Search Results

Whether you're a seasoned farmer or rancher , an aspiring farmer looking to venture into farming or ranching, or a farm business owner who wants to have a strong plan as they transition into another farm business, it’s helpful to know how to write and use a business plan. This will allow you to maximize your time, understand where you need to focus, engage with the right people, and nail your marketing strategy. Farming is like any business, it pays to have a solid plan to work from so you know where you're headed. In this article, we cover how to write a business plan for your farm, what it should include, some examples, why a business plan is important, and how to find help if you need it. Why Do You Need a Farm Business Plan A farm business plan is a road map that helps you identify goals, strategies, and resources to succeed. It is the WHAT, HOW, and WHY that drive your business. It can help you test your business idea, reduce risk, and make informed decisions. For a farm, it can also help you come up with a budget, projections for the next few years on income and expenses, create a core marketing strategy, and build a solid foundation. These things are so important to understand as you start your farm business . Key Takeaways from this Article: A farm business plan will clarify your ideas Spot potential issues and challenges Give you a plan of action and goals It can help you get funding if you need it Why Have a Business Plan? Here are 5 reasons why having a farm business plan can make your farm dream succeed. Business Planning is Proven to Help Grow Your Business According to the Harvard Business Review , entreprenuers who write down their business plans are 16% more likely to achieve viability than entrepreneurs who didn't plan. And with the staticis of 50% or more of businesses failing in their first 2 years, any little bit helps. Gives Visibility into your Milestones and Budgeting Having a farm business plan helps keep your business on track by helping you together your budget, goals and milestones that you see for your business. Helps Find Funding If you need to find funding they will most likely require you to have a business plan. If you already have the plan, it shows that you've done your due diligence and planning. It also shows commitment, professionalism, and organization. Reduces Risk and Liability By having a farm business plan you can verify if your business idea will succeed. A business plan will ask you to come face to face with some hard questions about if your business will succeed. It's better to have these conversations upfront. Estabilish your Vision and Goals You know that old saying about a dream without a plan is just a wish. Having a firm plan gives that dream a fighting chance. Writing down the how, what and why of your plan is vital to your success. Things They Don't Tell You About Business Plans You don't have to have a business degree to write a business plan. We've been helping farmers for a long time, and we see that everyone does business a little differently. But the ones that we see succeed have a solid plan and keep going. We've added some tips below to show you what most articles forget to tell you about business plans. What It Looks Like Just so we're all on the same page, there is no wrong way to write a business plan. It doesn't need to be a specific length, and you can take the examples and cut and paste to make it your own. This is just a place to start. If you have an outline for your business plan, that's better than nothing. Jot it down, come back to it, and revise. Play around with ideas and make this business realistic and yours. Your Business Plan Can Change The market might change around you. For example, let's say that the seeds that you could find easily before are harder to find and much more expensive now. That could be good or bad for your business. You might decide to raise the seed yourself the next year and sell locally. This pivot in your business may be more lucrative than selling the original plant. But this will depend on your market, who you can sell to, how much property you have to grow, whether you have the infrastructure already, and whether you have sellers lined up. There are a lot of questions to answer. Those questions are what you work out in your business plan. It's the place to ask - and answer - all the hard questions. This isn't supposed to be a painful exercise but instead one in which you ask yourself the hard questions before you invest time and money. Your Dream (Farm) Becoming Reality When it's all said and done, the real work of business is getting up every morning and making your dream come true. Your business plan should be the breath you breathe into your business. Go ahead and dream, pour your idea on this paper, but make sure to back up your idea with a plan, facts, and data that show this plan will work, and what obstacles and help you need on the way. Farm Business Plan Ideas Whether you are planning to raise cattle, sheep, pigs, or oysters, or grow corn, vegetables, or flowers, having a business plan can help you keep you organized and remind you where to go next. If you are organic farming, planning to raise beef cattle, or even urban farming, knowing how to plan a farm business is vital. Setting up a solid business starts with a business plan. The 5 C's of a Farm Business Plan A business plan is not a document that you write once and then never look at it again. It can help keep you on track, it can help you remember what you started out doing and how you planned on doing that. It doesn't need to stay the same, either. This can evolve as your business evolves. There are 5 Cs of a business plan. Concept, Company, Customers, Competition, and Cashflow All of these aspects are vital to the health of your business. Your business plan just helps you understand them better. Farm Business Outline This is a farm business plan outline. Print this out, copy and paste it, and add to it, but more than anything, make this your own. Executive Summary: In this area, you will talk about what business you plan on starting. This can also be an add-on to your current business. Business Concept : Clearly state the type of crop or livestock you will raise. Is it beef cattle, dairy cows, pigs, sheep, goats, poultry, etc? What are the primary products you will sell (meat, milk, eggs, wool, etc.)? Mission Statement: Define your farm's purpose and values, including your niche, which includes any focus on sustainability or ethical practices. Financial Highlights: Briefly summarize projected revenue, expenses, and profitability. Company Description/Business Overview: This describes your business in detail. Business Structure: Specify your legal structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC) and ownership details. (It's a great idea to have a to-do list as you write this out so that you don't forget to set up things if needed. Location: Describe the farm's geographic location, including land size and accessibility. If you don't have land, you can describe what is needed. History: Briefly explain the background of the farm, if applicable. Or your background in this farming endeavor. If you don't have a background, you might talk about how you plan on learning. Objectives:   Describe in detail what you want to accomplish on your farm and how you're going to make that happen. What obstacles are in your path? How will you get around them? Customer Market Analysis: Now, you will write an overview on the market, who you plan to sell to, how you plan to reach them, how you will stay in business, and how you'll handle bumps in the road. what contingencies you will have in place. Industry Overview: Analyze the current state of the farming industry you plan on getting into, including market trends, demand, and price fluctuations. Target Market: Identify your primary customer base (local shops, grocery stores, restaurants, direct-to-consumer sales) and their specific needs. You can also talk about any special ideas you have, like a locally sourced vegetable food truck, u-pick berry patch, CSA, Airbnb, or events. Competitors: Analyze local and regional competitors, highlighting your unique selling points to differentiate your farm. What makes your farm unique? How will you stand out? Products and Services: In this section, think about what you plan to sell. What makes your product different, better or unique? Breeds: Specify the breeds of animals/crops you will raise and why you chose them (e.g., high-quality meat, milk production, adaptability to climate, rare breed seeds, etc.) Product Range: Detail the specific products you will sell: cuts of meat, dairy products, eggs, honey, flowers, vegetables, or grains. Quality Standards: Explain your quality control measures to ensure product safety. Make sure you've looked into local laws regarding what you can and cannot sell. Marketing Strategy: The marketing section of your strategy asks you to think about how you will reach your audience. Branding: Develop a recognizable farm brand image, messaging, and voice. How will you have this done? Will this be a professional who makes this for you? Do you have a cousin who is a graphic designer? Sales Channels: Outline your sales strategy, including direct sales to consumers, wholesale markets, farmers' markets, and online platforms. How are you going to reach your customers? How will you keep them? How do you find more just like them? Advertising and Promotion: Identify marketing channels like website, social media, local advertising, and community engagement. How will you get the word out about your farm? Operational Plan: Discuss how you will keep organized on your farm. What happens when an order is placed? Figuring this out ahead of time will save you lost customers. Farm Management: Describe your farm management practices from seed to sale. Facilities: Detail the existing or planned farm infrastructure (barns, pastures, fencing, water systems, irrigation, processing facilities, equipment, what you will need on-farm and off-farm to produce your product, etc). Sustainability/Animal Wellness Practices: If applicable, explain your commitment to environmentally friendly or animal welfare practices. How will you keep these standards up? Organization: How will you keep track of your operation? How will you know what farm tasks you need to do, what plants need to be harvested, how long your cows have been in field A, and how much inventory (feed/seed/irrigation line, etc) you have left in stock? How will you communicate with your team members? Where will you keep track of your finances? Consider a farm management software like Farmbrite that helps you keep track of all your farm needs. Cost - Financial Projections: In this section of your farm business plan, you will think about and write out your plan for your farm finances . This includes your farm accounting , your costs to start up, the profit you will make, and how long that might take. Startup Costs: Itemize all initial expenses (land purchase, seed or animal acquisition, construction, equipment, permits). Operating Expenses: List ongoing costs (feed, veterinary care, labor, employees, utilities, insurance). Revenue Projections: Estimate expected sales based on market demand and pricing strategy. Profitability Analysis: Project cash flow and profitability over a set period (e.g., 3-5 years). Management Team: Key Personnel: Identify the key individuals involved in the farm operation and their roles (farm manager, veterinarian, marketing help). Think 3-5 years, so it may start with just you and add as you grow. This is the time to think about how to make that growth happen. Experience and Expertise: Highlight the relevant skills and knowledge of the management team. Important Considerations: Local Regulations: Understand and comply with all local zoning, environmental, and animal welfare regulations. Permits and Licenses: Obtain necessary permits to operate a livestock farm. Risk Management: Identify potential risks (disease outbreaks, weather events) and develop mitigation strategies. Financial Sustainability: Ensure your pricing strategy is competitive while covering all costs and generating profit. If you have trouble with this, ask for help. Take constructive feedback and ask questions. Addendums, Sources, and Research Lastly, you include any research or findings that you came up with during your search. This will be important if you have a partner that you want to bring this information to later on. There isn't a one-size-fits-all farm. Think about what kind of farm business you want to build and then put that down on a sheet of paper, on a worksheet we've provided here, or in a spreadsheet. It's just important that you work out all the bugs before you start selling anything. Farm Business Plan Templates Here are some example templates to get you started. Print them out or fill them out online! Livestock Ranch Business Plan Template Multi-Crop Grower Business Plan Template Generic Farm Business Plan Template Finding Help For Your New Farm Sometimes, when you start a business, it can feel like you're on your own. If you need help or have questions while you're getting started, there are some options. There are many companies that want to help you succeed as a small business/ new business. It's wise to seek their help and advice. Oh, and if your farm neighbor offers some advice, take it with gratitude, buy them some coffee, and ask a lot of follow-up questions, too! Getting Help Writing a Business Plan You may find that you need help writing your business plan . If you are really struggling with your business plan, you may want to contact the Small Business Association or your local ag office. Finding a mentor can help support your efforts. Finding Funding For Your Farm There are many places to find funding for your new farm . We've created this calculator for you so you can calculate how much farm funding you need. Why Don't People Write Business Plans With all the great reasons we've outlined, like being successful and having goals outlined, why wouldn't you write a business plan? Well, we all think that we're going to remember everything, that we have asked ourselves all the questions we need to, and that we don't need help. Well, I guess I have to ask you if that is a chance you're willing to take? Don't take our word for it; write down your business ideas in a business plan and test that theory. See if there are ideas, concepts, information, or other thoughts that you hadn't thought about or all the way through before. It's ok to dream about what you want to come true because that's what got you motivated to start this business in the first place. But the business plan is your opportunity to both dream and poke holes in your idea. Your business plan makes your dream come to life with action. This is your opportunity to write a business plan for your dream. We dare you. Farming Business Plans Small Farm Business Plan Beginning Farmer Business Plan

The most successful farms are willing to explore multiple income streams. Sometimes, that means selling to local restaurants. The premise can be appealing—guaranteed weekly customers can relieve stress. Still, many factors go into selling to chefs that the average farmer hasn’t considered. It requires specific skills for success; otherwise, you’ll wind up wasting everyone’s time. Here’s a closer look at what’s involved with marketing and selling to restaurants as a farm to help you determine whether it’s the right fit for your farming operation. Advantages of Selling to Restaurants There’s plenty to like about selling to restaurants as a farm: Guaranteed sales: Weekly restaurant orders minimize the risk of growing more than you can sell at farmers’ markets. Efficient packaging: With restaurant bulk orders, you can minimize single-use plastic. Creative expression: Chefs tend to be more adventurous than home cooks. This gives you a market for the obscure produce you’re dying to grow. Does Selling To Restaurants Make Sense for You? Not every farm is set up well for selling to restaurants. It’s essential to understand your strengths as a farmer and business owner. Asking these questions will help you determine whether working with restaurants is worth pursuing. Communication is Key: Are you a good communicator? Chefs need frequent updates on what’s available and whether they need to pivot. Failing to communicate will get you blacklisted fast. Sell Your Story: What (if anything) sets your farm apart? Restaurants often want to sell a story as much as your produce. Are you growing heirloom pumpkins from Great Grandpa’s seeds from the motherland? Emphasize the human connection of your farm compared to wholesalers, and you’re more likely to make a sale. Frequent Deliveries: Can you tolerate frequent deliveries? Restaurants will likely require weekly produce drop-offs. Will that throw off your work schedule? How will you add this to your schedule? Inventory: Can you offer a consistent inventory? It’s the rare restaurant that will tolerate unpredictable ingredients from week to week. If you can’t become a supplier that restaurants can count on, they’ll take their business elsewhere. Harsh but true. If you like this post, check out this video on selling to restaurants as a farm . Is this your path to profitability? Selling to restaurants might be on your bucket list, but it needs to make financial sense. If economies of scale are working against you, it might be better to find a different sales route.   Pitching To Restaurants If selling to restaurants is your end goal, then you are going to have to first sell yourself to them. For some farmers, this comes easy, but for others who might be a little more reserved, this feels hard. We've added this section to help give you some tips on pitching your farm products to restaurants. Market research On your Local Restaurants : First things first, do your research. Here are some things to consider when picking restaurants. Identify target restaurants:  Look for restaurants that promote local food, farm-to-table menus, or have a focus on seasonal ingredients.  Analyze menus:  Study their current dishes to understand what produce or meats they might be interested in. If you don't see something, this might be an opportunity to suggest it to them. This is a great way in. Chef research:  Find out who the head chef is and what types of foods they like to prepare and sell. After you do this, you might try to contact them directly.  Prepare your restaurant   pitch: Now that you've done your research on the restaurants, menus, and chefs, it's time to talk about you. Highlight your unique selling points:  Showcase your farm's sustainability practices, variety of produce, and exceptional quality.  Develop a product list:  Create a list of your available produce with quantities and pricing.  Offer samples:  Prepare a selection of your best produce to give chefs a taste of what you can provide.  Initiate contact: Now that you've prepared the information, it's time to put your best foot forward and reach out to the restaurant  directly. Direct approach:  Schedule a meeting with the chef or restaurant manager to present your products. I have had farms go right to their door with freshly picked food and gain entry that way, but I'm not sure that will work for everyone. The doors are often locked during off hours. It would be better to instead reach out and make an appointment when you know you can speak with the right people. Networking:  Attend local food events, farmers market events, or community events to connect with restaurant owners and chefs.  Professional communication:  Be clear about your intentions, provide detailed information about your farm and produce, and be prepared to answer questions about availability, packaging, and delivery.  Build relationships with restaurants : Once you've made contact, start to develop yourself as an asset to their restaurant. Be flexible:  Adapt to the restaurant's needs regarding quantities, packaging, and delivery schedules. Consistent quality:  Ensure your produce is consistently fresh and high quality to maintain customer satisfaction.  Regular communication:  Stay in touch with the restaurant to discuss seasonal changes and potential new items that you are growing or would like to grow. Be a good communicator:  Be easy to get a hold of. Make sure that they can order easily from you. It will make all of your jobs easier.  Important considerations when working with restaurants: There may be more considerations that you need to know about when selling to restaurants. It's important that you do your research and find out if there are local laws or regulations to be aware of. Legal requirements:  Check if you need any specific licenses or permits to sell produce to restaurants in your area.  Pricing strategy:  Research market rates for similar products and set competitive prices.  Packaging and labeling:  Present your produce professionally with clear labeling and branding.  Delivery logistics: Always discuss with the chef or manager the best way to deliver your product. This will cut down frustration and wait time. Keep Organized:  Being disorganized in your approach or delivery to a busy restaurant does not promote your professionalism. Make sure that you are using a farm record-keeping software  to help manage all aspects of your agricultural operation . 15 Tips for Success with Selling To Restaurants If the questions asked didn't deter you, then it’s time to talk logistics for selling to restaurants. The easiest option for every chef is to continue buying from their preferred wholesaler, so it’s a bit of an uphill battle for you to make that first sale. While every path to success will look different, these tips can help you move in the right direction. Figure out your story Remember that you’re selling the idea of your business as much as the broccoli. Successful restaurant growers can succinctly share what makes them stand out. Take the time to write down a few paragraphs about yourself, your farm, and what you’re working towards. Have these talking points handy when on sales calls.  Don’t shy away from free samples Buying wholesale is the easier option for most chefs, so you’ll need to convince them your product is worth the change in routine. Free samples speak louder than words, so bring along a dozen free-range eggs or that almost-too-crisp arugula to your prospective meetings. A well-timed freebie on regular deliveries can also lead to future orders. Be picky about prospects Selling to restaurants is a business relationship that must work on both ends. Do your market research and approach places that focus on local, seasonal menus. They’ll be the most forgiving of harvest fluctuations and have branding in place to best capitalize on local produce. On the flip side, don’t be afraid to end a restaurant relationship that isn’t working. Many growers start with several prospects and narrow down deliveries to the best fit. Finding the right fit requires trial and error for both parties. Promising prospects should change their menus every six weeks or so (to best accommodate seasonal bounty) and offer numerous specials at a time to utilize unexpected bumper crops. Stay organized Maintaining successful relationships between farmers and restaurants comes down to managing expectations and being organized . It’s important to let your buyers know what’s available as early as possible. Many growers manage weekly Google forms or email newsletters that share what’s in stock along with pricing, delivery times, and heads up on what’s peaking or waning. The easier you make the ordering process, the longer you’ll maintain repeat customers. Clarify packaging expectations early Chefs value efficiency, and your packaging strategy may impact their whole day. Talk with every potential restaurant about what would work best on their end. What’s the easiest to unpack? To store in fridges? Are they willing to hold onto reusable packaging until your next delivery date? Make sure the packaging is durable enough to withstand the rigors of the restaurant industry. There’s nothing worse than having beautiful (expensive) produce get ruined because of ripped bags. Build relationships with the entire staff Chefs are notorious for jumping from one restaurant to another. Make connections with everyone at your drop-off location so you aren’t convenient to cut during staff changes. Use chefs for market research Restaurant professionals will have their fingers on the pulse of what’s trending. Mine their expertise for plant suggestions and make farming plans accordingly. Consider pricing carefully Pricing is a tricky component for all small farms. There are many schools of thought. Some farmers prefer to eliminate any reason for a restaurant to say no and aggressively match or beat the prices of wholesale sellers. Others emphasize their difference (freshness, variety) from national wholesalers and aim to compete in other directions. Local produce tends to be ultra-fresh, meaning it might last longer in the refrigerator and require less frequent reordering. Likewise, small farms tend to have a stronger buffer against price increases. One egg farmer shares that his costs don’t increase even as national prices skyrocket, meaning he can offer consistent prices to restaurants when wholesalers come short. Lean into social media Today’s most successful farms often have a social media footprint. It’s a fun way to build brand awareness and get people invested in your products. All the better if you can combine marketing efforts with local restaurants to pick up extra customers. Prioritize unique yet hardy While restaurant partnerships offer opportunities to broaden your product selection, it’s essential to prioritize hardy varieties above all else. Restaurants are foremost a business, and you’ll lose partnerships fast if your produce doesn’t last. Get paid early and often Farm-to-restaurant relationships often lean towards casual. But that’s a problem if you’re as casual about money. Have a predetermined payment system that ensures you won’t be waiting weeks for unpaid invoices. The restaurant business can be volatile— you don’t want yours to be a victim of it. Patience is rewarded Finding successful relationships with restaurants doesn’t happen quickly. Expect to hear many no’s and go through several false starts before finding the ideal partnerships. Be Reliable Restaurants are stressful environments to begin with— the last thing a chef needs is unreliable food orders. Communicate early if there’s going to be a supply issue and be willing to offer alternatives. Deliver what you promise, when you promise it, and you’ll prove your farm is easy to work with. Accept feedback Growing for restaurants must work for both parties. Ask for feedback on where things are complicated. Maybe the chefs would prefer cleaner root vegetables or tomatoes sorted by varieties. Being open to hearing what’s not working gives you the opportunity to pivot and make a change You can't measure what you don't track A successful farm requires solid management. Consider investing in Farmbrite's farm management software to keep you organized, and inventory up to date. Manage every aspect of your agriculture business all in one place. It offers insight into ways to improve farm productivity , reduce inefficiencies, and increase production and sales. Learn how Farmbrite farm management software can transform your operation and see its potential for your operation. Selling to restaurants as a farm can be a rewarding and mutually beneficial partnership when approached with the right strategy. By focusing on quality, consistency, building relationships, and understanding the unique needs of restaurant owners and chefs, farms can establish a consistent and reliable market for their products. With thoughtful communication, relationship building, and flexibility, farms can not only increase their sales but also help support the local food movement.

