business plans for agricultural producers

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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.

Upmetrics AI Assistant: Simplifying Business Planning through AI-Powered Insights. Learn How

Agriculture, Farm & Food Production Business Plans

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Did you find what you are looking for.

Agriculture or farming is the only industry consistently performing well, regardless of economic climate changes.

Whether you plan to start farming, cannabis cultivation, a cattle farm, or nursery business, you’ll do great as long as you do things right and have a solid business plan.

This library of farm business plan examples here can inspire and guide you as you begin to plan your business. So, don’t worry; we got you covered on that part.

Let’s learn more about these agriculture business plan samples, starting with their benefits.

Benefits of using an industry-specific business plan example

Believe it or not, using an industry-specific business plan example is the best and probably the quickest way of writing a business plan.

Doubt it? Hold, this may change your perception; an extended list of the benefits of using an industry-specific business plan template.

• Inspiration : Reading a business-specific template can be incredibly helpful in getting content inspiration. Furthermore, it helps you gain insights into how to present your business idea, products, vision, and mission.
• Risk-free method : You are taking a reference from a real-life, let’s say, plant nursery business plan—so you know this plan has worked in the past or uses a method subscribed by experts.
• Deep market understanding : Analyzing and reading such examples can provide clarity and develop a deeper market understanding of complex industry trends and issues you may not know but relate directly to the realities of your business landscape.
• Increased credibility : A business plan developed using an example follows a standard business plan format, wisely presents your business, and provides invaluable insights into your business. There’s no question it establishes you as a credible business owner, demonstrating your deep business and market understanding.
• Realistic financial projections : Financial forecasting being a critical aspect of your plan, this real-life example can help you better understand how they project their financials—ultimately helping you set realistic projections for your business.

These were the benefits; let’s briefly discuss choosing an agriculture or food production plan example that best suits your business niche.

Choosing an Agriculture or Farming Business Plan

This category has business plan templates for various farming or agricultural businesses. With many similar business types and templates, you may not find the most suitable one through manual scrolling.

Here are the steps to consider while choosing the most suitable business plan template.

Identify your business type

Are you planning to start cannabis cultivation? Or thinking of doing organic farming? Thinking of taking care of horses through horse boarding?

Asking yourself these questions will help you identify your business type, which will help in choosing a niche-specific business plan template.

Once you identify your business type, you can choose between templates for different business segments.

Search for the template

We have an in-built search feature, so you can easily search for a business-specific template using your business type as a key term. Once you have the search results, choose the most suitable one. Simple as that.

Review the example

Look closely at the content of the sample business plan you are considering. Analyze its sections and components to identify relevant as well as unnecessary areas.

Since all the Upmetrics templates are tailored to specific business needs, there won’t be many fundamental customizations. However, a hybrid business model targeting multiple customer segments may require adjustments.

For instance, if you plan to start a cannabis cultivation business and also produce and sell CBD, you may need to adjust some of your business plan sections accordingly.

No big deal—you can view and copy sections from other business plan examples or write using AI while customizing a template.

That’s how you find and select the most suitable business plan for your farming business. Still haven’t found the perfect business plan example? Here’s the next step for you.

Explore 400+ business plan examples

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Agricultural Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Agricultural Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Agricultural business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Agricultural companies.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Agricultural business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Schrute’s Roots is a startup agricultural business that produces crops for Scranton, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. Schrute’s Roots will specifically grow root vegetables, including potatoes, onions, and beets. The company’s mission statement is to work hard to grow these vegetables organically and without any chemicals. We will sell our produce at local farmer’s markets as well as to local restaurants and other establishments that would like to use or sell our produce.

Schrute’s Roots is owned and led by Dwight Schrute. Dwight has been a farm operations manager for the past twenty years, bringing a plethora of knowledge and skills that will prove to be invaluable to all aspects of the business. After working as a farm operations manager, Dwight desired to run his own agricultural farm business that grows organic produce and benefits the local community. He will utilize his prior knowledge and experience to manage crop production, operations, and other aspects of the business.

Product Offering

Schrute’s Roots grows a variety of root vegetables for Scranton, Pennsylvania and the local community. All produce will be organically grown. We alternate our crops, so the exact crops that are grown will be dependent on the season and current crop cycle. Some crops that we plan to grow include the following:

Customer Focus

Schrute’s Roots will primarily serve the residents and businesses of Scranton, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas. Any individual or establishment that is interested in purchasing our crops is welcome to partner with us. We will sell our crops to individuals at local farmer’s markets and directly to wholesalers, grocery stores, and restaurants.

Management Team

Schrute’s Roots’ most valuable asset is the expertise and experience of its founder, Dwight Schrute. Dwight has been a farm operations manager for the past twenty years, bringing a plethora of knowledge and skills that will prove to be invaluable to all aspects of the business. After working as a farm operations manager, Dwight desired to run his own agricultural business that grows organic produce and benefits the local community. He will utilize his prior knowledge and experience to manage crop production, operations, and other aspects of the business.

Success Factors

Schrute’s Roots will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Management: Schrute’s Roots’ management team has years of experience in agricultural operations, which will prove invaluable to all aspects of the business.
• Relationships: Having lived in the community for twenty years, Dwight Schrute knows all of the local leaders, media, and other influencers. As such, it will be relatively easy for Schrute’s Roots to build brand awareness and an initial customer base.
• Quality products at affordable pricing: Schrute’s Roots will provide quality products at affordable pricing, as it has high-quality equipment and uses the latest techniques.

Financial Highlights

Schrute’s Roots is currently seeking $750,000 to start the company. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the land and purchasing equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs and marketing costs. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

• Land: $200,000
• Equipment: $200,000
• Three Months of Overhead Expenses (payroll, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing Costs: $100,000
• Working Capital: $100,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Schrute’s Roots.

Company Overview

Who is schrute’s roots.

Schrute’s Roots is a startup agricultural business that produces crops for Scranton, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. Schrute’s Roots will specifically grow root vegetables, including potatoes, onions, and beets. The company’s mission is to grow vegetables organically and without any chemicals. We will sell our produce at local farmer’s markets as well as to local restaurants and other establishments that would like to use or sell our produce.

  Schrute’s Roots is owned and led by Dwight Schrute. Dwight has been a farm operations manager for the past twenty years, bringing a plethora of knowledge and skills that will prove to be invaluable to all aspects of the business. After working as a farm operations manager, Dwight desired to run his own agricultural business that grows organic produce and benefits the local community. He will utilize his prior knowledge and experience to manage crop production, operations, and other aspects of the business.

Schrute’s Roots’ History

Dwight Schrute incorporated Schrute’s Roots as an S-corporation on May 1st, 2023. The operations aspects of the business will be run from Dwight’s home, while the agricultural aspects will be run from the land purchased for crop production.

Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:

• Found land to grow the crops and wrote a letter of intent to purchase it
• Developed the company’s name, logo, and website
• Determined agricultural equipment and inventory requirements
• Began recruiting key employees

Schrute’s Roots’ Services

Industry analysis.

The agricultural industry is vital to all communities. The crops and products grown by local farmers and crop production companies are essential to the health of local communities. They provide jobs to the locals and result in locally grown food that the nearby residents can purchase. Larger agriculture businesses do not offer these benefits to smaller communities. Because of this, there has been a greater demand and emphasis on the sustainability of local agricultural companies that can directly benefit the local community.

Furthermore, market research shows that local communities are demanding that crop production and other agricultural companies grow their products organically. Organic foods are much healthier for individuals to eat because they provide more nutrition and aren’t laced with chemicals. Improved technology and research into organic methods are making this form of crop production more profitable and sustainable.

Therefore, with the increasing demand for local organic farms, we are confident that Schrute’s Roots will succeed in the local market and benefit the residents of the Scranton area.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Schrute’s Roots will serve the industries and community residents of Scranton, Pennsylvania and its surrounding areas. We will sell our produce at farmer’s markets to individuals and directly to establishments that wish to partner with us.

The demographics of Scranton, Pennsylvania are as follows:

Customer Segmentation

Schrute’s target audience segments include:

• Individuals
• Restaurants
• Grocery Stores

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Schrute’s Roots will face competition from other agriculture businesses. A description of each competitor company is below.

AgraFarm is one of the largest raw food manufacturers in the U.S., owning a 15,000-acre farm for agriculture. It has well-established connections with big FMCG companies and has been thriving in the agricultural industry for 12 years. It also has automated equipment and machines, which helps in improving its operations and reducing costs. AgraFarm is also known for delivering large orders at the right time without delay.

BDA Farms was established in 1998. BDA Farms is a very well-known company that provides good quality organic produce to companies. It also has a very good brand value, and its product packaging is second to none. BDA Farms is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and it has a very effective distribution and supply chain network.

BeetFarms was initially a beets producer company and then branched out to other vegetables. BeetFarms is now one of the ten largest vegetable producers in the state. The Company’s packaging and processing units are located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It has recently acquired other local vegetable producers, expanding its operations as well as limiting the variety of farms producing vegetables for the community.

Competitive Advantage

Schrute’s Roots will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Schrute’s Roots will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Production of high-quality organic produce
• Affordable pricing
• Providing excellent customer service and customer experiences

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Schrute’s Roots is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

Social media is one of the most cost-effective and practical marketing methods for improving brand visibility. The company will use social media to develop engaging content in terms of various forms and technologies of commercial cultivation and post customer reviews that will increase audience awareness and loyalty.

Website/SEO

Schrute’s Roots will develop a professional website that showcases pictures of the farm and the products we will grow. It will also invest in SEO so that the company’s website will appear at the top of search engine results.

Industry Events

By attending regional farming conferences, association meetings, and symposia, Schrute’s Roots will network with agricultural industry leaders and seek referrals to potential customers.

Direct Mail

The company will use a direct mail campaign to promote its brand and draw customers, as well. The campaign will blanket specific neighborhoods with simple, effective mail advertisements that highlight the credentials and credibility of Schrute’s Roots as a high-quality crop production agriculture business.

Schrute’s Roots’ pricing will be competitive. Pricing will be about 50% lower than retail prices to allow wholesalers and retailers to earn their margins.

Operations Plan

Operation Functions: The following will be the operations plan for Schrute’s Roots.

• Dwight Schrute will be the Owner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage client relations. He will help with the produce cultivation until he has hired a full staff of farmhands. Dwight has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Meredith Grant – will oversee all administrative aspects of running the farm. This will include bookkeeping, tax payments, and payroll of the staff.
• Kevin Baird – Head Farmhand who will oversee the farming staff and day to day operations.
• Oscar Smith– Assistant Farmhand who will assist Kevin.

Milestones:

Schrute’s Roots will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 07/202X Finalize land purchase
• 08/202X Design and build out Schrute’s Roots
• 09/202X Hire and train initial staff
• 10/202X Kickoff of promotional campaign
• 11/202X Launch Schrute’s Roots
• 12/202X Reach break-even

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

Schrute’s Roots’ revenues will come from the sales of root vegetables to its customers and local food establishments.

The major cost drivers for Schrute’s Roots will be labor expenses, land purchase, equipment purchases and maintenance, and marketing plan expenses.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $100,000
• Working capital: $100,000

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of customers per month:
• Annual equipment maintenance costs: $20,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, agricultural business plan faqs, what is an agricultural business plan.

An agricultural business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your agricultural business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Agricultural business plan using our Agricultural Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Agricultural Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of agricultural businesses , some examples include: Animal feed manufacturing, Agrichemical and seed manufacturing, Agricultural engineering, Biofuel manufacturing, and Crop production.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Agricultural Business Plan?

Agricultural businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start an Agricultural Business?

Starting an agricultural 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.

1. Develop An Agricultural Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed agricultural 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. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your agricultural 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 agricultural business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Agricultural Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your agricultural 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.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your agricultural business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a 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.

6. 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.

7. Acquire Necessary Agricultural 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.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your agricultural 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. 

