors: – Local Organic Farms: Offering a similar range of fresh, organic produce. – Big Agriculture: Competing on price and scale but lacking in local and sustainable practices.

Competitive Advantages: Our competitive edge lies in our unwavering commitment to sustainability and the quality of our produce. Unlike big agricultural companies, we focus on local, sustainable farming practices that resonate with our target market. Additionally, our direct engagement with the community through farm-to-table events and partnerships with local businesses sets us apart, creating a unique brand experience that cannot be replicated by our competitors.

Our marketing strategy emphasizes the exceptional quality, sustainability, and community focus of our products and services. By leveraging a robust online presence, including social media and a user-friendly website, we aim to connect with our customers on a deeper level, sharing our story and the benefits of sustainable farming. Our promotional efforts extend beyond the digital realm, with community engagement initiatives, participation in local farmers’ markets, and partnerships with local restaurants and cafes playing a crucial role in building our brand and expanding our reach. These efforts are complemented by public relations campaigns and sponsorships of community events, all designed to enhance our visibility and reputation in the market. Through a combination of online marketing, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, we aim to position GreenAcres Harmony as the go-to source for fresh, locally grown produce in Boston.

Our operations are centered around ensuring the highest quality and sustainability of our farm products. Key operational processes include sustainable farming practices, efficient supply chain management, and effective quality control measures. Milestones to be accomplished involve expanding our product range, increasing our market reach through partnerships, and achieving specific sustainability certifications that further validate our commitment to environmental stewardship. These operational strategies and milestones are designed to optimize our farm’s productivity and impact, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations.

Our management team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in agriculture, business management, and sustainability. This diverse skill set ensures a holistic approach to running GreenAcres Harmony, from the day-to-day farm operations to strategic business planning and sustainability initiatives. Our team’s passion for sustainable agriculture and commitment to our community’s well-being are the driving forces behind our farm’s mission, guiding us towards achieving our goal of becoming a leader in sustainable farming in Boston.

Welcome to GreenAcres Harmony, a novel agricultural endeavor situated in the heart of Boston, MA. As a newly established farm, we pride ourselves on being a local source of high-quality produce and farm products. Recognizing the scarcity of premium local farms in our area, we have stepped up to fill this vital gap, aiming to serve the residents of Boston with the freshest and finest agricultural goods.

At GreenAcres Harmony, our offerings are diverse and cater to a wide range of dietary and culinary needs. Our product line includes a variety of fresh produce, ensuring that our customers have access to vegetables and fruits that are not only local but also surpass conventional quality standards. In addition to produce, we provide an assortment of dairy products, eggs, and meat products, all sourced from our farm where ethical and sustainable farming practices are paramount. Our apiary also allows us to supply honey, a natural sweetener and a kitchen staple for many of our customers. Our commitment to quality and freshness sets us apart and ensures that every item we sell is of the highest standard.

Located in the bustling city of Boston, MA, GreenAcres Harmony is strategically positioned to serve the local community efficiently. Our presence in Boston enables us to maintain close relationships with our customers, ensuring that we remain attuned to their needs and preferences. This proximity to our customer base is not just a logistical advantage but also fosters a sense of community and mutual support, which is central to our ethos.

Our confidence in the success of GreenAcres Harmony is grounded in several key factors. Firstly, our founder brings invaluable experience from previously running a successful farm, equipping us with the knowledge and skills necessary for our venture. Moreover, we stand out from our competitors by offering fresher and superior quality produce, dairy, eggs, meat, and honey. This commitment to excellence is what we believe will endear us to our customers and ensure our longevity in the market.

Since our inception on January 4, 2024, as a S Corporation, we have achieved several milestones that underscore our potential for success. Notably, we have developed a distinctive logo and company name that reflect our brand’s ethos and values. Additionally, we have secured an ideal location that not only facilitates our farming operations but also enhances our accessibility to customers. These accomplishments, while early in our journey, are indicative of our strategic approach and our dedication to establishing GreenAcres Harmony as a cornerstone of the Boston community.

The Farm industry in the United States is a significant sector of the economy, with a market size of over $400 billion. This industry includes a wide range of activities such as crop production, livestock farming, and agricultural services. The market size of the Farm industry is expected to continue growing steadily in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for food products, technological advancements in agriculture, and government support for the sector.

One of the key trends in the Farm industry is the growing popularity of organic and sustainable farming practices. Consumers are becoming more conscious of where their food comes from and are increasingly seeking out products that are produced in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner. This trend bodes well for GreenAcres Harmony, as a new Farm serving customers in Boston, MA, that focuses on sustainable farming methods and offers organic produce to its customers.

Another trend in the Farm industry is the increasing focus on local food production and distribution. Consumers are showing a preference for locally grown and sourced products, as they are perceived to be fresher, healthier, and better for the environment. GreenAcres Harmony, being located in Boston, MA, is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend by providing locally grown produce to its customers and establishing strong relationships with local restaurants, markets, and consumers.

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

GreenAcres Harmony will target local residents in Boston, MA, who are increasingly seeking fresh, locally-sourced produce for their daily nutrition needs. This customer segment values sustainability and is willing to pay a premium for food that is grown in an environmentally friendly manner. By offering a range of organic fruits, vegetables, and other farm products, GreenAcres Harmony will cater to this growing demand among health-conscious consumers.

The farm will also attract families looking for fresh, high-quality ingredients to prepare their meals. Parents concerned with the nutritional value of their children’s diet will find GreenAcres Harmony’s offerings particularly appealing. The farm will tailor its product range to include kid-friendly options, making it easier for families to incorporate healthy eating habits into their routines.

In addition to serving individual consumers, GreenAcres Harmony will target local restaurants and small grocery stores seeking to differentiate themselves by offering locally-sourced, organic produce. Establishing partnerships with these businesses will not only expand the farm’s market reach but also strengthen the local food ecosystem in Boston, MA. This strategy will enable GreenAcres Harmony to become a key player in the community’s sustainable food movement.

Customer Needs

GreenAcres Harmony caters to the growing demand for high-quality fresh produce among Boston residents. Customers can expect a range of farm-fresh vegetables and fruits, harvested at the peak of their ripeness, ensuring maximum flavor and nutritional value. This emphasis on quality meets the desires of health-conscious consumers looking for nutritious food options.

In addition to fresh produce, GreenAcres Harmony provides a variety of dairy products, eggs, meat products, and honey, satisfying a broad spectrum of dietary preferences and needs. Customers appreciate the convenience of accessing a wide array of farm-to-table essentials under one roof. This variety ensures that households can enjoy fresh, wholesome meals, contributing to a healthier lifestyle.

Furthermore, GreenAcres Harmony understands the importance of ethical and sustainable farming practices in today’s environmentally aware society. Customers can trust that the products they purchase are produced with respect for the environment and animal welfare. This commitment not only fulfills the need for responsible consumption but also aligns with the values of many Boston residents, making GreenAcres Harmony a preferred choice for discerning shoppers.

GreenAcres Harmony’s competitors include the following companies:

Wilson Farm is known for its wide range of produce, including fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and bakery items. They operate on a large scale and their products are available at competitive price points, making them accessible to a broad customer base. Wilson Farm is located in Lexington, MA, and serves the Greater Boston area, attracting customers looking for high-quality, locally-sourced food products. One of their key strengths is their reputation for quality and freshness, as well as their ability to offer a wide variety of products year-round. However, their size and focus on a broad market can sometimes lead to a less personalized shopping experience for customers seeking niche or artisanal products.

Meadow Mist Farm specializes in grass-fed meats, free-range eggs, and a selection of dairy products, including artisanal cheeses. They are based in Lexington, MA, and cater to customers prioritizing ethically raised and organic products. Their products are priced at a premium, reflecting the quality and sustainable farming practices used. Meadow Mist Farm serves a niche market of health-conscious consumers and those interested in supporting local, sustainable agriculture. Their key strength is their commitment to environmental stewardship and animal welfare, which resonates well with their target customer segment. However, their focus on a specific range of products and higher price points may limit their appeal to a broader audience.

Pakeen Farm, located in Canton, MA, offers a unique blend of products and services, including a pick-your-own operation for fruits like apples and pumpkins, a Christmas tree farm, and a farm stand selling a variety of local produce and goods. They serve customers in the Greater Boston area looking for family-friendly agricultural experiences as well as high-quality, locally-grown produce. Pakeen Farm’s pricing is competitive, especially for activities and experiences, which attracts a diverse customer base. Their strength lies in their ability to provide a multifaceted farm experience that combines retail with agri-tourism. However, their seasonal operations and dependence on weather conditions can be seen as a weakness, as it may affect their revenue and customer flow outside of peak seasons.

Competitive Advantages

At GreenAcres Harmony, we take pride in offering fresher and better quality fresh produce, dairy products, eggs, meat products, and honey compared to our competitors. Our commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly farming practices not only ensures the health and safety of our customers but also contributes to the preservation of our planet. We utilize organic farming techniques that enhance the nutritional value and taste of our products, making them superior in every aspect. Our close proximity to Boston allows us to deliver our products fresh, ensuring that our customers enjoy the full flavor and benefits of our offerings. This direct farm-to-table approach minimizes the time between harvest and consumption, which is a key factor in maintaining the freshness and quality of our products.

In addition to our premium product offerings, our innovative business model incorporates a customer-centric approach that sets us apart. We engage with our customers through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, farm tours, and educational workshops that foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for sustainable farming practices. By doing so, we not only build a strong, loyal customer base but also create a sense of community around our brand. Our dedication to transparency and ethical farming practices resonates with consumers who are increasingly conscious of the environmental and social impact of their purchasing decisions. Furthermore, our use of technology and data analytics allows us to optimize our operations and tailor our offerings to meet the specific needs and preferences of our customers, providing us with a significant competitive advantage in the Boston market.

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products and Services

At the heart of GreenAcres Harmony’s offerings is a wide range of fresh produce, encompassing everything from leafy greens to succulent fruits and crisp vegetables. This diverse selection caters to the needs of health-conscious consumers seeking nutrient-rich options. Prices for their fresh produce generally range from $2 to $4 per pound, reflecting both the quality and freshness that the farm prides itself on.

In addition to fresh produce, GreenAcres Harmony provides a variety of dairy products. Their range includes fresh milk, cheese, and yogurt, all produced from cows and goats raised in a natural and healthy environment. The prices for their dairy products are competitive, with milk selling for around $4 per half gallon, cheese priced at $6-$10 per pound depending on the variety, and yogurt at $5 per quart. These products are not only a testament to the farm’s commitment to quality but also to their dedication to sustainable farming practices.

Eggs are another staple at GreenAcres Harmony, offering consumers the choice of purchasing eggs sourced from chickens that roam freely in pastures. This free-range approach ensures that the eggs are not only fresher but also richer in nutrients compared to those from caged birds. The average price for a dozen eggs is set at $5, which is a reflection of their quality and the ethical farming practices employed by GreenAcres Harmony.

For those interested in meat products, GreenAcres Harmony offers a selection of beef, pork, and poultry. All their livestock are raised in a stress-free environment, allowing them to grow at a natural pace without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics. This results in meat that is not only healthier but also more flavorful. The prices for their meat products vary, with beef priced at around $10 per pound, pork at $8 per pound, and poultry at $6 per pound. These prices are indicative of the farm’s commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable, and ethically raised meat to the community.

Finally, GreenAcres Harmony produces honey, a sweet addition to their product lineup. Their honey comes from bees that pollinate the very crops and flowers on the farm, ensuring a product that is pure and of high quality. A 12-ounce jar of honey is priced at approximately $8, offering a natural sweetener option that supports local agriculture and promotes the health of the local ecosystem.

Overall, GreenAcres Harmony’s range of products and services is designed to meet the growing demand for locally sourced, sustainable, and ethical food choices. Their pricing strategy reflects their commitment to quality, sustainability, and the support of local agriculture, making them a valued addition to the Boston community.