How much hay do you need to store for the winter? Estimating how much hay you need for the winter is an important factor in most cattle, horse, goat, and sheep operations. As you may imagine we talk about hay a lot here at Farmbrite. Producers want to know how many hay bales they have on hand and how much hay their animals will eat through the winter and spring as well as the cost per hay bale. Here is some helpful information to help guide you through those calculations. Size and Weights of Hay Bales What does a bale of hay weigh? What is the size of a bale of hay? Here is a chart that helps to roughly determine the size and weight that different size bales can come in. (There is another chart at the bottom of this article as well.) Why Should You Care About the Weight of Your Hay? Knowing the weight and nutritional content of a hay bale not only helps to ensure that you have enough livestock fodder on hand for winter, it also helps to make sure that you provide ample nutrients and protein to your animals. What is Hay? Hay is a mixture of grasses, legumes, or other plants that have been cut, dried, and stored. It is typically utilized as animal fodder for livestock, such as cattle, goats, sheep, and horses, but can also be used for smaller animals such as rabbits. Hay is often harvested and used as animal fodder when there is not enough live pasture to graze animals on, when grazing is not feasible due to weather, or when an animal is unable to access a pasture. Hay is also used when a pasture is too lush or nutrient-rich for the well-being of livestock. Mixtures of grasses such as ryegrass, timothy, brome, fescue, Bermuda grass, and orchard grass are commonly used for hay. However, hay may also include legumes, such as alfalfa and clovers. Because the leaf and seed of plants naturally contain more nutritional value than the stems, farmers typically harvest hay when the seeds are not quite ripe and the leaf is at its largest size. Once cut in the field, the material is left to dry until the majority of the moisture is removed while still ensuring that the material is dense enough to be processed by machinery and stored in bales. Hay is very sensitive to weather conditions. When too dry, hay production and its nutritional value are diminished. When it's too wet out, the hay can easily rot, mold or spoil in the field before there is time for it to be baled, potentially allowing for toxins to form in the hay, which could make the animals sick. After harvest, hay should be stored in a way that protects it from moisture as any mold or spoilage reduces the nutritional value and may cause illness. Common Types of Hay There are many different types of hay that are available. The following are a few types that are typical for cattle, horse, goat, sheep, and other grazing fodder. It's important to understand the different types of feed and their nutritional value and impact on your livestock's health, growth, and yield. Alfalfa Alfalfa is a great source of high-quality protein. It is a great choice for lactating cows that need high amounts of digestible protein and energy. While Alfalfa is very palatable for most livestock, overfed livestock can become bloated easily due to the high amount of protein. This legume-based hay has a crude protein content of 17-20%, 1.19-1.41% calcium, and 0.98-1.13 mCal/lb digestible energy. Oat Hay Oat hay is beneficial for a majority of livestock for several reasons and typically contain more calories per pound than grass hay. Oat hay is great for young livestock when cut when the oats are in bloom, but you can also feedstock cows' oat hay when cut a little later. Oats are typically grown in cool temperate climates. Oat hay has a crude protein content of 15.6-16.3% and 0.32% calcium. Orchard Grass Orchard grass has a nutrient content with high fiber, protein, and calorie content when compared to timothy. Unlike other hays, orchard grass hay's nutrient value is not sensitive to the time it needs to be cut. While orchard grass has a high nutrient value, it falls short compared to alfalfa hay's nutrient density. Orchard grass has a crude protein content of 8-13%, 0.26% calcium. Timothy Hay Timothy is a grass hay mostly used for horses. It is a high-energy, high-fiber, and low-protein feed, which makes it easy for animals to digest. Because of its low protein levels, Timothy is often used as a filler to calm appetites without adding excess calories. Timothy hay has a crude protein content of 7-11%, 0.38-0.51% calcium, and 0.82-0.94 mCal/lb digestible energy. To fully understand the nutritional impact of the hay you are using you can do a hay analysis, which will highlight the specific amount of various nutrients that are found in the hay. Learn more about hay testing and hay analysis at https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-a-hay-analysis . What Is The Weight and Size of a Bale of Hay? Hay is typically harvested using standard machines and balers. These result in common round and square bale sizes weighing from 40 lbs to over 2,000 lbs. A hay baling machine packs and binds hay in a specified dimension, however depending on the density of the hay the weight of the bales varies. Each bale of hay has a moisture content that notably impacts its weight, making it difficult to produce standard or identical-weight bales. The ideal moisture for hay is around 15%. If the hay has less than 10% the hay will be very dry and lacking nutrition. If it has more than 18% moisture then there is a risk of mold. To accurately measure the weight of a bale of hay it is best to use a weighing scale. Making Hay: Packaging bales Bales are packed in two forms, round or rectangular and both have their pros and cons to feeding livestock. Rectangular Bales - Easy to move, but can be labor intensive to feed to animals - Easy to stack, store and transport - If not stored correctly in a hayrick, it can easily spoil Round Bales - Easy to feed to animals - Hard to store and stack - Harder to transport - Because it is baled in a compressed manner, it's less prone to spoilage Estimating the Bale of Hay Weight by Dimension: The following table provides information about how much a bale of hay typically weighs according to its dimension and size. Rectangle Bales Size Dimension (L x H x W) Weight 2 string bale 36” x 19” x 16”40 - 75 lbs. 3 string bale 44“ x 22” x 15”100 - 140 lbs. Half ton 6 ft x 4 ft x 3 ft 1000 lbs. 1 Ton 8 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft 2000 lbs. Round Bales Size Dimension (Width x Height) Weight Small 4 ft x 4 ft 400 - 600 lbs. Medium 5 ft x 4.5 ft 720 - 950 lbs. Large 5 ft x 6 ft 1270 - 1700 lbs. How to Estimate Your Hay Needs and Costs Depending on the type, quality, location, and size of the bales, you should expect to pay something between $30 and $300 per ton of hay. Square bales, on average, cost between $3 and $10 per bale, while round bales range from $75 to $90 for each ton. Alfalfa grade bales cost around $140 or more per ton, while grass bales range from $125 to $150 per ton. Because of the variation of prices for hay based on location, type, and season, it's best to contact a local feed store or grower to get an accurate estimate. If you want to estimate your hay consumption and costs, you need to know on average how much your livestock eat each day. When estimating hay usage we need to consider a few key factors: 1. The hay quality and moisture content 2. The daily % of body weight the animal consumes 3. The amount of hay wastage that is likely to occur. How Much Hay Does One Cow Consume? Cows will typically consume about 2% of their body weight. Using an example 1,200-pound pregnant cow, with good quality grass hay (~8% crude protein) we can estimate hay consumption of about 26 lbs per day - based on 92% dry matter (grass hays often have between 7-10% moisture content). Hay wastage is difficult to estimate, but generally, it is between 5% and 20%. For this example, let's assume 15% hay wastage or an extra 4 lbs/day/cow. This means that about 30 lbs of hay must be fed to each cow daily and hay is the primary feed source. Feeding Formula To figure out how much hay your cattle is likely to consume we can use the following formula: Lbs of hay needed = number of cows x days on hay x lbs/day Tons of hay needed = Lbs of hay/2000 The total cost of Hay = Tons of hay x cost/ton Using our example with an estimated cost of $250/ton of hay for 10 cows for 90 days we come to: Lbs of hay needed: 10 x 90 x 30 = 27,000 lbs Tons of hay needed: 27,000 lbs/2000 = 13.5 tons Total cost of Hay: 13.5 tons x $250 = $3,375 As you see it can be challenging but not impossible to figure out how much hay you will need to store for the winter. We hope this article will help give you the information you need to estimate the weight of a bale of hay, keep enough hay on hand, and produce healthy and happy livestock. We love helping keep track of your livestock feeding schedule, amounts of hay in inventory, and weights of animals at Farmbrite . Let us do the heavy lifting for you. Give it a try for free.

