Farm Management and Marketing
Whether you are currently in business or deciding to start an agricultural business, insurance should be part of your risk management strategy. Risk management can take many forms, including insurance, production diversification, and business structure. Insurance shifts some of the risk from the business to the insurance carrier.
Cooperatives (often referred to as “coops”) are an ancient concept where a group works together to meet common needs. This informal arrangement evolved over time into a formal business organization. Cooperatives have special status under tax laws in the United States and most other countries.
An important task in starting a new venture is to develop a business plan, which is a "road map" to guide the future of a business or venture. A business plan should influence daily decision-making and provide direction for the expansion, diversification, and evaluation of the business.
Many agricultural products can be sold directly to the public through a roadside market. Retailing directly to consumers can be a viable alternative marketing strategy and means of increasing profits for many small-scale agricultural ventures.
The Agricultural Alternatives series provides information on marketing, production costs, resource requirements, and other management factors that small-scale and part-time farmers should consider before starting an alternative farm enterprise. This publication explains the design and format of sample budgets used in the series.
Tens of thousands of households throughout Pennsylvania cherish the unique lifestyle of small-scale farming. With newcomers to farming in mind, this publication explores the available options for planning and financing a small-scale or part-time enterprise.
Marketing is important to all farm enterprises, regardless of size. It is strongly recommend that you identify and research your market before you become a fruit and vegetable grower.
Due to a diversity of production conditions and marketing opportunities, Pennsylvania readily lends itself to small-scale production. Small-scale farming can be a very satisfying lifestyle, but to be financially successful you also need to view your operation as a business.
As a farm business owner or someone who leases land for your farming operation, you face liability issues. As soon as someone enters your property, whether invited or not, you have some form of responsibility for that person’s safety.
This fact sheet is intended for general education educational purposes. Farmers and other small business owners should seek advice from competent tax advisers for specific questions and/or circumstances.