Promotions Plan

GreenAcres Harmony embarks on an ambitious journey to captivate the hearts and palates of Bostonians with its array of fresh, sustainably grown farm products. Recognizing the vast potential and the competitive nature of the market, the farm employs a multifaceted promotional strategy designed to create a strong brand presence, foster community engagement, and drive sales. At the core of these efforts lies a robust online marketing strategy, complemented by a variety of other innovative promotional tactics.

Online marketing emerges as a pivotal component of GreenAcres Harmony’s promotional arsenal. The farm will leverage the power of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to connect with potential customers, share the farm’s story, and showcase its products through visually appealing content and engaging stories. Email marketing campaigns will serve as a direct channel to communicate with subscribers, offering them exclusive insights, promotions, and updates on the farm’s offerings. Furthermore, a user-friendly website will act as the digital storefront for GreenAcres Harmony, featuring an online shop where customers can conveniently purchase products, learn about sustainable farming practices, and stay informed about upcoming events and workshops.

Yet, online marketing is just the beginning. GreenAcres Harmony will also invest in community engagement initiatives to build meaningful relationships with local residents and businesses. Hosting farm-to-table events, workshops, and tours on-site will invite the community to experience the farm’s operations firsthand, fostering a deeper connection with the brand. Partnerships with local restaurants and cafes to supply fresh produce will not only expand the farm’s reach but also underscore its commitment to supporting local economies and sustainability.

To further amplify its visibility, GreenAcres Harmony will participate in local farmers’ markets and food festivals. These events offer invaluable opportunities to engage directly with customers, receive immediate feedback, and increase brand recognition through face-to-face interactions. Offering product samples and showcasing the quality and freshness of its produce will help GreenAcres Harmony stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Additionally, public relations efforts will play a crucial role in boosting the farm’s profile. Crafting press releases and working with local media outlets to feature stories about GreenAcres Harmony’s initiatives, achievements, and contributions to the community will enhance its reputation and credibility among consumers. Sponsoring local community events and initiatives will further demonstrate the farm’s commitment to giving back and supporting the well-being of its community.

In conclusion, GreenAcres Harmony’s promotional strategy is a comprehensive blend of online marketing, community engagement, participation in local events, and public relations efforts. By effectively implementing these tactics, GreenAcres Harmony expects to attract a loyal customer base, increase its market share, and contribute positively to the sustainability and health of the Boston community.

Our Operations Plan details:

• The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
• The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

To ensure the success of GreenAcres Harmony, there are several key day-to-day operational processes that we will perform.

• Monitoring and Adjusting Crop Health: We continuously monitor the health of our crops, using both traditional methods and modern technology. This includes checking for pests, diseases, and ensuring optimal soil conditions. Any issues are addressed immediately to prevent crop loss.
• Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling: Daily assessments determine which crops are ready for harvest. We then follow strict post-harvest handling protocols to ensure the produce remains fresh and high-quality until it reaches the customer.
• Order Fulfillment and Delivery: We process customer orders promptly, organizing and packing produce for delivery. Our delivery system is optimized for efficiency, ensuring customers in Boston, MA, receive their orders in a timely manner.
• Customer Service and Feedback: We maintain open lines of communication with our customers for inquiries and feedback. This helps us improve our services and resolve any issues swiftly.
• Inventory Management: We manage our inventory closely, tracking produce availability and supply levels to meet customer demand without overproducing. This process includes forecasting demand based on historical data and current trends.
• Quality Control: Every batch of produce undergoes quality control checks to ensure it meets our high standards. This includes visual inspections and, if necessary, taste tests.
• Financial Management: Daily financial transactions are recorded and analyzed. This includes tracking income from sales and managing expenses such as labor, seeds, and equipment maintenance.
• Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance: Regular maintenance checks and repairs of our farming equipment and infrastructure ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently without unexpected disruptions.
• Marketing and Promotions: We engage in daily marketing activities to promote our farm and its products. This includes social media updates, email newsletters, and participation in local food markets.
• Compliance and Sustainability Practices: We ensure all farming practices comply with local regulations and strive for sustainability. This involves water conservation, using organic farming methods, and reducing waste.

GreenAcres Harmony expects to complete the following milestones in the coming months in order to ensure its success:

• Secure the Farm Location: Finalize the acquisition or lease of agricultural land within a reasonable distance from Boston, MA, ensuring that the land is fertile and suitable for the types of crops and livestock GreenAcres Harmony intends to produce.
• Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses: Navigate through local, state, and federal regulations to acquire all necessary permits and licenses required for farming operations, including but not limited to environmental, health, and business operating permits.
• Build and Prepare Farm Infrastructure: Develop the necessary farm infrastructure, including irrigation systems, greenhouses, livestock enclosures, and storage facilities, ensuring that all structures are built to meet or exceed industry standards for sustainability and efficiency.
• Launch Our Farm: Officially start farming operations by planting the first crops and/or acquiring the first batch of livestock. This launch includes initiating marketing efforts to build brand awareness within the target market of Boston, MA.
• Establish Distribution Channels: Forge relationships with local markets, restaurants, and food distributors in the Boston area, as well as setting up an online sales platform, to ensure that GreenAcres Harmony has multiple avenues for selling its products directly to consumers and through B2B sales.
• Implement Sustainable Practices: Fully integrate sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices into daily operations, such as composting, organic farming, water conservation techniques, and renewable energy use, to not only mitigate environmental impact but also to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
• Reach $15,000/Month in Revenue: Achieve the financial milestone of generating at least $15,000 in monthly sales from the sale of produce and livestock. This goal is critical for demonstrating the farm’s viability and supporting further growth and investment.
• Develop a Loyal Customer Base: Through quality products, excellent customer service, and community engagement, build a loyal customer base that not only regularly purchases GreenAcres Harmony products but also advocates for the brand within their networks.
• Evaluate and Expand Product Lines: Based on customer feedback and market demand, periodically evaluate the farm’s product offerings and consider expanding into new crops, livestock, or value-added products such as jams, cheeses, or meats to diversify income sources and meet market needs. Completing these milestones will position GreenAcres Harmony for long-term success by ensuring operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, market presence, and financial stability.

GreenAcres Harmony management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Chloe King, President

Chloe King, President, brings a wealth of experience to GreenAcres Harmony, backed by a proven track record of success in the agricultural sector. Having successfully managed a farm previously, Chloe possesses a deep understanding of the operational, financial, and strategic facets of running a sustainable agricultural business. Her leadership skills, combined with her hands-on experience in farm management, position her perfectly to steer GreenAcres Harmony toward achieving its mission of sustainable farming and community engagement. Chloe’s ability to navigate the challenges of agricultural business, from crop production to market strategies, makes her an invaluable asset to the team and a key player in ensuring the long-term success of GreenAcres Harmony.

To reach our growth goals, GreenAcres Harmony requires significant financial investment. This funding will be allocated towards expanding our farming operations, enhancing our marketing efforts, and further developing our sustainability initiatives. Our financial plan outlines the need for capital investment to support these areas, ensuring that we can continue to provide our customers with high-quality, sustainable produce while also expanding our reach and impact within the community.

Financial Statements

Balance sheet.

[insert balance sheet]

Income Statement

[insert income statement]

Cash Flow Statement

[insert cash flow statement]

Farm Business Plan Example PDF

Download our Farm Business Plan PDF here. This is a free farm business plan example to help you get started on your own farm plan.  

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Farm Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

Farm Business Plan

If you want to start a successful farm or expand your current farming business, you need a business plan.

Fortunately, you’re in the right place. Our team has helped develop over 100,000 business plans over the past 20 years, including thousands of farm business plans.

The following farm business plan template and example gives you the key elements you must include in your plan. In our experience speaking with lenders and investors, the template is organized in the precise format they want.

You can download our Farm Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.  

Example Business Plan For Farm Businesses

I. executive summary, business overview.

[Company Name], located at [insert location here] is a new, 500 acre organic dairy, beef, and wheat farm providing food products to regional distributors. [Company Name] is headed by [Founder’s Name], an experienced farm manager.

[Company Name]will sell high-quality beef cuts, wheat by the bushel, and whole milk. The products will be certified organic as growth hormones, fertilizers and pesticides will not be used in production.

Customer Focus

[Company Name] will primarily serve regional distributors of dairy, beef, and wheat products. Some products may be sold directly to manufacturers in the local area for the production of other products from these ingredients.

These businesses typically gross $5 million to $50 million in annual revenues and source their supplies from farms within a 100 mile radius of their facilities.

Distributors and manufacturers of food products in the region see growth in interest in organic products and are in need of organic ingredients for suppliers. Consumers show increased demand for these organic products at stores.

Management Team

[Company Name]’s most valuable asset is the expertise and experience of its founder, [Founder’s Name]. [First name] has been a farm operations manager for the past 15 years. He has spent much of his career working with Blue Ridge Farms, where he oversaw dairy, meat, and grain production.

[Company name] will also employ an experienced salesmanager to sell to distributors and manufacturers. This will be a skilled salesperson trained in farm sales by [Founder’s Name]. An assistant manager will manage day-to-day operations of the farm.

Success Factors

[Company Name] is uniquely qualified to succeed due to the following reasons:

• [Company Name] will fill a specific market niche in organic foods. In addition, we have surveyed the regional distributors and received extremely positive feedback saying that they explicitly want to buy our products when launched.
• Our location is within 100 miles of numerous potential distributors and contains hundreds of acres of arable land.
• The management team has a track record of success in the farming business.

Financial Highlights

[Company Name] is seeking a total funding of $683,200 of debt capital to open its farm. The capital will be used for funding capital expenditures and location build-out, hiring initial employees, marketing expenses and working capital.

Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

II. Company Overview

You can download our Farm Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Who is [Company Name]?

[Company Name], located at [insert location here] is a new 500 acredairy, beef, and wheat farm providing food products to regional distributors. [Company Name] is headed by [Founder’s Name], an experienced farm manager. 300 acres of its land will be devoted to growing wheat and the remainder will be for dairy, beef, and office facilities.

While [Founder’s Name] has been in the farming business for some time, it was in [month, year] that he decided to launch [Company Name]. Specifically, during this time, [Founder] met with a former friend and fellow independent organic farm owner in South Dakota who has had tremendous success. After discussing the business at length, [Founder’s Name] clearly understood that a similar farm would enjoy significant success in his hometown.

Specifically, the customer demographics and competitive situations in the South Dakota area of his friend and in his hometown were so similar that he knew the business would work. After surveying the local market, [Founder’s name] went ahead and founded [Company Name].

[Company Name]’s History

Upon returning from South Dakota, surveying the local customer base, and finding potential land to start the farm, [Founder’s Name] incorporated [Company Name] as an S-Corporation on [date of incorporation].

The business is currently being run out of [Founder’s Name] home office, but once the land is purchased and [Company Name]’s facilities are finalized, all operations will be run from there.

Since incorporation, the Company has achieved the following milestones:

• Found land and negotiated rate
• Developed the company’s name, logo and website located at [website]
• Determined building, equipment and fixture requirements
• Begun recruiting key employees

[Company Name]’s Products

[Founder’s Name] will be able to provide customers with the following products:

• High-quality organic beef cuts
• Organically-grown wheat by the bushel
• Organic whole milk

III. Industry Analysis

The American commercial farming industry continues to be subsidized by the government to bolster low food prices. This is a volatile and difficult industry in the United States, with small and medium-sized farms increasingly being bought by large farms or struggling to survive on their own.

However, for organic foods, trends are positive. Organic foods sales are projected to increase 18% per year over the next three years and were estimated at $23 billion last year, according to the Organic Trade Association Market Survey. This sector is said to represent 3% of overall food and beverage sales. Global demand for organic foods increases by over $5 billion per year.