Selecting the right type of hay for your livestock is a critical decision that can significantly impact their health, growth, and productivity. There isn't a one-size-fits-all when growing hay (or buying hay bales). The decision of which type of hay to grow is unique to each farm operation. The factors that go into this depend on the type of livestock you raise, how much land you have to graze, what types of hay grow best in your region, whether you will store the hay, and whether will you have access to machinery to process the hay into bales. We've added information about different types of hay, the nutrients in hay, and the needs of different types of livestock. We hope this helps you better understand all the options and what you might want to grow on your farm. The Nutrients of Hay Like any other plant hay inherently has different vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Different species of hay offer more or less of these nutrients. Each species of livestock has different nutritional needs and different types of hay can provide that nutrition for them. Getting this right will help them gain weight faster or keep them at an optimal weight, and help keep them well. All animals need water, protein, energy, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to live and thrive. Livestock Protein Sources Protein is an essential building block for all animals to maintain their health, growth, and productivity. It's necessary for many critical cell processes, functions, and overall growth. Ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats have certain  protein needs for growth, reproduction, and milk production. Protein sources like alfalfa hay are often preferred for these animals. Other animals such as horses, need lower protein levels compared to ruminants but still require quality protein sources, such as legume hays or balanced concentrates. Carbohydrates, Energy, and Fiber The amount of energy contained in hay or forage is contained in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates fall into the two categories of structural carbohydrates or fibers that make up the plant such as cellulose and non-structural carbohydrates like sugars, starches, etc. The amount of energy livestock can break down and absorb into their system or the digestible energy is their caloric intake. This is the energy or calories they need and can use to maintain weight, gain weight, produce milk, or work. Fiber or structural carbohydrates are needed to slow the passage of food through the digestive tract and metabolize energy by breaking it down. It also provides a population of microorganisms that produce enzymes, energy, and fatty acids necessary for healthy digestion. Vitamins and Minerals Vitamins and minerals are essential for the health and productivity of livestock, playing a critical role in various physiological functions such as supporting immune system function, promoting proper growth and development, enhancing reproductive performance, and aiding in the efficient digestion and utilization of feed. There are two types of minerals; Macro-minerals like calcium, phosphorous, sodium, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur. These are required in slightly higher amounts compared to micro-minerals like iron, copper, molybdenum, manganese, zinc, cobalt, iodine, and selenium. Livestock will need various amounts of these nutrients so it's important to understand their needs before administering. Vitamins such as A, D, and E are vital for vision, and bone health, while minerals like calcium, copper, zinc, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium are crucial for bone development, the metabolism of energy, and muscle function. Deficiencies or imbalances in these nutrients can lead to health issues, reduced growth rates, poor reproductive outcomes, and decreased resistance to diseases. It's a good idea to ensure that livestock receive a balanced supply of these vitamins and minerals in their diet. Keep track of your minerals and vitamins by using crop management software . Hay Moisture Water is probably the most critical component to the health of your animals. Without this livestock cannot function. The amount of water needed varies by species, animal age, stage of life, available live forage, and environmental temperatures. The ideal moisture for hay is around 15%. Now that we've discussed what types of nutrients are in hay let's look more closely at the specific nutritional needs of the animals. Here are some general recommendations for different kinds of livestock. Nutritional Requirements of Hay Per Species Overall, Alfalfa hay is high in protein and calcium and is best for young, growing, lactating, or high-performance animals. Timothy hay has a good balance of nutrients and is suitable for most adult livestock. Orchard grass hay is soft as well as palatable and good for animals with respiratory issues or animals that are picky or need variety in their meals. Clover hay is overall a nutritious choice that can be cost-effective and similar to alfalfa but generally cheaper. However, each species of livestock has different nutritional needs. Getting this right will help them gain weight faster or keep them at an optimal weight, and help keep them in optimal health. We've added some suggestions below for different types of hay for different animals but it is always a good idea to check with your extension office or veterinarian to ensure that your animals are getting the nutrients they need. Cattle Alfalfa Hay:  High in protein and calcium, excellent for dairy cows and young, growing cattle. Timothy Hay: Lower in protein, suitable for adult beef cattle, and for maintaining body condition without excessive weight gain. Clover Hay:  Similar to alfalfa, but usually less expensive and still high in protein.|Information on reseeding your Horses Timothy Hay: A favorite for horses, offering a good balance of protein and fiber. Orchard Grass Hay:  A soft, palatable hay that's good for horses with respiratory issues. Alfalfa Hay:  High in protein and calcium, great for growing foals, lactating mares, and performance horses, but should be fed in moderation to adult horses to avoid excess weight gain. Goats Alfalfa Hay : High in protein and calcium, excellent for lactating does and young goats. Timothy or Bermuda Grass Hay:  Suitable for adult goats, providing adequate fiber without too much protein. Sheep Timothy Hay:  Good balance of nutrients and fiber, suitable for maintaining body condition. Orchard Grass Hay:  Similar to Timothy, but softer and more palatable. Clover or Mixed Grass Hay: Provides variety and can be nutritious, but avoid high legume hays like alfalfa for mature sheep to prevent urinary calculi. Other animals Many other types of animals also eat hay as a main staple of their diets. While we can't add every animal in this article we wanted to add a few popular ones like Camels  and rabbits  which are two popular breeds of animals that require specific types of nutrients regarding hay intake. It can be detrimental to their longevity and health to eat the wrong kinds. Factors To Consider When Growing Hay on Your Farm Choosing the right hay to grow on your farm and for your livestock involves several key considerations to ensure the hay you're growing meets the nutritional needs of your livestock, fits the environmental conditions of your region, and aligns with your farming practices. As you consider this make sure to tailor the specific needs of your livestock, considering factors like age, reproductive status, and activity level. Always ensure hay is free of mold and contaminants to maintain animal health. 1. Nutritional Needs of Your Livestock: The most important factor in choosing hay for your farm may be this one thing, the nutritional needs of your livestock . Match the hay you grow to the specific dietary requirements of your livestock. Some animals need less protein for instance, because they are being raised for different purposes. Being aware of these needs will ensure the optimal health of your livestock. 2. Livestock Growth Stages: Animals will need different nutrients during different times of their life and stages of growth (e.g., young, pregnant, lactating). Also, animals will have differing dietary needs per species. It's important to grow the types of hay that your animals need (or supplement for them) as they mature and grow. Another aspect of this is knowing how much hay you will need to support your animals throughout the year. To understand your needs you can use this hay estimating calculator . 3. Grow It Well: Choose a type of hay that is easily grown in your region. There are types of hay that grow better in cool weather and also ones that have adapted to grow in warmer weather. It's important to understand your USDA hardiness zone and how the seed will germinate, grow, and reproduce in your area. Understanding your soil (loamy, clay, etc), the PH, and the other trace nutrients that are available in your soil is vital to growing healthy crops. It is advisable to understand your soil and know the PH. Plants will grow better with the correct PH. 4. Growth and Yield: Many types of grass are perennials and have regrowth ability. The hay that you grow can be a sustainable source of feed for your livestock. This means that you may get a second, third, or more cutting(s) of your hay. You can then store the hay cutting or sell it if you have extra. Be sure not to over-harvest and give enough time for your crop to regrow. Alternatively, if you are using rotational  grazing  methods the plants your livestock consume today will regrow if given time by moving them to a different area to graze. This method is beneficial for the long-term health of your pasture and ensures that the pasture isn't overgrazed. Another factor you may want to consider is drought and heat . Unfortunately, extreme weather is becoming more and more common and will negatively affect the growth of your hay crop. So, it's something to take into consideration as you plant hay. 5. Pests and Diseases: When you are choosing a type of hay to plant on your farm it's important to know the downside as well. Crops can attract unwanted pests that will also eat the crop. Know the types of pests different types of grasses might attract and manage for them or grow pest resistance types. 6. Compatibility With Other Crops: Some hay crops, like clover, can improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, making them good choices for crop rotation systems. Combining different hay types, such as grass-legume mixes, can enhance forage quality and yield. 7. Market Demand : You might also choose to sell your surplus hay. Choose hay types that have strong demand in your local market to ensure you can sell any extra. Some customers can tell you the amount of hay they need to overwinter their livestock or you can use an estimator to do this. Selling hay can become another income stream for your farm. You can use a Farm Management System like Farmbrite to keep track of your inventory, the hay you have on hand when it was processed, and how much you made from your sales. We often get asked, how much you can sell a bale of hay for? That depends on many factors like your location, the type and grade of hay, and the size of the bale of hay. Here is a link from the Upper Midwest Hay prices but if this is not relevant to you you might try searching for hay sales in your area or ask your local extension office. 8. Costs: Consider the costs of seeds, fertilizers, and any additional inputs required for growing and harvesting the hay. Different hay types may require varying levels of management and labor. You might also want to consider your available labor resources and equipment. You may be able to share costs with another farmer, rent equipment, or pay for your field to be cut. These all have costs associated with them so it's important for you to weigh those with potential sales. 9. Harvest and Storage: Ensure you have the necessary equipment for harvesting as well as a place to store the hay. Proper storage will prevent spoilage and maintain quality. You can use a farm record-keeping software like Farmbrite to keep track of how much hay you have on hand and what date you will run out. Selecting the right hay can significantly impact the health and productivity of your livestock, so it's important to consider all these factors when making your choice. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select the most suitable hay type for your farm, ensuring it meets both your livestock's nutritional needs and your operational capabilities. Types of Hay to Consider Growing on Your Farm There isn't a one-size-fits-all when growing hay. Selecting the right type of hay for your livestock is a critical decision that can significantly impact their health, growth, and productivity and this can be unique to each farm operation. Hay is a primary source of nutrition for many animals, providing essential fibers, proteins, and other nutrients. Different types of hay offer unique benefits and nutritional profiles, making some more suitable for certain livestock and specific stages of their growth or production cycles. Understanding the characteristics and best uses of various hay types can help you make informed choices that optimize the well-being of your animals and the efficiency of your farming operations. This guide will explore the most common types of hay grown, detailing their advantages and ideal applications to aid you in selecting the best forage for your livestock. Choosing the right type of hay for your livestock is crucial for their health and productivity. Here are some common types of hay and growing considerations for each type. 1. Alfalfa Hay Alfalfa is a perennial legume that's high in protein, calcium, vitamins, and fiber. It is grown in many different areas throughout the world. It is known to be a top choice to grow in grazing areas, for hay, silage, and green manure or cover crops. This is one of the highest quality feeds for livestock as well as a cash crop. It is especially good for pregnant or lactating animals, and work animals. Nutrient Content : High in protein and calcium. Suitable For : Dairy cattle, young animals, horses (with moderation due to high calcium), and other high-performance livestock. Growing needs:  It requires deep, well-drained soils. Considerations : Can be too rich for some animals, leading to digestive issues if not balanced properly. 2. Timothy Hay A type of perennial grass. It has a balanced nutritional composition of high fiber, and low protein, and contains nutrients like calcium, and phosphorus that makes it more easily digestible by livestock. Nutrient Content : Lower in protein compared to alfalfa but higher in fiber. Suitable For : Horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, and livestock that require high fiber and lower protein. Cool Season Crop:  Plant in the fall of the year before to get established. Considerations : Good for maintaining digestive health; often mixed with other hays. 3. Bermuda Grass Hay Bermuda Grass is considered a medium-quality forage. It is a deep-rooted, high-quality forage for various livestock. It has moderate protein but provides other nutrient content. One of the clearest advantages to growing this hay is that it can be bailed at more convenient times, offers nutrition for grazing cows and calves when they might need it most, and withstands heat in the summer months. Nutrient Content : Moderate in protein and fiber. Suitable For : Horses, cattle, sheep, and goats. Warm Climates:  Not suited for colder climates Grazing: Grazing height needs to be no lower than 3-4 inches. Considerations : Soft texture, generally well-liked by animals. 4. Orchard Grass Hay Orchard grass is highly versatile and widely valued in livestock management due to its excellent nutritional profile and palatability. It is best used as hay or pasture for a variety of animals, including horses, cattle, sheep, and goats. Its high fiber content and moderate protein levels make it ideal for maintaining digestive health and supporting steady growth and productivity in livestock. Orchard grass is also well-suited for mixed hay production, where it can be combined with legumes like clover or alfalfa to enhance the overall nutrient balance. Additionally, its resilience to frequent grazing and ability to thrive in cooler climates make it a reliable forage option for sustainable pasture management. Nutrient Content : Moderate protein and fiber levels. Suitable For : Horses, cattle, goats, and sheep. PH:  Prefers well-drained, loamy soils with a PH of 5.8 to 7.0 Considerations : Often preferred due to its softness and palatability. 5. Clover Hay Clover hay is highly regarded for its rich nutritional content, particularly its high protein and calcium levels, making it an excellent feed choice for dairy cattle, young animals, and other high-performance livestock. It is often used to supplement diets that require additional protein, supporting milk production, growth, and overall health. Clover hay is also beneficial when mixed with grass hays, such as orchard grass or timothy, to create a balanced forage that enhances the palatability and nutrient profile of the feed. Additionally, clover hay can improve soil fertility when grown in rotation with other crops, as it fixes nitrogen in the soil, promoting sustainable farming practices. Its versatility and nutritional benefits make clover hay a valuable component in the diets of a wide range of livestock. Nutrient Content : High in protein, similar to alfalfa. Suitable For : Dairy cattle, growing animals, and other high-performance livestock. Protein:  High Protein Content Considerations : Can be mixed with grass hays to balance the diet. 6. Fescue Hay Fescue hay is a versatile and durable forage option, best suited for beef cattle, horses, sheep, and goats due to its moderate protein and fiber content. It thrives in a variety of soil types and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for regions with challenging climates. Fescue hay is particularly advantageous for grazing systems, as it maintains its nutritional value and palatability even under frequent grazing. It is also a good option for hay production, providing a steady supply of forage throughout the growing season. However, it is important to use endophyte-free or novel endophyte fescue varieties to avoid potential health issues in livestock, such as fescue toxicosis. Overall, fescue hay's resilience and adaptability make it a valuable feed resource in diverse livestock management systems. Nutrient Content : Moderate protein and fiber levels. Suitable For : Beef cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. Grazing:  Good for rotational grazing and Hay production. Considerations : Endophyte-infected fescue can cause health issues, so choose endophyte-free varieties. 7. Ryegrass Hay Ryegrass hay is prized for its high energy content and moderate protein levels, making it an excellent feed choice for dairy cattle, sheep, and goats, particularly during lactation and growth phases. Its palatability ensures high intake rates, which can lead to improved weight gain and milk production. This type of grass is also beneficial when used in rotational grazing systems, as it establishes quickly and recovers well after grazing, providing a consistent forage supply. Its lush, high moisture content makes it ideal for silage production, ensuring a high-quality feed during the winter months. Due to its adaptability to various soil types and climates, ryegrass hay is a versatile and valuable component in the forage repertoire of many livestock operations. Nutrient Content : High in sugars and moderate in protein. Suitable For : Dairy cattle, sheep, and goats. Grazing:  Good for rotational grazing Considerations : Can be lush and high in moisture; best mixed with drier hays. 8. Oat Hay Oat hay is a versatile and nutritious forage option, particularly well-suited for horses, cattle, and sheep. Its high fiber content and moderate protein levels make it an excellent choice for maintaining digestive health and providing a balanced diet. Oat hay is especially beneficial for young, growing animals and lactating females due to its nutrient profile. It is a valuable supplement during the winter months when fresh pasture is limited. Harvested at the milky to dough stage, oat hay retains a high nutritional value and palatability, ensuring livestock readily consume it. Its adaptability to different climates and soil types makes oat hay a reliable and sustainable forage crop for diverse agricultural settings. Nutrient Content : Variable, but generally moderate in protein and high in fiber. Suitable For : Horses, cattle, and sheep. Grazing:  Good for pasture grazing in the winter Considerations : Best harvested before oats fully mature to maintain palatability. There are many things to consider as you transition to growing hay on your farm; The needs of your current livestock and the ones you are thinking of purchasing in the future, your land and soil, the resources you have available to produce the hay, how you'll store it, how you'll manage it's consumption, and who you might sell it to. I hope we've been able to give you some information to get you headed in the right direction to support your livestock's nutritional needs on your farm by growing your hay for yourself. Happy Farming from the team here at Farmbrite! Vitamin Supplementation for Beef What Nutrients are in Grass Free Cattle Record Book A Beginner Guide to Selecting Hay Understanding Hay Analysis Rumen Microorganisms

Cow Gestation Period An average, cow gestation period (length of cow pregnancy) lasts about 283 days , however, this period varies based on the breed of the cow and the sex of the calf. That's about 9 months. Keep reading to learn more about cow gestation periods and download our free cow gestation period table to simplify estimating calving dates. If you're breeding cattle it's important to know when the calves might come. Depending on the age of the cow, the breed of cattle, how healthy the cow is, the sire, and other considerations this will change the date of the birth. Often, cattle operations will calculate the cow's due date by adding 283 days to the breeding date. If you have a rough guess when that was you can count back. If you need a gestation calculator you're in luck, you can find that below. Average Cow Gestation Period While the average cow gestation period is 283 days , calving for older and larger cows usually happens 10 days later. Smaller and younger cow's pregnancies may last 10 days less. So, the typical gestation period for cattle ranges from 279 to 287 days (up to 291 for Brahman cattle). Check out the gestation table for cattle below to estimate your cow's due date based on their date of service. Pregnancy management starts by keeping accurate cattle records to know when the cow was exposed to the bull. Then as the date gets closer make sure you're prepared for calving by keeping a close eye on your herd, and needed supplies close at hand. You can also use our Free Cow Gestation Calculator to estimate for you or print this downloadable cattle gestation period table to help you find the gestation period for your cows. Cow Gestation Period Table Based on 283 day cow gestation period Digital Cattle Record-Keeping: Farmbrite makes it easy to add and store breeding and pregnancy data in a digital format, ready to access on your phone, tablet, or desktop. Automate Your Cattle Calculations: Farmbrite cattle management software will automatically calculate a cow's expected calving dates based on her breeding dates. Upload Your RFIDs: Farmbrite integrates with RFID tags or EID tags and wands to track chute-side data collection. Reporting and Analysis: Farmbrite generates reports and helps you analyze your herd based on the data. This helps ranchers identify trends and make informed decisions about their cattle operations . Inventory, Financials, Tasks , and More  Farmbrite helps cattle ranches keep track of all their data in one place. Thanks so much for taking a look at our article about cow gestation periods. We hope this helps make this process easier for you. Below we've listed some other free resources to check out. If you're looking for help to keep track of how many days your cows are pregnant, how long they've been grazing in a field, ADG ( cattle average daily gains ) and so much more, take a look at Farmbrite's cattle tracking app . We help your cattle herd thrive! Other Free Cattle Resources: Free Cow Gestation Calculator Free Downloadable 74-page Cattle Record Keeping Book Beginners Guide to Buying Cattle Guide to Keeping Livestock Records Estimating Cattle Hay and Feed Needs Top Breeds of Cattle for Your Ranch Cattle Body Condition Scoring

How many head of cattle can you keep on your pasture? How many cows can I keep per acre? As ranchers and farmers, it is a question that we often need to solve especially if you have a limited amount of land or want to use your land in the best way possible. As cattle producers we want to understand how to raise the maximum number of animals on the acreage we have. Additionally, if you are looking to purchase or expand your herd, it's important to understand the minimum amount of land you need to support the grazing and growth requirements of those animals. Finding the right balance between your herd size and available forage is a critical part of developing and managing good grazing practices, no matter if you are using rotational or continuous grazing practices. This article, and the included cows per acre calculator at the end of the post, will walk you through how to calculate the number of cows that can be supported based on your pasture size -and health- and how much land is needed for each head of cattle based on the cattle type. Why Calculate Cows Per Acre? In order to maintain the quality of your soil you can’t run too many cows per acre. If you do you can run into overgrazing issues that will impact the health of your soil and in turn, negatively affect the health and productivity of your herd. Overgrazing is a common mistake that new ranchers make. Overgrazing can reduce soil health, and quality and lead to a reduction in the biodiversity of your pasture. A pasture in poor health is more likely to allow the expansion of invasive plants and grasses to take over, which will reduce the quality and amount of forage available. Overgrazing also causes soil degradation can can cause desertification of your land. Rotational grazing and multi-species grazing are two types of grazing you should consider for your farm. In addition to supporting healthy pastures, rotational grazing and multi-species grazing practices can also produce healthier animals. Before we dive into the calculator, it's important to understand the key factors that go into determining how many grazing animals the land can support. The key factors come down to the weight of the animals grazing, measured as animal units (AU), and the health and productivity of the pasture. Let's start by understanding animal units. Cattle Animal Units The Animal Unit (AU) is a standard measure of weight that can be used to estimate how many cattle per acre you can graze. One AU is equivalent to 1,000 lbs (453.6 kg) of body weight. Another important metric to understand is the Stocking Rate, which is expressed as Animal Unit Month (AUM) . A cow typically eats about 75-80% of their body weight in forage per month. Understanding the forage rate for cows helps us to determine the Animal Unit Month (AUM). AUM is the monthly forage demand for 1 AU or roughly 915 lbs for a cow according to Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS. Estimating Pasture Forage To accurately estimate how many acres a cow needs it's important to understand the pasture conditions, precipitation, and more specifically, the estimate of the forage yield that the pasture will produce. The amount of forage that can be produced by a pasture can vary widely and can be severely affected by: Pasture condition Precipitation zone Types of forage grown Grazing system used (e.g., rotational grazing) Pasture condition scoring takes into consideration many factors when evaluating the overall health and productivity of a pasture and its pasture forage yield. The NRCS and Alberta Forage Manual provide extensive details about this. Using pasture scoring to determine the p asture condition class will help you to develop an estimate for the Animal Unit Months per acre. For example, an irrigated seeded pasture in excellent condition might provide 7+ AUM/acre while the same irrigated pasture in poor condition may only yield 2.5 AUM/acre. A poor-quality field in a dry year might have as little as 0.25 AMU/acre. How Much Land Does a Cow Need? You've probably heard that you need about 1 acre per cow or about 1.5 to 2 acres to feed a cow/calf pair for 12 months. But is the story really that simple? A typical 1 AU, 1,000 lb, cow might require as much as 8 acres (3.2 ha) on poor-quality pasture with low precipitation or as little as about 0.27 acres (0.11 ha) on an irrigated pasture in excellent condition. As you can see the health and quality of the pasture and forage yield makes a huge difference in how many head of cattle can be supported per acre or the stocking density for cattle. For more accurate numbers, it's essential to assess your pasture's forage quality (how much grass or feed it provides), climate (rainfall, temperature), and cattle type (e.g., dairy vs. beef). Some areas may require supplemental feeding during certain seasons to maintain the health of both the cows and the pasture. Based on the information above, you might have a general sense of how much land a cow needs to support their grazing needs. But let's walk through an example to understand how to calculate the number of cows per acre that could be supported by a certain size pasture. Let's assume that you've estimated your pasture forage yield rate on a good quality pasture with decent precipitation and determined an average forage yield of 2.2 AUM/acres or 2000 lb/acres. Assuming that we are allowing the pasture to rest 1/2 the time by using a rotational grazing system, we can assume a 50% utilization rate. To determine the total monthly production of the field we multiply the AUM x the utilization rate. Or 2,000 lb/acre x 50% = 1,000 lb/acre or 915 lb/AUM. Next, we determine the total AUM for our pasture. Let's assume a 500-acre pasture . We do this by multiplying the monthly production of the field, 1,000 lb/acre) x the size of our pasture (500 acres) to get a total of 500,000 lb of forage or 546 AUM. Assuming we want to graze an average weight of 1,200 lb (1.2 AU) - cow with calves. We can determine the total number of animals by dividing the number AUM (546 AUM from step 4 ) by the average animal units (1.2 AU) and then dividing by the total acres - or (546 AUM/1.2 AU) / 500 acres = 0.91 head of cattle per acre. Ok, there are a lot of parts to that calculation. The good news is that you can just select a few options and plug in some information in the calculator below and let it handle the math for you. Cow Per Acre Calculator Here are the basic instructions for using the cattle-per-acre calculator. Choose a cattle type you plan to graze. Tip: If you know the average animal unit (AU) of the herd, select the Custom option and enter your value. Enter the pasture area. Adjust the utilization rate, according to your grazing practices. If you know the forage yield, enter it, otherwise choose the annual precipitation and pasture condition option to determine the forage yield estimate. And, that's it! Once you've supplied that information you'll see the estimated pasture's forage production, total number of cattle, and how many cows per acre can be grazed on the field. Additional Cattle Resources Cattle Body Conditioning Scoring Cow Gestation Table and Cow Gestation Calculator Estimating Your Hay Needs Beginners Guide to Keeping Livestock Records Other Cattle Resources Farmbrite is a complete livestock software system that supports integrated multi-species breeding, livestock record keeping, grazing, farm management , tracking, sales, and reporting software to run a thriving livestock business. We provide everything you need to manage a livestock operation . Want to learn more about how Farmbrite can help your cattle operation ? Learn more . We hope that this article has taken some of the confusion out of calculating the number of acres you need to graze your cattle on. Best of luck and happy ranching!

