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Virginia Cooperative Extension -
 Knowledge for the CommonWealth

The Management Calendar

Farm Business Management Update, February-March 2007

By Gordon Groover (xgrover@vt.edu), Extension Economist, Farm Management, Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech

I’ve been on the road around the state over the last two months at dairy workshops, farm visits, and Virginia Forage and Grassland Council Conferences.  The issue that all farmers face is how best to control costs and position the business to take advantage of opportunities for higher profits.  In a number of cases, the decision to change or reposition the farm business, resulting in higher profits, was made not strictly for profits.  The choice to change was driven by a desire to be a better steward of land and resources, to develop a connection with outside world and the people who buy products, to create a family focus business, and so on.  These choices were backed up by a sound business plan with attention to management, yet they never lost sight of the underlying goal or mission that drove the change.  So pay attention to the bottom line, but do not lose sight of the passions that helps us succeed.

 

Remember the first day of spring is less than two months away and federal taxes for most farmers are due to the IRS by March 1.  Listed below are the items that need to be included on the farm business managers’ calendar for the first quarter of 2007.

 

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