This Toolkit contains resources in the following categories. Note: Some resources appear in multiple categories.
Do you have a resource to add to this Toolkit? Please contact us!
Overview

Basics to successful business and financial planning, record-keeping, managing risk, and maintaining a sustainable farm operation.
Business & Financial Planning 101 (PDF)
Source: FarmsReach |
Type: Info Sheet
Assess profit and value of your farm; manage cash flow; keep your books in order; and help prepare for loans.
Building a Sustainable Business (PDF)
Source: SARE |
Type: Reference
Comprehensive workbook to develop a whole-farm business plan. For new and experienced farmers.
FINPACK ()
Source: University of Minnesota – Center for Farm Financial Management |
Type: Software Tool
Tool to manage balance sheets, monthly cash flow, long-range strategy, and overall financial analysis.
AgSquared ()
Type: Software Tool
Farm management and planning tool, with streamlined record-keeping features.
AgPlan ()
Source: University of Minnesota – Center for Farm Financial Management |
Type: Software Tool
Business plan developer, including resources and tips on what to include and samples.
Quickbooks ()
Type: Software Tool
Used for expense tracking, payroll and payment processing, tax and bank information tracking, and more.
Starting a New Farm

Basic resources on what to grow, which markets to sell to, and elements any new farm business should consider.
Farm Loan Basics (PDF)
Source: FarmsReach |
Type: Info Sheet
Basics for those who have never considered or successfully applied for a farm loan: lender relationships, alternative funding sources, utilizing a good financial record, and doing your homework.
Evaluating A Farming Enterprise (PDF)
Source: ATTRA |
Type: Reference
Guide to help beginning farmers determine what to grow and to whom and how to sell it.
Order hardcopy - $3.00
Farm Business Start-Up Checklist (PDF)
Source: ATTRA |
Type: Checklist
Rules, regulations, tax liabilities, and insurance requirements to consider before starting a business.
Financing Your Farm: Guidance for Beginning Farmers (PDF)
Source: ATTRA |
Type: Reference
Learn several financing options for starting a farm and the step-by-step process of applying for a loan.
One Page Business & Financial Plans ()
Source: National Good Food Network |
Type: Webinar
A walk-through of the documents with tips and examples, and then a short Q&A session.
Planning Your Organic Farm for Profit ()
Source: eOrganic |
Type: Webinar
Author Richard Wiswall shows how to track income and expenses to reveal your profit centers.
Price your Product for Profit ()
Source: VT New Farmer Project |
Type: Webinar
Basics of pricing your products, how to calculate your break-even point, and how to adjust your prices without losing your customers. Registration required.
CA Guide to Labor Laws for Small Farms (PDF)
Source: NCAT/ATTRA & CA FarmLink |
Type: Reference
A well-organized, comprehensive guide for CA farmers to understand the federal and state laws pertaining to labor, apprentices and interns.
Analyzing Financial Performance of Crops

Keep track of production costs, income, and expenses for each crop, and measure overall financial sustainability year to year.
Business & Financial Planning 101 (PDF)
Source: FarmsReach |
Type: Info Sheet
Assess profit and value of your farm; manage cash flow; keep your books in order; and help prepare for loans.
Crop Enterprise Budget Template (Excel)
Source: Richard Wiswall, The Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook |
Type: Spreadsheet
Decision-making tool to analyze the income and expenses of each crop.
Price Your Product for Profit ()
Source: VT New Farmer Project |
Type: Webinar
Basics of pricing your products, how to calculate your break-even point, and how to adjust your prices without losing your customers. Registration required.
Veggie Compass (Excel)
Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Type: Calculator/Wizard
Calculates cost of production for each crop and the profitability of each market channel.
Veggie Compass User Manual (PDF)
Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Type: Reference
Complete user guide for the online financial management tool: Veggie Compass.
AgSquared ()
Type: Software Tool
Farm management and planning tool, with streamlined record-keeping features.
Preparing Basic Financial Reports

Basic templates to measure financial performance over time and make informed financial decisions for the future of your business.
Business & Financial Planning 101 (PDF)
Source: FarmsReach |
Type: Info Sheet
Assess profit and value of your farm; manage cash flow; keep your books in order; and help prepare for loans.
Balance Sheet Template (Excel)
Source: Richard Wiswall, The Organic Farmer's Business Handbook |
Type: Spreadsheet
Calculate your operation's assets, equity and liability.
Income Statement Template (Excel)
Source: Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program |
Type: Spreadsheet
Measure the success of your business in terms of net income and loss. Also called a profit and loss statement.
Cash Flow Projections Template (Excel)
Source: Farm Service Agency |
Type: Spreadsheet
Record-keeping tool to document your operation’s cash-in and cash-out for each month, quarter or year.
FINPACK ()
Source: University of Minnesota – Center for Farm Financial Management |
Type: Software Tool
Tool to manage balance sheets, monthly cash flow, long-range strategy, and overall financial analysis.
Quickbooks ()
Type: Software Tool
Used for expense tracking, payroll and payment processing, tax and bank information tracking, and more.
Farm Financing

How to secure financing for your operation through grants and loans, raising capital, and working with financial lenders.
Farm Loan Basics (PDF)
Source: FarmsReach |
Type: Info Sheet
Basics for those who have never considered or successfully applied for a farm loan: lender relationships, alternative funding sources, utilizing a good financial record, and doing your homework.
Microloan Options for Small Farms (PDF)
Source: FarmsReach |
Type: Info Sheet
Full transcript from the workshop at the 2014 CA Small Farm Conference, where the three main farm microloan funds in CA (FSA, CA FarmLink and KivaZip) shared the in's and out's of accessing their funding, and two farmers who recently received microloans shared their experience and advice for other farmers.
Federal, CA State & Private Grants & Loans for Agriculture (Excel)
Source: FarmsReach |
Type: Info Sheet
Funds available through USDA, CDFA, SARE and others, including deadlines, program details, eligibility requirements, and contacts.
Financing Your Farm: Guidance for Beginning Farmers (PDF)
Source: ATTRA |
Type: Reference
Learn several financing options for starting a farm and the step-by-step process of applying for a loan.
The Farmer’s Guide to Agricultural Credit (PDF)
Source: RAFI-USA |
Type: Reference
Tool to help transitioning farmers prepare and present a business plan to agricultural lenders unfamiliar with diversified operations.
Insurance

Which insurance policies are right for your operation and where to find the lowest rates in your area.
Basics to Analyze Your Coverage (PDF)
Source: FarmsReach |
Type: Info Sheet
When to review your policies, what to consider in general coverage & workers comp, and how to choose a broker.
Record-Keeping

Farm management software tools to help you keep more detailed and easy-to-track records year to year.
FINPACK ()
Source: University of Minnesota – Center for Farm Financial Management |
Type: Software Tool
Tool to manage balance sheets, monthly cash flow, long-range strategy, and overall financial analysis.
AgSquared ()
Type: Software Tool
Farm management and planning tool, with streamlined record-keeping features.
AgPlan ()
Source: University of Minnesota – Center for Farm Financial Management |
Type: Software Tool
Business plan developer, including resources and tips on what to include and samples.
Quickbooks ()
Type: Software Tool
Used for expense tracking, payroll and payment processing, tax and bank information tracking, and more.
COG-Pro ()
Type: Software Tool
Track detailed production records, and generate reports sent electronically to your certification provider.
Taxes

What you need to do to file correctly, legally, and on-time.
Farmer’s Tax Guide (PDF)
Source: IRS |
Type: Reference
How to report farm income, deductible expenses, self-employment tax, and deductions for buying or improving land.