Animal Feed Recipes for Chicken, Cattle, Sheep, Goat, and Pig Feed Raising livestock can be a rewarding experience, whether you're doing it for fun, food, or as a full-time agricultural business. One of the most crucial aspects of taking care of animals is providing them with the right nutrition. Commercial feed can be expensive and can often contain additives that some animal owners prefer to avoid. Many farms choose to create their own homemade animal feed from ingredients that are easily accessible, affordable, and tailored to the dietary needs of your livestock. In this post, we've created some recipes or a cookbook and a step-by-step guide to making livestock feed for your herd. This goes over how to make your own chicken, cattle, goat, sheep, and pig feed from scratch, using common ingredients that promote healthy growth, milk production, and overall well-being for your livestock. Why Make Your Own Feed? When it comes to raising livestock—whether chickens, cattle, pigs, goats, or even sheep—one of the most important aspects of taking care of livestock is proper nutrition. While commercial animal feed is convenient and widely available, making your own feed has several benefits that are appealing to anyone looking to cut farm costs while providing high-quality nutrition for their animals. Before starting to make your own DIY livestock feed, it's worth understanding Feed Conversion Ratios (FCR). Feed Conversion Ratio or FCR is an effective way to measure the productivity of livestock by comparing the input (feed) required to produce an output (meat, eggs, etc). FCR provides a key performance metric to help evaluate the productivity and potential return on investment of an animal. It also can to experiment with different feed types, species, and inputs to determine how they may impact the animal FCR and ultimately its productivity. Learn more about Livestock Feed Conversion Ratios Many people make their own livestock feed mix. We've outlined a few reasons why you might want to consider making your own animal feed: Cost-Effective Livestock Feed  – Commercial feeds can be expensive, especially when you're raising multiple animals. Making your own feed can significantly reduce your feed costs . The price of ingredients in pre-packaged feed often includes not just the cost of the raw materials, but also the packaging, transportation, and sometimes a premium for brand names. By purchasing ingredients in bulk—such as grains, soybeans, alfalfa, and other feed components—and mixing your own, you can lower your per-animal feed cost significantly. So if you are looking to reduce operational expenses and improve your bottom line you might look at making your own feed mix. Customizable Nutrition  – You can tailor the mix to meet the specific nutritional requirements of your animals, whether they’re laying hens, meat chickens, dairy cows, or pigs. Each of these animals needs different nutrition. Each type of livestock has unique dietary requirements, depending on their age, purpose (egg production, meat, dairy, etc.), and environmental conditions. Commercial feeds are often generalized and may not fully meet the specific needs of your animals. When you make your own feed, you can customize the nutritional balance for your animals. For example, laying hens need more calcium to produce strong eggshells, while meat pigs require a higher protein content to build muscle. This gives you the opportunity to create nutritious animal feed at home that also is cost-effective. You can adjust the protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate ratios to suit your specific animals, ensuring they thrive. Fewer Additives  – Homemade feed lets you control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary preservatives, artificial colors, or other unwanted additives that are sometimes found in store-bought feeds. Commercial feeds often contain additives, preservatives, and sometimes byproducts that you may not want to feed your animals. By making your own feed, you have complete control over the quality and composition of what your animals are eating. You can choose organic, non-GMO, or locally sourced ingredients that meet your own ethical and health standards. Plus, you won’t have to worry about unnecessary fillers or artificial ingredients that might compromise the health of your livestock. Sustainability  – You can use locally sourced ingredients to be a more sustainable practice and reduce your carbon footprint as well as help out a local farmer. Local byproducts  from farms, mills, or food processors (like unsold produce, leftover grains, or pulp) can be repurposed as animal feed. Check with nearby businesses or farms for excess food waste that’s suitable for your livestock. Ingredients for Homemade Livestock Feed Before you begin, you need to understand the basic nutritional needs of each type of animal. Each type of animal will have different needs percentage-wise. Here’s an overview of what to include in their diets: Protein  – Essential for growth, egg production, and muscle development. Common protein sources include soybeans, alfalfa, peas, and fish meal. Carbohydrates  – Provide energy for daily activities and growth. Common carbohydrate sources include grains like corn, oats, barley, and wheat. Vitamins & Minerals  – These are vital for overall health. Offer a mix of vegetables, fruits, and mineral supplements to ensure your animals get the nutrients they need. Fats  – These provide extra energy, especially for pigs and cattle. Vegetable oils, animal fats, and grains like corn can be used. Fiber  – Keeps digestion running smoothly. Fiber-rich ingredients include hay, straw, and silage. Livestock Feed Instructions: Here are instructions on mixing the feed together. Mix the dry ingredients  (For each recipe) thoroughly in a large, clean container or barrel. Make sure the grains (oats, corn, barley) are evenly distributed and not clumped together. Add the salt and minerals , then mix again to ensure everything is well incorporated. If you want to add any supplements, such as diatomaceous earth or any specific vitamins, do so now and blend thoroughly. Store the feed  in a cool, dry, and airtight container to keep it fresh and free from pests. Keep feed in a container that pests can't get into (and the animals can't get into as well) and away from direct sunlight to preserve the nutrients. Let’s dive into the specifics of creating feeds for each type of animal. Livestock Feed Recipe Cookbook Based on the type of livestock you raise here are some feed recipes to try. 1. Chicken Feed (Layer & Broiler) Chickens require different types of feed depending on whether they are laying hens (layers) or raised for meat (broilers). Here's how to make your own feed for each. Feeding Tips for Layers At-will Feeding : Provide feed at all times to ensure consistent laying. Supplement with Grit : Include grit to help hens digest whole grains or coarse feed. Fresh Water : Ensure clean water is always available. Free-Range Supplements : If hens are free-range, they may eat bugs, greens, and other natural supplements, slightly reducing feed intake. Avoid Spilled or Moldy Feed : Spoiled feed can harm health and reduce egg production and spilled feed is wasted. Check out some of our tips below to reduce feed waste. Layer Feed Recipe (for Egg Production) The best feed for laying hens  provides the nutrients needed for egg production, shell quality, and overall health. A balanced layer feed supports consistent laying, strong eggshells, and a healthy flock. Corn  – 40-60% A good source of carbohydrates and energy. Soybean Meal  – 15-25% High in protein for egg production. Wheat Bran  – 15% Adds fiber for healthy digestion. Alfalfa Hay  – 5-10% Provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Oyster Shells  – 2 - 5% Calcium is essential for strong eggshells. Optional: Salt  – 0.5-1% For electrolyte balance. Optional: Poultry Premix  – 0.5-1% A mineral and vitamin supplement. Layer Chicken Feed Recipe (Example) Ingredients Purpose Amounts / % Corn Energy 50% Soybean Meal Protein 25% Wheat Bran Fiber 15% Alfalfa Hay Fiber 6% Oyster Shells Calcium 3% Salt (optional) Electrolytes 0.5% Mineral Premix (optional) Minerals 0.5% By providing a well-balanced homemade layer feed, you can support optimal egg production, strong shells, and healthy hens year-round. Check out our Software for Layer Chickens to help keep track of your poultry operation. Broiler Feed Recipe (for Meat Production) The best homemade feed for broiler hens focuses on promoting rapid growth, high feed efficiency, and healthy muscle development. Broilers grow quickly, and their diet should be formulated for their age and production stage to ensure optimal results. Feed for Broilers Broilers are typically fed in three stages: Starter Feed (0-4 Weeks) Corn – 55% Energy source for rapid growth. Soybean Meal – 30% High protein for muscle growth Fish Meal – 5% High in digestible protein, essential in starter diets Vegetable Oil – 3% Boost energy density in the diet Mineral/Vitamin – 5% Zinc, manganese, and selenium for immunity and growth. Limestone and Dicalcium Phosphate – 2% For calcium Grower Feed (4-6 Weeks) Corn – 60% Energy source for rapid growth. Soybean Meal – 25% A high-quality protein source rich in amino acids Wheat or Barley – 5% An alternative to corn, provides energy and protein Vegetable Oil – 4% Boost energy density in the diet Mineral/Vitamin – 5% Zinc, manganese, and selenium for immunity and growth. Limestone and Dicalcium Phosphate – 1% For calcium Finisher Feed (6 Weeks to Market Weight) Corn – 65% Energy source for rapid growth. Soybean Meal – 20% High protein for muscle growth Vegetable Oil – 5% Boosts energy density in the diet Wheat Bran – 5% An alternative to corn, provides energy and protein Mineral/Vitamin – 4% Zinc, manganese, and selenium for immunity and growth. Limestone and Dicalcium Phosphate 1% Calcium Broiler Chicken Feed Recipe (Example) Ingredients Purpose Amounts / % Corn Energy 65% Soybean Meal Protein 20% Wheat Bran Fiber 5% Vegetable oil Fiber 5% Minerals Vitamins 5% Tip: You can also add fresh kitchen scraps, vegetables, or cracked grains to diversify their diet. Check out our Software for Broiler Chickens   to help keep track of your poultry operation. 2. Cattle Feed (Dairy & Beef Cattle) Cattle feed will depend on whether you’re raising dairy or beef cattle. Dairy cattle need more nutrients to support milk production, while beef cattle focus on building muscle mass. Dairy Cow Feed Recipe The best DIY feed for dairy cattle ensures high milk production, health, and reproductive performance. A well-balanced diet should provide the right mix of energy, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. TMR (Total Mixed Ration) Most dairy farms use a TMR  to ensure cows receive a balanced diet in every bite. A typical TMR might include: Forages (Alfalfa silage, hay) 50-70% This provides fiber and moisture, aiding digestion. Grains (corn, barley) 20-40% Adds energy for milk production. Protein Sources (soybean meal, cottonseed) 5-10% A protein source to boost milk production Minerals, Vitamins, and Byproducts 5-10% Ensures adequate vitamins and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus. Clean, Fresh Water : Critical for milk production as milk is 87% water. Dairy Cow Feed Recipe (Example) Ingredients Purpose Amount / % Hay Fiber 70% Grains Energy 20% Soybean meal Protein 5% Minerals Overall health 5% Feeding Tips Proper feeding management ensures optimal milk production, cow health, and farm profitability! Feed for Stage of Lactation : Adjust feed for early lactation (high energy), mid-lactation (maintenance), and dry periods (lower energy). Monitor Body Condition : Over or underfeeding can harm milk production and health. This can also be affected during hot or cold spells when the animals are stressed. Monitor Rumen Health : Ensure sufficient fiber to prevent acidosis. Dairy Cattle Feed Recipe The best feed for beef cattle depends on their production stage (e.g., growth, finishing, or maintenance), as well as the availability of feed resources. Here are some basic feed ratios for beef cattle. Check out our Software for Dairy Cattle Operations   to help keep track of your cattle operation. For weaned calves (400–700 lbs): Forage – 60-70% (grass hay or silage). Grain – 30-40% (corn or barley). Protein – 12-14% (soybean meal or distillers grains). General Maintenance Diet Mature beef, not being fattened. Silage, Hay, Pasture grass  – 80-100% Provides fiber for digestion. Grain  – 0-20% Only needed for extra energy. Finishing Diet For cattle in the final growth phase. Forage – 10-20% (corn silage or hay). Grain – 70-80% (corn or barley). Protein – 12-14% (distillers grains, cottonseed meal). Beef Cattle Feed Recipe (Example) Ingredients Purpose Amount / % Hay Fiber 80% Corn Energy 10% Soybean Meal Protein 5% Minerals Electrolyte balance 5% Beef cattle may also benefit from additional fat sources like vegetable oil or animal fats, especially if you want to add extra weight. Check out our Software for Beef Cattle Operations   to help keep track of your cattle operation 3. Pig Feed (Weaner & Finisher) Pigs grow pretty rapidly and need different types of feed at different stages of their growth. Weaners (young pigs) require more protein to support rapid growth, while finishers (pigs ready for market) need more energy to add layers of fat. Weaner Pig Feed Recipe Feeding weaner pigs properly is essential for promoting healthy growth, efficient feed conversion , and a strong immune system. Weaner pigs (typically 5–12 weeks old) require energy for rapid growth, protein to support muscle development, vitamins, and minerals. Corn  – 50% A high source of energy Soybean Meal  – 30% Adds protein for growth. Alfalfa Hay or Grass  – 5-15% Provides fiber and bulk. Fish Meal or Milk Powder  – 5% Provides additional protein for rapid growth. Weaner Pig Feed Recipe (Example) Ingredients Purpose Amount / % Corn Energy 50% Soybean Meal Protein 30% Alfalfa Hay or Grass Fiber 15% Fish meal or Milk Powder Additional protein 5% Finisher Pig Feed Recipe The best feed for finisher pigs focuses on maximizing weight gain efficiently while maintaining meat quality. Finisher pigs are typically in the weight range of 50–120 kg (110–265 lbs), and their diets should prioritize energy and moderate protein to achieve optimal growth and fat deposition. Corn  – 50-60% High energy source Soybean Meal  – 20-25% Protein to support muscle growth. Wheat or Barley  – 10% Adds fiber and bulk. Vegetable Oil or Animal Fats  – 10% Increase fat content and promote weight gain. Pigs also require a mix of vitamins and minerals, so adding a commercial premix is a good idea, especially for young pigs. Check out our Software for Pig Operations   to help keep track of your pig operation Finisher Pig Feed Recipe (Example) Ingredients Purpose Amount / % Corn Energy 60% Soybean Meal Protein 20% Wheat Bran Fiber 10% Vegetable Oil Weight Gain 10% 4. Goat Feed (Dairy, Mohair, and Meat) The goat feed you make will depend on whether you’re raising goats for dairy, meat, or wool and the conditions you're raising them. Dairy and Angora goats need more nutrients to support milk and fleece production, while meat goats focus on building muscle mass. But goats may not need grain all the time and it is wise to start them on this slowly. Dairy Goat Feed Recipe Feeding dairy goats properly is essential to support high milk production, maintain good health, and ensure reproductive efficiency. Alfalfa Hay (or high-quality legume hay)  – 60-70% Rich in Calcium and a large part of their diet Oats (whole or rolled)  – 10 - 15% Digestable fiber and carbohydrates. Corn (cracked or ground)  – 5-10% High in energy Soybean Meal (or alfalfa pellets)  – 3-7% Source of protein Barley (cracked)  – 3-5% high-energy grain that supports milk production and muscle development. Diatomaceous Earth (food grade)  – 0.5-1% Parasite control and gut health. Trace Mineral Salt or Goat Mineral Supplement  – 0.5-1% For healthy lactation Check out our Software for Diary Goat Operations   to help keep track of your goat operation. Dairy Goat Feed Recipe (Example) Ingredients Purpose Amounts / % Hay Calcium and fiber 65% Oats Fiber and Carbohydrates 15% Corn Energy 10% Soybean Meal Protein 5% Barley Energy 3% Diatomaceous Earth Gut Health 0.5% Minerals Healthy Lactation 0.5% Meat Goat Feed Recipe Feeding meat goats properly ensures optimal growth, muscle development, and overall health. The best diet depends on their age, weight, production stage (e.g., growing, finishing, or maintenance), and forage availability. Grass Hay (or mixed hay)  – 50-60% Foundation of their diet. Includes fiber that aids in digestion. Oats (whole or rolled)  – 20% Provide energy and promote steady weight gain Corn (cracked or ground)  – 15% A high-calorie grain that helps fatten up meat goats Soybean Meal (or alfalfa pellets)  – 7% Offers protein for muscle development Molasses (optional)  – 2% Excellent source of energy and can help increase feed intake due to taste. Diatomaceous Earth (food grade)  – 0.5-1% Parasite control and gut health. Trace Mineral Salt or Goat Mineral Supplement  – 0.5-1% Supports overall health and muscle development. Check out our Software for Meat Goat Operations   to help keep track of your goat operation Meat Goat Feed Recipe (Example) Ingredients Purpose Amounts / % Hay Calcium and fiber 60% Oats Fiber and Carbohydrates 20% Corn Energy 12% Soybean Meal Protein 5% Molasses Energy 2% Diatomaceous Earth Gut Health 0.5% Minerals Healthy Lactation 0.5% Mohair Goat Feed Recipe Feeding mohair goats properly is crucial for their overall health and the quality of their fiber production. These goats, bred for their fine fleece, need a balanced diet that supports their growth, fiber production, and reproduction while maintaining a healthy coat and body condition. Grass Hay (or mixed hay)  – 60-80% Foundation of their diet. Includes fiber that aids in digestion. Oats (whole or rolled)  – 10-20% Provide energy and promote steady weight gain Corn (cracked or ground)  – 10-15% A high-calorie grain that helps fatten up meat goats Soybean Meal (or alfalfa pellets)  – 7-10% Offers protein for muscle development Molasses (optional)  – 1% Excellent source of energy and can help increase feed intake due to taste. Diatomaceous Earth (food grade)  – 0.5% Parasite control and gut health. Trace Mineral Salt or Goat Mineral Supplement  – 0.5-1% Supports overall health and muscle development. Check out our Software for Mohair Goat Operations   to help keep track of your goat operation Mohair Goat Feed Recipe (Example) Ingredients Purpose Amounts / % Hay Calcium and fiber 65% Oats Fiber and Carbohydrates 15% Corn Energy 10% Soybean Meal Protein 7% Molasses Energy 1% Diatomaceous Earth Gut Health 0.5% Minerals Healthy Lactation 0.5% Goats that have access to a good quality pasture will have a reduced need for grain. 5. Sheep Feed (dairy, wool, and meat) Here are some DIY sheep feed recipes tailored for dairy, wool, and meat production. Each formula is based on a balanced nutritional profile to meet specific needs. Dairy Sheep Feed Recipe This recipe is designed to support milk production in sheep. As with any change go slow and monitor your herd for how they are adjusting. Alfalfa Hay or Pellets – 40% The foundation of their diet. Includes fiber that aids in digestion. Barley – 30% This is a high-energy grain that supports milk production and muscle development. Corn – 20% Also a high-energy grain that supports milk production and muscle development. Soybean Meal – 5% A great source of protein Minerals and Salt – 3% Supports overall health and muscle development. Molasses – 2% Excellent source of energy and can help increase feed intake due to taste. Check out our Software for Dairy Sheep Operations   to help keep track of your sheep operation Dairy Sheep Feed Recipe (Example) Ingredients Purpose Amounts / % Hay Fiber 60% Oats Fiber and Carbohydrates 20% Corn Energy 12% Soybean Meal Protein 5% Molasses Energy 2% Diatomaceous Earth Gut Health 0.5% Wool Sheep Feed Recipe This recipe is optimized for high-quality wool growth: Grass Hay – 50% The foundation of their diet. Includes fiber that aids in digestion. Oats – 25% Sunflower Meal – 15% Rich in protein making it valuable for growth, lactation, or wool production. Minerals and Salt – 5% Supports overall health and muscle development. Molasses – 5% Excellent source of energy and can help increase feed intake due to taste. Check out our Software for Wool Sheep Operations   to help keep track of your sheep operation Wool Sheep Feed Recipe (Example) Ingredients Purpose Amounts / % Hay Fiber 50% Oats Fiber and Carbohydrates 25% Sunflower Meal Protein 15% Minerals Overall health 5% Molasses Energy 5% Meat Sheep Feed Recipe For meat sheep, the percentage of hay or other nutrients in their diet depends on their growth stage and the intensity of their feeding program. This recipe is for fast and efficient growth: Grass Hay – 40% The foundation of their diet. Includes fiber that aids in digestion. Corn – 20% Also a high-energy grain that supports milk production and muscle development. Barley – 20% This is a high-energy grain that supports milk production and muscle development. Soybean Meal – 10% A great source of protein Minerals and Salt – 5% Supports overall health and muscle development. Molasses – 5% Excellent source of energy and can help increase feed intake due to taste. Check out our Software for Meat Sheep Operations   to help keep track of your sheep operation. Meat Sheep Feed Recipe (Example) Ingredients Purpose Amounts / % Hay Fiber 40% Corn Energy 20% Barley Energy 20% Soybean Meal Protein 10% Minerals Overall health 5% Molasses Energy 5% Livestock Feeding Tips: All of these recipes are a starting place. It's a good idea to always adjust your ratios for your herd. Adjusting the feed mix and ratios based on the sheep’s breed, size, and life stage will help them get the nutrients that they need at the growth stage they need them. Make sure to introduce grain and feed gradually to prevent digestive issues and provide clean water at all times. As always, regularly assess the health and productivity of your sheep, monitor for herd health , and tweak the formula as needed. Tips for Mixing and Storing Animal Feed Whether you’re feeding poultry, cattle, or small animals, understanding the best practices for mixing feed, feed preparation and storage can help maintain nutritional quality, prevent contamination, and reduce waste. This might be achieving the right balance of ingredients during mixing to selecting the proper storage containers, these tips will guide you in providing your animals with a nutritious and safe diet, ultimately supporting their growth and productivity. Use a Feed Grinder/Mixer : A feed grinder or a grain mill is handy for making sure your ingredients are the right size. This ensures proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Storage : It is very important to store your feed well. Store your feed mix in cool, dry, and airtight containers to prevent spoilage or pest infestations. A silo or grain bin works best for large quantities. You can also cut down the amount of feed loss you have by tracking how much feed you are using by measuring the amounts you add here. Using a farm management software like Farmbrite can help with this. Balance Nutrients : Provide a balanced mix. Over-reliance on one ingredient like corn or soybeans for instance can lead to nutritional imbalances. Always try to aim for a mix that includes protein, fat, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Add Fresh Ingredients : Adding fresh greens, fruits, and kitchen scraps can help diversify your animals’ diet and provide additional vitamins and minerals. Chickens go crazy for a pumpkin in the fall and goats will love some leaves to eat. (Be sure to avoid feeding them anything toxic, such as onions, garlic, or citrus.) Adapt your feed to your animal's changing needs - The ability to adjust your feed mixture to suit the changing nutritional needs is another benefit of a DIY feed. For instance, during different seasons, you might need to adjust your feed recipe: Winter : Livestock may require more energy or calories during the colder months. You might increase the fat content in their feed to accommodate those needs. Pregnancy or Lactation : Female animals that are pregnant or nursing will need higher levels of protein and calcium to support their young. With homemade feed, you can easily adapt your recipe based on the specific needs of your animals at any given time, ensuring they always receive optimal nutrition. Conclusion Making your own feed for your livestock (chickens, cattle, and pigs) is not only a cost-effective feed solution but also a way to ensure your animals are getting a nutritious, well-balanced diet without unnecessary additives. With careful planning and the right ingredients, you can create feed tailored to your animals’ specific needs and help them thrive. Whether you're raising a small backyard flock or running a larger operation, taking control of your animals' nutrition is a smart and rewarding step in your farming journey. Let us know how it goes. Need help managing your livestock, try Farmbrite's livestock management software . Happy Farming!