The farming industry includes multiple segments including poultry meat, beef, dairy, grain crops, vegetables, fruits, and more. Many businesses focus on only one specific segment, while some produce multiple types of crops in order to hedge against price changes in any one segment.

Recently, Horizon, the largest US organic food brand, dropped the term “organic” from its dairy products choosing instead to use the term “natural”. Critics noted that the term “natural” has no regulatory meaning and shows Horizon’s attempt to lower the cost of production by not meeting the requirements for the organic label. This shows a concern in the market about the meaning behind labels and highlights the importance of regulation to create common definitions.

Organic.org published the following list of reasons to support organic foods and beverages:

• Reduce the toxic load: Keep chemicals out of the air, water, soil and our bodies
• Reduce if not eliminate farm pollution
• Protect future generations
• Build healthy soil
• Taste better and truer flavor
• Assist family farmers of all sizes
• Avoid hasty and poor science in your food
• Eating with a sense of place
• Promote biodiversity
• Celebrate the culture of agriculture

Trends in the industry include the following:

• Meat and fish that are organically produced are becoming more popular
• Organic dairy, bread, and grain are becoming more popular
• Organic-only supermarkets are becoming more popular
• Traditional supermarkets are increasing organic purchases to keep up with these competitors.

IV. Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

[Company Name]will primarily serve regional distributors of dairy, beef, and wheat products. Some products may be sold directly to manufacturers in the local area for the production of other products from these ingredients.

These businesses typically gross from $5 million to $50 million in annual revenues and source their supplies from within a 100 mile radius of their facilities.

Customer Segmentation

The Company will primarily target the following two customer segments:

• Regional Organic Distributors: Organic food distributors source organic meat, dairy, and grains from medium and large farms, and sell them to food manufacturers who process, package and sell the products.
• Organic Dairy Manufacturers: Small manufacturers that process organic dairy products, such as butter, cream, and cheese work directly with local farms to keep costs low whenever possible.

V.Competitive Analysis

Direct & indirect competitors.

The following twoorganic farms operate within a 100 mileradius of [Company Name]. These, and other smaller organic farms like them, are the direct competitors of the business. Indirect competitors include non-organic dairy, beef, and grain farms.

Nature’s Bounty Farm

Nature’s Bounty Farm is a five-year old farm which produces vegetables and grains for organic distributors. They operate a 1000 acre farm, producing a high volume of goods.

However, Nature’s Bounty Farm does not offer organic dairy and meat, which are up-and-coming products.

Thompson Organics

Thompson Organics is a small, 300 acre, ten-year old farm which produces organic grains and bakes organic breads. They sell all of their products at farmer’s markets and directly at retail stores. This distribution strategy requires Thompson to have skilled customer service and sales employees, as well as facilities for baking and packaging.

Because Thompson avoids selling through to distributors, its brand is known directly by consumers who look for organic foods and it can command a premium. However, they, like Nature’s Bounty Farm, do not offer organic dairy and meat. They also have a high cost structure because of their small scale and operations.

Competitive Advantage

[Company Name] enjoys several advantages over its competitors. These advantages include:

• Client-oriented service: [Company Name] will have a full-time sales manager to keep in contact with customers and answer their everyday questions. [Founder’s Name] realizes the importance of accessibility to customers and will instruct the sales manager to proactively solicit feedback from customers.
• Management: [Founder’s Name] has been extremely successful working in the farming business and will be able to use his previous experience to assure clients of the care that [Company Name] will take to create the best organic products. His unique qualifications will serve customers in a much more sophisticated manner than [Company Name’s] competitors.
• Transparency: To continue to assure customers and the government of the organic quality of [Company Name]’s products, operations can be inspected by customers at a moments notice, and a guide to the operations will be created to detail all of the steps in the production process for each crop.
• Product Line: By offering wheat, dairy, and meat, [Company Name] will seek to hedge against price volatility in any one of these commodities.

VI. Marketing Plan

[Company Name] will use several strategies to promote its name and develop its brand. By using an integrated marketing strategy, [Company Name] will win customers and develop consistent revenue streams.

The [Company Name] Brand

The [Company name] brand will focus on the Company’s unique value proposition:

• High-quality, organic milk, beef, and grains
• Service built on long-term relationships
• Transparency of operations to achieve customer assurance of organic quality

Promotions Strategy

Targeted Cold Calls

[Company Name] will initially invest significant time and energy into contacting potential customers via telephone and then by visiting their facilities. In order to improve the effectiveness of this phase of the marketing strategy, a highly-focused call list will be used; targeting distributors and manufacturers with an expressed interest in organic products. As this is a very time-consuming process, it will primarily be used during the startup phase to build an initial customer base.

Industry Events

By attending regional farming conferences, association meetings, and symposia, [Company Name] will network with industry leaders, and seek referrals to potential customers. [Founder’s Name] will often attend with the company sales manager, but both may attend separately in the future as they gain experience in this networking.

[Company Name] will invest resources in two forms of geographically-focused internet promotion—organic search engine optimization and pay-per-click advertising. The Company will develop its website in such a manner as to direct as much traffic from search engines as possible. Additionally, it will use highly-focused, specific keywords to draw traffic to its website, where potential clients will find a content-rich site that presents [Company Name] as the trustworthy, high quality producer of organic foods that it is.

Pricing Strategy

[Company Name]’s pricing will be competitive compared with Nature’s Bounty Farm. Pricing will be about 50% lower than retail prices to allow for wholesalers and retailers to earn their margins.

VII. Operations

[Company Name] will carry out its sales operations through phone calls and visits to customer offices. The sales manager will increasingly direct sales activities, although [Founder’s Name] will be heavily involved at first.

The assistant manager will run the day-to-day operations of the farm, including scheduling and assigning the work of farm hands, sourcing and purchasing supplies and basic equipment, keeping the company’s books, maintaining legal licenses, handling insurance and insuring that the company meets government regulations. He will contact specialists for equipment repairs when needed and veterinarians to care for the cows when they require medical attention.

Field work by the farm hands will be from sunrise to sunset, with indoor work during the hottest parts of the day and after dark. Field work will include preparing fields for planting, the planting process, tending to planted fields, harvesting, and packaging grain into bushels. Work with the cows will include feeding, taking them in and out of the pasture, and running the milking equipment. It will also include slaughtering and dressing the cows for beef when directed.

[Company Name]’s long term goal is to become the highest quality farmer in the [city] area. We seek to do this by ensuring customer satisfaction and developing a loyal and successful clientele.

The following are a series of steps that will lead to this long-term success. [Company Name] expects to achieve the following milestones in the following [xyz] months:

VIII. Management Team

[First name] is intimately familiar with the operations requirements for a farm producing the same products as [Company Name]. He has received organic training certification to become an organic food producer.

[Company name] will also employ an assistant manager to manage operations. This will be an experienced operations manager who will be trained in farm operations by [Founder’s Name]. Furthermore, a sales manager will be hired to focus on marketing, sales, and customer service to distributors as manufacturers for [Company Name] products. These two individualswill either have undergraduate business degrees or years of relevant operations or sales experience.

Hiring Plan

In order to launch the business we will also hire the following additional employee:

• Farm Hand: (1 full-time to start) Additional farm hands will be hired if capacity increases or if another farm is started.

The hiring process will be managed by the assistant manager who will be directly responsible for the farm hand, with oversight and approval by [Founder’s Name]. This individual must be in top physical condition, have experience in physical labor, and have great mechanical facility and care for the quality of his work and products.

The assistant manager and [Founder’s Name] will provide back-up support for the farm hand in the busiest times and when he is out sick or on vacation.

IX. Financial Plan

Revenue & pricing.

[Company Name]’s revenues will come primarily fromsale in three product areas.

The price of beef is only an average per cow, and individual cuts are sold at market rates depending on the quality of the cut of meat.

Prices are expected to fluctuate with market volatility on the rise, although they are expected to rise consistently, on average.

Key Cost Drivers

As with most services, labor expenses are the key cost drivers. The staff of four will earn competitive salaries allowing [Company Name] to hireexperienced workers. Furthermore, the costs of the mortgage and its interest for the land will be significant.

The major cost drivers for the company’s operation will consist of:

• Marketing expenses (associations, events, internet marketing).

Capital Requirements and Use of Funds

• Build-out of farm and equipment purchases: $273,200
• Initial marketing expenditure: $10,000
• Property down payment: $100,000
• Working capital: $300,000 to pay for marketing, salaries, and lease costs until [Company Name] reaches break-even

Key Assumptions & Forecasts

The following table reflects the key revenue and cost assumptions made in the financial model.

5 Year Annual Balance Sheet

5 Year Annual Cash Flow Statement

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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

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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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Oregon Flower Farm Business Plan Example

Interval Farm Business Plan Sample

Peach Farm Business Plan Sample

USDA FSA Sample Microloan Application

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Agriculture Farm Business Plan Example

Jul.25, 2013

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Agriculture business plan for starting your own business

Farming and agriculture business is not as easy as it seems. An even difficult step is to plan how to write a business plan for agriculture. Whether it is a Christmas tree farm business plan or an organic fertilizer business plan , you need to put real effort into planning each and every aspect of your agriculture business plan . To become successful, you should know the ways to operate your enterprise efficiently. You should know your revenue and cash position. You also need to forecast your crop rotations.

We have here provided a detailed business plan so that you can avoid any inconvenience in making a plan for yourself. No matter if you want to make a fish farm business plan or fountain pepper farm business plan , hydroponics farm business plan , or even an aquaponics farm business plan , this sample business plan agriculture template will help you.

A well-formed business plan of agriculture will help your agriculture business plan grow and generate the revenue that you dream of. It will help in managing your business in hard times and will also improve the chances of getting loans from the government for your business. So, if are thinking of creating a business for a bank loan , check out this template.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

The Old Maple Way will be a registered farm in New York, US. The business will aim to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to its customers. Along with it, we provide high-quality dairy products. Instead of competing with other farms in town, we will mainly focus on the quality and pricing of our products.

In any business plan agriculture project, the aims and goals should be clear. Instead of looking for an online business plan expert , you can write your business plan exact like agriculture business plan examples available online.

2.2 Management of Agriculture

The Old Maple Way Farm will be managed by James Celery. He will look into all the operations going on the farm. For his assistance, three managers will work with him. These managers will be trained for a month before starting their jobs. As per this agriculture business plan pdf, James will hire some highly experienced farmers who will look after the growth and management of fruits and vegetables. James will ensure the quality of production himself.

2.3 Customers of Agriculture

Customers are the backbone of every business. If you know the right audience for your agriculture business , you will be able to achieve your target. You will get the idea of how to run your agriculture business plan if you understand your customers. The main customers for the agriculture business will be the following:

• Export to Foreign Markets
• Domestic Hotels and Restaurants
• Domestic Food Companies

2.4 Business Target

The main goal of Old Maple Way Farm is to produce high-quality products for the people. We do not compromise on the hygiene and our team takes care of it.  The most important thing matter to us is our customers’ satisfaction.

Here are our targets:

• Our primary target is to become the most loved farm by people within the next 3 years of our launch.
• Our secondary target is to increase the net profit every month.

Landlord Business Plan Writing

Company summary, 3.1 company owner.

The owner of the Old Maple Way will be James Celery. James had a dream of starting his own agriculture business plan since he was a teenager. He wanted to produce high-quality products that do not contain harmful chemicals.

3.2 Why the farm is being started?

When James was asked why he is interested in starting a farm, he said he wanted to produce chemical-free and organic products for the people. He says that nowadays, it is difficult to find something that is purely organic and chemical-free.

Companies and farms are using harmful chemicals to increase their production. Due to it, they have ignored the quality and only focus on the quantity of production. To produce pure products, he planned to start a farm of his own. He further added that he wants to produce products that are affordable and easy to buy.