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Feed and Farm Supply Business Plan

Start your own feed and farm supply business plan

Latheethen Feeds

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

The following plan is based on 16 years of experience, is highly focused and promises to follow a path of prosperity for its owners and staff. It is based on conservative sales figures, and actual sales may be higher. The projections contained herein are authentic and will be used as the budget for the business. Latheethen Feeds, Inc. will show a profit immediately, and will increase sales and profits each year thereafter.

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. is a well-established custom feed store. The company is engaged in the production of custom livestock feeds, bird feed, deer feed, and other animal products in relation to livestock animals, pets, etc. Latheethen Feeds, Inc. has recently expanded its production facility (custom mill) and is well-positioned to market its workroom production beyond its present client base. The company is dedicated to providing the highest quality customer service, meeting the agreed delivery dates, and keeping the sales prices controlled in accordance with ongoing market trends. The focus of this business plan is to identify future target clients, explain our marketing strategy, improve internal procedures so we can substantially increase profitability, and obtain the funding required to expand the business.

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. is located in Pleasantville, Michigan. The company is a privately owned corporation and has been operating for nearly 16 years. The previous owners live next door to the store, and are planning on moving to their retirement home in Northern Michigan, as soon as this business transaction is completed. However, since the current owners and new owners are in fact family, the current owners will be around if needed and to visit on a bi-weekly basis.

The six counties surrounding Latheethen Feeds contain an estimated 14,695 livestock farms, and 20,434 hunters. However, the entire state is an open market once delivery to customers is an option. Latheethen’s would then be in the market to compete for the business of 53,315 farms. USDA records show that a quarter of a billion dollars is spent annually on feed in the State of Michigan by these same farms. The company’s estimated existing share of the nearby market is less than 1%. Previously, the owners have established an estimated $140,000 of the state total on an annual basis. They have accomplished this without any form of advertisement, and without any outside sales. The new owners are focused on growing the business to gain a greater share, $260,000 annually, of the state total.  

The marketing research and tailored marketing strategy described in this business plan will result in after-tax profits of $22,806 in Year 1 and increasing to nearly $30,000 in after-tax profits within three years, despite significant new advertising and renovation expenses.

To achieve these goals, Latheethen fields needs funding for two different phases of expansion. We are currently seeking a $15,000 short-term loan, to be repaid within two years. This loan will enable us to purchase a delivery truck, a key element of our new sales and marketing strategy. In early Year 2, we will need a second, long-term loan in the amount of $135,000, to build the area’s premier equine boarding stable. The addition of “Mid-Town Meadows” will not only be another source of revenue, but also another source of feed sales. Mid-Town Meadows will be a comfortable, inviting equine resort designed to make our customers and their horses feel as if they are enjoying VIP services in a world all to themselves. The decor and theme will be rustic (log exterior walls), yet formal (private club house overlooking the enclosed arena). The feed store is already located at the main entrance, next to a cascading water fountain and company signs. 

1.1 Objectives

There are five primary objectives by which the success of Latheethen Feeds will be tracked:

• Maintain 100% of existing customer base by consistent customer service.
• Expand our customer base through direct referrals and agressive direct sales. 
• Expand our product line gradually, based on customer requests.
• Expand our custom feed mill to meet the growing sales market.
• Expand the types of services offered to our customers, as their desires are identified.

1.2 Mission

Latheethen Feeds is a family owned and operated company, dedicated to providing our customers with the best premium products and services on the market. Latheethen’s offers all of our customers the direct personal attention they deserve. Our committment to customer service and satisfaction assures us that our customers are 100% satisfied with our products and services.

1.3 Keys to Success

The primary keys to the success of Latheethen Feeds are as follows:

• Product freshness and quality.
• Variety and price.
• Constant research of industry to keep knowledgeable of market needs.
• Management: products delivered on time, professional customer service, managing budgets.
• Constant evaluation of strengths and weaknesses with adjustments made as warranted.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

Latheethen Feeds is a mid-Michigan based farm and feed store dedicated to providing our customers with professional services and high quality feed products. Latheethen’s offers only the best feed and products in the industry. Latheethen’s also offers our customers the option of a custom made feed. Our mill enables us to provide high levels of quality products that are always fresh and available. Latheethen’s primary focus is on keeping our customers satisfied. Professional and reliable service, competitive pricing, and a knowledgeable staff will provide for continued growth in the years to come.

Latheethen’s was founded in 1989 by Chris and Steve Latheethen. Their hard work and dedication has proven to be successful, as Latheethen’s is now one of the area’s premier feed stores and the only one specializing in custom-made feed.

The future of Latheethen’s is looking bright with younger family members taking over ownership. Our focus is on the core products, our sales and promotions emphasize our history and reputation for quality and customer service. With the addition of new energy and enthusiasm from younger owners, we will increase sales and the bottom line. Even though the new owners have the time, energy, interest and knowledge to invest in an already successful family business, our greatest asset will be our committment and pride in protecting and growing the business.

In the past, Latheethen’s has been just a feed store…in the future Latheethen’s will grow to become not only a larger provider of quality feeds, but also a boarding stable and resource for customer with inquiries about all areas of pet care.

2.1 Company Ownership

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The new owners will share 50/50 ownership and they are as follows: 

• Kay Latheethen

2.2 Company History

Latheethen Feeds was founded in 1989 as a privately held corporation registered in Midland County, owned and operated by Chris and Steve Latheethen. It was originally a retail company that sold feed and supplies to local customers.

Chris and Steve recognized the need for more variety in products and more competitive pricing. Eventually this idea generated the need for a feed mill, which has greatly increased the success of the business. Producing custom feeds reduces the costs to almost 80% less than it costs to purchase a name brand feed. The custom-made feed has been Latheethen’s best seller because of quality and price.

The past performance table and chart show the increase in sales over the past three years. By adding a point of sale inventory and accounting system, we will be able to better track our best sellers and highest margin items, to increase net revenue. while our cost projections are accurate, the current owners have not tracked sales categories in as much detail as we will.

The previous year shows a large increase in the value of assets. This represents both the value of the acreage on which the business stands (contributed to the business by the current owners), and the recent purchase of the point of sale system which will be used to better track orders.

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. currently offers our customers products and supplies (Feed, Wormer, Treats, Beading, etc.) for the following animals:

• Birds (Caged and Wild)
• Cats and Dogs (Household Pets)
• Deer and Elk
• Fish (Pond)
• Custom Made Feeds
• Delivery (Selective)

Latheethen Feeds will continue to offer all of the above great products, while evaluating the desire and need by our customers for the following items.

• A Complete Line of Feeds for All Animals
• Books (Related to Animals)
• Deer Blinds
• Exotic Animal Feed
• Home and Garden Accessories
• Landscape Supplies
• Live Animals
• Organic Gardening
• Plants, Flowers and Trees
• Ponds and Water Gardens
• Tools and Gloves

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. will continue to offer the existing services, but we will also be expanding our services to include the following as customers demonstrate an interest in supporting the addition of such services.

• Delivery (Full Time)
• Equine Massage
• Equine Boarding and Stable 

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

Latheethen Feeds is the only custom feed manufacturer in the Midland, Michigan area and surrounding 50 mile radius. In the past, our market has been individual end users. Recent market analysis suggests that our custom feeds could be marketed to other direct feed stores outside of this 50 mile radius.

In reviewing our existing customer base, and recognize the broad range of local organizations such as 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) and area farms and ranches, we have seen the possibilities for potential market growth. Latheethen’s has never had a direct sales force, advertised, or approached the specialized market they dominate with any zest for growth.

More than sixteen years in this business with success in the creation of formulas of high quality, cost-contained custom feed, mixed with the energy of youth and enthusiasm to grow this family business is greatly reinforced by the simple market analysis outlined below.

4.1 Market Segmentation

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. will focus on the following markets:

• 4-H Enrollments: Simply put, this segment of our market is our future. We are working with 4-H to further interest in animals, their nutritional needs, and means of cost containment. Through offering quality custom feeds we will provide success for today and many tomorrows as these youth become adult consumers (while annually, new youth will be targeted). This market will allow for sales of all our feed products as 4-H offers exposure to a variety of animals.
• Cattle Farms: The number of cattle farms within a 100 mile radius of Latheethen Feeds is quite phenomenal. There are many different purposes for these farms as well. Some raise cattle for auction and slaughter while some raise cattle for milk processing. All together, this is a market that is small, but would be very lucrative just by having a few of these commercial accounts purchase their feed from us on a weekly basis. The cattle market is very tough, but with our low prices and quality service, we should be able to obtain at least 10% of the overall market.
• Horse owners: We will provide custom feed while building customer relationships for long term growth and expansion into our goals of massage, boarding and other related services. Horse owners range from individual owners to ranches and even direct marketing to area race tracks will be undertaken.
• Hunters: These customers, of all ages and genders, have contributed a great deal of the Latheethen’s cash flow over the years. Expanding on simple hunter spontaneous purchases (jerky, nuts, dried fruit) will increase net revenue without an increase in labor, space or marketing costs.  During the hunting season, “regulars” stop for beets, carrots, corn and apples on their way to their blind. Adding these impulse-purchase items will add to our bottom line.
• Livestock Farmers: This market is virtually up for grabs. Tax-exempt farmers look for the best in quality and price, both of which Latheethen’s offers to our customers. Farmers also look for availability of large quantities. Again, at Latheethen’s, we can handle any size order from less than a pound through orders containing thousands of pounds. Latheethen’s custom feed mill will again prove to be a big asset when dealing with the farmers.

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

Strategically targeting all the 4-H enrollments close to our business helps serve the needs and requirements of our local customers, and ties in logically with our marketing plan (see below) and our style of feed store. The youth of the 4-H are our future. These customers have regimented schedules, and find value in exceptional service, low prices and high quality feed. This first tier of our market segment is also the primary focus of our marketing plan, which has a deep commitment to focusing on the support of the 4-H kids and their community. 

Our THIRD-TIER group, Horse Owners, will find that Latheethen’s special blend of oats and grains, all mixed in with our high quality minerals, results in premium feed at an affordable cost. All of these things are essential factors in a customer’s feed-buying decision. Our specialty horse feeds are made for both the average horse and for the equine racer, both of which are numerous in our area. We need to market the right avenues to gain industry share in this rapidly expanding market.

Our FOURTH-TIER, Hunters, is simply the largest in number of individual purchasers. Hunters are mostly seasonal customers, from the months of September through December we will see our numbers skyrocket when compared to the other eight months of the year. For projection purposes, we figured on having a low 30% of the total available market (69,232). This total potential market includes hunters from six of our surrounding counties (within a 50 mile radius). The actual number of hunters that stop by on their way to their cabins or blinds is substantially higher than forecasted.

Our FIFTH-TIER, Other Livestock Farms, represents a market that has an abundant number of feed users. Our custom feed mill allows us to manufacture any type of animal feed we desire, which help us acquire the available customers in this tier. From sheep and goat feed to rabbit and turkey feed, we make it all. Again, when we make our high quality feed, we make it with the highest quality products and sell it at wholesale prices. This market is basically up for grabs, as there are currently no competitors within a 125 mile radius that can supply these customers with such a high quality feed at the lowest costs possible.

We acquired our data for our market analysis from the Department of Natural Resources, the 4-H Council, and from USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

All of our projections are based on actual, real-life numbers (number of people/farms/etc.). We forecasted conservatively to show the actual amount of business we can easily obtain through a few advertisements and direct marketing.

4.3 Service Business Analysis

Currently, Latheethen Feeds, Inc. is involved in the manufacture and retail sale of custom feed and related products. Latheethen Feeds straddles two industries – manufacturers of feed, and retailers of feed and farm supplies. Latheethen’s 16 years of success in the custom feed industry is the strong foundation for the success and continued growth.