The poultry industry in the U.S. and many other parts of the world are recently being rocked by incidents of bird flu, otherwise known as avian influenza. This disease can have devastating effects on poultry farm operations and we want to help give you information to keep you informed. In this article, we will touch on what bird flu is, how to spot it; what to do if you see it, and precautions to keep your flock safe. What is Bird Flu? Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a respiratory viral infection that primarily affects birds . It can be carried by wild birds like seagulls, geese, ducks, and other shore birds. It is caused by the influenza A viruses which most birds are susceptible to catching. At the moment the various strains of avian influenza include; H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2.  But that could change as the virus mutates. Transmission of Bird Flu: Avian flu is spread rapidly through contact with/or between infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces, and materials like boots, hands/gloves, egg crates, bedding, and other equipment.  While most strains of avian influenza do not infect humans, some, such as H5N1, can be transmitted to humans and other mammals through close contact with infected birds or their droppings, saliva, or mucous.  Exposure to Bird Flu: Ingestion, inhalation, or contact with contaminated animals, surfaces, and materials like bedding that has infected animal residue on them. This is how you might become exposed to bird flu. However, exposure or handling of sick or dead animals are the main risk factors for contracting bird flu. NOTE: Do not consume or eat any animal products from animals that are ill from the avian flu. Pasteurized milk may be safe because the pasteurization process kills pathogens but there may be a risk of infection or transmission of the virus if raw products are consumed. Please consult your health professional for advice on this. What Are the Signs of Bird Flu? There are some concerning symptoms of this disease to be aware of. Symptoms in Birds: Symptoms can vary depending on the strain but may include respiratory problems, a drop in egg production, fever, diarrhea, respiratory issues, flu-like symptoms, neurological issues, and death.  Symptoms in Humans: Humans rarely contract bird flu but it is possible. Symptoms in humans can range from mild to severe and may include red eyes, fever ( 100ºF or greater), cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, runny or stuffy nose, and flu-like or pneumonia-like symptoms. More extreme cases can cause seizures, difficulty breathing, high fever, and other more severe complications. Treatment for Bird Flu: Unfortunately, once the bird has contracted the virus there is no cure for birds. It is not likely that a bird will recover from avian influenza, so the options are limited. The good news is that some species of birds are more resilient than others. Talk to your veterinarian  if you think that your flock or someone on your farm  has become infected. In the case that a flock has an outbreak, the flock is usually humanly euthanized. For backyard birds and other farm animals that have been exposed, the animal(s) will need to be placed in quarantine to see if the animal recovers. Talk to your veterinarian  if you think that your flock or someone on your farm  has become infected. For humans that have contracted bird flu, antiviral medications, rest and drinking fluids can be effective in treating the virus but this should be taken very seriously. It is very important to take preventative and sanitary measures on any farm that has poultry especially if you think there has been an outbreak on your farm. Talk to your doctor or local public health department to arrange testing if you think that you have been infected and for more advice. Which Types of Birds Are Affected by Bird Flu Waterfowl : Ducks, geese, swans, storks, gulls and other seabirds, and more. Wild aquatic birds are considered hosts for the viruses. Hawks, eagles, and falcons : These birds are susceptible to the H5N1 strain Owls, crows, and vultures : These birds are also susceptible to the H5N1 strain Domestic poultry; chickens, quail, and turkeys Pet Birds that have outdoor access Other mammals are also susceptible to this like cats, dogs, cattle, and even humans. What To Do If You See Your Flock Has Bird Flu If you feel like you or your flock has an outbreak preventative sanitation measures should be taken immediately. Talk to your doctor and/or veterinarian  if you think that your flock or someone on your farm  has become infected. How To Keep Your Flock Safe From Bird Flu Everyone who works with poultry should be aware of how to keep your flock safe from the bird flu. No matter the size of your operation. To keep your flock safe from bird flu, it's important to implement strict biosecurity measures and monitor your birds closely. Here’s a list of key steps to help protect your flock: Limit Contact with Wild Birds : Wild birds can carry the virus without showing symptoms. Prevent contact by keeping your flock in secure, enclosed areas. Control Contact Between Coops: This ensures that exposure is minimal between your coops. Disinfect Equipment, Footwear, and Anything That Has Touched the Animal : Regularly disinfect boots, tools, and any equipment that may come into contact with birds or their environment. Consider using footbaths with disinfectant at entry points. Control Access to the Farm : Restrict visitors and limit access to the poultry area. If visitors must enter, ensure they follow biosecurity measures, such as changing clothes or using disinfected footwear. Monitor Bird Health : Regularly check for signs of illness, such as sudden death, respiratory issues, or changes in egg production. Report any suspicious symptoms to a veterinarian immediately. Keep the Environment Clean : Maintain a clean, dry, and well-ventilated living space for your flock. Remove waste, dead birds, and manure regularly to prevent contamination. Use Fencing and Netting : To keep wild birds away, install sturdy fences and netting around the perimeter of your flock's area. Quarantine New Birds : Any new birds introduced to your flock should be quarantined for at least 30 days to monitor for signs of illness before they interact with the main flock. Vaccination (if available) : In some regions, vaccines for certain strains of bird flu are available. Check with your vet to see if vaccination is an option for your flock. There is debate whether this helps or hinders though so it's important to weight the risks. Stay Informed : Keep up to date with local bird flu outbreaks and government advisories that are posted. Early detection and early response are crucial in preventing the spread of this through your flock. By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of bird flu and keep your flock healthy and safe. A s of February 2025, there are ongoing outbreaks of bird flu and it is recommended to stay informed on the latest updates on Bird Flu and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your farm.  To track your vaccination records, weights, feedings, tasks, and many other things to keep your flock safe and healthy you can utilize farm management software for your poultry operation . Give Farmbrite a try for free to see how it can help your poultry operation management.

In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, farm cooperatives play a pivotal role in shaping the industry by navigating challenges such as tariffs and promoting sustainability. As tariffs continue to impact global trade, farm coops serve as a beacon of resilience for farmers worldwide, pooling resources and expertise to mitigate the effects of shifting economic tides. Farm cooperatives (co-ops)   can help farms weather tariffs in several ways, by helping to reduce costs, bring farmers together, and increase bargaining power. This article will explore how the collective effort of farm coops not only empowers farmers but also their community. Understanding Farm Cooperatives User ownership, user control, and user benefits, that is what farm cooperatives are all about. Farm cooperatives, often referred to as "co-ops", are organizations that are owned and operated by a group of farmers who work together to achieve common goals and actions. These coops enable farmers to pool their resources, share knowledge, and leverage collective bargaining power. Farm cooperatives are a practical way to weather the challenges of tariffs and issues that smaller farms struggle with like access to equipment and resources. Cooperatives can take on many forms; like a marketing co-op, purchasing co-op, or a credit union. Marketing cooperatives help farmers sell their products more effectively by consolidating output and accessing broader markets. Purchasing cooperatives allow members to buy inputs, such as seeds and fertilizers, at lower prices through bulk purchasing agreements. Farming coops can look into partnerships with beneficial businesses for things like tractors, cattle management software , crop management software , and other helpful partnerships. Credit unions provide financial services tailored to the agricultural sector, helping farmers secure loans and manage their finances more effectively. Each one of these co-op types plays a different role which can empower farmers and enhance their financial stability and the wellbeing of their businesses. Usually, coops are member-owned, democratic, and equitable to all farmer members as they work together. Each member typically has an equal say in the decision-making process, regardless of the size of their operation. This can change from coop to coop so if you are joining one, be aware that they may differ. Importance of Farm Cooperatives in Agriculture Farm cooperatives can act as a stabilizing force in times of economic uncertainty for the ag industry. Coops can provide farmers with a place to unite, take collective action, and have a voice. They create an environment where farmers can share resources, knowledge, and technology, ultimately enhancing productivity and sustainability. In many regions, cooperatives also play a key role in ensuring food security by supporting local agricultural production and distribution networks. Cooperatives contribute to the development of rural communities. When farmers pool their resources, they can invest in local infrastructure, such as processing facilities, distribution networks, equipment, and storage units. This investment not only benefits cooperative members but also strengthens the local economy by investing in other local businesses, creating jobs, and supporting each other. Farm cooperatives often advocate for policies that benefit farmers. They often work toward lobbying to try to influence agricultural policy. The farm coop represents the collective voice of local farmers and can drive meaningful change and ensure that the needs of rural communities are considered in the decision-making processes at local, national, and international levels. Challenges Faced by Farm Cooperatives Despite their many benefits, farm cooperatives can have challenges. One issue is member engagement and participation. The cooperative model relies on active involvement from its members, many farmers may not have the time or resources to engage in the coop. Lack of participation can lead to just a few decision-makers. This may undermine the democratic principles that cooperatives are built upon. Co-ops can prioritize communication, education, and participation of all members to battle this. Since farm cooperatives are small farms, they can face financial constraints. Cooperatives can struggle to secure funding and i nitial investments for infrastructure, equipment, and technology can be high. This financial hardship can make it difficult for cooperatives to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. To overcome this challenge, cooperatives can find different funding, including grants, loans, and partnerships with private investors if desired or needed. Regulatory changes can be a challenge for farm cooperatives. As agricultural policies, trade agreements, and environmental regulations evolve, co-ops must remain attentive and informed. Compliance with regulations can be resource-intensive, and the risk of non-compliance can result in significant penalties. To address this challenge, cooperatives can benefit from investing in legal and regulatory expertise, as well as fostering relationships with policymakers to ensure their interests are represented in the legislative process. As with all things, there are challenges as well as benefits, and we as farmers need to balance them to find the pros and cons to see if they might work for us. 6 Ways Farm Co-ops Can Help Sustain Your Farm Business We're always stronger together. Here are a few ways that farm cooperatives help stabilize and secure farm businesses. 1. Bulk Purchasing Power Co-ops can buy supplies in bulk, including feed , equipment , and raw materials, helping members save money and reduce costs caused by tariffs on imported goods. 2. Collective Bargaining & Advocacy Co-ops represent multiple farmers, giving them more leverage to negotiate better prices with suppliers and buyers. This could be for farm management software , inventory management software , or other farm hardware or farm software Farm coops can lobby for tariff exemptions or reductions by working with industry groups and government agencies. When tariffs are impacting your business or your cooperative, you can contact your representative in Congress and let them know how you feel. (Be that squeaky wheel.) 3. Access to Export Markets Some co-ops help members export goods collectively, reducing individual trade barriers. They may have better access to trade agreements that allow for lower tariffs on agricultural exports. 4. Processing & Value-Added Services Instead of selling raw products that face high tariffs, co-ops can invest in processing facilities (e.g., turning grain into flour or milk into cheese), which may face different tariff structures or allow for premium pricing. 5. Risk Management & Financial Support Co-ops often provide insurance, loans, and financial planning to help farmers handle tariff-related price fluctuations. Some offer hedging strategies   for commodities affected by international trade policies. Planting can be risky. You're putting out the money and then hoping that you get a solid return. Hedging helps reduce that risk. 6. Government & Grant Assistance At the moment of this article, this particular strategy is having struggles, but normally co-ops can help farmers apply for government programs designed to offset tariff impacts, such as USDA relief programs. Farm cooperatives have been playing a sustaining role in agriculture for many years. It may be beneficial to take a look at these benefits to see if they might help your community. The Role of Tariffs in the Agricultural Industry Tariffs are used to shape an industry by creating barriers. They influence trade and pricing structures at a global scale. These taxes are imposed on imported goods and can create changes throughout the agricultural supply chain, impacting everything from farm gate prices to consumer costs. For farmers and agricultural cooperatives, understanding the implications of tariffs is crucial for making informed decisions about production, marketing, and investment strategies. In recent years, trade tensions between major agricultural exporters and importers have led to increased tariffs on various commodities. The U.S. and China have engaged in a series of tariff escalations that have significantly affected the agricultural sector, particularly for crops like soybeans and corn. These tariffs can lead to market distortions, as farmers may find themselves unable to access lucrative foreign markets or face diminished returns for their products. Small-scale farmers can get hit even harder by these taxes. Tariffs can make existing smaller, family-owned farms struggle more with the rising costs, while larger agribusinesses may have more resources to adapt. Since farm cooperatives can work together they can work toward fair trade policies that promote opportunities for all farmers. Strategies for Navigating Tariffs With Farm Cooperatives For good or bad, tariffs are put into place and we have to adapt as farmers and consumers. To navigate the challenges posed by tariffs, farm cooperatives can do a few things; Collaborate as members: Farm coops can be proactive in finding partnerships and pricing breaks. Developing a market Analysis Framework: This is a type of market analysis that assesses the implications of tariffs on farm operations. It takes into account international trade policies, prices, and market conditions. Diversify markets: Find new domestic/local markets or international buyers to sell to. This way cooperatives can change who they are working with and hopefully avoid tariffs. Value-Add Products: You might also consider making a "value-added" product. This means that you would process the raw material into a product and sell that. This expands your opportunities into organic and specialty markets that may be less sensitive to tariff changes. Get Loud: As a coop, you can create relationships with policymakers and industry stakeholders. This way you can advocate for fair trade practices and influence policy decisions. Cooperatives can engage in lobbying efforts to represent the interests of their members and promote policies that support sustainable agriculture and equitable trade. By forming coalitions with other agricultural organizations, cooperatives can amplify their voice and create a unified front in advocating for policies that benefit farmers at all levels. This collaborative approach can help ensure that the unique challenges faced by cooperatives are taken into account in the policy-making process. How Farmer's Can Weather Tariffs Since the tariffs are in place farmers will need to adapt. We can survive this by adapting to tariffs by implementing cost-saving strategies, diversifying income sources, and (if possible) leveraging government programs. Reduce Input Costs & Improve Efficiency Reducing inputs and costs to improve efficiency and adopting sustainable and innovative practices can be one way to weather tariffs. Join a Cooperative (Co-op):   Okay, we've already talked about this one but here they are again. Buy feed, seeds, and equipment in bulk, get farm software at a reduced price, or negotiate prices. (Buy local when possible.) Optimize Feed & Fertilizer Use:   One approach to be more efficient on your farm is optimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, applying them only when necessary and in the right quantities , thereby reducing waste and environmental impact. Buy Local: You might also try to switch to using local alternatives. This is fuel efficient and provides business locally. Win-win! Energy Efficiency To Cut Costs:   Consider solar power, fuel-efficient equipment, and water-saving irrigation to lower utility costs. Diversify Crops & Livestock A great strategy for sidestepping tariffs can be to diversify. Grow Alternative Crops: If tariffs affect one product, switch to another with a stronger market. Add Value-Added Products:   Sell processed goods (e.g., dairy to cheese, fruit to jam) to increase revenue. Diversify Income Streams:   Agritourism, direct-to-consumer sales, or farm-to-table partnerships can create stability. Explore New Markets When the market gets tough, it may be time to shift your focus. Local & Regional Sales:   Depending on what you're selling you can shift your focus to farmers' markets, CSAs (community-supported agriculture), and direct contracts with restaurants. Export Through Co-ops:   Some cooperatives have trade partnerships that reduce tariff impacts. Online Sales & E-commerce:   Sell products online to reach new customers domestically and internationally. Negotiate & Plan for the Long Term Farming is a risky business at times because you often have to put up an investment upfront with an unknown profit margin. Long-Term Contracts:  Secure fixed-price agreements with buyers to minimize tariff-related fluctuations. Stay Informed & Advocate:  Work with farm groups and co-ops to push for policy changes that benefit agriculture. Promoting Agricultural Sustainability Through Cooperatives Farm cooperatives play a vital role in promoting agricultural sustainability by implementing practices that prioritize environmental health, economic viability, and social equity. As global challenges such as climate change and resource depletion continue to escalate, cooperatives are uniquely positioned to lead the charge toward more sustainable agricultural practices. Through collective action, co-ops can leverage their resources and knowledge to develop innovative solutions that benefit both their members and the broader community. One of the key ways cooperatives promote sustainability is by encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly farming practices. Many co-ops offer training and resources to help farmers implement sustainable techniques , such as organic farming, crop rotation, and integrated pest management. By sharing best practices and providing access to sustainable farming inputs, cooperatives can help their members reduce their environmental footprint and improve soil health. This commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment but can also lead to increased profitability through premium pricing for sustainably produced goods. Additionally, cooperatives can support sustainable supply chains by prioritizing local sourcing and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By working with local suppliers and processors, cooperatives can minimize transportation costs and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, many cooperatives are exploring renewable energy options, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to power their operations sustainably. By investing in green technologies and practices, cooperatives can enhance their long-term viability while contributing to broader efforts to combat climate change. Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture Within Cooperatives Innovation is at the heart of sustainable agriculture, and farm cooperatives are increasingly embracing new technologies and approaches to enhance their operations. One innovation you see a lot on the farm is the use of data-driven technologies . Many cooperatives (and farms) are using precision farming tools, such as drones, sensors, and satellite imagery, to optimize their farm resource use and improve crop yields. Another area of innovation is the promotion of regenerative agriculture practices within cooperatives. Regenerative agriculture focuses on rebuilding soil health , increasing biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem services. Many cooperatives are adopting practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and agroforestry to promote soil health and resilience and boost crop production. Finding a Farm Cooperative There are several places to find farm cooperatives in your area. If you can't find one near you, you might also consider starting a farm cooperative . USDA Farm Coop Directory National Council of Farmer Cooperatives National Farmers Unions Farmers Coop Association Farmers Coop Society International Coop Alliance The Future of Farm Cooperatives in a Changing Landscape As the agricultural sector faces an array of challenges, including tariffs, climate change, and shifting consumer preferences, the role of farm cooperatives will become increasingly important. Farm cooperatives will likely be characterized by adaptability, sustainability, innovation and more farmers working together. As consumer demand for sustainably produced food grows, cooperatives will want to meet these expectations. This may involve investing in new technologies, exploring alternative markets, and fostering partnerships that promote shared learning and collaboration. By embracing a forward-thinking approach, farm cooperatives can position themselves as leaders in the transition to a more sustainable agricultural system. Ultimately, the strength of farm cooperatives lies in their ability to unite farmers in a common cause. By fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual support, these organizations can help build a more resilient agricultural sector that not only thrives economically but also prioritizes environmental stewardship, social equity, and community. We hope this article was helpful to learn how farm cooperatives might be a way to help weather tariffs and a changing agricultural market. As always, we wish you the best in your farm business! If we can help with your farm management needs like farm accounting , inventory tracking , livestock management , task management , e-commerce , and crop management all in one place, give us a try.