3.3 How the Farm will be started?

In a business plan for agriculture, you should mention the steps to start a farm. When you know how to make a business plan for agriculture, your agriculture business  will be successful. The agriculture export business plan includes all the necessary steps needed to start an agriculture business. To start a farm, you need the right techniques and ideas. Before starting a farm, you need to consider these essential steps:

Know your Niche

The first and most important step before starting the agriculture business  is to identify your niche. Without deciding the niche, you cannot start a healthy business.

Research Market

Once you have decided on your niche, you need to do market research. For instance, you have planned to grow a specific fruit, so to make the business successful, you should know who will buy your product. Making research on the market will let you know about your competitors and how will you sell your product.

If you are interested in particular fruit, vegetable or product, first learn more about the local market.

Find the Right Land

Once you have decided what product you are going to plant, you need to take the next step, i.e, deciding the land.

If you are starting at a low budget, you can take land on lease. But if you have sufficient investment to start, you can buy your land. If you start the farm on your land, you will have complete control of your farm. But at the same time, there will be more risk factors of financial loss.

In the sample of an agricultural business plan, you will find more detailed steps on how to start an agriculture business  depending upon the type of farm you want to start.

In agriculture service business plan, you should mention all the services and products that your farm will produce. In the business plan agriculture pdf and business plan for agriculture available online. You will find the services that farms offer. Our products include the following:

We will produce fruits that are chemical-free and pure. We believe in producing organic products. Unlike other farms, we do not use any chemical that increases the quantity.

We will produce 100% organic vegetables. Our main focus is on quality and our customer satisfaction.

Cereals & Grains

We will also produce export-quality cereals and grains.

Dairy Products

We will also be offering two dairy products (milk and butter) to further supplement our sales.

20 Highly Profitable Agricultural Farm Business Ideas

If you are an entrepreneur willing to start an agriculture farm business, the following 20 agriculture farm business ideas can come in handy for your business venture.

Growing Mushrooms

Mushroom is a very popular Unlike various other crops, mushrooms can grow in less than a month. It is ready to be harvested in just about 21 days. This is the reason mushrooms have a high profit margin. Often new entrepreneurs are restless to harvest and sell their crops. So, if you too are one such impatient entrepreneur then mushrooms won’t make your wait too long to be ready. You can sell them in 3 weeks time from d date of cultivation.

• Mushroom farming comprises of 6 stages- first you need to compost; next spawn; case; pin and finally crop it.
• The soil of your farming land must be suitable for growing mushrooms. If this suits your soil then this is the best crop to grow. Some soils only support specific mushroom cultivation. The environment also plays a significant factor.
• You can aim to sell the produce in the local markets and also trade them. There are various countries that use mushrooms in their everyday meals. If your land in near such countries, where mushrooms are a favorite among the masses, then this is the best crop to cultivate in your farming land. Also, the convenience of export can take your mushroom business to far off markets as well.

Potato Farming

This is a very common vegetable. Yet, you should consider this as potato cultivation is greatly rewarding in many ways. Potato is consumed in meals almost daily by people both at home as well as in canteens. It is yummy, simple and very nutritious. The demand for potato is so high that even if there are other near-by farming areas growing potatoes, you still can produce it and benefit largely.

• There are a large variety of potatoes, so check the soil and the market, in order to decide which potato you should cultivate in your land. You can opt for the sweet potatoes or Irish potato farming. They are quite popular across the globe. Furthermore, they can be sold as vegetables directly and can also be sold in the processed form.
• You can choose bulk potato farming and process them if you have the capital and equipment. Potato chips and French fries are savory snacks loved by all. You can never go wrong with potato business as it ensures a high profit margin.
• You can also choose to sell potato seeds. This is an excellent money-spinning business idea. Get in touch with local, national and international potato cultivators to sell potato seed tubes and make a flourishing agriculture business out of it.

Spice Production

With the widespread knowledge about the health benefits hidden in various spices, household cooking as well as commercial restaurants have started using spices in their food in daily basis around the world. Furthermore, the boost in flavor and the pleasant aroma that come from adding spices to cuisines has made spices a favorite ingredient in the kitchen. The high demand and being a very costly product, spices are a great option for agriculture farm business plan. Spice cultivation can churn a lot of money making farming a flourishing business opportunity.

• There are a large variety of spices available such as cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, cumin, etc. You have a lot of agriculture farming options when it comes to spices.
• You can choose to start farming the spice as per the popularity in your locality.
• Spices can be used in food either whole, sun dried, powdered, paste or even in liquid form. You can sell the whole spice. You can also extract the oils from the spices and sell it in bottles.
• You can plan to grow either a single type of spice or multiple ones depending on your soil. There are different spices that grow in different seasons. You can also opt to grow a spice rarely cultivated in your state and reap huge profits.

Cashew nut agriculture production

Cashew nuts a type of dry fruit that is widely popular across the globe. It is consumed mostly as a savory snack with salt and other spices. You can sell them raw, as well as in processed form. Cashew nut processing entails 4 simple stages. It starts with cleaning the nuts, they roasting them, followed by drying and finally removing the peel.

• Cashew nuts are highly nutritious, boosts energy and fiber in the body. Hence, demand for cashew nuts is quite high globally. You can earn huge capital by producing cashew nuts in your farm land.
• Processed cashew nut sale can get you high profits if you can ally with wholesalers near your land and draw in a fixed cashew nut supply. Wholesalers will sell you the raw cashew nuts at a low cost. You can process the cashew and make profit.
• The medicinal value of cashew nuts has made cashew nut farming a highly lucrative business.

Poultry farming

Chicken is the particular poultry bird raised to the highest number. Gone are the days when households had a few chickens in their backyard to serve their need for eggs and meet. Currently, poultry farming is a huge money-making business that has made its mark internationally. Poultry farming being a lucrative venture has led to the birds being injected with harmful chemicals and are reared in large number without proper hygiene. This has resulted in the rise in demand for good quality poultry farms. This can be your opportunity to grab. Strategize to start an excellently well-maintained poultry farm business to give the masses the best quality eggs and meat.

• Eggs and meat being a high source of protein have notched a vital place in the dietary charts for good health. This has made people from all walks of life add eggs to their breakfast and consume a portion of meat regularly. Hence, a magnificent rise in the sales of poultry farms.
• Another way of making gains through poultry farming is selling frozen chicken. You would needs some additional tools and storage facilities incorporated in your farm for this sort of business. Get in touch with the local eateries, fast-food joints, restaurants and hotels to deliver them- frozen chicken. This can be a profitable venture when you have some good contacts established.

Bee-Keeping and Honey-Making Business:

Producing honey by keeping bees in the garden was a personal choice earlier. People passionate about making honey who had a little space in their backyard kept bees. But now, it has turned out to become a huge farming industry that a large number of entrepreneurs take interest in pursuing as an agriculture endeavor. With the heightened honey consumption worldwide, the sales margin has also increased drastically. This has drawn more entrepreneurs in bee farming. The reason for such rise in the demand for honey is because people are switching to honey intake instead of sugar. Honey has been proved very healthy, helps in losing weight and is also used in beauty products. If you desire to start agriculture farm business plan, then this is one of the best choices. Bee-keeping does not require a large farming land nor do you need to invest huge capital. All you require is- some knowledge and training on the basics of keeping bees for agriculture business. There are training schools and experts who teach how to start a honey producing business and also how bees should be monitored. Furnished with such skillful training you can conveniently start farming and run a bee-keeping and honey making business. If you produce honey in your farming area, you can have several prospective clients to sell, such as –

• Sell it to high net-worth person,
• There are hard-working people, fitness conscious people who prefer honey to sugar
• You can buy low-priced top quality honey from dealers, bottle it up and sell it in the market, both in the local as well as global arena.

Herb and Flower Plantation

The best part about herbs and flower plantation is that they can be grown in small quantities. You do not need any skills or expertise to grow them. They can be grown indoors as well as outdoors. Moreover, both hers and flower plants have multiple usages. You can even do a profitable business with dry herbs and flowers. Both are easy to grow, high in demand and lucrative ventures. Furthermore, you can grow both herbs and flowers in the same farming land.  Yes, you will need some appropriate apparatus for good quality plantation results. Adequate water supply, proper sunshine, manure and right method must be followed too. Herbs have a wide range of usages-

• They are a central ingredient in flavoring food
• Used for making beautiful fragrances
• Is majorly bought by the Pharma company
• Are also used in healing centers to help people relax and loose there stress

Flowers too have multiple usages-

• There are edible flowers used in cakes and various cuisines
• They are used in beauty products, to make lipsticks, nail-polish, hair color and so on
• Several fragrances and extracted from flowers, rose, lavender, orchid being popular blooms. In fact, dry flowers are majorly bought by the fragrance company.
• Extensively used for decorating venues
• Flower bouquets, for weddings as well as gifting item is always in trend

Aloe Vera Plantation

Aloe Vera is basically a tropical plant but the good thing about this plant is that, it can be cultivated in dry farming lands as well. Aloe Vera is a profitable agriculture business idea because its medicinal value makes it a highly saleable agriculture product. It can be consumed as well as applied externally. It has lots of vitamins and minerals that are good for heart, immune system, digestion, skin ailments and many more.

Aloe Vera crop is most suitable if your farming land is in a dry area where the climate is mostly warm and humid. This plant doesn’t require much rainfall and doesn’t grow is cold regions. Light sandy type of soil is absolutely befitting for the plantation of aloe Vera agriculture crops.

Aloe Vera plants are best suited for selling globally to the-

• Herbal industry
• Pharma companies

Bamboo Plantation

Bamboos mostly grow in the hilly areas. This is why we most often see bamboo farming in the mountains. The immense uses of bamboos plants have made it a successful agriculture business plan choice for several entrepreneurs. There is no way you can fail with bamboo farming plan as there are always buyers inclined to purchase the raw product and process it to use in various form.

Some of the uses of bamboo plants may be listed as follows-

• Bamboos are strong and flexible. Thus, a very useful construction product. Be it to build roofs, floors, fences etc.
• They are utilized to build various interior decoration items
• Furniture made from bamboo plants are a modern trend
• Best writing papers are made from bamboo fiber
• Various types of musical instruments are also made using bamboos
• Tender Bamboo tips are used in cooking
• Several infectious diseases can be cured through the medicine made from bamboo plants
• In Asia, the chopsticks being used, are mostly made of bamboo

The huge number of uses makes bamboo plantation a very rewarding business.

Coffee & Tea Plantation

Tea and coffee are two drinks that are very popular globally. So, with coffee and tea plantation you can extend your agriculture business plan and earn huge benefits through export. Coffee and tea plantation requires a suitable soil and good amount of rainfall. The rains and dry season must be well defined so that there can be a growing season and a maturing season. You can plan to directly sell the tea leafs and coffee beans or choose to sell the processed product. With the basic plantation and harvesting techniques learnt, and equipped with the processing tools, machinery and staff, you can make flourishing business out of tea and coffee farming. Get in touch with the tea manufacturing industries, restaurants and cafeterias where there is a constant demand for tea leaves and coffee beans.

Cocoa Farming

Take your love for chocolates a step further! Plan on beginning a cocoa agriculture business. It can prove to be a flourishing enterprise. Chocolate is a favorite not only among kids but among all age groups. Relished across the globe, cocoa farming can be hugely profitable agriculture prospect. You can earn huge capital income by exporting the produced cocoa from your farming area. Cocoa is grown mostly in humid tropical region. Its beans are extracted for cocoa solids and cocoa butter. So, in order to begin farming cocoa trees in your land, you first must ensure you have an agriculture land in a humid area, or plan to buy some area. Once you have the suitable soil you can begin with your cocoa plantation business.

• To satisfy chocolate lovers delight, cocoa is added in all sorts of foods, beverages and even fragrances.
• Dark chocolates, chocolate ice-cream, cakes, muffin, cookies, various sweets, deserts, etc., are found everywhere.
• Spas & beauty parlors too use cocoa in their beauty therapies as it’s very good for skin.
• Chocolate consumption is a very delicious and easy way to counter bouts of stress & depression.