There are over 7,000 farm product raw materials businesses in the United States, according to the 2002 U.S. Census Economic report. According to the same source, farm supplies and raw materials wholesalers currently sell over $62,000,000 of goods per year. Of these, only 843 of these were selling poultry and livestock feeds mixed on location. With total sales of $8,141,368, businesses like ours sold an average of $9,658 in goods each, per year. This reflects the fact that most of the custom-feed mixers in the United States are very small operations; many of them are farmers who mix their own feed for their own livestock, and sell the extra to neighbors. Latheethen Feeds started out this way, but expanded its product line with snacks for people, and wild and exotic animal feed. By becoming a full-service custom-feed store, and developing a reputation for great service and high quality feed, we have far surpassed the industry average for revenue.

Our products are purchased from wholesale suppliers and re-sold to retail consumers. Our custom feed is a huge competitor with other retail products. The raw goods and time to manufacture cost at least 80% less than similar feeds. With more focus on the overall quality of our feeds, the cost savings to our customers will become more of a word of mouth advertising from end user to end user. Direct referrals are always the best source of committed customer and sustained reliable growth.

There really is no competitor within a 50 mile radius of Latheethen Feeds for custom feed for the wide variety of animals we provide for. Our tasks are to encourage our customers to make referrals, to implement direct marketing to groups such as the 4H and FFA, and to go out to the various ranches and livestock farms and introduce our company and our line of custom feeds.

At this point, we are a great-kept secret, when comparing our customer base to the existing market research potential.

4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

Within the feed and farm supply industry, businesses compete on price, quality, customer service, and delivery. Customer service can include things like ability to produce a range of quantities, and custom-feed options. Customers must also trust the supplier for regular, reliable service and consistent quality, since sudden changes in feed can really disrupt their animals’ digestion and health.

Our existing customers have pretty routine buying patterns. The same customers come at the same time of the week or every other week. Their deliveries are scheduled for the same time, with the same volumes each time. When asking our customers why they use our products, they always have the same answer: “your custom feed is so good for my animal and it is priced just right.”

Most of our customers have been doing business with us for several years. Solid customer relationships, a friendly atmosphere and being available to provide quality products at a good price all add to a successful bottom line.

We strongly believe that by offering delivery services, we will gain a substantial number of new customers, both through the advantages of the new service, and with the new advertising (signs on our truck). We will gain the recognition of new customers through our focused marketing plan.

4.4 Sales Strategy

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. will be entering into direct sales for the first time. Starting in October and November, we will approach members of our target markets within 10 square miles both via phone and with direct visits. Where possible, we will ask existing customers to provide us with an introduction or to mention us to their neighbors and friends before we approach them. This will both lend credibility and pre-qualify potential customers as genuinely in need of our services, based on others’ knowledge of them.

We will tell them about our current products and services, and then ask them clearly what we need to do to earn their business. We will listen to their desires and individual goals. We will then mirror back to them what they have said, to be sure we understand their needs. Finally, we will create an individualized sales proposal with their specific needs (products, volumes, frequency, price, other services) included.

We will present the proposal as a written agreement ready for signature by both parties to begin doing business.

Follow up calls will go to each customer within 24 hours of each delivery to ensure satisfaction. If for any reason there is an issue, it will be handled immediately by one of the owners directly with the customer.

Latheethen’s has previously been successful do to repeat customers. As the business switches hands we will also focus on keeping the existing customers happy and successfully introducing our new products and services. We will always focus on our repeat customers. The loyalty and respect we get from those customers will all play a big role in growing the business and taking it to the next level.

4.4.1 Sales Forecast

The sales forecast for Latheethen Feeds, Inc. includes all varieties of feed, as well as non-feed supplies and future forecasts for boarding stable revenue.

Adding the boarding stable will utilize vacant land and make it work for the company. The addition of the boarding stable will add to our company’s feed sales, and to the specialized services we offer. Boarding Stable costs include laundering of horse blankets, feed used by horses during their stay, and wear and tear on grooming instruments. 

The annual growth rates fluctuate and are defined as:

• 2005 – 3.37%
• 2006 – 8.83%
• 2007 – 34.63%
• 2008 – 16.68%
• 2009 – 14.81%  

The reasoning behind the initial dramatic increase in sales is due to accurate reporting and tracking, and growth of sales (generated through direct sales and advertising). For 2007, 2008 and 2009 we are forecasting significantly increases in our sales as we open the boarding stable. We anticipate that it will take three years to book out all of our stalls.

In 2009, we are forecasting a modest increase of 12.84%, based on the growth of feed sales and stable services alone. We are also planning on bringing back the rodeos and livestock shows that the previous owners have held in past years. This year could prove to be the year to bring back some of the good old days to the new Latheethen Feeds location.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Emphasize customer service We will differentiate ourselves with CUSTOMER SERVICE! We will establish our business as a clear and viable alternative for our target market, from the scores of competitors known for “do-it yourself,” “no we don’t offer that product,” and “no delivery available.”

Customer service is paramount in our business and our business plan. The management team will accomplish this goal by training employees and by providing encouragement.

The new management team of Latheethen Feeds, Inc. believes that an employee who is happy at work will enjoy working. It is always easier to please customers with staff that cares, a facility that is clean and equipment that is kept in proper working order.

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. will also work toward establishing community involvement programs that will demonstrate how the business can contribute to a better quality of community life. Community project groups such as the 4-H Council, the FFA, Schools, churches, and other groups will be welcomed for tours of the facilities and will be shown how the facility can be used to help raise funds for their needs.

Build a relationship-oriented business Build long-term relationships with customers, not single-visit deals. Become their “feed dealer of choice.” Teach them the value of the relationship.

Focus on target markets We need to focus our offerings on specific population groups as the key market segment we should own. We definitely want to be able to sell to smart, quality conscious customers.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. has one of the most sought-after competitive edges in the industry. We have our own individual feed mill that can produce any animal feed requested. All we need is a few ingredients and some time to make our specialty custom feeds.

Our custom mill was built and wired with a 3-phase electrical system (industrial strength) and the best equipment on the market today. Other feed stores dream of having access to their own mill; this is where you make most of your money. Instead of having to be the middle man and purchase a large inventory of generic feeds, we custom-blend and produce our own feed to keep the costs down. When we can produce and market feed that costs us nearly 80% less than it costs to purchase a generic feed, we can keep our shelf prices lower than our competitors.

Let’s face it, lower prices +  higher quality feed = money in the bank.

From the very first day Latheethen’s was open for business in 1989, the owners never advertised. They let the word get around (word-of-mouth advertising). This has obviously worked in their favor, as they are operating a profitable business, as is reflected in net profit increases annually.

In the future we, the new owners of Latheethen’s, will market our products to new customers in various strategic ways. This will aid in bringing in more customers…and will also aid in spreading the word that we are expanding our business. Most of the existing customers come from within a 30 mile radius of the store. Through delivery, we can offer our products and services to anyone willing to pay for it.

Our next competitive edge is that we will be running our delivery truck on a daily basis (once we implement delivery and obtain the necessary business). Most of our other competitors do not deliver or only deliver within a short distance from their location. Again, we will serve our customers with a higher quality feed, high level of professional service, and be willing to take it to their door.

Our strongest competitive edge is that we are family owned and operated and that our knowledge of the feed industry runs deep. With the resources available, the energy we can contribute at our young age, the raw talent for business and deep understanding of customer service, the potential to grow this already exciting business is tremendous.

5.2 Marketing Strategy

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. will implement the following Marketing Strategies upon the business transfer in the following order:

• Direct Marketing: we will personally market (sell face to face) our products to various feed stores, stables, boarding facilities, farms, clubs and race tracks.
• Customer Referral: we will provide customer incentives for direct referrals, in the form of price discounts.
• Website Marketing: we will implement our web plan and review the outcome to determine the efficiency it has on our customer base.
• Event Marketing: we will visit area  livestock events (within 150 miles) to hand out flyers, business cards, and product catalogs, and to meet potential customers face to face.

Through marketing our products in these ways, we project that Latheethen’s will almost double its business within the first 2 years of new ownership.

5.3 Milestones

The following detailed milestone table shown identifies the primary tracking points for our initial company takeover, for our growth and our development process. We have included budgets for each subject and the name of which company came in with the lowest bid price.

Web Plan Summary

Latheethen Feeds, Inc.’s website will enable us to offer customers current information on special sales, promos, new product releases, events, and public service announcements. We also plan on utilizing the Web to sell and market our products and services. An e-store will also be implemented into our web design, allowing customers to place orders for the feed they need right on our website. We will be able to accept and process check and credit card orders immediately online. Our customers will still have the options of paying by cash, check or money order as well.

6.1 Website Marketing Strategy

Our website will be promoted through the use of sponsor listings and affiliate memberships [confidential and proprietary information removed]. Our site will be registered with all of the major search engines. We will also share links with our distributors and manufacturers.

6.2 Development Requirements

Latheethen Feeds, Inc.’s website will be initially developed with few internal technical resources. IPowerWeb will host the site and provide the technical back end. MX-Productions will produce the graphics, logos, artwork, and flash media as they will be developing our website from scratch. Our site will be maintained by one of the owners.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. is presently made up of three employees. The two current owners and one mill operator put in approximately 75 hours a week. As the new business ownership takes effect and various marketing plans are implemented, the product volume will increase. There is sufficient room in the production mill to expand and produce more feed daily. It is planned that the two new owners will oversee the production and day to day business practices.

We will also be contracting a new outside CPA to handle the corporate book keeping and business accounts (listed in the Profit and Loss table). We value and understand how important proper accounting and reporting of all sales activities are to the successful growth of a company. It is through development of this accuracy that true business growth will be verified and available for the continued security of this well-established family business.

7.1 Personnel Plan

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. is currently run and operated by one person in the mill and one person in the store. In time, as we implement our marketing plan, we will need to hire in an additional person to assist in the mill, and possibly another person to assist Kay in the store. We also could possibly need to hire a delivery person in the year 2005. When the business expands with new customers and larger feed orders, Dennis will need to be on site to assist Kay with inspecting the orders prior to delivery to ensure quality and accuracy of all orders. As growth evolves other family members may be of age to assist in the processes or employees may need to be placed.

As we expand we will hire independent contractors. We believe this way would best suite a company our size. Instead of spending the amount of money required by law to actually hire an employee, we feel we would all benefit more from setting up our personnel in this aspect.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The financial plan is to borrow $15,000 now as a short-term loan from Citizens Bank, at an interest rate of 7%, to buy a delivery truck suitable to our needs. We will repay this loan within two years from the cash flow of the business. This truck will allow us to expand our services to include delivery, giving us a further edge over the local competition and enabling us to further expand into our target market, while increasing recognition of our name and services.

The second phase of the plan is to borrow $135,000 in long-term loans from the bank in early 2006, to fund the renovation of the existing property’s barn and outbuilding into a structurally-sound, attractive, and livable horse boarding stable, and to install fencing and landscaping suitable to that purpose. This renovation will be completed within 7 months, although final landscaping and fencing is not expected to be finished until early 2007. We will repay this loan over 10 years. We will secure this loan with our equity in the value of the existing property. The boarding stable will open up a new revenue stream for the business, and attract new steady customers.

With aggressive target marketing and the sales strategies outlined above, we will increase sales over 3% in the first year. We expect a bigger increase in year two, with the extensive renovation generating some free publicity and with existing customers making referrals, but the largest expansion is planned for 2008, when we can first realize a full year’s revenue from the boarding stable.

From the very start, the new owners of Latheethen’s will start building the business and taking it to the highest level. The new owners have bright futures ahead of themselves, as does Latheethen Feeds, Inc. The once small, unknown feed store will be transformed into the area’s premier livestock feed store and equine boarding facility. The new Latheethen Feeds will be capable of hosting large scale rodeos and other livestock shows by the end of 2009.

