This article was originally published in Wisconsin Agriculturist Magazine

Spring is just around the corner which makes it a great time to consider what you would like to change. Some people have personal goals for change, but what about your farm goals? Are there aspects of the farm you would like to upgrade, incorporate new technology, or change all together?

According to a publication Small Farms in the United States by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “Persistence Under Pressure,” beef ranks in the top three commodities in all Gross Cash Farm Income (GCFI) categories. In every farm size class, three commodities account for at least two-thirds of class production, they are beef, grain/soybeans, and hay.

Consider expansion

When prices are good, farmers tend to be more willing to explore or expand enterprises on the farm. For example, a cow/calf operation might add a feedlot enterprise to the farm or add another species such as sheep or goats to clean up pastures after beef. In both cases, extra income from livestock sales should be a result of the change. Perhaps expansion beyond cattle to make better use of the land, such as the addition of hemp or hazelnuts, is an option. This is also a time to consider what is the best route to streamline the farm. When prices are down, it is already too late to decide how to reduce spending without having to make hasty decisions.

Beef farming looks different on every farm. Operations range from intensely managed feedlots and cow/calf farms to hobby farms and everything in between. One thing all farms have in common is they can improve with management strategy.
Michigan State University offers several key strategies for long-term success on your farm:

Choose your farm strategy. Planning a strategy for your farm includes determining what you are good at and what needs improvement. If you work off the farm and beef cattle are your evening and weekend job, you may not be efficient at making quality hay. In this case hiring a custom harvester can reduce your need for expensive equipment on the farm and potentially improve forage quality.

Create value for your customer. Farming is just work without a customer, so who is your product for? This farm assessment can take some time, as this is when a farm can change direction, increase production, or decrease. Is your market reliable? Are you spending too much time and money on a less profitable part of the farm? This may be a time to consider outside the box ideas such as agrotourism and value-added direct-market products.

Increase asset utilization. Farmers are often thought of as asset rich and cash poor. Farms have buildings, land, and equipment all depreciating in value every day. Scrutinizing what assets are being used to their fullest potential and what can be improved will increase the farm’s profitability. Can equipment be shared with a neighbor? Can hay be stored in a building not currently being used? Evaluate every space and tool on the farm to find that potential.

Get smart. It is stressful being the jack-of-all-trades. While that person is useful in general, they likely need assistance with a complex problem. Hire consultants to do the complex work for the farm. As the owner, you will still be making the ultimate decision, but you will be armed with knowledge and skill from an expert in their field.

Other strategies include knowing the market and buying right. Contracting services and inputs are an excellent risk management strategy. Manage working capital. Try to get fixed rates on loans and pay down loans when times are good. Finally, think like a CEO. Farming is business and goals, strategy, people, and relationships are essential to your business and success.

References:
Hoppe, R., Korb, P., MacDonald, J. (2010, p. 8-9). Small Farms in the United States: Persistence Under Pressure. United States Department of Agriculture. Economic Research Service. Economic Information Bulletin Number 63.

Pennington, D. (2015, February 9). Key strategies for long-term success on your farm. Retrieved from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/key_strategies_for_long-term_success_on_your_farm

Reviewed by: Tina Kohlman, Dairy and Livestock Agent, Extension Fond du Lac County and
Jim Versweyveld, Agriculture Educator, Extension Walworth County