So, you have a farming soil and climate suitable for growing cocoa; prepare yourself to turn your passion into a agriculture business venture. Cocoa crops can land for hundreds of years. So follow the proper methods of farming and you can be very rich soon.

Lettuce Plantation

Lettuce has become a very popular farming vegetable for its fresh flavor. Restaurants add it to their salads, burgers, sides, etc. as consumers enjoy the crunchy fresh texture of this leafy vegetable.Additionally, the health benefits in lettuce have also made it a favorite among those fit and active person who are always on the look-out to incorporate healthy greens to their daily meal. Lettuce can be grown in several types of farming soils. Mostly, it is suitable to grow in soils rich in organic matter. The best soils for lettuce are those that can contain good quality of water and also have well made drainage system. As far as the temperature goes, lettuce grows well in fairly cool weather, about 15 degree Celsius. If your agriculture farm business plan space is in a slightly warmer land, you can grow lettuce crops by building a shade. You can go for a soil test before beginning to work on the farming area.

Lettuce crops cannot be stored for a longer period. So, keep connected with nearest markets and eateries. After harvesting the lettuce, you must sell them fresh. Lettuce farming is a rewarding business idea for start-ups.

Fruit Plantation

Various types of fruits are consumed around the globe. You may opt to begin farming any type of fruit that suits the land and climate of your particular region. When the soil is befitting only then you will get a productive yield out of which you can gain revenue.

Peaches, exotic fruits, papaya, berries, mangoes, apples, jackfruit, oranges etc., are some fruit types. You can grow any of these fruits or any other for your agriculture business endeavor depending on your soil suitability.  Most fruits are used for making juices, added to cuisines, incorporated in meals as fruit salads, and beauty treatments. Since fruits can be consumed raw you may plan to market and export them immediately after you harvest the produce. You may build processing equipments to make fruit juices and pack them to sell them anywhere in the world.

Fruits contain various healthy & healing ingredients. Hence, maximum nutritionists & doctors suggest children, adults and the elderly; to consume fruits regularly. The fruit agriculture business is an opportunity you must definitely try out.

Palm Tree Cultivation

This is the crop that gives the most quantity of oil. Due to it high yielding capacity palm tree farming is considered a money-spinning business idea. If you intend to earn on a monthly basis through agriculture business then palm tree cultivation is the best choice for your start-up venture.

Deep, moist and well-drained soils are best suited for farming palm trees. This particular crop requires a humid tropical climate. Throughout the year an even amount of rainfall is essential. When every aspect is satisfactory for palm tree farming then you should start off with it at the earliest.

Palm tree plantation and selling of the palm oils, can aid you to cut down the sale of other oils , in turn enhancing the sale of your business. Those oils that are imported are costly for the local market, thus your palm oil will sell more. It is a win-win situation for both you as well as your buyers. Thus, your business will flourish.

Cotton & Wool Production

Textile firms need wool and cotton at all times. They need it constantly for manufacturing various types of cloths. Therefore, it’s a lucrative business idea for any entrepreneur.

Cotton flower and sheep give cotton and wool respectively. So for cotton crop cultivation you need a suitable land. There may be some basic agriculture methods to be followed, certain tools and apparatus required. Of course you have to invest at the onset but after harvest you can make high business gains from your sales. You can also opt to rear sheep and get wool from them.

An advantageous factor of cotton flower and wool is that you can export them easily. There is not much critical process attached to attain the cotton from flowers and the wool is just shaved off the sheep. Furthermore, unlike fruits and vegetable, cotton and wool can be stored for as longer time span and exported to far-off countries as they do not get damaged. Thus you can plan to earn good capital by national and global export of your cotton and wool.

Rubber Production

Rubber, a stretchy materiel, is in huge demand in the market. This crop plantation can prove to be very rewarding. The innumerable items made from rubber makes it a very suitable farming product as it is sale-able in the worldwide market. For instance- Tires, Bags, etc are made from rubber.

Rubber plants cannot grow in extremely windy and freezing temperature. It needs 5-7 hrs of sunlight per day and adequate rainfall. Porous farming soil which is somewhat acidic having well-drainage is best suited for rubber plantation.

Rubber trees when taken proper care can survive for generations. So, this is a good agriculture business investment indeed.

Cattle Ranch

A very common and popular livestock raising business that includes animals such as cows, calves, ox, donkeys, bulls, etc., are known as a cattle ranch. You can choose to breed a single type of animal or several ones depending on the capital and land you have. It is best to start off with a single type of animal and slowly progress to rearing more types in your farming area. Actually, each type of animal needs to be well taken care of, with the proper food and hygiene maintained in your farming space.

Cattles are reared for multiple purposes, milk, manure, skin, as well as meat. Having a cattle ranch can instantly place you in the international business market if the quality of milk, meat and manure supplied by you if of good quality. With high sales and recognition in the global market you can easily gain huge profits and grow your agriculture business.

Shrimp Business

If you plan to own a land near the coastal region, or rent a riverside area, you can earn cash through shrimp farming. Earlier shrimp was farmed in a smaller quantity, but the rapid growth of consumption worldwide has turned it into a large scale global industry.

Shrimp is high in protein and contains anti-oxidants. A favorite among a large group of people, this is marketed in bulk in several countries. Japan, US, Thailand and China are some countries where shrimp farming is done is large quantity. You can definitely give shrimp farming a shot as success is guaranteed.

Saffron Cultivation

This costly spice is actually very easy to grow in any type of farming area. The reason for saffron being so pricey is the extensive toil that goes into harvesting the crop. Only a few strands of saffron are acquired from a flower.

Saffron is mostly used in cooking, creating beautiful fragrances and in cosmetic products. If you have a fertile agriculture soil suitable for saffron cultivation and reside in a sub-tropical warm region then saffron is the spice you must opt to cultivate in your farming area.

You can market it across the whole world. This expensive spice can churn huge money.

Rosemary Cultivation

Rosemary shrub can be cultivated across the world. It is best suited for region with cool temperatures. It can also handle frost. You can harvest rosemary 2 times per year. It depends on whether you want to harvest it for the leaves or the oil.

Rosemary is most famous for its oils. It has high commercial value for its medicinal and herbal properties.  This is a lucrative business idea and if you reside in a cold region then get a soil test done and you can start off your rosemary cultivation.

Marketing Analysis of agriculture

Business plan for investors.

To make your agriculture business  successful, you need to keep an eye on the market trends as well. If you run a complete analysis of the market, you will get an idea about many things. Understanding the trends and variables will help you in making decisions for your business. The goal of this market research is to understand and get a general idea of the overall market around your farm and how you can adjust to that ecosystem. The marketing plan for agriculture business includes market trends and market segmentation.

5.1 Market Trends

The agriculture industry is a kind of industry that never goes into loss. It continues to evolve with time. Over the past five years, the agricultural industry has grown at an incredible rate. People are now more attracted to buy organic products that are chemical-free and hygienic.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

In agricultural business ideas and agricultural business proposal, the market segmentation is clearly defined. Besides knowing how to start an agricultural business, you need to make a complete analysis of market segmentation for it.

The most important part of a farm business plan is to have an idea of the expected marketing segmentation. In agriculture start up, you should know about the market segmentation. Here is the market segmentation that will be facing our farm:

5.2.1 Foreign Markets

The products that we manufacture will be exported. It will generate the largest part of our revenue.

5.2.2 Domestic Hotels and Restaurants

We will offer our products to restaurants and hotels. Along with fruits and vegetables, we will provide dairy products such as milk and butter to the restaurants in town.

5.2.3 Domestic Food Companies

We will also sell our products to food companies in the domestic markets.

5.3 Business Target

In a community sustained agriculture business plan, the following are our business target

• Building a trustworthy relationship among customers
• Providing high-quality products to customers
• Making an excellent customer care service for our loyal customers
• Recovering the initial investment within two years of launch
• Increase the revenue every year by at least 20%.

5.4 Product Pricing

The prices of the products that Old Maple Way provide are comparable to other farms. We will try to provide better products and customer care to our clients. We will satisfy our customers by providing exceptional services to make as much profit as possible.

Marketing Strategy

When you are starting an agricultural business, you should also know the marketing strategy. No business can grow and become successful without a marketing strategy. No matter how many excellent services you offer, if you do not have customers, it is all in vain. The more people know about your farm and its products, the more they reach out to you.

Nowadays, the best way of marketing is social media marketing. Social platforms are strong, and they are accessible to everyone. A good thing about social media marketing is its low cost. You can reach out to millions of people with online marketing. All the business ideas in agriculture explain the importance of social media marketing and how you can use them to reach out to people.

Along with that, you need a competitive analysis to make a strategy that will make your agriculture business plan successful. You also need some agro processing business ideas as well as a perfect understanding of what is an agricultural business.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• People are not satisfied with the products manufactured by other farms because of the chemicals they use to increase their quantity.
• The products that other farms sell are expensive and everyone cannot afford them.

6.2 Our Strategy

• We will use social media platforms to advertise our products.
• We will make our online presence so that we can reach out to more and more people.
• We will use the advertisements channels in the area to reach out to the people.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 sales yearly, 6.5 sales forecast, personnel plan.

To make your business best agricultural business, you need to make sure that the staff should work as a team. In the agriculture business model, you will find out that the environment of the farm depends on the number and type of staff which should be determined in the initial stages.

7.1 Company Staff

James Celery will be the owner and CEO of the Old Maple Way farm business. The following people will be hired to run the farm:

• 1 Operations Manager
• 2 Deputy Managers
• 8 Farm Workers
• 2 Packaging Helpers
• 1 Accountant

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

Proper planning and execution of the finance help you to maintain a stable budget for the upcoming entire year. To execute farming ideas for profit, you need to manage the finances wisely. In agricultural business plans, all the finances are mentioned.

• Money to buy a land or take it on lease
• The cost of buying and maintaining animals
• The salary of employees
• The cost of buying fruits and vegetables seeds

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis, 8.3 projected profit and loss, 8.3.1 profit monthly, 8.3.2 profit yearly, 8.3.3 gross margin monthly, 8.3.4 gross margin yearly, 8.4 projected cash flow, 8.5  projected balance sheet, 8.6 business ratios.

• How do I make an agricultural business plan? When you look out to sample business plan agriculture farm, you will see the steps to write a business plan. Business plan for agriculture company may not necessarily be long but it should be written in an easily understandable way.
• What is an agriculture farm business plan? It is the farming production, creating a plan for marketing and management of crops and livestock in a profitable way is an agriculture farm business plan. It includes everything such as a detailed business plan for agriculture and an agriculture equipment business plan.
• Which agriculture is most profitable? One of the most profitable agriculture is an agricultural farm. You can start this business by investing a small amount of money. According to the demand of the local public, you can produce the items and sell them.
• Is agriculture farming profitable? Agriculture farming is profitable as it offers a stable revenue. It is one of the fastest-growing agricultural businesses all over the world.

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Discussing Key Resources and Risk Exposure in Your Farm Business Plan

• Margaret Lippsmeyer, Michael Langemeier , and Michael Boehlje
• Center for Commercial Agriculture
• Purdue University

Introduction

Developing a business plan for your farm helps align day-to-day operations with overarching business goals.  In this article, we explore the importance of assessing current business resources and exposure to risk while creating a business plan.  We provide discussion on risks to your business’s key resources, a framework to evaluate the strength of your farm’s resource base, and an outline of how to craft an effective business plan.  These topics link back to our previous articles on integrated risk management (Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje, 2024a) and key resources (Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje, 2024b) where we discussed how macroeconomic factors and other external shocks can influence timing and effectiveness of investments in key business resources.