8.1 Important Assumptions

This business plan was developed for Latheethen Feeds, Inc. assuming the following:

• Steady growth from good management, barring any unforseen local or national disasters such as the economic slowdown seen by most of the country following the September 11th, 2001 tragedies.
• An adequate loan amount to allow for initial implementation of plans.
• Competition and buying patterns remain similar to those used for forecasting.
• Existing customer base maintained.
• Market research is on target and current (received from different state organizations).
• New customers will be gained through direct sales and advertising.
• Long-term interest rate will be no more than 7%.
• Income tax rate is 30%.
• Sales tax rate is 6%.

8.2 Break-even Analysis

Break-even is based on fixed costs of approximately $5,900 including loan repayment, insurance, maintenance and labor. Additionally, controllables such as service labor, payroll taxes, property taxes, advertising and legal/professional fees are included.

The following chart shows that we need to produce approximately $8,500 from sales per month to break-even (according to the assumptions). That is less than what the previous owners have accomplished in previous years. We strongly believe we will succeed and provide handsome returns for our company and its owners.

Margins are harder to assume. Our FY 2005 gross margin is forecasted at 69.98%. In the following years our gross margin will continue to grow beyond our starting point because of the continued growth in total product sales and the release of our new equine boarding stable. The products manufactured in the mill cost about $3.50 for 50 pounds of feed on average. The lowest sale (market) price on those products is $5.50 with the highest coming in at $10.75. The majority of our gross profit on feed products is made directly as a result of having the luxury of our own custom mill.

Not only will we serve a much higher number of customers monthly than required by this break-even chart, we believe that we are going to possibly double the amount projected in our cash flow charts in this business plan, because we are going to be the only facility of its kind within a 150 mile radius. As advertising and direct sales follow suit from outside areas, our delivery service will prove to be valuable to our company and our customers.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

Outlined below and in the following table and chart, are some of the intrinsic facets of the projected profit and loss for Latheethen Feeds, Inc.

Cost of sales reflects our cost to manufacture the feed and purchase all other non-manufactured products. Gross margin will continue to rise at a steady pace throughout the years forecasted.

Payroll expenses currently includes income for the two owners. As forecasted, additional employees will be brought aboard as required to keep up with the growing pace of Latheethen Feeds, Inc. Further details are available in our Personnel table (above).

Advertising and marketing expenses (news ads, magazine ads, etc.) are projected to increase as net profits increase and positive results are accomplished as a direct result of the same marketing and advertising. All direct sales and marketing is performed by Dennis. Commissions are not paid to him as a result of a gained customer as he is one of the two major owners of the corporation.

Depreciation forecasted includes normal wear and mechanical tune-ups on trucks, tractors and all equipment in the mill.

Fuel costs are projected to grow as the amount of sales made that require delivery increase. This projected expense includes fuel for the trucks, tractors, etc.

Utilities are projected to increase year to year. The current market prices for utilities will change as the years past. We have prepared for an annual $100 increase.

Insurance: Latheethen’s was quoted an insurance premium of $1,200/monthly, which includes liability, property, theft, fire, and personal insurance. The equipment (Mill machines, vehicles, and tractors) is also included in the monthly premium amount.

Payroll taxes include social security, unemployment and workers compensation, etc. Feed dealers permit and state sales tax license is projected to be paid in one annual installment in the month of January. Latheethen’s anticipates paying sales taxes monthly, and income tax quarterly, as required by law.

All website expenses are listed below, from initial development, to hosting, to account management for our e-commerce transactions.

Boarding Stable: The expensed portion of the barn renovations in year two is shown as an operating expense. The remainder ($125,000) is shown as purchase of new long-term assets in the Cash Flow table, representing the increased value of the property after renovation. 

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

The cash flow projection for Latheethen Feeds, Inc. shows that provisions for ongoing expenses are adequate to meet the needs of the company, as the business generates sufficient cash flow to support operations and future expansions.

Cash flow projections are critical to our success. The monthly cash flow is shown in the illustration, with one bar representing the cash flow per month and the other representing the monthly balance. The annual cash flow figures are included here and in our Cash Flow table. Detailed monthly numbers are included in the Appendix.

Cash Flow shows the purchase of long-term assets as follows:

• $15,000 for a delivery truck
• $125,000 for renovations of the barn to a horse boarding stable, which will improve the value of the property owned by the business

The table also shows the new loans required, and the projected repayment schedules.

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The Balance Sheet shows healthy growth of net worth, and strong financial position. The monthly estimates are included in the Appendix. The balance sheet for Latheethen Feeds, Inc. is quite solid. We do not project any trouble meeting our debt obligations. Our management is strong enough and more than capable of keeping the business on track for total repayment of any obligations (loans). 

Our major capital asset (the property and affixed buildings) is valued at about $170,000. Our current assets include all the mill equipment ($71,463) and the tractor ($4,000). These items will be purchased upon funding of the requested loan, for the amount of $100,000.

We (the new owners) will also be paying off some old personal debt that will allow us to lower our monthly personal expenses. This will enable us to work hard at growing the business and not have to worry about taking money out of the company for personal reasons. The payroll amounts forecasted will be more than sufficient to cover our personal income needs.

We will have a solid starting balance in the company account. This will allow us to start the business takeover with a security nest and will allow us to grow our cash balance at a more steady pace.

Our projected balance sheet is presented in the table below.

8.6 Business Ratios

Latheethen Feeds, Inc.’s projected business ratios are provided in the table below.  The final column, Industry Profile, shows significant ratios for the Feed Store Industry, as determined by the Standard Industry Classification (SIC) Index code 5999-0803.

8.7 Long-term Plan

Latheethen Feeds, Inc. is expected to grow at a steady pace. In conversations with other feed owners, this topic is already a common theme. Many feed stores are beginning to experience record breaking growth rates. This is an exciting time to purchase an already established and successful store in this market. As we expand our customer base, offer more products and bring the dreamed of equine boarding stable to life, we will be positioning Latheethen Feeds, Inc. amongst the elite dealers in the state of Michigan.

We will continuously review our business plan as we implement changes. By doing so we will ensure accuracy and stability. Our goal is to take over this great business, protect it, nurture it, and provide for it. Doing these things will enable us to grow and expand the business in a professional atmosphere.

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How to Create an Agricultural Business Plan

Blog > how to create an agricultural business plan, table of content, introduction, executive summary, company description, market analysis, product/service description, marketing and sales strategies, operational plan, swot analysis, financial projections, funding and investment, risk management, sustainability and environmental impact, legal and regulatory compliance, timeline and milestones, our other categories.

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Business plan 101.

Starting an agricultural venture is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it requires careful planning and a well-crafted agricultural business plan. This document serves as a roadmap for your agricultural business, outlining your goals, strategies, and financial projections. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through each step of creating a robust agricultural business plan to set your venture up for success. Whether you’re planning to start a small family farm or a large-scale agricultural operation, this guide will help you make informed decisions and navigate the challenges of the agricultural industry.

The executive summary is the first section of your agricultural business plan, but it is typically written last. This section provides a concise overview of your entire plan and should capture the reader’s attention. Include the following elements in your executive summary:

• Example: ABC Farms is a sustainable agriculture venture committed to providing organic, locally sourced produce to health-conscious consumers in the region. Our mission is to promote eco-friendly farming practices and support local communities while delivering premium-quality products.

Stellar Business Tips: Keep your executive summary clear, compelling, and focused. Highlight the unique selling points of your agricultural business and how it addresses market demands.

In this section, provide a comprehensive description of your agricultural business. Include the following details:

• Example: ABC Farms was founded in 2010 by John and Jane Smith, who have a combined experience of over 20 years in sustainable agriculture. The business started as a small family farm and has since expanded to a 50-acre organic farm with a diverse range of crops, including vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

Stellar Business Tips: Share your business’s background, founders’ expertise, and growth trajectory. Emphasize your passion for agriculture and commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Conduct a thorough market analysis to gain insights into the agricultural industry, market trends, and potential opportunities. Consider the following factors:

• Example: The organic produce market has been steadily growing at a rate of 10% per year, driven by increasing consumer awareness of health benefits and environmental concerns. Local restaurants and grocery stores are eager to source fresh, organic produce from nearby farms.

Stellar Business Tips: Use data and statistics to support your market analysis. Identify target customers and potential gaps in the market that your agricultural business can address.

Detail the agricultural products or services your business offers. If you are into crop farming, describe the crops you plan to grow, their varieties, and their uses. If you are into livestock rearing, specify the types of animals and breeds you’ll raise. If you offer agricultural services, describe them in detail.

• Example: ABC Farms specializes in heirloom vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, renowned for their exceptional flavor and nutritional value. We also raise heritage-breed livestock, including free-range chickens and pasture-raised pigs, to provide ethically sourced meat products.

Stellar Business Tips: Highlight the uniqueness and quality of your agricultural products or services. Emphasize your commitment to sustainability and responsible animal husbandry if applicable.

Outline your marketing and sales strategies to reach and attract your target customers. Consider the following aspects:

• Example: ABC Farms utilizes social media platforms to showcase our farm-to-table journey and engage with customers. We actively participate in farmers’ markets and local food events to promote our brand and build personal connections with consumers.

Stellar Business Tips: Utilize digital marketing tools, such as social media and email marketing, to create brand awareness and engage with customers directly. Explore partnerships with local businesses to expand your reach.

The operational plan outlines how your agricultural business will function on a day-to-day basis. It includes the following details:

• Example: ABC Farms employs a team of experienced farmers who follow sustainable farming practices, including crop rotation and integrated pest management, to ensure soil health and minimize environmental impact. We have invested in modern irrigation systems and machinery to optimize productivity and reduce labor costs.

Stellar Business Tips: Detail the specific practices and technologies you’ll use to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Showcase your commitment to ethical and responsible farm management.

Conduct a SWOT analysis to evaluate your agricultural business’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats. Use this analysis to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies.

• Example: Strengths: ABC Farms has established a strong reputation for premium-quality produce, garnering repeat customers and positive reviews. Weaknesses: We currently face limited storage facilities for harvested crops, which may affect our ability to meet peak demands.

Stellar Business Tips: Be honest about your agricultural business’s strengths and weaknesses. Address how you plan to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate potential risks.

The financial projections section provides a detailed forecast of your agricultural business’s financial performance over the next 3-5 years. Include the following financial statements:

• Example: Sales Forecast: We anticipate steady growth in sales, with a projected increase of 15% annually due to expanding customer base and diversified product offerings.

Stellar Business Tips: Use realistic and data-driven estimates for your financial projections. Include contingency plans for unforeseen financial challenges.

If your agricultural business requires funding or investment, outline your funding requirements and sources of financing. This section should include:

• Example: Funding Requirements: ABC Farms seeks a capital investment of $200,000 to expand farmland, install greenhouses, and upgrade equipment to meet the growing demand for our organic products.

Stellar Business Tips: Clearly explain how the investment will be used to drive the growth and success of your agricultural business.

Identify potential risks and challenges that your agricultural business may face and develop risk management strategies to mitigate their impact. Consider the following risk categories:

• Example: Market Risks: Fluctuations in commodity prices and changes in consumer preferences may impact our sales revenue. To address this, we will diversify our product offerings and explore new markets.

Stellar Business Tips: Demonstrate your proactive approach to risk management. Provide solutions for handling potential challenges to reassure stakeholders.

As the importance of sustainable farming practices grows, customers and investors increasingly value agricultural businesses that prioritize environmental stewardship and social responsibility. In this section, highlight your commitment to sustainability:

• Example: ABC Farms is committed to regenerative agriculture practices, including cover cropping and no-till farming, to enhance soil health and sequester carbon. We actively participate in local conservation programs to protect natural habitats and biodiversity.

Stellar Business Tips: Showcase your efforts to contribute positively to the environment and local community. Share success stories of how your sustainable practices have made a difference.