Farm cooperatives can help individual farmers achieve goals they might not attain on their own. It makes sense: by working together as a group, co-op members can better compete with larger producers. But what if there isn’t a farm co-op in your area, or there isn’t one that’s a good fit for you? You might consider starting your own. Want to reduce costs, increase quality, and more efficiently market your products? Here are 11 reasons why you might consider starting – or joining – a farm co-op. 1. Reduce Farm Costs Cooperative purchasing of supplies and services means you can buy at bulk rates. It can also reduce shipping costs by consolidating delivery. Bulk purchasing can take the form of a buying club, created to purchase anything from feed to seed. Services – like fertilizer blending, delivery, and spreading – can also be purchased cooperatively. Such purchases illustrate the scalable nature of an agricultural cooperative; you can start as small as working with your neighbors to hire a single service. Other possibilities include the purchase and use of pesticides, the purchase, and storage of fuel, as well as repairs, bookkeeping, and consultation (which could include anything from tech support to feed and fertilizer recommendations). You might also consider cooperative purchasing of health insurance, child care, and education. Not only can forming a co-op result in bulk pricing eligibility, it can also attract providers of products or services that would otherwise be unavailable for individuals in your area. One classic example is the rural electric cooperative. 2. Increase Quality Of course, when you have more bargaining power you not only have more control over cost, you also gain leverage over the quality of products and services you bargain for. 3. Save on Equipment Expenses All kinds of equipment can be purchased cooperatively, starting with the smallest of hand tools. While tractors, hay balers, combines, seed extractors, and other machines may come to mind first, don’t overlook other opportunities like sharing greenhouse space. Especially when it comes to bigger items, shared rental is also an option. Keep in mind that these partnerships don’t have to be limited to your next-door neighbors. It’s not uncommon for farms located hundreds of miles apart to share access to equipment for the production of corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. Again, everything is scalable, including the types of agreements used. Sometimes a handshake will do; other times a legal document is good common sense. 4. Gain Better Access to Farm Workers In addition to sharing machines, you might cooperatively hire people to operate them. If several producers each need part-time workers they might work together to hire people full-time. There are many benefits to joint hiring, including broadening your pool of applicants and sharing paperwork, housing, transportation, and training. 5. Raise Efficiency in Handling, Processing, and Storage The economy of scale can provide benefits after production, too. Assembling large production volumes can reduce per-unit handling and processing costs. What’s more, some processes can increase value and are also more efficiently accomplished in volume. These include washing, cooking, drying, freezing, and packaging. Because the level of cooperative investment is always scalable, you don’t have to start by building a silo. It’s also possible to reap the benefits of pooling production without physically mixing it together. 6. Improve Small-scale Farm Marketing Cooperative marketing can represent many benefits to individual producers. To start, it can reduce unwanted competition. For example, instead of competing against your neighbor while selling produce at the farmer’s market, you might coordinate your efforts. You could take turns staffing one space at the market rather than competing in price at two. Other opportunities include sharing advertising costs and consolidating your efforts to market to local grocery stores and restaurants. Of course, this same principle also works in larger-scale contexts. 7. Improve Larger-scale Farm Marketing, Too Collectively selling your products with other farmers allows you to combine your output into larger lots. By representing more volume, a cooperative can increase the negotiating power individual sellers have against larger buyers, resulting in more competitive sales and more stable prices. With the cost spread across multiple producers, qualified sales staff can be hired. Representing more volume can open new markets and extend your reach to bigger buyers. It can allow you to bypass middlemen, which increases income. While on the topic of marketing, some multi-farm CSAs are set up as cooperatives. This can be a great way for producers of both similar and complementary products to reach more customers. Check out “ Local Harvest: A Multi-Farm CSA Handbook ” for more details. 8. Enjoy Farm Tax Benefits Thanks to Sec 199A of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act , creating a cooperative may offer some tax benefits through the year 2025. This article from Iowa State University states that “producers with no or little on-farm W2 wages will likely be able to take a higher deduction by selling to a cooperative because of the deduction pass-through from the cooperative.” Of course, further research with a tax professional – for every provider involved – is always a good idea. This research can also be done cooperatively. 9. Reduce Farm Risks Cooperative pooling can also provide increased security in the form of risk sharing. Cyclical fluctuations in price can be shared among all producers in the pool, thus reducing individual risk. Lower-than-average prices are offset by higher-than-average prices. Of course, the reverse is also true. In addition, the diversification inherent in multi-product cooperatives can further expand risk-sharing benefits over those experienced by single-product producers and co-ops. 10. Gain Control and Political Power Starting a cooperative means building a partnership to gain more control over many aspects of your business. Together you collectively identify the needs and values that are most important to you. As a group, you can also gain political leverage. Once you collectively identify priorities and develop strategies, you might send representatives to share them with your legislators and regulators. 11. Increase Farm Income and Solve Problems The ultimate reason for starting a co-op is to solve problems. Most often the solutions are related to increasing income, but there are other benefits as well. Just as pooling commodities can help reduce the peak highs and lows of cyclical price fluctuation, simply sharing your challenges with others in your community can help with the emotional fluctuations of farm life. Additional Resources: USDA Rural Development offers free publications relevant to farm cooperatives. They offer issues of Rural Cooperatives Magazine , short circulars, and in-depth reports on many topics, including Co-ops 101 and How to Start a Cooperative . “ Cooperative Farming ” is a Greenhorns Guidebook , containing how-to information, compiled from 42 interviews with farmers and professionals. Farmbrite includes tools to simplify and optimize the management of your cooperative .

Running a farm is a diverse and complex business, and managing it properly requires a good understanding of farm accounting . It can be challenging to keep track of all your expenses and income, but with the right ag accounting software and tools, it can be made easy. In this post, we will provide an overview of some key accounting terms and types of forms that farmers should be aware of. Accounting Farm accounting is the process of keeping track of income, expenses, and other financial information related to farm operations. Farmers must keep accurate records of their farm income and expenses and use ag accounting software to track their financial position. Farm accounting helps farmers to make informed decisions about their operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. In addition to simple tracking income and expenses, farm accounting also includes recording, analyzing, and summarizing financial transactions and activities related to agricultural operations. It involves the management of financial data, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the farm's financial position. Farm accounting helps farmers monitor their financial performance, assess profitability, and make informed decisions about resource management, budgeting, and investing. It also enables compliance with tax obligations and regulatory requirements. Effective farm accounting practices involve maintaining detailed records, preparing financial statements such as balance sheets and income statements, and employing various tools and software to streamline financial management. By implementing proper accounting procedures, farmers can optimize their financial performance, make informed business decisions, and ensure the long-term sustainability and success of their agricultural operations. Schedule F The Schedule F form is a tax form that is used by farmers to report their income and expenses. This form is used by farmers who operate a farm for profit and have a gross income of at least $1,000 in a tax year. On Schedule F, farmers report their farm income, including sales of livestock, produce, and other products, as well as income from custom work or services. In addition to income, Schedule F requires farmers to report their expenses, such as feed, fertilizer, seed, rent, and labor costs. The expenses are classified into categories such as farm supplies, taxes, insurance, and repairs, and the total amount is deducted from the farm income to determine the net income or loss. The net income or loss is reported on the farmer's tax return and is used to calculate the farmer's income tax liability. Balance Sheet A balance sheet is a financial statement that provides an overview of a farm's financial position. It shows the assets, liabilities, and equity of the farm at a specific point in time. Assets are resources that the farm owns, such as land, equipment, and livestock, while liabilities are debts that the farm owes to others, such as loans and accounts payable. Equity is the difference between the assets and liabilities and represents the owner's investment in the farm. By comparing the assets and liabilities, the balance sheet provides a snapshot of the farm's financial health. For example, if the assets are greater than the liabilities, the farm has a positive net worth and is considered financially healthy. However, if the liabilities are greater than the assets, the farm has a negative net worth and may have difficulty paying off its debts. Income Statement An income statement is a financial statement that shows the revenue and expenses of a farm over a specific period, usually a year. The income statement is divided into two sections: revenue and expenses. Revenue is the income generated from the sale of products or services, while expenses are the costs incurred by the farm to generate revenue. The difference between the revenue and the expenses is the net income or loss. The income statement helps farmers assess the profitability of their farm operations and identify areas where they can improve their efficiency and reduce expenses. Profit and Loss Profit and loss is a summary of the income statement that shows the net income or loss of a farm for a given period. This information is essential for farmers to gauge whether their farm is profitable or not. Profit is what is left over after all the expenses have been paid, while a loss means that expenses exceed income. Profit and loss statements are essential tools for farmers to use when making decisions about how to allocate resources and plan for future investments and potential expansion. Profit and loss statements (also known as P&L statements ) are an essential component of farm accounting as they provide a snapshot of the farm's financial performance over a given period. The information they provide is critical for monitoring the farm's financial health, identifying areas where expenses can be reduced, and evaluating the effectiveness of farm management strategies. Thus, regular preparation of profit and loss statements is crucial for maintaining sound farm accounting practices and making informed business decisions. Assets Assets are resources that the farm owns and that have economic value. These include land, buildings, equipment, livestock, and crops. The value of these assets is important for calculating the financial health of the farm. Assets play a crucial role in farm accounting as they represent the resources and investments owned by the farm. Monitoring and valuing these assets accurately helps determine the net worth of the farm and the collateral available for securing loans or financing future investments. Additionally, tracking the depreciation and appreciation of assets over time is important for making informed decisions regarding upgrades or replacements. Managing and maximizing the value of these assets is key to maintaining a profitable and sustainable farm operation. Liabilities Liabilities are debts that the farm owes to others. This includes loans, accounts payable, and other forms of debt. It is important to keep track of liabilities to ensure that they are paid in a timely manner and to prevent negative impacts on cash flow. Keeping track of liabilities on a farm is another critical aspect of good farm accounting. Farmers should keep accurate records of all the loans they have taken, such as bank farm loans or credit cards, and the terms and conditions of each debt. Maintaining a list of accounts payable, such as bills and supplier invoices, is also an essential part of tracking liabilities. Farmers should ensure that they are making timely payments or at least paying them before any interest charges or late fees get incurred. Keeping track of these liabilities, the farm's overall debt can be managed effectively, and any outstanding debts can be paid promptly. Expenses Expenses are the costs incurred by the farm to generate revenue. These include feed, fertilizer, seed, rent, and labor costs, among others. Properly tracking expenses is essential for budgeting and tax purposes. One way to do this is by using a bookkeeping system that records all expenses, such as rented equipment, animal feed, fertilizers, and wages for farmhands. Use accounting software for farmers to keep track of expenses or manually record them on a ledger. All receipts and invoices should be recorded properly to ensure accurate expense tracking. It is also important to categorize expenses into different categories such as farm supplies, rent, and marketing expenses, to make it easier to analyze and track the farm's spending. By keeping accurate records of expenses, farmers can budget more effectively and avoid cash flow problems. The Importance of Record Keeping Record keeping and farm accounting are top areas to watch for effective management of a farm. By maintaining accurate and detailed records, farmers can monitor and analyze their financial transactions, track expenses, and evaluate the profitability of their operations. This allows farmers to make informed decisions about purchasing inputs, selling products, and allocating resources. Additionally, thorough farm record keeping ensures compliance with tax obligations and facilitates timely reporting to regulatory agencies. It also enables farmers to track inventory levels, manage cash flow, and plan for future investments. Ultimately, record-keeping and accounting provide the necessary information and insights to optimize farm performance, maximize profits, and ensure long-term sustainability. In addition to using these tools and terms, farmers can also seek advice and assistance from qualified accounting professionals to ensure that they are managing their finances properly. If you’re looking to take your record-keeping and finances online, check out Farmbrite’s farm management software !