Assessing Resources

Availability and strength of key resources—including financial, physical, human, organizational, and information technology—should shape your business objectives and determine an effective business plan.  Business objectives and business plans should focus on strengthening your farm’s key resource base.  This resource base acts as a foundation for potential farm expansion, or ability to withstand shocks or stresses in the business environment.  Evaluating key resources is a critical initial step in business planning, ensuring you have accurate benchmarks for your business’s resources.  These benchmarks help to identify which key resources to leverage and which need to be strengthened.

In the next sections we discuss different types of key resources and major risks associated with each.  In addition to this discussion, Figure 1 poses a series of questions which can be used to assess the strength of your farm’s key resources.  These questions are intended to pinpoint potential shortcomings in a farm’s resource base, thereby assisting in the development of a business plan that addresses resources needing improvement.  Figure 2 illustrates risk exposure by resource category.

Figure 1. Assessing Strength of Business Resources

Adapted from Olsen (2007)

Organizational Resources

Organizational resources are the glue which binds together physical, financial, human resources, and information technology, giving direction and meaning to a farming operation.  Organizational resources include business reputation, core values, operational structures, and systems, and play a vital role in differentiating your farm from competitors.  For example, most operations can effectively produce yellow corn, but consistent product quality, reliable logistics, trustworthy relationships with input suppliers and product distributors are ways in which your organizational resources may yield a competitive advantage.

Many risks associated with organizational resources are considered strategic risks.  Strategic risks are caused by external shocks or stresses which create a misalignment between a farm’s business strategy and available resources and capabilities (Lippsmeyer, et al., 2023).  These risks lack off-the-shelf risk mitigation strategies, making them particularly threatening for businesses.  Risks to organizational resources exemplify strategic risk: coming from a variety of sources, are known to cause brand erosion, tarnish reputation, obscure business strategy, and lack effective tools to mitigate these risks.

Adverse weather conditions reducing crop yield is often categorized as a production risk.  However, if as a consequence your operation fails to fulfill a sales contract, the risk becomes a strategic risk, impacting your business’s reputation.  Although distributors may have alternative sources to compensate for your shortfall, your farm’s reliability in meeting contractual obligations could come under scrutiny.  This could adversely affect your future prospects of securing contracts with the same distributor.

Brand erosion and loss of reputation frequently relate to three factors: price, timeliness, and quality.  Balancing a competitive price and product quality is a challenge which impacts a farm’s ability to maintain a positive reputation and retain customers.  Moreover, perceptions of certain farming practices (i.e., production using certain chemicals or hormone treatments), negative publicity, or increases in competition may also contribute to brand erosion and reputation loss.

The clarity of a business strategy is another component of strategic risk.  Business strategy may become compromised due to complexities of relationships between operators, employees, and outside parties; or through attempts to expand to seize economies of scope.  For example, business strategy may become unclear during periods of high employee turnover or when a business expands into new market channels.  Periods high turbulence, when structure, goals, and values become unclear, are when resilience is most necessary.  Operational resilience can serve as a dynamic buffer, enabling quick adaptation to internal and external pressures, and sufficient slack resources to provide leeway while maneuvering through unforeseen challenges (Lippsmeyer and Langemeier, 2023).

Information Technology

Information technology draws parallels between the collection and use of farm data to the concept of ‘surveillance capital’ used to enhance social media platforms (Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje, 2024b).  In the context of production agriculture, information technology provides data-driven insights, helping producers identify operational inefficiencies, and assisting in on farm decision-making.  The effectiveness of this resource is highly dependent on data collection, organization, and ability to accurately analyze the data and draw correct interpretations.

A common risk associated with information technology is data security.  Whether it is financial data collected by a lender, input supplier data, or your farm production data, there are significant concerns about how to protect data from being stolen or accessed without permission.  Strategies to limit data accessibility include user authentication to ensure only authorized users can access your farm records, data encryption for sending sensitive information, and access control limits to restrict who can view, modify, or delete data.  In the age of increasing data collection and use, it is critical to read and fully understand contracts with equipment or information technology companies prior to signing away rights, and subsequently, knowing how to revoke access if necessary.

Risks relating to information technology span beyond data security.  Often even if data collection and storage is done in a secure manner, there remain difficulties or limitations associated with data processing.  This poses potential issues of uninformed or ill-informed farm decisions if incorrect conclusions are drawn from analysis, despite best efforts to use data driven insights.

Financial Resources

Financial resources include cash, investments, equity, and receivables, all of which provide liquidity to fund business expenses and updates to physical resources.  Sufficient financial resources ensure farming operations can pursue new opportunities when they arise and have ability to weather through unexpected periods of high input costs or low market prices.  Risks to financial resources include limited access to debt or equity capital and insufficient liquidity.  Without the availability of financial resources, the ability to grow or seize new opportunities is significantly constrained, if not entirely unfeasible.

Physical Resources

Physical resources include land, machinery, buildings, and inventories.  These assets are characterized by significant initial investment, continual need for maintenance, and a lack of liquidity relative to financial resources.  Assessments of physical resources may vary based on the type of farming operation and the type of resource but generally take into account the resource’s useful life, initial level of investment, quality of maintenance, and salvage value.  For example, maintaining land resources may involve soil testing, use of fertilizers to improve nutrient content, or use of cover crops to prevent erosion.  While other physical resources like planters and combines need much more frequent maintenance and replacement after exhaustion of their useful life.

One of the major risks related to physical resources is inefficient use (i.e., low utilization rates).  Inefficient use of machinery or storage facilities results in higher than necessary production costs.  However, inefficient use may be justified in some scenarios.  While inefficient use of physical resources is undesirable in the long run, for an operation that plans to grow, having some degree of slack may increase flexibility.

Other risks include improper care and overuse of a resource.  These risks are often attributed to poor management or lack of investment due to ownership structure – for example, producers who rent versus own machinery or farm ground are typically more hesitant to make major investments because there is no guarantee they will reap the future benefit from the investment.

Inventories are the final physical resource we will address.  Inventories, particularly stored crops, present unique risks including contamination with aflatoxin, insect infestation, or fire in storage bins from inadequate drying procedures.  Inventories are the most liquid physical resource for farming operations, typically being sold within one year of harvest, and often used to supplement financial resources.

Human Resources

There are two varieties of human resources we will discuss: those internal to an operation and those which are external.  Internal human resources include employees, management, company owners, as well as the relationships, knowledge, and competencies of each.  These resources have extensive operational and industry knowledge which is built through time.  Prior research shows experience displays positive relationships with profitability and financial efficiency (Vanhuyse, Bailey, and Tranter, 2021).  Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje (2024b), discuss the importance of human resources and provide strategies for how to attract and retain quality employees.  Risks relating to internal human resources include talent shortages, insufficient workforce, employee retention, and lack of experience.  Losing employees incurs significant operational costs, both directly (due to insufficient labor availability) and indirectly (due to loss of tacit operational knowledge) (Spender and Grant, 1996).

External human resources include customer relations, interactions with and knowledge of suppliers.  These relationships are more challenging to control due to their indirect connection with a business, yet remain critical for success.  Risks relating to customer relations include losses of long-term customers and related market opportunities.  Often these risks are closely related to product quality, pricing, and timeliness, as well as organizational resources.  If customers perceive you as an unreliable supplier, relationships will deteriorate quickly.  Maintaining consistent product quality, efficient logistics, knowledgeable employees, and quality service are all strategies businesses use to encourage longevity of reliable customer relationships (Claycomb and Martin, 2001).

Supplier risks include untimely deliveries, varying quality of inputs, and excessive or unexpected costs.  These factors have the potential to influence quality or price of a product, potentially reflecting poorly on your business.  Careful and frequent evaluation is necessary to decide which suppliers to continue doing business with, how to set and maintain input standards, and strategies to reward suppliers for desirable behaviors.

Setting Business Objectives

Obtainable business objectives are a critical part of every good farm business plan, so a direct path can be plotted from current performance levels to improved performance where objectives are met.  Objectives may vary by enterprise, but likely revolve around improving quality standards, profitability metrics, and timeliness.

Objectives may include achieving specific quality benchmarks for products, retaining a specific proportion of contract agreements from year to year, ensuring a given percentage of deliveries are completed on time, or having management take part in strategy, business, or leadership improvement workshops.  Objectives relating to information technology include learning to collect and store yield data, or developing systems to analyze the impact of different inputs on crop health.  Objectives for financial resources include achieving specific financial ratio benchmarks, paying off high-interest lines of credit, or saving to invest in a new piece of machinery.  Objectives to enhance and maintain human resources might involve hiring additional staff, offering career development opportunities, or offering incentives for loyal customers.

Developing A Business Plan

Using Figure 1, we encourage you to evaluate each of your farm’s key resources to help pinpoint any weaknesses in your resource base and subsequently identify areas in your operation needing improvement.  Business plans should begin by identifying strengths or weaknesses of current resources, assessing the implications of relative strengths (or weaknesses) in achieving business objectives, and then focus on setting up step by step plans to achieve those objectives.

Once your business plan has been created, considerations also need to be made for the timing of major organizational changes or substantial investments.  Both external shocks (e.g., macroeconomic uncertainties) and available operational slack must be considered to identify optimal timing to improve your resource base (Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje, 2024b).

In order to identify actions effective in making change, regular evaluations with consistent standards must be used to assess resource strength and progress made towards achieving objectives.  Continually assessing strengths and weaknesses of key resources and identifying potential improvements can prevent businesses from developing a ‘needs-based strategy’ which waits for major issues to arise, then scrambles to control damage.

Conclusions

This article has provided a discussion of key resources and risks associated with each.  By considering the strengths and weaknesses of your resource base, combined with the appropriate timing for investments, you will be better equipped to develop an effective business plan.  Using the tools provided in this article, we prompt you to critically assess your farm’s key resources and develop a business plan which progresses from your current resource base to achieving business objectives.

Claycomb, C. and C.L. Martin, C. L. (2001). “Building Customer Relationships: An Inventory of Service Providers' Objectives and Practices.” Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 19 (6). https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000006109

Lippsmeyer, M. and M. Langemeier. (2023). “ Agility and Absorption Capacity .”  farmdoc daily (13):75, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, April 24.

Lippsmeyer, M., M. Langemeier, J. Mintert, and N. Thompson.  (2023). “ Resilience to Strategic Risk .”  farmdoc daily (13):115, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, June 23.

Lippsmeyer, M., M. Langemeier, and M. Boehlje.  (2024a). “ Integrated Risk Management: Developing an Asset-Based Business Strategy .”  farmdoc daily (14):54, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, March 18.

Lippsmeyer, M., M. Langemeier, and M. Boehlje.  (2024b). “ Key Resources Determining the Future of the Farm .”  farmdoc daily (14):60, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, March 27.

Olsen, E. (2007). Assessing Your Business and Its Capabilities. In Strategic Planning for Dummies (pp. 121-140). Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, Inc.

Spender, J., and R. Grand, R. (1996). Knowledge and the Firm: Overview. Strategic Management. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.4250171103

Vanhuyse, F., A. Bailey, and R. Tranter. (2021). "Management Practices and the Financial Performance of Farms." Agricultural Finance Review, 81(3) . https://doi.org/10.1108/AFR-08-2020-0126

Disclaimer: We request all readers, electronic media and others follow our citation guidelines when re-posting articles from farmdoc daily . Guidelines are available here . The farmdoc daily website falls under University of Illinois copyright and intellectual property rights. For a detailed statement, please see the University of Illinois Copyright Information and Policies here .

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May 7, 2024

Discussing Key Resources and Risk Exposure in Your Farm Business Plan

by Margaret Lippsmeyer, Michael Langemeier, and Michael Boehlje

Introduction

Developing a business plan for your farm helps align day-to-day operations with overarching business goals. In this article, we explore the importance of assessing current business resources and exposure to risk while creating a business plan. We provide discussion on risks to your business’s key resources, a framework to evaluate the strength of your farm’s resource base, and an outline of how to craft an effective business plan. These topics link back to our previous articles on integrated risk management (Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje, 2024a) and key resources (Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje, 2024b) where we discussed how macroeconomic factors and other external shocks can influence timing and effectiveness of investments in key business resources.