The agricultural industry is subject to various laws and regulations, such as agricultural zoning laws, environmental regulations, labor laws, and food safety standards. In this section, address the legal and regulatory aspects of your agricultural business:

• Example: ABC Farms complies with all local, state, and federal regulations for organic certification and food safety. We conduct regular inspections and maintain accurate records to ensure full compliance.

Stellar Business Tips: Emphasize your commitment to adhering to legal requirements and ensuring transparency in your agricultural operations.

Develop a timeline for your agricultural business’s key milestones and achievements. This section should include:

• Example: Milestone Timeline: Year 1 – Acquire additional farmland; Year 2 – Expand greenhouse production; Year 3 – Launch an online farm-to-table store.

Stellar Business Tips: Set realistic timelines for achieving your milestones. This will help you track progress and stay on course.

In conclusion, creating a well-structured and comprehensive agricultural business plan is crucial for your venture’s success. It provides a roadmap to guide your agricultural business towards its goals, while also attracting investors and other stakeholders. Remember that the agricultural industry is dynamic and continually evolving, so your business plan should be flexible enough to adapt to changing market conditions and opportunities.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and incorporating sustainable practices, your agricultural business can thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. At Stellar Business Plans , we are dedicated to supporting the success of agricultural entrepreneurs like you. Our team of experts can assist you in crafting a tailored business plan that aligns with your vision and values. Let’s cultivate growth together and create a sustainable future for agriculture!

Remember, agricultural business success is not only about financial gains but also about nurturing the land, supporting local communities, and providing consumers with nutritious and ethically sourced products. Let your passion for agriculture and dedication to sustainability shine through every aspect of your business. Together, we can sow the seeds of a thriving agricultural future.

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Updated On : September 2, 2023

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AgriBusiness planning

In order to develop a complete agribusiness plan, it is necessary to recognize all the potential risks. The uncertainties are not limited to production, but to all facets of a business. A comprehensive manual on how to write an agriBusiness Plan was developed by  Extension Agricultural Economist of Texas A&M University System . The manual gives a complete overview of the importance of agribusiness planning and how each issue should be addressed. Each topic includes a publication for reference, necessary worksheets for completing that lesson and a case study application. A farmer interested in doing an AgriBusiness Plan is advised to read and understand the manual, and then follow each step in the manual to write down his own business plan.  Having a written AgriBusiness Plan has many potential uses, but overall it would help you to understand better your risks, have a plan for each one of them, and react accordingly.

The following components of an AgriBusiness Plan include:

1. Executive Summary

The purpose of the executive summary is to combine all the components of the business plan into its principal points in one summary document. It must cover the information in the report in enough detail such that the reader can quickly formulate a picture of the operation. The executive summary is written after all the parts of the business plan have been completed. Follow this link to know more about the steps to consider when writing the business plan.

2. Business Organization

The business plan begins with a summary of the pertinent information regarding the operation. This includes names and contact information of all involved in making decisions, managing risk for the operation, and/or providing counsel. It provides a combined list of all the necessary information to contact the owners, managers, and others that have an impact on the operation in one central location.

3. Business History

If you are new to farming, you might not have a Business History, which can be omitted. However, if you have farmed, as it is the case for most Small Acreage Farmers in South Texas, then you will benefit from writing it. In this component, you should briefly describe how the operation came to be and how you came to be its owner and/or manager. This would include when and how was the operation started, the location of the operation, the source of the land, equipment and other resources, and was it inherited or purchased or is it rented. How was and is the operation financed? What management changes have occurred over its history? What were the defining moments or events that caused you to control the operation?

4. Mission Statement

Every operation has a reason for taking on the risks associated with agricultural production. The purpose of the mission statement is to precisely and emphatically state why your operation exists. It should focus each person involved in the operation each day. Anyone working within the operation should, upon reading the mission statement, know how his or her daily tasks, once completed, have helped to fulfill the operations mission. The mission statement should answer three key questions:

• What are the opportunities or needs that we exist to address? (The purpose of the organization)
• What are we doing to address these needs? (The business of the organization)
• What principles or beliefs guide our work? (The values of the organization).

5. Resource Inventory

Agricultural producers use resources such as land, labor, machinery, breeding stock, management and financial capital to produce commodities for sale. An accurate inventory of these resources is important for the evaluation of the current health of the operation and planning as well as a preliminary method for evaluating new enterprises. The use of an up-to-date resource inventory can help to:

• Provide a current overview of the operation
• Complete a balance sheet
• Provide a summary of collateral that can be used for a loan
• Identify the status and condition of your assets and liabilities
• Evaluate options for growth and diversification

6. SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis is a term used to describe a tool that is effective in identifying your Strengths and Weaknesses, and for examining the Opportunities and Threats you face. While it is a basic, straightforward model, it has been a popular business practice for many years because it helps provide direction and serves as a basis for the development of business plans. It accomplishes this by examining the strengths (what an operation does well) and weaknesses (what an operation does not do well) in addition to opportunities (potentially favorable conditions for an operation) and threats (potentially unfavorable conditions for an operation). Once completed, the SWOT analysis can help determine if the information indicates something that will assist the operation in achieving its objectives (a strength or opportunity), or if it indicates an obstacle that must be overcome or minimized to achieve desired results (weakness or threat).

7. Legal and Liability Issues

Contemplating the prospects of legal action against your farming or ranching operation can be unnerving. The assorted unknown variables can make the planning process frustrating, while the threat of enormous adverse judgments generates an emotional response. Planning for the loss or withdrawal of a key member of your management team can also be unpleasant. The business planning process will help identify risks and assign resources to manage these risks. A large number of potential legal and liability issues will be identified with a thorough SWOT analysis. Similarly, a resource inventory will help identify the individuals and tools necessary to manage these risks. It will be impossible to list all potential liability risks as well as to completely eliminate all of the legal and liability risk from an activity as inherently risky and uncertain as agriculture. The completed business plan will address specific action plans for dealing with identified risks, as well as outline contingencies for the unforeseen risks.

8. Setting Goals

One of the most important aspects of business planning is the setting of goals. Properly defined goals can assist the operation’s management team in determining whether the operation is moving forward. Goals can be either short term or long term, however, each short term goal should correspond to a long term goal, and each of these should move the operation towards fulfilling its mission statement. Goals should be incorporated into each of the financial, production and marketing components. One common theme found in most business planning publications regarding goals is the concept of SMART goals. This concept suggests that goals must be Specific ,  Measurable , Attainable , Rewarding and there should be a Time-frame specified for reaching each goal.

9. Production Plan

The production plan conveys the type and quantity of commodities to be produced. The production plan pairs information from the resource inventory and financial records to serve as a realistic estimate of current activities and their anticipated financial results. A thorough production plan should detail all enterprises on an operation (crop, livestock, and other) so that scheduling of labor and financial resources can be easily examined. The production plan should provide a basis for projecting future operational activities and alternative enterprises. While changes will occur, the production plan serves to document historical performance and project the future direction of the business. Crop production plans should include the estimated acreage and yield for each crop. Estimated production levels can then be combined with anticipated prices to generate some of the figures needed for the financial component. The livestock production plan must clearly identify all related production information, including the size of the herd, cull rates, weaning rates, weaning weights, rates of gain, purchase price, sales prices, etc. In addition, details regarding the replacement herd and breeding herd should be described.

10. Financial Plan

The financial plan component of the business plan serves as the heart of the overall plan and has three main objectives. The first is to identify where the operation is financially (Financial Position). The second objective is to determine how the operation performed during the previous year (Financial Performance). Finally, the third objective is to provide an analysis of where the operation will be in the future (Financial Projections). These three objectives are discussed further in this link .

11. Marketing Plan

It is essential for an agricultural producer to have a written marketing plan. Developing a good marketing plan will help you identify and quantify costs, set price goals, determine potential price outlook, examine production and price risk, and develop a strategy for marketing your crop. While producers have traditionally done a good job of producing, they have often neglected marketing. In the past, farm loan programs and deficiency payments allowed producers to neglect or ignore the marketing side of their businesses. Now, with the possible elimination of farm programs and increased volatility in the markets, producers will have the right and the obligation to determine their own financial security. In this more uncertain and risky future, failing to plan may be the same as planning to fail.

12. Example AgriBusiness Plan

When you start writing you Agribusiness Plan, follow the example provided in the manual to guide your work.

Agriculture Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Agriculture Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and farm owners create business plans to start and grow their agricultural companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating an agriculture or farm business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a good business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write an agriculture business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is an Agriculture Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your agricultural business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It is a valuable tool that explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.  

Why You Need a Business Plan for an Agriculture Business

If you’re looking to start an agricultural business or grow your existing agricultural company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your farm to improve your chances of success. Your agricultural business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.  

Sources of Funding for Agricultural Businesses

With regard to funding, the main sources of funding for an agricultural business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review a comprehensive business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for agricultural companies.

    Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for an agricultural business.

If you want to start an agricultural business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. A good farm business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan. The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of farm business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an agricultural business that you would like to grow, or do you have a farming operation that you would like to sell? Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the agricultural industry.
• Discuss the type of farm you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

In your company overview, you will detail the type of agricultural production you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of agricultural businesses:

• Animal feed manufacturing : the production and sale of food formulas for farm animals.
• Agrichemical and seed manufacturing : the production and sale of agrichemicals (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides) and seeds to farmers that support the growth of their crops.
• Agricultural engineering : development, testing, and implementation of new agriculture tools and machinery to improve the process for farmers.
• Biofuel manufacturing : the production of energy from biomass.
• Crop production : the process of growing and harvesting a variety of crops such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.

In addition, the company overview needs to provide information about the business history.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include reaching X number of harvests per year, the number of customers served, or reaching $X amount in revenue.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the agricultural industry. While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the agricultural industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies industry trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in this section:

• How big is the agricultural industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your agricultural business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

The customer analysis section must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of agricultural business you operate. Clearly, schools would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target market into segments in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target audience. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other farms and agricultural producers.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes other types of farmers, wholesalers, and distributors.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of agricultural business are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you make it easier for your customers to engage with you?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For an agriculture business, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of agricultural company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you produce fruit, soy, or vegetable products?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your agricultural company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your agricultural business located on a small or large farm near your customer base? And, will you operate one or multiple locations? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Attend farmers markets
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your farm business, including scheduling employees, tracking inventory, accepting orders and payments, and meeting with customers.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to reach your Xth harvest, or when you hope to generate $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your farm business to a new region.

To demonstrate your potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing agricultural businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing an agriculture business, or owning their own farm.

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, how many pounds of each crop do you plan to yield each season? And what is your sales strategy to grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your farm business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a farm business:

• Cost of farm equipment and supplies
• Operating expenses
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up costs (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your farm’s location lease or a list of agricultural equipment and machinery used on your farm.  

Free Business Plan Template for a Farm or Agriculture Business

You can download our farm business plan PDF template here.  

Agriculture Business Plan Summary

Putting together a business plan for your agriculture business will improve your company’s chances of success. The process of developing your plan will help you better understand your target market, your competition, and your customers. You will also gain a marketing plan to better attract and serve customers, an operations plan to focus your efforts, and financial projections that give you goals to strive for and keep your company focused.

Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your business plan.  

Additional Resources for Starting an Agriculture Business

• How To Start a Farm
• Sample Farm Business Plan
• Starting a New Agricultural Business
• Small and Mid-Sized Farmer Resources
• Starting a Sustainable Agriculture Business
• Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loans
• Business Resources for Those Starting to Farm or for an Existing Farm

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

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Agriculture Farm Business Plan Example

Published Jul.25, 2013

Updated Apr.24, 2024

By: Cynthia Turner

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Table of Content

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.

Download example agriculture farming business plan pdf

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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[Pdf Sample] Crop Farming Business Plan Docx

In today’s agricultural landscape, having a well-structured business plan is essential for the success of any crop farming venture. A business plan serves as a roadmap, guiding farmers through various stages of planning, implementation, and growth.