Cattle come from diverse cattle breeds that have been bred for many purposes; meat, dairy, and also just for fun. We often get asked how much is a dairy cow, how much feed costs for cattle, and how much does a cow cost. This guide will walk you through costs and what you might want to consider before you purchase your livestock for starting a cattle ranch, adding cattle to your existing operation or just looking for a few tips to help you in your next livestock purchase. A few things we will cover here are: Different types of cattle breeds Specifics on beef cattle breeds Different types of cattle types and age groups Cattle cost factors How to evaluate cattle health Estimating cattle costs and returns Calf cow management software We hope this will give you the insight you need when starting a cattle herd or improving your cattle herd. Photo by Etienne Girardet Key Considerations When Buying Cattle There are a few key things to consider when getting started with your first cattle purchase. These factors will determine the types of cattle you might consider purchasing, the land and operation requirements, costs as well as the return on investment. Using cattle software or livestock management software can help you better track, manage, and understand your cattle expenses and break-even points. 1. What are your Goals for Your Cattle Operation? The first thing to consider is what are your goals. Are you raising cattle for beef, for dairy, for show, for stock sales, to support pasture regeneration, or just for fun? There are many considerations for each of those goals. Different breeds of cattle have different requirements for care and management, some have different temperaments and characteristics. This boils down to some breeds being better than others for different operations; meat production, milk production, and how they graze the land. Before heading to a cattle auction be sure to do your research and talk to local ranchers and/or breeders to get their opinions and ask all your questions. 2. Selecting the Right Cattle Breed Once you’ve figured out the goals for your cattle operation, the next step is to determine the right breeds of cows for your operation. There are many factors to consider when selecting a cattle breed. Specifically, you’ll need to consider the following: Production goals (Is that breed known for that characteristic.) Cost per cow Operating budget Breeds for your climate Land & grazing area requirements Feed, animal temperament & other operation costs Access to breed stock (via auction or other means) The key thing to remember is to have a plan, do your research, and make informed decisions. We can't know all your production goals and details, but we can share with you some information and breed considerations based on some common production goals. When selecting cattle breeds for beef you might want to consider a beef cattle breed that has a proven production history. Some of the most common beef cattle breeds (in the US) are: Black Angus Charolais Hereford Gelbvieh Simmental Red Angus Holstein Limousin A dairy might choose the breeds of cows that are well-known for their milk production rates, such as: Holstein Jersey Brown Swiss Guernsey Ayrshire Milking Shorthorn There are a ton of other breeds of cows that are suited for beef or dairy operations (or both), so be sure to do your research ( Check out this list of cattle breeds from OSU ). If you paid close attention might have noticed that Holstein shows up as both a dairy and cattle breed for beef. Holsteins are a solid dual-purpose breed that is a good choice for small operations or homesteaders who are looking for both milk and beef production. On the dairy side, you may be able to find miniature Jerseys that are smaller (so require less land) but still offer dependable milk production. Check out this post to learn more about different cattle breeds . What Types and Ages of Cattle Should you Buy? Depending on your production goals you may decide to buy a weaned calf or steer to use a feeder cattle, an intact or bred heifer to grow your herd, or a bull to expand your genetics. Each cow type has its purpose and the costs vary accordingly. Here are some basic cattle types to get you started. Cows A cow is a full-grown female animal that is at least a year old and has given birth to a calf. Calf Calves are baby cows. They are fairly docile and can be used for milk production, meat, and depending on their age, breeding. Bulls A bull is a mature intact (not castrated) male who is capable of breeding. Breeding is typically a bull's primary function in a cattle operation. They can be aggressive and are capable of causing injury to any animals and humans that they perceive as a threat. Many people choose to use artificial insemination (AI) for breeding instead of keeping and managing a bull. Heifer A heifer is a young female cow, who has not birthed her 1st calf. They can be bred, used for milk production, or sold for meat. A heifer is not typically bred until she is at least 14 months old. It is also common to purchase a bred heifer that will provide a new calf in the spring, is ‘certified’ as a viable breeder, and can then be bred again after a rest period. Steer A steer is a male animal who has been castrated. Typically they are more docile to handle than bulls and are most often used for meat production as feeder stock. Where to Buy Cattle? Once you’ve decided on the breed, age, gender, and number of animals you want to add to your operation it's time to get your trailer hitched and ready to load your new cattle. You’ll likely find various local sources in your area to acquire your livestock. Don’t make the mistake of buying a “bargain” cow that you find on Craigslist. Remember, that you get what you pay for, so if someone is selling cattle at well below market prices, there’s probably a reason. Most likely, there is some problem with the cow and you’ll end up paying the difference at the vet. Your best bet is to find a reliable source that is charging a fair price and acquire your cattle from them. You can find cattle for sale from a local farm or dairy, you can also find many on Craigslist or from a registered cattle breeder. Breeders offer detailed lineage information for certain traits for a specific breed so start there if you know what you're looking for. When buying from a farmer, be sure to visit the farm. If the farm is well taken care of and clean, there’s a good chance that the farmer takes good care of their animals. If stalls are overflowing with muck, there are flies or trash everywhere you might want to look elsewhere. The other common source to find cattle is at a cattle auction. There are hundreds of cattle auctions all over the world. You can potentially find some in your area here , searching in your area or checking with a local rancher, 4H , or FFA member. Check out our post before heading to your first cattle auction . What Makes a Good Cow? Before you buy, it’s important to learn how to spot a ‘good cow’. Image From: Wikimedia The animal should have bright, attentive eyes, and seem fairly content. Like any animal around new people, the cow may be nervous (especially younger heifers), but it shouldn’t be so nervous that it’s bolting away, charging, trying to hurt themselves, or breaking free of their pen. Tip: You can use a cow's body condition score to help you gauge the health of the animal. Be sure to understand the age of the cow. If it’s a heifer, ask if she’s been around a bull, especially if she is under a year old as she will likely have difficulties calving that young. How to Evaluate Cow Health: Eyes You can tell a lot about the health of a cow from its eyes. They should be bright and alert, with no discharge at the corners. This might indicate pinkeye. Ears Should be upright and move to any sound or flick rapidly to get rid of flies. Breathing Should be smooth and regular at rest. Panting is normal on warm days but the animal should not be coughing constantly. Nose Should be clean, with no discharge, and the muzzle should be moist. Mouth There should not be any drool or dripping saliva. If you notice slow or incomplete chewing there could be a problem with their teeth. Coat Healthy animals should have smooth shiny coats (it might be fuller and thicker in winter) but should be without bald spots. Udder Assuming you're not buying a bull or steer, the cow should have an udder. The udder should have 4 quarters and not look swollen and there should be no sign of pain when touched. The teats should show no sign of injury. If lactating, there should be no sign of blood in the milk, as this points to an udder infection. If buying a dairy cow, make sure that the cow has teats that will work with your milking setup. General Appearance The animal should be alert and aware of its surroundings and stand squarely on all four feet. It should hold its head high and confidently. The animal should look like its gender - male animals should look masculine; females should look feminine. If buying a steer, they should have both testicles removed. A healthy animal should have a straight back that is not swayed. If selected for a beef operation, cows and steers should have well-developed muscles and look 'beefy'. Temperament Animals should not seem overly stressed, mean, or wild. They should not run off if you walk among them. Animal disposition is especially important for dairy animals as you'll likely be handling them every day. The animal should appear calm. If the cow is regularly looking at or licking its flanks or kicking its underside this may indicate pain in that area. Movement The animal should walk easily with steady footing, where all four feet bear its weight. Watch out for irregular movements as these suggest pain in its feet or legs. When lying down a healthy animal should be able to get up quickly. Appetite The animal should eat and drink normally and have a full belly if food is available. A lack of appetite is a clear warning sign of a potential health problem. To get a real sense of what healthy animals should look like, you should look at lots of them. Check out pictures of show cows for different breeds of cows, click through cattle breed association websites, or talk to a local rancher and ask them to show you their best cows. Understand Your Budget and Operating Costs When you’re buying cattle, you’re making a significant investment, and that investment doesn’t stop when you leave the auction with a trailer full of steer or cows. You need to consider many factors to fully understand your expenses and where your break-even point is. To get started, think about and list all of the expenses that go into acquiring, raising, processing, and marketing your beef or milk. Some common factors to consider are: Animal cost What are your 1 time costs for purchasing the animal(s)? More on that below What are the costs to keep this animal? Feed costs How much hay or grain feed will you need to provide when the animal is not on pasture? Estimate your average monthly hay needs and cost Vet expenses Vet expenses can be unpredictable and vary depending on if we’re talking about a pregnant cow or a steer. You should assume a range of $60-100+/year for the vet costs for each head of cattle that you're managing. You can find more details on estimated average cattle veterinarian costs here . Breeding fees Whether you’re breeding using natural service or artificial insemination (AI) you’ll need to account for the associated costs. If choosing Natural Service, you’ll either need to have a bull on hand and assume all the costs associated with that bull or pay for a visit from a bull. On average the cost for a cow pregnancy using artificial insemination is $82 (including technician fees, equipment, and semen). Compare costs for siring calves between AI and Natural Service Breed association fees (if a registered breed) If you’re raising a registered herd you may want to keep your animal records updated with the breed association site. Typically you’ll pay an annual (or lifetime fee) to join the relevant association. You can also expect to pay about $15-50/animal that you register with the association. You can find information about various cattle associations here Equipment, facility, and maintenance costs Equipment, facility, and maintenance costs vary widely depending on your operation and the level of modernization you’ve implemented. Obviously it’s more complicated and costly to start and run a dairy than other cattle operations. Your cost will also vary based on whether you’re renting or owning all the equipment. A safe bet is to assume $100-150/animal for a typical beef operation. Loss in stock due to culling or disease Losses of cows and calves to disease, birthing complications, predators, or due to culling is an unfortunate aspect of any cattle operation. As such you need to plan for, and budget for an account for an expected loss rate of cattle due to various reasons. A study conducted by the USDA through the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) , looked at mortality data across various operations. In 2016 dairies averaged a total death percentage of 3.1% for cattle over 500 pounds with calf losses averaging 6.7%. Beef producers reported an average loss of only 1.8%, with calf losses averaging 5.5%. Labor costs Like so many other costs, labor varies dramatically based on your operation and location. More complex operations like dairies require a different skill set than cow/calf operations. Also depending on the number of head you can manage your cost/cow gets cheaper. For a typical beef producer labor costs per cow average about $200. Land costs & real estate taxes Do you own your land or are you leasing it? Either way, you’ll need to factor into your business plan your land and real estate tax costs. Just like a dairy facility and equipment costs, land is often considered the cost of doing business (COGS), but when determining your margin and profit per animal it’s useful to know your overall costs and how to allocate those per head. Example Cost Summary Per Cow Item Cost/Cow Steer (600lb) Auction Cost $1,200 Hay Costs (90 days, remainder on pasture) $340 ​Grain Costs (1,350 lbs) $225 ​Vet Fees ​$80 Equipment Costs $120 ​Labor Costs ​$200 ​Cost of Land ​$0 Real Estate Taxes ​$10 Total $2,175 These are obviously very rough ballpark estimates, but by knowing what the costs are we can now determine what we need to make in order to make a profit on this animal. That’s a topic for another day, but you can learn more about profitable cattle marketing from this report by the University of Georgia Extension Office or from the University of California Sample Cost for Beef report . Keeping detailed cattle records and tracking your cattle expenses with a spreadsheet of farm accounting software can help more easily see where you're wasting money and what your return needs to be to see a profit. How much does a cow cost to buy? Let’s take a look at the variable cost of acquiring a new cow. Cattle prices vary widely so it is hard to provide exact numbers for what you will pay. At the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention, Kevin Good, CattleFax 's VP of Industry Relations and Analysis, shared an outlook for cattle prices in 2022. Mr. Good projected the following average prices for 2022: Fed Steer price: $135/cwt. 800-pound Steer price: $165/cwt. 550-pound Steer price: $200/cwt. Utility Cows price: $70/cwt. Bred Cows price: $1,750/cwt (cwt = hundredweight. One cwt is equal to 100 pounds by weight. So, an 800-pound steer might cost $1,320) Average prices vary based on the weight at the time that the animal is sold and will vary in different areas, so you will likely pay more or less than these estimates. Summary As you can see there are a lot of factors that go into the costs of starting and operating a cattle operation. While it can seem overwhelming to consider all of these factors, just like any other business you need to develop a clear business plan, understand and estimate your fixed and variable costs, understand your target market and market prices, and most importantly keep track of your operation’s income and expenses. Having a clear business plan and keeping detailed records will help you stay on top of the profitability of your business and avoid potential problems. If you need help keeping track of your cattle herd's health, performance, or yield records check out Farmbrite's all-in-one cattle record-keeping and management software . This article was written by our knowledgeable staff of farmers and ranchers at Farmbrite. Thanks for reading and Happy Farming/Ranching!

Cattle body condition scores (BCS) use a 9-point scale to describe the relative fatness of a steer or cow. It is an effective management tool to evaluate the nutritional and health status of your herd. To access cattle body condition scores, producers can use a number system to objectively describe the cattle's condition and fat reserves through a visual assessment. BCS provides an alternative to evaluate a herd’s health without weighing and measuring the animals directly which is closely related to reproductive efficiency and is often a more reliable indicator of nutritional status than only body weight. How to calculate cattle body condition score The following are key areas for evaluation for beef cows: backbone, ribs, hips, pin bones (pins), tailhead, and brisket. The following is a description of the 1 to 9 body condition scoring system where a BCS 1 cow is extremely thin and emaciated and a BCS 9 cow is very fat and obese. Assign a cow a condition score in whole numbers (3, 4, 5, etc.). Cow Body Condition Scoring Table Group BCS Description Emaciated 1 The bone structure of the shoulder, ribs, back, hooks, and pins are sharp to the touch and easily visible. No evidence of fat deposits or muscling Very Thin 2 No evidence of fat deposition and there is muscle loss, especially in the hindquarters. The spinous processes feel sharp to the touch and are easily seen with space between them. Thin 3 Very little fat cover over the loin, back, and fore ribs. The backbone is still highly visible. Processes of the spine can be identified individually by touch and may still be visible. Spaces between the processes are less pronounced. Muscle loss in the hind quarter. Borderline 4 Foreribs are slightly noticeable and the 12th and 13th ribs are still very noticeable to the eye. The transverse spinous processes can be identified only by palpation (with slight pressure) and feel rounded rather than sharp. Slight muscle loss in the hind quarter. Moderate 5 The 12th and 13th ribs are not visible to the eye unless the animal has been shrunk. The transverse spinous processes can only be felt with firm pressure and feel rounded but are not noticeable to the eye. Spaces between the processes are not visible and are only distinguishable with firm pressure. Areas on each side of the tailhead are starting to fill. Fleshy 6 Ribs are fully covered and are not noticeable to the eye. Hindquarters are plump and full. Noticeable springiness over the fore ribs and on each side of the tailhead. Firm pressure is now required to feel the transverse processes. Brisket has some fat. Smooth 7 The ends of the spinous processes can only be felt with very firm pressure. Spaces between processes can barely be distinguished. Abundant fat cover on either side of the tailhead with evident patchiness. Fat in the brisket. Fat 8 Animal takes on a smooth, blocky appearance. Bone structure disappears from sight. The fat cover is thick and spongy and patchiness is likely. Very Fat 9 Bone structure is not seen or easily felt. The tailhead is buried in fat. The animal’s mobility may actually be impaired by excessive fat. Square appearance. Visual description of key body locations for each body condition score: Reference 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Physical weak Yes No No No No No No No No Muscle atrophy(1) Yes Yes Yes Slight No No No No No Outline of spine visible Yes Yes Yes Slight No No No No No Outline of ribs visible All All All 3-5 1-2 0 0 0 0 Fat in brisket and flanks No No No No No Some Full Full Extreme Outline of hip and bones visible Yes Yes Yes Yes Slight No No No No Patchy fat around tailhead No No No No Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes (1) Muscles of loin, rump, and hindquarter are concave, indicating loss of muscle tissue. Adapted from Pruit and Momont, South Dakota State University, 1988 What is the ideal body condition score for breeding cattle Before breeding cows it is recommended that cows have a good condition score of 5 or higher and a body condition score of 6 or better at calving. What is the target body condition score (BCS) for beef cattle? Beef cattle should have a BCS between 5-7 for optimum health and wellness. We hope this article has been helpful to learn more about calculating Body Condition Score in your cattle herd and calf cow operations . Below are some other free resources. Finally, make sure that you are tracking the health and wellness of your cattle herd with cattle management software like Farmbrite. You can't manage what you don't measure. We offer you the best cattle record keeping software to keep your herd healthy and thriving. Other Cattle Resources: Body condition score guide for beef cows Free Cow Gestation Calculator Cattle Gestation Table Free Downloadable 74-page Cattle Record Keeping Book Beginners Guide to Buying Cattle Guide to Keeping Livestock Records Estimating Cattle Hay and Feed Needs Top Breeds of Cattle for Your Ranch