Assessing Resources

Availability and strength of key resources—including financial, physical, human, organizational, and information technology—should shape your business objectives and determine an effective business plan. Business objectives and business plans should focus on strengthening your farm’s key resource base. This resource base acts as a foundation for potential farm expansion, or ability to withstand shocks or stresses in the business environment. Evaluating key resources is a critical initial step in business planning, ensuring you have accurate benchmarks for your business’s resources. These benchmarks help to identify which key resources to leverage and which need to be strengthened.

In the next sections we discuss different types of key resources and major risks associated with each. In addition to this discussion, Figure 1 poses a series of questions which can be used to assess the strength of your farm’s key resources. These questions are intended to pinpoint potential shortcomings in a farm’s resource base, thereby assisting in the development of a business plan that addresses resources needing improvement. Figure 2 illustrates risk exposure by resource category.

Figure 1: Assessing Strength of Business Resources,  Adapted from Olsen (2007)

Figure 2: Risk Exposure

Organizational Resources

Organizational resources are the glue which binds together physical, financial, human resources, and information technology, giving direction and meaning to a farming operation. Organizational resources include business reputation, core values, operational structures, and systems, and play a vital role in differentiating your farm from competitors. For example, most operations can effectively produce yellow corn, but consistent product quality, reliable logistics, trustworthy relationships with input suppliers and product distributors are ways in which your organizational resources may yield a competitive advantage. Many risks associated with organizational resources are considered strategic risks. Strategic risks are caused by external shocks or stresses which create a misalignment between a farm’s business strategy and available resources and capabilities (Lippsmeyer, et al., 2023). These risks lack off-the-shelf risk mitigation strategies, making them particularly threatening for businesses. Risks to organizational resources exemplify strategic risk: coming from a variety of sources, are known to cause brand erosion, tarnish reputation, obscure business strategy, and lack effective tools to mitigate these risks.

Adverse weather conditions reducing crop yield is often categorized as a production risk. However, if as a consequence your operation fails to fulfill a sales contract, the risk becomes a strategic risk, impacting your business’s reputation. Although distributors may have alternative sources to compensate for your shortfall, your farm’s reliability in meeting contractual obligations could come under scrutiny. This could adversely affect your future prospects of securing contracts with the same distributor.

Brand erosion and loss of reputation frequently relate to three factors: price, timeliness, and quality. Balancing a competitive price and product quality is a challenge which impacts a farm’s ability to maintain a positive reputation and retain customers. Moreover, perceptions of certain farming practices (i.e., production using certain chemicals or hormone treatments), negative publicity, or increases in competition may also contribute to brand erosion and reputation loss.

The clarity of a business strategy is another component of strategic risk. Business strategy may become compromised due to complexities of relationships between operators, employees, and outside parties; or through attempts to expand to seize economies of scope. For example, business strategy may become unclear during periods of high employee turnover or when a business expands into new market channels. Periods high turbulence, when structure, goals, and values become unclear, are when resilience is most necessary. Operational resilience can serve as a dynamic buffer, enabling quick adaptation to internal and external pressures, and sufficient slack resources to provide leeway while maneuvering through unforeseen challenges (Lippsmeyer and Langemeier, 2023).

Information Technology

Information technology draws parallels between the collection and use of farm data to the concept of ‘surveillance capital’ used to enhance social media platforms (Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje, 2024b). In the context of production agriculture, information technology provides data-driven insights, helping producers identify operational inefficiencies, and assisting in on farm decision-making. The effectiveness of this resource is highly dependent on data collection, organization, and ability to accurately analyze the data and draw correct interpretations.

A common risk associated with information technology is data security. Whether it is financial data collected by a lender, input supplier data, or your farm production data, there are significant concerns about how to protect data from being stolen or accessed without permission. Strategies to limit data accessibility include user authentication to ensure only authorized users can access your farm records, data encryption for sending sensitive information, and access control limits to restrict who can view, modify, or delete data. In the age of increasing data collection and use, it is critical to read and fully understand contracts with equipment or information technology companies prior to signing away rights, and subsequently, knowing how to revoke access if necessary.

Risks relating to information technology span beyond data security. Often even if data collection and storage is done in a secure manner, there remain difficulties or limitations associated with data processing. This poses potential issues of uninformed or ill-informed farm decisions if incorrect conclusions are drawn from analysis, despite best efforts to use data driven insights.

Financial Resources

Financial resources include cash, investments, equity, and receivables, all of which provide liquidity to fund business expenses and updates to physical resources. Sufficient financial resources ensure farming operations can pursue new opportunities when they arise and have ability to weather through unexpected periods of high input costs or low market prices. Risks to financial resources include limited access to debt or equity capital and insufficient liquidity. Without the availability of financial resources, the ability to grow or seize new opportunities is significantly constrained, if not entirely unfeasible.

Physical Resources

Physical resources include land, machinery, buildings, and inventories. These assets are characterized by significant initial investment, continual need for maintenance, and a lack of liquidity relative to financial resources. Assessments of physical resources may vary based on the type of farming operation and the type of resource but generally take into account the resource’s useful life, initial level of investment, quality of maintenance, and salvage value. For example, maintaining land resources may involve soil testing, use of fertilizers to improve nutrient content, or use of cover crops to prevent erosion. While other physical resources like planters and combines need much more frequent maintenance and replacement after exhaustion of their useful life.

One of the major risks related to physical resources is inefficient use (i.e., low utilization rates). Inefficient use of machinery or storage facilities results in higher than necessary production costs. However, inefficient use may be justified in some scenarios. While inefficient use of physical resources is undesirable in the long run, for an operation that plans to grow, having some degree of slack may increase flexibility.

Other risks include improper care and overuse of a resource. These risks are often attributed to poor management or lack of investment due to ownership structure – for example, producers who rent versus own machinery or farm ground are typically more hesitant to make major investments because there is no guarantee they will reap the future benefit from the investment.

Inventories are the final physical resource we will address. Inventories, particularly stored crops, present unique risks including contamination with aflatoxin, insect infestation, or fire in storage bins from inadequate drying procedures. Inventories are the most liquid physical resource for farming operations, typically being sold within one year of harvest, and often used to supplement financial resources.

Human Resources

There are two varieties of human resources we will discuss: those internal to an operation and those which are external. Internal human resources include employees, management, company owners, as well as the relationships, knowledge, and competencies of each. These resources have extensive operational and industry knowledge which is built through time. Prior research shows experience displays positive relationships with profitability and financial efficiency (Vanhuyse, Bailey, and Tranter, 2021). Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje (2024b), discuss the importance of human resources and provide strategies for how to attract and retain quality employees. Risks relating to internal human resources include talent shortages, insufficient workforce, employee retention, and lack of experience. Losing employees incurs significant operational costs, both directly (due to insufficient labor availability) and indirectly (due to loss of tacit operational knowledge) (Spender and Grant, 1996).

External human resources include customer relations, interactions with and knowledge of suppliers. These relationships are more challenging to control due to their indirect connection with a business, yet remain critical for success. Risks relating to customer relations include losses of long-term customers and related market opportunities. Often these risks are closely related to product quality, pricing, and timeliness, as well as organizational resources. If customers perceive you as an unreliable supplier, relationships will deteriorate quickly. Maintaining consistent product quality, efficient logistics, knowledgeable employees, and quality service are all strategies businesses use to encourage longevity of reliable customer relationships (Claycomb and Martin, 2001).

Supplier risks include untimely deliveries, varying quality of inputs, and excessive or unexpected costs. These factors have the potential to influence quality or price of a product, potentially reflecting poorly on your business. Careful and frequent evaluation is necessary to decide which suppliers to continue doing business with, how to set and maintain input standards, and strategies to reward suppliers for desirable behaviors.

Setting Business Objectives

Obtainable business objectives are a critical part of every good farm business plan, so a direct path can be plotted from current performance levels to improved performance where objectives are met. Objectives may vary by enterprise, but likely revolve around improving quality standards, profitability metrics, and timeliness.

Objectives may include achieving specific quality benchmarks for products, retaining a specific proportion of contract agreements from year to year, ensuring a given percentage of deliveries are completed on time, or having management take part in strategy, business, or leadership improvement workshops. Objectives relating to information technology include learning to collect and store yield data, or developing systems to analyze the impact of different inputs on crop health. Objectives for financial resources include achieving specific financial ratio benchmarks, paying off high-interest lines of credit, or saving to invest in a new piece of machinery. Objectives to enhance and maintain human resources might involve hiring additional staff, offering career development opportunities, or offering incentives for loyal customers.

Developing A Business Plan

Using Figure 1, we encourage you to evaluate each of your farm’s key resources to help pinpoint any weaknesses in your resource base and subsequently identify areas in your operation needing improvement. Business plans should begin by identifying strengths or weaknesses of current resources, assessing the implications of relative strengths (or weaknesses) in achieving business objectives, and then focus on setting up step by step plans to achieve those objectives.

Once your business plan has been created, considerations also need to be made for the timing of major organizational changes or substantial investments. Both external shocks (e.g., macroeconomic uncertainties) and available operational slack must be considered to identify optimal timing to improve your resource base (Lippsmeyer, Langemeier, and Boehlje, 2024b).

In order to identify actions effective in making change, regular evaluations with consistent standards must be used to assess resource strength and progress made towards achieving objectives. Continually assessing strengths and weaknesses of key resources and identifying potential improvements can prevent businesses from developing a ‘needs-based strategy’ which waits for major issues to arise, then scrambles to control damage.

Conclusions

This article has provided a discussion of key resources and risks associated with each. By considering the strengths and weaknesses of your resource base, combined with the appropriate timing for investments, you will be better equipped to develop an effective business plan. Using the tools provided in this article, we prompt you to critically assess your farm’s key resources and develop a business plan which progresses from your current resource base to achieving business objectives.

Claycomb, C. and C.L. Martin, C. L. (2001). “Building Customer Relationships: An Inventory of Service Providers’ Objectives and Practices.” Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 19 (6). doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000006109

Lippsmeyer, M. and M. Langemeier. (2023). “ Agility and Absorption Capacity .”  Center for Commercial Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, April 20.

Lippsmeyer, M., M. Langemeier, J. Mintert, and N. Thompson.  (2023). “ Resilience to Strategic Risk .”  Center for Commercial Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, June 20.

Lippsmeyer, M., M. Langemeier, and M. Boehlje.  (2024a). “ Integrated Risk Management: Developing an Asset-Based Business Strategy .”  Center for Commercial Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, March 15.

Lippsmeyer, M., M. Langemeier, and M. Boehlje.  (2024b). “ Key Resources Determining the Future of the Farm .”  Center for Commercial Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, April 4.

Olsen, E. (2007). Assessing Your Business and Its Capabilities. In Strategic Planning for Dummies (pp. 121-140). Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, Inc.

Spender, J., and R. Grand, R. (1996). Knowledge and the Firm: Overview. Strategic Management. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.4250171103

Vanhuyse, F., A. Bailey, and R. Tranter. (2021). “Management Practices and the Financial Performance of Farms.” Agricultural Finance Review, 81(3) . doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/AFR-08-2020-0126

risk , strategic risk

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Poultry Farm Financial Plan

Have you ever thought of turning your poultry farming dreams into a thriving business?

Well, it could be an exciting venture filled with the joy of nurturing a flock and great opportunities!

But before that, you’ll need to manage your finances carefully and understand the fundamental aspects of your poultry farm’s profit & loss potential. So, it’s crucial to have a strong financial plan in place.

If you need help writing one, don’t worry; we’ll guide you!

Explore this sample poultry farm financial plan that will provide valuable insights into the intricacies of financial planning and help you get started.