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to creating a crop farming business plan in PDF format. From outlining the key sections of the plan to discussing important considerations, we’ll equip you with the knowledge needed to kickstart your agricultural endeavor.

[Pdf Sample] Crop Farming Business Plan Proposal Docx

To write a business plan , here is a breakdown of how it should be structured and what should be in each category. After this instruction, I will provide you with a sample of one I wrote for my farm , let us go:

Read Also:  [Pdf Sample] Poultry Farming Business Plan In Kenya Docx

Executive Summary

Business description.

In this section, you’ll delve deeper into the details of your crop farming business . Discuss the type of crops you plan to cultivate, the size of your farm, and any unique selling propositions that differentiate your farm from others. It is crucial to outline your vision, mission, and core values, showcasing your commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices .

Read Also:  [Pdf Sample] Palm Oil Farming & Production Business Plan Docx

Market Analysis

Read Also:  [Pdf Sample] Poultry Farming Business Plan In South Africa Docx

Products and Services

Describe the specific crops you intend to grow , highlighting their nutritional value, market demand, and potential profitability. Discuss any value-added products or services you plan to offer, such as organic produce or agritourism activities. Emphasize the quality and uniqueness of your products to attract potential customers.

Marketing Strategy

A well-defined marketing strategy is crucial for reaching your target audience and generating sales. Outline your promotional activities, including online and offline marketing channels. Consider utilizing social media platforms, participating in farmers’ markets, or establishing partnerships with local restaurants or grocery stores. Develop a brand identity that resonates with your customers and showcases the values of your farm.

Read Also:  [Pdf Sample] Farm Business Plan Example Docx

Operational Plan

Management and organization.

Read Also:  [Pdf Sample] Business Plan For Farming In South Africa Docx

Financial Plan

The financial plan provides a comprehensive overview of your farm’s financial projections , including revenue, expenses, and profitability. Include details about startup costs, expected sales, pricing strategies, and operational expenses. Incorporate financial ratios and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the financial health and viability of your crop farming business .

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Here Is a Download Link to the Crop Farming Business Plan Proposal Prepared By Agrolearner.com

Business Model for Agrolearners.com’s Crop Farming Business:

Key partnerships:.

Agricultural Experts and Educators: Collaborate with experienced farmers, agronomists, and agricultural institutions to develop course content and provide expert guidance.

Technology Providers: Partner with online learning platforms, video production companies, and website developers to ensure seamless delivery of educational resources.

Read Also:  [Pdf Sample] Business Plan For Cattle Farming In South Africa Docx

Key Activities:

Platform Management: Maintain and update the Agrolearners.com website, ensuring a user-friendly experience and smooth access to educational resources.

Value Proposition:

Comprehensive Agricultural Education: Agrolearners.com offers a wide range of resources, including structured courses, webinars, videos, and articles, covering all aspects of crop farming, from beginner to advanced levels.

Practical Knowledge and Application: Our focus is on bridging the gap between theory and practice, providing learners with actionable insights, techniques, and best practices that they can apply directly in their farming operations.

Community and Networking: Agrolearners.com creates a community of like-minded individuals, allowing learners to connect, share experiences, and collaborate with other aspiring farmers and industry experts.

Customer Segments:

Agricultural Students: Students pursuing agricultural studies who wish to supplement their formal education with practical insights and hands-on experience in crop farming.

Customer Relationships:

Community Engagement: Foster an online community where learners can connect, share experiences, and learn from each other, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Revenue Streams:

Webinar Registrations: Offer specialized webinars and charge participants a registration fee to attend live sessions with agricultural experts.

Advertising and Partnerships: Collaborate with agricultural suppliers and other relevant businesses to offer targeted advertising opportunities on the Agrolearners.com platform.

Cost Structure:

Technological Infrastructure: Invest in website development, hosting, and maintenance, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Marketing and Advertising: Allocate a budget for digital marketing campaigns, including social media advertising, search engine optimization, and content creation.

Key Resources:

Expertise and Knowledge: Engage agricultural experts and educators to develop content and provide guidance.

Marketing and Analytics Tools: Utilize digital marketing tools, analytics platforms, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to track performance and optimize marketing efforts.

Is it necessary to create a business plan for a crop farming venture?

How can i assess market demand for specific crops.

Conduct market research, analyze consumer trends, and engage with potential buyers or distributors to understand the demand for your chosen crops.

What financial aspects should I consider in my business plan?

How can i mitigate risks in crop farming.

Identify potential risks such as weather fluctuations, pests, or market volatility, and develop strategies to mitigate them. This may include insurance coverage, diversification, or implementing sustainable farming practices .

Can I modify my business plan as my farm grows?

Yes, your business plan should be a dynamic document that evolves with your farm . Regularly review and update it to reflect changes in the market, technology, or your business goals.

Conclusion:

Share this:, author: adewebs, you may also like:, [pdf sample] business plan for pig farming docx, starting a poultry farm with limited resources in ghana: a comprehensive guide for new farmers, how to register agribusiness company in kenya (see full guide), starting a poultry farm with limited resources in nigeria: guide for new farmers, leave a reply cancel reply.

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John Deere’s plan to bring thousands of growers to precision agriculture

John Deere created a new business unit in the Americas with the mission of including thousands of producers in agriculture 4.0, also called precision agriculture.

Precision Upgrade Business will make available a wide range of products, including hardware and software, to upgrade agricultural machinery that does not have JD´s latest technologies in its original configuration.

Amongst other tools, the portfolio includes modems, signal receivers for connectivity and monitors to the ultimate technology such as autonomy, sensors and intelligent application, harvesting, spraying and seeding systems.

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To give you an idea, the approximately 1.6 million pieces of machinery currently in operation in Brazil have, on average, been used for 10 to 15 years and, therefore, do not have the range of innovations presented in the last decade. In other words, that is a big market.

The company creates a business unit to update used machinery with technological kits

“The big opportunity we are bringing is productivity, profitability and sustainability for our customers, initially in North America and South America. We are acting proactively to bring this opportunity to thousands of farmers”, explains Jackson Schneider, unit leader in America Latin.

The Precision Upgrade kits will have versions for all types of machinery, from tractors, sprayers, planters and harvesters, and not just from John Deere, but from all brands.

“Our vision is to grow this business unit a lot by 2030. We want farmers to have access to the most up-to-date technology possible, just with upgrades to the agricultural machinery they already have”, he reinforces.

The company will even offer consultancy so that producers can make the best choices between the different tools, with even a calculator on the return on investment.

“This opens up opportunities to producers that are not able to afford new machines currently. They will also be able to take advantage of the latest technologies with much smaller investments and knowing the return he will get”, he explains.

The variety of products and services is proportional to John Deere’s portfolio, one of the largest in the agricultural machinery and technology market on the global market.

Examples include modems for remote communication with the Operation Center and monitors that provide the machinery with features such as GPS-guided operation, as well as weather, consumption, equipment status and other indicators. Such systems have an estimated price starting at US$ 7,000.

Intermediate possibilities

More sophisticated and robust equipment, such as spray bars with independent nozzles and sensors, including See & Spray (one of the brand’s most recent technologies), can cost US$ 120,000.

However, there is a wide range of intermediate possibilities depending on the type of machinery. For example, they are electric clutches, electronic seed dozers, kits for autonomous operation at different levels and even modems for connectivity.

“We are being disruptive, but always prioritizing our client’s results. It is a new business model within John Deere, including Solution as a Service”, concludes Jackson.

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Indian space tech startup to launch six satellites in 2024 via ISRO and SpaceX rockets

Pixxel, a bengaluru-based space tech startup, plans to launch six hyperspectral imagery satellites in 2024 using isro and spacex rockets. these satellites aim to support various industries including agriculture, energy, forestry, and environmental monitoring..

• Updated May 28, 2024, 11:12 AM IST

Bengaluru-based space tech startup Pixxel is set to launch six satellites in 2024 using rockets from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and SpaceX, according to a report by Moneycontrol.

Pixxel CEO Awais Ahmed said that the company plans to use both SpaceX's rideshare missions and ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for these launches. Ahmed mentioned the choice between the two will depend on the readiness of their satellites and the availability of launch windows. "We are likely to have launches on both SpaceX and PSLV. However, this will depend on our satellite readiness and the launch schedules," Ahmed said.

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In January this year, Pixxel inaugurated a 30,000-square-foot facility in Bangalore called MegaPixxel. During this event, they announced the plan to launch six hyperspectral imagery satellites. These satellites will be part of a larger constellation aimed at supporting various industries, including agriculture, energy, forestry, and environmental monitoring. The new facility will conduct all activities right from concept to launch.

Pixxel’s MegaPixxel facility can produce up to 40 large satellites annually, the team is working on nine satellites. Ahmed mentioned they plan to add more satellites in the latter half of this year and into next year.

Ahmed explained that SpaceX's Transporter missions, designed to carry multiple small satellites, generally run on schedule but can occasionally face delays. On the other hand, ISRO's PSLV missions depend heavily on the primary satellite, which can cause delays if the main payload is not ready. "If the primary satellite gets delayed, the entire launch has to be postponed. But if the SpaceX mission is ready earlier, we might go with that," he added.

In 2022, Pixxel launched its Shakuntala (Technology Demonstrator-2) satellite using SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket. Including Shakuntala, Pixxel has launched three satellites so far, with the latest one in November 2022.

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Fly population can severely impact calf and heifer weights if not managed property

The increase in temperatures brings with it an increase in flies. Flies, if left unmanaged, can present a significant challenge to the welfare and production of all our livestock species. Fly control is not a one-and-done treatment strategy. They require season long management, that may require a variety of approaches to seasonally address.

The three main types of flies we are concerned about are face, horn and stable flies. The species have similarities but also some subtle differences you need to take into account when selecting potential control options.

Horn flies are the most economically damaging species for livestock. Research has shown calf weights can be reduced by 4% to 15% and replacement heifer weights of up to 18% when populations reach a threshold of 200 flies/animal. Milk production, for dairy cattle, can be decreased by up to 15%.

Horn flies are blood feeders and will consume about 30 meals per day. They spend the majority of their time on the animal and will congregate along the withers, back and sides. Females will only lay eggs in fresh manure, where the eggs will hatch and larva mature.

More: Poison hemlock, a member of the carrot family, can cause paralysis, suffocation in animals

Face flies use a sponging type mouth, with prestomal teeth, to rasp, scrape, and penetrate tissue to feed on secretions. They will most likely be found, as the name implies, on the face and any open wound. They spend little time on the animal but can be a vector to transmit pinkeye and IBR. Females also lay their eggs in fresh manure and are more of a pasture problem. They can produce three to four generations each year.

Stable flies are believed to only spend 2-5 minutes on an animal each day. They consume one blood meal and will spend the rest of their time out of the sun in barns or trees. Unlike the other species, females prefer to lay their eggs in soiled bedding, algal mats, wet grass clippings, and older manure piles. Their bites are very painful to livestock causing general irritation which may lead to reduced feed consumption and subsequent performance.

Fly control doesn't happen overnight

Adequate control will vary dependent on where your livestock are housed and other management factors. Again, fly management is not a one application and done process. Consequently, a monthly, or more frequent, comprehensive management strategy will need to be deployed to keep populations at bay. Due to their relatively short lifespan, the most effective seasonal control should focus on limiting larval development and controlling breeding sites.

For confinement housing situations, facility sanitation is a key control factor. Timely removal of manure and soiled bedding is crucial to limiting populations. Careful attention to bunk management and cleaning up spilled feed will also reduce potential breeding sites.  

In addition to facility sanitation, larvicides and fly predators are other tools available to producers to lower fly populations. These products do not kill adult flies, but stop larval development, or in the case of the predators feed on growing larva. There is a multitude of feed through larvicides that can be added to your TMR or provided with your mineral supplementation to prevent larval development in the animal’s manure. Although they will not control adult flies, they will reduce populations over time.

