What to include in a farm budget?

Asked by: Beaulah Schultz  |  Last update: January 15, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (71 votes)

A simple whole farm budget may include minimal information (e.g., list enterprises and production level) or include detailed data for each enterprise (e.g., seed and fertilizer prices and volumes, custom harvest costs, pre- and postproduction labor hours, application rates, etc.).

What does a whole-farm budget contain?

A whole-farm budget is normally constructed on an annual basis and includes all the income and costs associated with a farm's yearly production. It summarizes the major physical and financial features of the entire farm.

How to make a budget for a farm?

To develop a whole-farm budget:
  1. List the goals and objectives of the farm firm.
  2. Inventory the resources available for use in production.
  3. Determine physical production data that will be used in the input/output process.
  4. Identify reliable input and output prices.

What are the 4 main sections to be included in a crop enterprise budget?

The information in an enterprise budget can be organized in different ways, but it typically includes sections on gross income, variable costs, fixed costs, and net income above selected costs. Gross income consists of level of output and price per unit of output.

What is the biggest expense on the farm?

The cost of feed, which is the largest expense for farmers and ranchers, is expected to fall 13% to $69.5 billion over the year prior. While lower costs may benefit farmers, profit margins remain tight.

Getting Started: Building a Farm Budget for 2022

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How do you itemize farm expenses?

All typical expenses are itemized and reported on Schedule F (Form 1040). Because this will likely take up the biggest portion of your deductible expenses, give this form the time and attention it deserves. Farm operating expenses: These are your big ticket things like seed, feed, and fertilizer.

What is the most profitable thing on a farm?

Top 10 Most Profitable Small Farm Crops
  1. Gourmet Mushrooms (Oyster and Shiitake) ...
  2. Microgreens. ...
  3. Heirloom Tomatoes. ...
  4. Garlic. ...
  5. Specialty Herbs (Basil, Mint, Cilantro) ...
  6. Strawberries. ...
  7. Ginseng. ...
  8. Lavender.

What is the enterprise budget for farmers?

An enterprise budget is used for planning and estimating income (revenues), expenses (costs), and profits for a single enterprise of a farm business. Enterprise budgets are constructed on a per unit basis, such as per acre or per head, to facilitate comparisons among other enterprises.

What are the 3 parts needed to create a budget?

The basic structure of a budget has three parts: revenue, expenses, and net profit. Knowing these three parts, you only need a simple spreadsheet to create your budget structure.

What is a cash flow budget?

A cash flow budget estimates your business's cash flow over a specific time period. You can use the information to see if you have enough cash coming in to maintain regular operations over the given time frame. It can also give insight into how to allocate your budget effectively.

How to keep track of farm expenses?

By far though, the most efficient and productive method of tracking expenses is by using an accounting software program that is meant for agriculture. There are many more benefits to ag accounting software than just for tracking expenses, but expense tracking is made quick, efficient and easy by using it.

What is a cash flow budget for a farm?

A cash flow budget is a useful management tool because it: forces you to think through your farming plans for the year. tests your farming plans, such as if you will produce enough income to meet all your cash needs. projects how much operating credit you will need and when projects when loans can be repaid.

How much does it cost to start a 500 acre farm?

Using those numbers, 500 owned acres will cost $4,900,000 and 1,000 rented acres will cost $279,000 for a total of $5,179,000.

What goes on a farm balance sheet?

Current Assets: Cash, prepaid expenses, supplies, market livestock, grain, feed, livestock inventory. Non-Current Assets: Breeding livestock, machinery and equipment, vehicles, buildings and improvements, land. Also include investments in finance leases, cooperatives, and other entities.

What do farmers spend most of their money on?

Fertilizer and rent are most likely the two largest costs for all grain farms.

What is considered farm income?

Farm income refers to profits and losses that are incurred through the operation of a farm or agricultural business. A farm income statement (sometimes called a farm profit and loss statement) is a summary of income and expenses that occurred during a specified accounting period.

What is the 60/20/20 rule?

If you have a large amount of debt that you need to pay off, you can modify your percentage-based budget and follow the 60/20/20 rule. Put 60% of your income towards your needs (including debts), 20% towards your wants, and 20% towards your savings.

What are the 3 R's when creating a budget?

Refuse, Reduce and Reuse.

What are the 3 P's of budgeting?

The three P's of budgeting are Paycheck, Prioritize, and Plan. Evaluate your paycheck and other income, including bonuses, alimony, child support, tax refunds, or rebates. Prioritize spending by considering your needs, wants, and why. Plan to get the most value for every dollar earned and spent by keeping a budget.

How much does the average farmer spend per year?

In 2022, the United States total farm expenditure average per farm is $226,986, up 15.8 percent from $196,087 in 2021. On average, United States farm operations spent $41,917 on feed, $22,864 on livestock, poultry, and related expenses, $24,469 on farm services, and $20,858 on labor.

How do farmers afford the equipment?

Instead of paying the full amount upfront, equipment loans allow you to spread the cost over time, helping you maintain cash flow for other critical farm operations. Loans can convert large expenses into manageable monthly payments, making it easier to budget and plan long-term.

What is the farm bill budget?

How much does the farm bill cost? The 2018 Farm Bill is projected to cost about $428 billion over the five years of the bill's life, according to the estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.

What is the most profitable crop for 5 acres?

Now you might be thinking, "What's the best crop to grow on 5 acres?" Well, you can start with common cash crops like garlic, bamboo, oyster mushrooms, and ginseng. These crops are easy to grow, have a high demand, and are considered high-value crops.

What is the highest paying farm job?

Most Highly Paid Agricultural Jobs
  • Food Scientist. Food scientists use microbiology, chemistry and engineering to study food and food processing. ...
  • Agronomist. ...
  • Soil and Plant Scientist. ...
  • Agricultural Engineer. ...
  • Animal Geneticist. ...
  • Agricultural Operations Manager. ...
  • Agricultural Lawyer. ...
  • Finding a Highly Paid Agricultural Job.

What is the cheapest farm animal to raise?

Chickens

Poultry doesn't require much space and are inexpensive to feed, which can make them a perfect animal to raise on a small hobby farm. In fact, they'll eat just about anything, including compost and weeds. In addition, chickens are multipurpose animals that provide eggs, meat and fertilizer.