Key Takeaways

• The income statement, balance sheet, cash flow projection, and break-even analysis are the primary elements of a poultry financial plan.
• Enhance the accuracy of your plan by exploring the methods of test assumptions and scenario analysis.
• Make reliable financial projections with thorough industry research, clear market understanding, and realistic assumptions.
• Be practical and conservative about your revenue forecasts and cash flows to grab investors’ attention.
• Preparing a financial plan for your poultry farm is much easier and faster when you use a modern financial planning tool.

Poultry Farming Financial Outlook

Before diving right into the financial planning, let’s first explore the recent highlights of the poultry farm industry:

• The global poultry market is expected to gain a significant milestone, exhibiting an estimated value of $375.41 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.5%.
• In the United States, the poultry industry boasts a robust market size, with a total of 15.9 billion fresh meat sales and around 5.74 billion pounds of turkey production.
• Due to growing consumer demand, the chicken & turkey meat production industry in the United States reached a whooping value of $59.1 billion in 2023.
• Hormel Foods Inc. is the leading meat and poultry processing company in the United States, and it reported an impressive net revenue of $12.5 billion.

Overall, this outlook presents lucrative opportunities for new poultry farmers with the increasing demand for eggs and meat consumption in both domestic and international markets.

Now, let’s understand how to draft a strong financial plan for a chicken egg farm.

How to Prepare a Poultry Financial Plan

• Calculate business startup costs
• Determine financing requirements & strategy
• Understand your business model
• Identify revenue streams
• Market analysis and pre-assumptions
• Make financial projections
• Test assumptions and scenario analysis
• Monitor and update your plan

1. Calculate Business Startup Costs

Once you’ve decided to start your poultry farming business , it’s very crucial to have a clear understanding of your finances, right? So, you’ll need to estimate the startup costs very first!

You may start by identifying all the initial expenses associated with your poultry farm. It includes land acquisition charges or rent, poultry house construction, equipment & machinery purchases, procurement of poultry stock or chicks, labor expenses, business insurance & licensing fees, marketing, and operational costs.

You can also research local market conditions and industry benchmarks to evaluate the typical costs of opening a poultry farm. This will help you get accurate estimates.

Try to be clear and comprise every potential cost, no matter how small it is. You can make a specific list of all the expenses, as shown in the below table:

So, having an accurate idea of startup costs will help you create a proper budget and determine the necessary capital to launch your business successfully.

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2. Determine Financing Requirements & Strategy

Sometimes, people don’t have enough money to start their own business. So, they might need to ask for help from others to get the initial investment.

For poultry farming, you must evaluate the current monetary position and determine how much startup capital you’ll require to fund your business. Also, assess various financing options and develop a clear strategy to secure funding.

Here are a few funding options you may consider:

• Traditional bank loans
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loans
• Private investors
• Partnerships
• Crowdfunding

For each option, you have to evaluate the terms, interest rates, and repayment methods. This will let you devise a financing strategy that aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Then, you can decide which funding option is the most appropriate for your poultry business.

Furthermore, while seeking credit from banks or investors, you’ll need a professional document that projects how your poultry financial modeling works. It will assist potential lenders to have a better idea of your farm.

3. Understand Your Business Model

Developing a scalable business model is a crucial aspect of a financial plan. This is something you have to decide before you start running your business.

It is a strategic framework that defines how you generate income, manage expenses, and reach your financial objectives.

Here is a list of different types of business models for poultry farming:

• Breeder farms
• Broiler farms
• Dual-purpose farms(for both meat and egg production)
• Pullet farms
• Specialty poultry

While deciding on any of the above models, you’ll need to understand their financial considerations, including revenue potential, initial investments, profitability, and operational expenses.

This will help you make well-informed decisions and achieve your financial goals in the long run.

4. Identify Revenue Streams

Identifying your business revenue streams is an essential part of maximizing profitability. So, try to diversify your income sources within the poultry farming market and create a robust portfolio.

It will help potential investors or lenders determine how much revenue your poultry farm intends to generate over the next few years.

For instance, you may include the following revenue streams in your poultry financial projections:

• Sales of poultry meat
• Sales of eggs
• Sales of feathers and manure
• Processed poultry products
• Specialty breeds

In addition to that, consider including other earnings options such as direct-to-consumer sales, agritourism activities, or consulting services to increase revenue potential and diversify income sources.

Well, using Upmetrics could be a great help here. It will not just calculate financial projections but also help you identify relevant revenue streams.

For better understanding, you may consider the following example prepared using Upmetrics:

Furthermore, it allows you to make informed decisions about your revenue by using different ways to forecast income streams, such as unit sales, the charge per service, recurring/hourly charges, or fixed amounts.

So, this can be an effective and accurate way of estimating your income potential.

5. Market Analysis and Pre-Assumptions

A successful business requires a comprehensive market analysis to gain valuable insights into the local business landscape.

While crafting a poultry farming business plan , you’ve already conducted thorough market research and gained a good idea of the target market, customer demographics, industry trends, regulatory requirements, and other poultry producers.

So, it’s time to use that knowledge to prepare a financial forecast and make realistic assumptions about poultry product prices, feed costs, veterinary care & medication budget, wage rates, and housing maintenance.

Here are a few key components that you should include in your plan:

Pricing Strategy

When it comes to devising a pricing strategy, there’s no bound law. Yet, you’ll need to analyze a few factors, such as your poultry products & services, seasonal demand, production costs, quality standards, and consumer preferences, to develop optimal pricing.

You may conduct a competitive market analysis to comprehend the prevailing market prices and set competitive yet profitable sales prices for your poultry products.

Remember, your prices should reflect the value of your poultry farm and still help you generate sufficient returns on your investment.

Sales Forecast

A sales forecast is a primary element of any business, serving as the cornerstone for its profitability and growth.

It helps you estimate the future sales volume and revenues for poultry products within a specific time frame based on pricing strategy, seasonal variations, promotional activities, dietary trends, and consumer preferences.

You can also analyze historical sales data and industry trends to review past sales performance and seasonal patterns while forecasting future target market demands.

Business Expenses

Generally, business expenses are operating costs or day-to-day expenses that will keep your business running smoothly.

For your chicken farm, you have to conduct a thorough analysis of your anticipated expenses, such as poultry housing facilities, equipment, infrastructure, feed & nutrition, labor costs, veterinary care, utilities, transportation, marketing, and administrative expenses.

Not only that, but you should also consider a few factors, like market trends, feed prices, medication rates, and industry standards while estimating your poultry expenses.

Here, you should note one thing—you must account for probable cost overruns or unexpected expenses during business operations. So, be conservative in your financial projections.

6. Make Financial Projections

If you want to attract investors, let the numbers do the talking. This is so because potential investors or stakeholders will look at the financial reports once and decide whether or not to invest in your business.

So, ensure that your key financial reports provide a clear picture of your poultry farm’s financial health and viability.

Here’s a list of several financial statements and analyzes you should incorporate into your projections:

Cash flow statement

A cash flow statement provides a detailed explanation of how much cash your business brings in, pays out, and ends with the cash balance. Typically, it’s an illustration of how well your business is generating cash.

It helps you track the cash flow in and out of your poultry farm over a specific timeframe, generally monthly, quarterly, or annually.

You may take into account the cash flows related to poultry sales, expenses, investments, loan repayments, or borrowing.

Be realistic about your financial assumptions and measure your business’s liquidity, capability to meet financial obligations, and sufficiency of cash flow to fund future investments and expense outlays.

Balance sheet

A balance sheet provides a quick overview of your business’s financial position at a specific time.

It clearly demonstrates what you own, what you owe to vendors or other debtors, and what’s left over for you. After all, it has three main elements:

• Assets: Cash, poultry inventory, equipment, and accounts receivable
• Liabilities: Debts, loan repayments, and accounts payable
• Equity: Owners’ equity & other investments, stock proceeds, and retained earnings

Ideally, it is formulated as, assets = liabilities + equity

By looking at your balance sheet, anyone can get the exact idea of how financially stable your business is, how much cash you hold, and where your money is tied up.

Income statement

The income statement is also known as a profit and loss statement(P&L), explaining how your business made a profit or incurred a loss over a specific period, typically monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Depending on the structure and type of your business, consider adding these factors—revenue or sales, operating expenses, and gross margin to your profit and loss statement.

You may calculate the gross margin by subtracting the cost of sales or COGS from revenue. It enables you to determine your business’s efficiency in utilizing resources.

Further, the P&L statement should also include operating income, which is equivalent to EBITDA. And the net income is the ultimate goal of any business, found at the end by deducting the operational expenses from EBITDA.

Overall, the income statement helps you gauge your business’s profitability, financial performance, and feasibility in the long run.

Break-even Analysis

The break-even analysis allows you to determine the point at which your poultry farm’s total revenue matches its total expenses, causing no profit or loss.

It helps you evaluate the minimum level of poultry sales or revenue needed to cover its fixed and variable costs.

This analysis provides valuable insights into your financial sustainability and helps you set sales targets, pricing strategies, and cost-contro l criteria.

What is the average break-even period for a poultry farm?

Typically, the average break-even period for a poultry farm can range anywhere from 1 to 3 years, depending on a few factors such as location, initial investment, market demand, pricing for poultry products, production efficiency, feed prices & availability, equipment used, transportation costs, and operational scale.

7. Test Assumptions and Scenario Analysis

As your entire plan is prepared based on assumptions, you’ll need to regularly review and stress-test your financial projections to check their relevance with market realities and business performance.

In this stage, you may consider various “what-if” situations and think about scenarios where things go well or don’t.

For instance, you’ll need to consider the changes in feed prices, disease outbreaks, market fluctuations, or regulatory shifts to measure the stability of your chicken farm financial plan.

By performing test assumptions and sensitivity analysis, you can adjust your strategies accordingly to mitigate risks, optimize returns, and make well-informed business decisions.

8. Monitor and Update Your Plan

Once your plan is ready, continuously evaluate and monitor your poultry farm’s financial performance closely against the financial projections and key performance indicators(KPIs).

You can compare the actual financial results with the projected income streams, expenses, and ROI to take note of any variances or deviations from the plan.

If some factors are remarkably different from projections, recognize the causes behind them. This will help you understand which areas need improvement and which works as anticipated.

Also, review and update your strategies accordingly to optimize financial results and achieve long-term success.

Now that you know how to create a solid poultry farm financial plan, it’s time to explore an example for easy understanding.

Poultry Financial Plan Example

Drafting a poultry financial plan from scratch can be overwhelming, right? But not to worry; we’re here to help you with a realistic financial plan example prepared using Upmetrics.

It includes all the key elements of poultry’s financial projection, including the income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, and break-even point. This will simplify the entire planning process and help you get started.

Start Preparing Your Poultry Farm Financial Plan

And that’s a wrap. We’ve discussed all the fundamental aspects of financial planning. So, use that knowledge to finish your small business financial plan .

Still, feeling like a tough job? Don’t worry; we have an easy way for you!

Upmetrics will help you build comprehensive yet investment-ready plans in minutes using its AI Assistance and financial forecasting features.

You’ll have to simply input your financial assumptions and let it figure out the rest!

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some financial tools i can use.

Poultry farmers can use various financial tools and software, including accounting platforms, modern financial forecasting software , farm management systems, Microsoft Excel, or Google Sheets to manage their finances carefully.

How often should I review my poultry financial plan?

It’s advisable to review your poultry financial plan regularly, at least quarterly or annually. However, it may require more frequent updates whenever there are significant changes in the business operations, financial conditions, and regulatory requirements.

What financial metrics should I track for my chicken farm?

As a chicken farm owner, you should track several financial metrics, including

• Average daily gains
• Feed conversion ratio
• Feed intake per bird per day
• Hatching eggs set per week
• Number of eggs produced
• Net profit margin
• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)

How long should a poultry farm’s financial projection be?

The financial projections for a poultry farm should cover a period of 3 to 5 years, as this time frame allows for a more comprehensive view of your farm’s financial performance and assists you in long-term planning.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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