Fly predators can be effective

The fly predators are parasitic wasps that feed on growing fly larva. They are not a pest to livestock or humans and can be extremely effective if used properly. Species have been developed for different production systems. They can be used around confinement operations or in pasture situations. The manager will get a shipment of new wasp eggs every couple of weeks.

Typical instructions are to wait for 2 to 7 days after receiving your shipment, which allows for some of the parasites to hatch in the bag and then the contents can be spread around the barn, across a pasture, or in areas were the livestock may congregate for long periods of time (i.e under shade trees or around waterers).

To control adults, topical insecticidal products are available. These can be applied to livestock as a pour on or can be applied via face or back rubbers. Insecticidal ear tags are also very effective in controlling face flies. Whenever using chemical control methods, thought should be given to control potential pest resistance.

Fly populations have shown resistance to many of the organophosphate insecticides. Producers should read the product label and remove/replace eartags based on manufacturer recommendations. Producers should also be aware of any meat or milk withdrawal restrictions provided on the product label.

There also is an emerging line of high-tech fly mitigation tools. The “Cow-Vac” is one unique option. It is just what is says. A fly vacuum that the cows walk through to vacuum flies off the animal and deposit them in a containment device. This tool could be useful in dairy situation, or located at a pinch point that animals traverse daily.

Dairy producers summit, Manure Science Review

The Wayne-Ashland Dairy Service Unit has set the date and location for this year’s dairy producers summit and Twilight Tour. This year’s event will be held on July 16 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. The dairy producer summit will be held 2-5 p.m. The Twilight tour will run 6-9 p.m. and feature a farm to table program. Attendees will get to experience how their food is grown and will get to sample menu options from many of our local businesses.  

The 2024 OSU Manure Science Review will be held at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio, on Aug. 6.  This year’s program will feature presentations and demonstrations on: manure placement and subsurface drainage, 360 RAIN liquid manure application, best manure applications practices, H2Ohio updates, manure spill mitigation, spreader calibration, and autonomous tractor demos. 

ou can find the event flyer and registration materials at https://ocamm.osu.edu . As always, if you have any livestock or forage management questions, please feel free to contact me at the OSU Extension office – Wayne County at 330-264-8722 or email me at [email protected].

John Yost is an Extension Educator IV, Agriculture and Natural Resources, at OSU Extension-Wayne County .

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GABORONE, May 27 (Xinhua) — Botswana, in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, on Monday launched the National Apiculture Strategy that seeks to improve honey production.

The strategy, which will run until 2027, aims to promote sustainable beekeeping practices through a pragmatic roadmap based on scientific research and measurable targets, said Botswanan Assistant Minister of Agriculture Molebatsi Molebatsi.

“The strategy would transform beekeeping into a competitive and sustainable industry,” said Molebatsi during the launch event held in Francistown, Botswana’s second-largest city.

Molebatsi said Botswana produces only 13 percent of the national demand for honey, adding that the deficit is met by imports from neighboring countries such as South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Botswana’s low honey production has been attributed to a number of challenges, such as honey production systems that have remained unchanged over the years and a lack of product diversification, he said.

“Low levels of entrepreneurship and private sector participation in honey production have also contributed to low production,” Molebatsi said, emphasizing the creation of synergies for increased honey production.

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Business Plans for Agricultural Producers

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A business plan is a road map for a business enterprise. It describes the key functions of the business-operations, finance, management, and marketing. It should support the mission statement, objectives, and goals set by the owners. A business plan is a useful guide to the future of the business and a tool for acquiring capital from banks or investors. Written for agricultural producers, this factsheet describes the purpose and components of a business plan. (4 Pages)

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This course is for anyone working with the general public and has been approved by the Texas State Association for Fire and Emergency Districts (SAFE-D) for 1 hour of continuing education credit. Participants will review the basics of ethics and receive guidance to base decisions upon when faced with ethical issues.

This online course helps participants understand introductory farm and ranch concepts, business planning, and training programs. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be provided with a certificate that can be used to verify training hours in agriculture.

This online course will introduce employees, managers, and directors to the need for education in a cooperatively owned business.

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This course is for Texas landowners and focuses Texas fence law including open and closed range. If you are interested in more than one agricultural law topic, be sure to check out our Owning Your Piece of Texas course before purchasing this course.

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• |  May 24, 2024
• By Staff Reporter
• -  May 24, 2024

–following approval of biodiversity-related projects

FROM bees to earthworms, from coral reefs to rain forests – biodiversity helps to ensure food diversity and must be key to transforming food production systems, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations underlined recently.

As it marked International Day for Biological Diversity, FAO launched its updated action plan for Mainstreaming Biodiversity Across Agricultural Sectors and prepared to embark on several new biodiversity-related initiatives.

“Biodiversity is the potential of food diversity in the future,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said in a video message for UN celebrations of the day. Qu said biodiversity: “is what we farm, catch, harvest and cultivate. It is what supports our food networks from pollinators to micro-organisms in our soils. It is what prospers livelihoods of farmers, forest managers and dwellers, fishers, livestock keepers and pastoralists across the world.”

The theme of this year’s International Day for Biodiversity is “Be Part of the Plan” – a rallying call to the public and diverse actors to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, endorsed in December 2022, and also known as The Biodiversity Plan. FAO is an integral part of this plan, as agrifood systems are a powerful channel for readily available and scalable solutions to conserving, restoring and sustainably using biodiversity.

MAINSTREAMING BIODIVERSITY By advocating for sustainable agricultural practices that safeguard biodiversity and enhance ecosystem resilience, FAO is helping to reduce a key driver of biodiversity loss and protecting vulnerable rural communities. By partnering with governments, civil society and the private sector, FAO is helping mainstream biodiversity across the food and agricultural sectors, across policies and programmes.

In concrete terms, this can mean anything from working to restore coastal mangrove forests which host a rich variety of fish species to supporting farming systems which help to preserve biodiversity for food and agriculture in a way that improves people’s nutrition and benefits the environment.

ACTION PLAN LAUNCHED FAO this week launched its 2024–27 Action Plan for the Implementation of the FAO Strategy on Mainstreaming Biodiversity Across Agricultural Sectors. The plan supersedes an earlier 2021-2023 document. It has been further streamlined better to serve the strategy’s aims to reduce the negative impacts of agricultural practices on biodiversity, to promote sustainable agricultural practices and to conserve, enhance, preserve and restore biodiversity as a whole.

The action plan sets out a wide range of deliverables including support for countries in the implementation and monitoring of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Biodiversity Plan).

The new FAO Action Plan fully aligns with the Biodiversity Plan and includes FAO’s Biodiversity Knowledge Hub, providing a ‘one-stop shop’ to facilitate access to knowledge on biodiversity for food and agriculture. It compiles over 350 tools, guidelines and other resources on biodiversity developed by FAO that can be searched and filtered, including by targets of the Biodiversity Plan. Meanwhile, earlier this month, three project concepts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Palau, and Samoa became the first FAO-led submissions to be approved under the Global Environment Facility’s Global Biodiversity Framework Fund.

The new fund was launched in August 2023 and mobilises investment for countries – especially Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries – to achieve the targets of the Biodiversity Plan.

Once fully designed and implemented, the three projects will direct over $7.8 million and leverage $14.2 million in co-financing to achieve targets of the Biodiversity Plan. All three projects will support Indigenous Peoples to conserve and use sustainably biodiversity and strengthen their stewardship of natural resources.

According for FAO’s State of  Food Security and Nutrition in the World, the world  has up to 783 million people suffering from chronic hunger; a quarter of our children under the age of five are stunted; a third of the global population is malnourished; and obesity affects one in eight people on the planet. Conserving, using sustainably and restoring biodiversity, while mitigating the uncertainties associated with climate change has never been so important for food security and nutrition. (FAO)

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Climate-sustainable beef industry on show at Beef2024

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The role that the Australian Government is playing in supporting a climate-sustainable beef industry was showcased at Beef2024.

The government committed $6 million to support Beef2024 as part of the Support Regional Trade Events program election commitment.

Held in Rockhampton from 5-11 May, Beef2024 saw a record 119,000 people celebrate our nation’s world-class beef industry at Australia’s premier agricultural event for the meat and livestock industry. 

Beef2024 attracted industry, international delegates, and political leaders including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt and Queensland Premier Steven Miles, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Secretary Adam Fennessy PSM. 

At the event, the Prime Minister announced that $519.1 million in funding from the 2024-25 Budget was being invested into the Future Drought Fund to help farmers and regional communities prepare for the next drought and build climate resilience.

Minister Watt also announced a $4 million Livestock, Animal Traceability Development, Implementation, and Improvement Grant Round, which aims to support industry by helping businesses integrate new and improved traceability systems.

DAFF hosted two seminars on Resilient and Sustainable Farming, which included a presentation from Mr Fennessy on the national priorities for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, and another seminar on Market Access and Biosecurity. 

There was a joint Australian Government trade stall with DAFF, AusIndustry, RIC, Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) Southern Queensland, and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, which showcased how the government is supporting the beef industry.

The department also had presence across the week on Beef TV, with DAFF, RIC and AusIndustry all participating. For the first time, Beef Australia offered a TV component to the event, which allowed domestic and international stakeholders to watch all the action of Beef 2024 online.

Beef TV had nearly 80,000 unique views and was watched from countries including Australia, Philippines, Indonesia, Venezuela, and Paraguay.

There were 11 DAFF videos produced for Beef TV including traceability, digital enhancements that are supporting exporters, biosecurity, the important work of the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Beth Cookson, sustainability in the red meat sector, farm resilience, the agriculture counsellor network, and an outlook from ABARES.

Find out how the Australian Government is supporting the beef industry .

Watch a round-up of Beef 2024.

Video transcript

Watch a round-up of Beef2024

Video duration 4mins 13 secs

This is the transcript of a video that showcases DAFF’s involvement at Beef2024.

[Recording begins]

Tim Dawson [00:16]

Welcome to Rockhampton. We're at Beef 2024 where 100,000 people flock from all around the world to celebrate the Australian beef industry. We've got producers, processors. We've got everyone in the supply chain that cares about this wonderful product that we produce. And of course, the department's come here to talk with industry and the public about sustainability, drought preparedness, biosecurity and more. So let's find out what this week's really about.

Su McClusky [00:51]

The great thing about being here is I get to speak to producers. I get to speak and hear about their stories. See great examples of agtech innovation, and what's happening on the ground because they become the stories that I tell to bring colour to life when I speak in global markets about how good we're doing things in Australian agriculture.

Sir John Key [01:22]

Food production is in great shape in Australia, but it does face challenges, and those challenges are both cost, political buy in the community, and they're up against some pretty well funded and effective lobby groups. 

Dr Michael Patching [01:43]

We need to be using pain relief. And use of pain relief, there are several products out there. We can do nerve blocks and we can use gels.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese [01:52]

This is a celebration of all things beef. $519.1 million of the Future Drought Fund to be allocated for resilience. 

Tim Dawson [02:10]

Jim has been producing beef jerky in Biltong for a long time in Australia. But he's just gone through the process with the department to become an exporter of his products. G’day, Jim. 

Jim [02:22]

I’d just like to thank the guys at DAFF and probably my CEO for making this. Being so persistent and continually keeping at it until it was done.

Murray Watt [02:43]

This is an incredible trade show. It's a lot of fun, but there's some serious work as well. Trade deals, we've got international guests here, lots of incredible R& D as well. The beef industry is going really strong, and you can see here at beef that it's gonna be even stronger. What do you reckon, Adam? 

Adam Fennessy [02:57]

I agree. You have to be here to see and appreciate the scale. All of industries here. It's a great opportunity for us to support you. And you've been flat out the last three days. We're also presenting and 

showcasing our work on sustainable agriculture, Future Drought Fund, traceability, trade, supporting international delegates.

Tim Dawson [03:32]

It's been a huge week up here in Rockhampton. We've been in many seminars. We've been to press conferences, we've met a lot of industry and we've been out on farm. The one message that keeps coming through about the Australian beef industry and its success is that if we really want a great trade market and keep producing wonderful products and getting it overseas, industry and government keep needing to work together. And the other thing is, we're all looking forward to Beef2027.

[Recording ends]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the Australian Government will spend $519.1 million over the next 8 years to ensure rural and regional communities have what they need to plan for future drought.

Watch the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt announce the Australian Government will spend $519.1 million over the next 8 years to ensure rural and regional communities have what they need to plan for future drought.

Video duration 3 mins 54 secs

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese [00:01]

Australians know that what they get on their tables at their family dinners at night is a product of hard work, of our agricultural sector and of our farmers. 

And in particular, this week is a celebration, of course, of all things beef. 

We know that 70% of Australia's beef that's produced is for export. What that means is jobs here. But it also means economic benefit for Australia, whether it be the very important live cattle trade or whether it be meat products that are exported right around the world. 

It's anticipated the exports next year financial year could be worth up to some $12 billion. That's an extraordinary achievement, of this industry. And it's an industry that we've been determined to work with to work with when challenges have arisen, such as the Foot and Mouth disease outbreak in Indonesia. 

Now, today as well, we have a really important announcement of $519.1 million of the Future Drought Fund to be allocated for resilience. We held a forum last year that had input from the sector in how can we improve the way that the fund operates.

We know that the fund is important when events occur to be able to assist with recovery. But what we also know is that the science tells us when it comes to climate change, there will be more extreme weather events and they'll be more intense whether it be floods, whether it be drought or whether it be cyclones. So what we need to do wherever possible, where it's appropriate, is to invest in advance, to build resilience, to work with the farm sector, to make sure that spending a dollar today can save not just $5 or $6 down the track, but can also minimise the grief that farmers feel when they go through a drought situation.

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt [02:13]

Just to back in what the Prime Minister has said on drought. This is a record investment from a federal government from the Future Drought Fund. We are investing more in drought resilience than any government in Australia has ever done from the Future Drought Fund. And as the Prime Minister said, the reason we need to do that is that too often in the past, governments have waited until droughts have happened and then put forward a chaotic, urgent response that hasn't dealt with the underlying problems, and we want to change that. 

We've changed it in the way that we approach disaster management by investing more in resilience, and we're now changing it in terms of how we approach drought. By being much better prepared for drought 

into the future that over half a billion dollar investment will do really practical things. It will help farmers  learn what they can be doing on farm to make themselves ready and make their income streams ready for future drought. 

I've seen for myself some of the fantastic work that the Future Drought Fund has funded to date growing drought, resilient feedstocks for our livestock, sharing climate science with our farmers so they know how to get better prepared. And importantly, also working with local communities to build social resilience. 

Because, as the Prime Minister said, we often often think about the impact on farmers and that's obviously important. But it also devastates social communities as well, and that this investment will go along towards that. 

Every day that a farmer wakes up is a day that's closer to drought, and unfortunately, we're already seeing drought happen in Western Australia, Tasmania and other parts of the country. And that's why it's important that we get cracking with this investment. This money will be available from the first of July this year. We're really looking forward to working with farmers and communities to get it rolling.

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt unveiling the $4 million Livestock, Animal Traceability Development, Implementation, and Improvement Grant Round

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt unveils the $4 million Livestock, Animal Traceability Development, Implementation, and Improvement Grant Round.

Video duration 3 mins 10 secs

So I'm very pleased to announce today, a new round of $4 million in grants from the Albanese government to support further traceability efforts within our livestock sector. One of the real priorities for the Albanese government since we came to office in the agriculture sector has been to strengthen our biosecurity and traceability systems. 

Of course, it was only a few weeks after we came to office that we were faced with the very real threat of foot and mouth disease being literally on our doorstep in Indonesia and lumpy skin disease as well. Two diseases which would be absolutely devastating to our livestock industry if they entered the country with estimates of it potentially costing about $80 billion in lost exports and lost production. 

So that's why we've acted really strongly throughout this term to invest more in biosecurity and more in traceability. And today's brands, of course, now build on that previous work. For those who don't know what traceability is about, as the name suggests, it's about electronic and other systems being installed so that farmers processors, the whole industry supply chain can trace where particular products have come from potentially even down to the individual farm that they have come from. 

This is becoming a more important issue for our trade, for our biosecurity and for the industry as a whole. And even this morning, I participated in a seminar here talking about the future trade opportunities that we have in the beef industry. And one of the key issues that people were talking about was that these days our international markets and domestic consumers want to know where their food came from and what sort of circumstances it was pretty used in. 

People want to know that food is being produced in a more sustainable manner, that animal welfare is being respected. And all sorts of other things that they want to know when they're coming to buy their steaks, their lamb chops and their other food and traceability systems provide that opportunity to be able to trace literally down to the farm level, where a particular product has come from and how it's been produced. 

It's also, as I say, incredibly important from a biosecurity perspective that we have strong traceability systems. If we were to have an outbreak of a serious animal disease like foot and mouth disease, lumpy skin disease or anything else, what we want to be able to do is as quickly as possible identify where that disease has come from, so that particular work can be put into that region to lock things down and get on top of a disease outbreak before it spreads to the rest of the country. So traceability is a vital tool for our farmers and our whole agriculture sector for biosecurity reasons for our trade opportunities. And the Albanese government is demonstrating yet again that we are backing our agriculture sector with real dollars through today's grant announcement. We'll be opening applications for these grants soon, and people will be able to get anywhere between about $50,000 and $500,000 to install these systems on farm in processing sheds and other parts of the supply chain. So this is more good news for our farmers and our agriculture sector here at beef.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Secretary Adam Fennessy PSM speaks about how the government is supporting a climate-sustainable beef industry.

Jade Egan [00:01]

So what has the department came out this week? 

Adam Fennessy [00:03]

Thanks, Jade. So, firstly, I want to say it's so good to be here at Beef 2024. All of industry is here, 

here community, there's business. It's the full supply chain, so it's a really important opportunity for us. We've been talking about a lot of things, particularly climate sustainable agriculture with a focus on beef and the beef industry. We're also talking about climate resilience. So the Prime Minister and Minister Murray Watt, the Minister for Agriculture, had an important announcement this morning about the Future Drought Fund, which is more than half a billion dollars to invest in climate resilience. 

Our department is also supporting international delegations. So we have international trade delegations from many countries, from Vietnam to Pakistan, to Bangladesh to many others. That's the critical work that we do as a department for trade, particularly into the beef and livestock industry. And then finally, it's a great opportunity for our department, including me, to hear directly from industry community, all the stakeholders along the supply chain. It's one of the most integrated comings-together of part of the agriculture industry in Australia being the beef sector. So it's an incredible opportunity in both directions.

Jade Egan [01:21] 

Just going back to the drought package. Why has it taken so long to get that funding? 

Adam Fennessy [01:28]

Well, one thing I'll say about the drought package is that different parts of Australia are either in drought coming out of drought, entering drought. It's a long-term risk. We've been getting on the front foot. So even though it may feel like it has taken a while, we've been doing ongoing work on this for many years. I was in Rockhampton last year in it was about October, where a review of the Future Drought Fund approach was launched by the Productivity Commission and the Federal Treasurer. So we needed to learn from that and calibrate our approach through Minister Watt to make sure that we're listening to that external advice of how to be impactful for drought funds. What's so important is that broader resilience idea that it's not just about drought. It's about preparing for climate impacts, whether it's flood fire, dry seasonal conditions. Australia's such a big nation that some parts of Australia, we're getting too much water and rain, other parts, like south west western Australia or even some of the Strait islands north of Tasmania are in really hard drought now. So it's that long-term ongoing, science based research around how we best support agriculture communities. So in one respect, the work's been ongoing, and the announcement today is the fruition of that review from last year, as long as well as the work we've been doing over many years. 

Jade Egan [02:53}

Sustainability has been such a major thing here this week already. How integral is it to have transparency process? 

Adam Fennessy [03:04]

It is critical and what I loved about some of the sessions I've been to. So this morning I was there for the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework annual update. What is inspiring about that is we have incredible agribusinesses that are leading their internationally-faced or focused, and in particular, they're looking at what customers are expecting globally. So the session I went through this morning, including panel members from McDonald's who are doing this globally. There's international regulation that was also discussed this morning, For example, in the European Union, transparency is critical. Preparing ourselves for what overseas markets are expecting, particularly because it's a big export facing industry. Transparency is critical. So our best practise, agribusinesses know what is expected of them internationally, as well as from an Australian government perspective. How do we also bring the full spectrum of agribusiness along with us, those who are market, international export facing to more domestic producers and the whole supply chain as well from not just producers but processors. 

Tomorrow, I'll be talking about the work that we're doing in support of the minister on sustainable agriculture. We've got an upcoming forum in Toowoomba in two weeks’ time where we're talking about our agriculture and land sector plan in support of Minister Watt and the Net zero approach across Australia. So that's going to be a big opportunity for us to engage with agriculture across the whole of Australia. It'll be in Toowoomba.

And the second point I wanted to make is we're also here with CSIRO, Australia's leading science-based organisation. This is evidenced and science based. So I've been spending time with Doug Hilton, the CEO of CSIRO. That's a critical partnership for us to work together with the best science, the best research and development corporations across Australia and with the Australian beef industry.

Tina Hutchison, Deputy Secretary of Agricultural Trade and Regulation at DAFF, discusses the department’s biosecurity and market access seminar at Beef2024.

Video duration 3 mins 26 secs

Beef 2024 is a flagship event for the Australian beef industry. It's held every three years. It brings together all of the industry, it brings international people. It brings in producers. It brings in many people from around Australia and around the world with an interest in Australian beef. The department has many programs and policies that affect producers, and the bit of the business I'm in, particularly in trade. 

It's vitally important that we understand what's going on for Australian beef producers. Hear directly from them. Have the opportunity to engage in one place with either them directly or their representative bodies, 

and to help them understand what we do, why we do it, how we're working to make sure that we access and maintain international trade markets for them. What some of the challenges are that we're currently facing and also some of the investment. We've got to overcome some of those challenges and make sure that Australian beef industries and exports are strong now and into the future.

The Australian biosecurity system is a significant and important one. Australia is an island nation as we know, and we need to manage the threat of pest and diseases arriving on Australian shores. That's good for our human health. It's good for our animal plant and environmental health. 

But it's also a significant underpinning for our international markets, because when we are free from pests and diseases, it means that our producers are not having to pay additional money to manage them. So the cost of production is reduced. 

But equally, it gives us a really important negotiating point with our trading partners. So the systems are incredibly important. None of the systems can operate effectively without everyone in the whole system doing their bit, and that includes producers. It includes processors. It includes exporters, and it includes governments, Commonwealth but also state and territories. So the systems are interlinked. One bit doesn't operate without the other and opportunities like this to talk about that, hear directly from people but also describe that system how it fits together and what it relies on is a really important opportunity. 

And we got that opportunity this morning and we had terrific engagement. We got some great questions from a range of people and it certainly helped me understand where people or what people are thinking about what's on their mind, what's important to them. And people are focused on the future, as are we. How can we improve the systems we've currently got and reduce some of the gaps and the bits of our system that aren't operating currently as well as they possibly could. 

It's been a really fun and enjoyable week here in Rockhampton at Beef 2024 in amongst all of that fun and that that enjoyment has been serious work. Serious topics have been discussed. I was lucky enough to attend a seminar yesterday morning hearing from colleagues and competitors. But colleagues in the United States about some of the issues that they're facing as well. So, what I'm taking away 

is a sense of optimism. There's lots to be done, but there's lots of good work going on across the business, and it didn't matter whether you were talking to industry or to government. People are talking about working together, about having standards and systems that work for us all and that is terrifically optimistic for me.

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