Animal wellness is a critical consideration for farmers. Livestock health and wellness can directly impact the productivity, yields, product quality, and overall safety of livestock and the community served by your farm. Healthy and happy animals are more productive, leading to better yields and higher quality products, that ultimately benefit the animal, the farm's profitability, as well as consumer satisfaction. Implementing livestock welfare-focused practices, such as providing adequate space, proper nutrition, and access to veterinary care, helps prevent disease and promotes optimal growth. Fostering a stress-free environment through humane handling and socialization can improve animal behavior and reduce aggression and happiness, further enhancing productivity. By prioritizing animal wellness, farmers not only ensure the ethical treatment of their livestock but also contribute to the long-term viability of their operations and the overall health of the food system. In this article, we will go into more depth about these key farm livestock wellness practices to prevent, eliminate, or reduce the hazards and provide an environment for overall wellness for your herd or flock on your farm. The Benefits of Animal Wellness Practices on the Farm Animal wellness  brings numerous benefits to your farm, enhancing the quality, productivity, health, and stability of animals. Multiple   studies  have shown that healthy animals are more productive, resulting in higher milk yields, better growth rates, improved reproductive performance, and many other benefits that ultimately boost profitability. Low-stress, well-cared-for animals are also healthier. Prioritizing animal welfare can also reduce veterinary costs by minimizing the incidence of disease and injury. Well-cared-for animals tend to exhibit better behavior, leading to easier handling and lower stress levels during routine tasks. This not only improves the working environment for farm staff but also enhances animal quality of life and product, positively impacting consumer perception and marketability of your products. Practicing high standards of animal wellness can contribute to compliance with regulations and certifications, positioning your farm as a leader in ethical farming practices . This plays a big role in how consumers make purchasing decisions . It's becoming more and more important to consumers to know how their food is raised and the transparency that companies show in the ethical treatment of animals. This shows that investing in animal wellness creates a healthier, more efficient, more profitable, and more sustainable farm operation. The work of Dr. Temple Grandin  has inspired many farmers (and us as well) to take her trusted advice on humane animal handling, more humane slaughter practices, and enacting more wellness practices for the care of our livestock. Her findings and the o bservations made by hundreds of other farms, ranches, feedlots, and slaughter plants indicate that the single most important factor that affects animal welfare is the attitude of management. How we care for our animals makes a large impact on their quality of life. 6 Key Livestock Wellness Management Practices Measure & monitor the overall wellness of your herd/flock/etc. Ensure a clean, healthy, and low-stress living environment Understand the risk of hazards being introduced and spread to and within your animals. Evaluate and maximize immunity –through biosecurity practices. Minimize the risk of export of any hazard from the farm in products or wastes Ensure a compassionate end-of-life Identifying Hazards to Livestock Health Potential hazards can be classified into several categories, including biological, chemical, environmental, and physical risks. Chemical hazards may arise from exposure to pesticides, feed additives, or contaminants in water sources, making regular testing and proper handling essential. Environmental hazards, such as air quality or inadequate shelter, can impact animal comfort and health, necessitating the implementation of protective or preventative measures. Additionally, physical hazards like sharp objects or inadequate fencing can lead to injury. By conducting thorough risk assessments and maintaining awareness of these hazards, farmers can implement preventative strategies that safeguard livestock health and enhance overall farm productivity. Read on to learn more about what types of hazards there may be, how to prevent them, and how to keep your herd/flock/etc. safe and well. Biological Hazards - Biological hazards include things such as infectious diseases, parasites, and fungal contaminants. These require vigilant monitoring and proactive vaccination programs. Chemical Hazards - Chemical hazards may arise from exposure to pesticides, feed additives, drug residues, herbicides, environmental toxins, or contaminants in water sources. You can avoid this by adding regular testing and proper handling. Physical Hazards - Physical hazards for livestock can be from housing and facilities, equipment, obstacles, animal handling, or treatment methods. These can include things such as stalls, housing setup, footing, high-traffic walkways, environmental factors, and inadequate ventilation. The housing and environment can be designed to minimize physical trauma and maximize animal comfort and welfare. Livestock Management Best Practices By adopting livestock management best practices, farmers can enhance animal welfare, optimize feed efficiency, and improve overall herd performance. These practices encompass a range of strategies, including proper nutrition, regular health monitoring, and humane handling techniques, all aimed at creating a supportive environment for livestock. Implementing sound livestock management practices not only benefits individual animals but also contributes to the long-term viability of the farm, fostering a resilient agricultural system that meets the demands of farm owners, farmhands, animals, consumers, and the environment. You can monitor the health and wellness of your cattle herd through Farmbrite, farm management software . 9 Ways To Add Effective Livestock Management to Your Farm. Nutrition and Feeding : Provide balanced diets tailored to the specific needs of each animal species and their life stage. Ensure access to clean water and necessary minerals at all times. Regular Health Checks : Schedule routine health checkups or veterinary check-ups. Vaccinate to monitor and maintain the health of the herd. Biosecurity Measures : Implement strict biosecurity protocols to prevent disease introduction and spread, including isolation of new animals and maintaining cleanliness in living areas. Avoid introducing potential hazards. Proper Housing : Design and maintain adequate shelter that protects livestock from harsh weather conditions and provides enough space for movement and social interaction, as well as dry, sanitary pens, especially for mothers. Breeding Management : Use responsible breeding practices to improve herd genetics, focusing on traits such as disease resistance, growth rates, and reproductive performance. Record Keeping : Maintain detailed records of health, breeding, nutrition, and production to track performance, make informed management decisions, and keep traceability records. This is vital for your livestock management . Animal Welfare Practices : Prioritize humane treatment by minimizing stress during handling, transport, and lifecycle. Provide enrichment and socialization for herd animals and ensure comfortable living conditions. You can utilize our livestock wellness scoring if you'd like to keep track of that. Pasture Management and Sustainability Practices : Implement rotational grazing and manage pasture quality to optimize forage availability and promote soil health. This is one way to help you adopt environmentally sustainable practices, you can also employ waste management and resource conservation, to enhance the resilience of the farming operation. Education and Training : Invest in ongoing education for farm staff on best practices in animal husbandry, health management, livestock welfare, and hygienic best practices. Your animals and your farm will benefit from this information. By integrating these best practices, farmers and ranchers can ensure the health and productivity of their livestock while promoting ethical and sustainable farming practices. On Farm BioSecurity Best Practices On-farm biosecurity practices are essential for safeguarding livestock health, enhancing farm productivity, and preventing the spread of diseases. With the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases and emerging pathogens, implementing effective biosecurity measures has never been more critical. These practices encompass a comprehensive approach that includes controlling access to the farm, managing animal interactions, and maintaining hygiene standards for equipment and facilities. By focusing on strategies such as the isolation of new animals, proper sanitation protocols, and diligent monitoring of herd health, farmers can create a resilient farming environment that protects both animals and human health. Ultimately, robust on-farm biosecurity not only secures the welfare of livestock but also contributes to the sustainability and profitability of agricultural operations. Bio Security Practices for Livestock Prevention and control of the introduction and spread of disease into our herd/flock/etc. can be employed on your farm in several ways. Reduce Outside Contact Know the health/vaccination status of all animals on the farm Purchase livestock from low-risk sources If possible, test before purchase Reduce or eliminate contact with non-resident animals with your herd/flock/etc. By eliminating or reducing contact with other animals you can reduce the risk for disease introduction into your livestock. Train farm personnel on Introducing or Reintroducing Livestock into the Herd   Introducing new livestock to an existing herd or reintroducing animals requires careful planning and execution to minimize stress and reduce the risk of disease transmission. Know the health/vaccination status of purchased or leased animals Purchase livestock from low-risk sources If possible, test animals before purchase Quarantine new animals (or animals being reintroduced) from the general farm population for 14-30 days. Utilize this time to manage, vaccinate, monitor for, and/or selectively test for diseases. Maintain a vaccination program for incoming and resident animals Minimize Non-Resident Animal Contacts Livestock disease transmission often happens from contact with outside sources. It is a good practice to minimize these risks on your farm. Here are a few ideas to implement that can help you reduce those risks: Prevent fence line contact with other livestock (and humans). For the public, offer designated viewing areas that keep the public at a safe distance while allowing observation without contact. Ensure that equipment and clothing used around livestock are sanitized and free from contaminants further reducing the risk of spreading pathogens. Try to control non-resident stray dogs and or cats Reduce contact with free-ranging wildlife including birds, waterfowl, and mammals. Try to limit direct livestock contact and access to feed storage, distribution equipment, bedding, feeders, and waterers. (Risks- Cryptosporidium parvum, Salmonella, Leptospirosis, Rabies) . Reduce pest species such as rodents, starlings, and pigeons. Institute a bird and rodent control program . Rodents serve as mechanical and biological vectors for several diseases such as Cryptosporidium parvum , Salmonellosis , and Leptospirosis . ( A biological vector is a living organism that carries a disease-causing agent from one host to another .)   Insects and parasites can pose a threat to spreading disease through your herd/flock/etc. You can utilize integrated pest management practices for the control of insect pests and integrate a parasite control program into your land management plan. Bio Security Practices for Manure Biosecurity practices for manure management are essential in safeguarding animal health and preventing the spread of disease on farms. Manure can serve as a reservoir for pathogens, making its handling and disposal a critical aspect of employing biosecurity protocols. By implementing effective manure management strategies, farmers can reduce the risk of contaminating feed, water supplies, and the environment, ultimately protecting livestock from infectious diseases. Protect against manure entry to your farm from outside vehicles and equipment. Set up safeguards against manure runoff entering from neighboring animal premises. Avoid the use of manure (products) and waste from off-premise (poultry, cattle, or other livestock) unless products are certified pathogen-free. Educating farm personnel on the importance of biosecurity in manure management fosters a culture of awareness and responsibility, ensuring that all stakeholders contribute to a safer farming environment. If possible, designate specific equipment for use in particular sections of the farm, such as those for sick animals versus healthy ones, to minimize cross-contamination risks. Proper storage and treatment of manure, regular equipment cleaning, and careful application techniques that minimize runoff and exposure are also ways to minimize these hazards on your farm. By prioritizing these practices, farmers can enhance herd health and wellness. Bio Security Practices for Farm Equipment and Vehicles Implementing biosecurity practices for farm equipment and vehicles is crucial in preventing the introduction and spread of diseases on the farm. Regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment, especially after it has been used in different animal areas or farms, helps remove pathogens that could contaminate livestock. Equipment and farm vehicles should be maintained and cleaned to avoid biological (bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal), chemical, or physical hazards. This includes cleaning tires, wheel wells, and undercarriages, as they can carry pathogens from contaminated areas. Equipment should be disinfected and cleaned between cows, groups, and farms. Hoof Trimmers Use only clean and disinfected equipment. Clean after each use.  (Risk; Hoof and foot diseases or infection, etc.) On-farm vehicles and equipment. Ensure that equipment is cleaned and disinfected before entering your farm. There should not be any leftover organic material from a previous farm on equipment. Off-farm vehicles Minimize access only to necessary portions of the farm. Insist on clean delivery vehicles Livestock Transport Vehicles - Use only clean, well-bedded trucks to move cattle to avoid introducing diseases from manure on the truck and to avoid injuries during transport. Avoid commingling with other herds and livestock.  Rendering Trucks:  Do not allow on the farm proper, utilize peripheral holding pens for pickups. Biosecurity Practices for Livestock Feed and Water The purchased feed may be a potential source of disease organisms and chemical contaminants Buy from sources using quality control to minimize the risk of fecal or chemical contamination Biosecurity Practices for Visitors: Use Proper Sanitation and Hygiene. Ensure footwear and clothing are clean and free of particles that may infect livestock, before entering the farm, or provide disposable boots and covers for apparel. Minimize access to only necessary portions of the farm. Use good hygiene to prevent movement of manure around the farm. Provide boot brushes, disinfectant, and boot wash areas or change disposable boots. Start with young stock and move toward adults to prevent contamination of young stock areas with adult manure. Handle sick animals last if possible. Communication of farm biosecurity and bio-containment procedures to visitors is basic to their success Keeping Track of the Wellness of Your Animals: When you assess your livestock, you'll usually think of physical measurements like height and weight. But beyond that, you may want to consider other factors to determine the overall health and wellness of your animal. Assessing specific areas like their eyes, nose, mouth, and ears can help you pinpoint areas that need attention and flag problems before they get out of hand. Tracking factors like environmental cleanliness, temperature, and air quality can help you address potential problems before they start by ensuring optimal living conditions for your livestock. When you record measurements in Farmbrite, you can track these additional details to get a more holistic view of your overall animal wellness.  The Farmbrite wellness score is meant to be a simple way for you to see a rating and immediately know the animal's overall condition. It combines and calculates the results of the Health and Environment sections from the Farmbrite measurements to arrive at a single overall wellness score. The score ranges from 20-100. You can find out more about using our farm management software , Farmbrite  to track your wellness scores and understand the overall health and wellness of your animals. If utilizing farm management software to track your animal wellness is not something you want/can do at this time but still want to track animal wellness, here are some key metrics to watch and keep track of: Livestock environmental factors like cleanliness, insect activity, and air quality Animal activity levels , including stress, mobility, sociability, energy levels, ease of handling, vocalizing, sores/limping/lameness Nutrition and intake rates and amounts of eating, drinking, and overall weight Animal body condition , including interior and exterior body assessments, such as eyes, ears, mouth teeth, etc. To learn more about how we measure animal wellness with our farm record keeping app Take a look here . Good livestock management practices take into account all of these factors and more. Prioritizing animal wellness in your herd/flock/etc. ensures that our livestock receives proper nutrition, veterinary care, and humane treatment, which in turn leads to improved health and productivity, quality of life, and ease of handling. Evaluating animal well-being and reducing biohazards on the farm fosters a healthy livestock management program that provides humane care for the animals that provide nutritious food for our communities. In the words of Dr. Grandin, “We owe them a decent life and a decent death, and their lives should be as low-stress as possible,” As stewards to our animals, our management styles are just as important as the customers who purchase from us. We hope this article offers some insight into how what areas you can look to identify on your farm to help foster an environment for healthy and happy animals. References and resources: Animal Wellness Animal Husbandry Animal Welfare Regulations Goat Record Keeping Software Pig Management Software

Farming can be incredibly rewarding, though it comes with its challenges. The rewards are often more than just financial; many farmers find deep satisfaction in working the land, producing food, and contributing to the well-being of their communities. The tangible results of growing crops or raising animals, along with the opportunity to work outdoors and engage with nature, can be fulfilling. Farming also fosters a strong sense of independence and self-reliance. However, the challenges—such as unpredictable weather, market fluctuations, and long hours—require resilience. For those passionate about the lifestyle and the impact they make, the rewards of farming often outweigh the difficulties. Here we've outlined some areas that can help grow your new farm business. Is Farming the Career For You? Farming can be incredibly rewarding, though it comes with its challenges. The rewards are often more than just financial; many farmers find deep satisfaction in working the land, producing food, and contributing to the well-being of their communities. The tangible results of growing crops or raising animals, along with the opportunity to work outdoors and engage with nature, can be fulfilling. Farming also fosters a strong sense of independence and self-reliance. However, the challenges—such as unpredictable weather, market fluctuations, and long hours—require resilience. For those passionate about the lifestyle and the impact they make, the rewards of farming often outweigh the difficulties. Like a lot of people, you may also have dreams of becoming a farmer, working outside, digging in the soil, feeding animals, growing food, and selling at the farmer's market. It is also sometimes hard for folks who want to transition to farming or ranching to know where to start. We've outlined 9 ways to get started farming. Keep reading to learn some tips for how to get started and set yourself up for success in farming. If you're considering a change in career here are a few things to think about before you start digging in the soil or buying livestock. We've outlined a few points to consider as you explore this very rewarding career. 1.) Find a Farming Mentor Just like learning any new skill or trade, finding the right resources and teacher can make all the difference. We recommend getting started by talking to lots of farmers. You can start by reaching out to your local agricultural extension office or trying to connect with farm workers or managers at your local farmers market . The important part is finding someone you respect and one that farms the way you want to farm. Get a job with them or volunteer around their farm. Learn all you can. Be reliable, show up, and give all you can. Be loyal to them for helping you and teaching you what they know. There are going to be jobs you don't want to do but do them anyway. This way gets you a start from the bottom and provides knowledge as you go. You get to learn from both the farmer's experience of what works and their mistakes. If you start early in life you get about 30 or so seasons to succeed at farming. That seems like a lot but that is a whole year that I'm talking about. Learn early and maybe even find a better/smarter way. Learning from how others failed will give you a head start. There are many great books on farming and tons of YouTube videos where farmers talk about their challenges and what has worked for them. 2.) Develop a Farm Business Plan Like starting any new business, the first step is to develop a farm business plan . What are you going to grow or raise? Where are you going to sell it? Who is your perfect customer? The business part of farming is also part of farming. It's the part that folks often forget. You wouldn't set out on a long drive without a map to know where you're going, why would you do that in your business? Knowing what you want to sell, where, and to whom is just the start of this plan. You need your road map to understand where you're going. It's important to get very specific on what you want to do and then reverse-engineer your business plan: who you need to talk to, what you need to acquire, what steps you need to take to get there, and what you need to achieve your goals. This is your dream. Write it all out on paper. Get excited about it! A word of advice: If you can at all swing it, don't start out owing money. This puts you at an extreme disadvantage, and you will start out coming from a place of want instead of being smart and steady as your business grows. Start small and grow from there. Spend wisely. Try to find deals on the things you need. Maybe use Craigslist to buy things that are of high quality but are on sale, maybe your mentor has a friend selling something you need (ask around and network), or maybe you borrow something at first so you don't have to take that loss in the beginning. Or do without. ​ 3.) Learn the Economics and Business of Farming In the past farmers have used a very capitalistic view of resources. Air, water, and soil have been plentiful. As those resources are becoming more scarce, getting started farming has become harder. As new farmers, you need to be aware of what has been done in the past and what is no longer working. Maximizing profits and industrializing farming which takes a very capitalistic approach, have been detrimental to the farmer's way of life. They may have maximized profit but there was a high cost to the land and environment. The industrialized farmer has only one crop that they sell. Hypothetically, it seems like a good idea to specialize but to use a farming expression, you're putting all your eggs in one basket. It can be detrimental if there is a dip in sale prices, foreign trade talks, politics, pests, disease, or even the weather can break this. The good news is there is a better way. We can learn from science, technology, and economics and find ways and practices to change and be a better farmer and stewards of the land. You do this by diversifying your farm, understanding business fundamentals, using sustainable methods of farming, and making smart choices on your farm. Getting an understanding of economic business principles can help you base your farm or ranch on sound business practices. There is a lot of information here, so come back if you don't have time today, but it is important to understand the principles of business while you're getting started. Here are some economic principles to get comfortable with: Financial Risk: The role of understanding f inancial risk for farm business is the possibility of a business losing money due to various factors like market fluctuations(what you can sell your product for), operational failures, economic conditions, loan rates, and more. These factors can affect a company's cash flow, profitability, and overall financial health. Each operational area, cow, chickens, pigs, micro greens, wheat, corn, etc., will have different factors and each should be researched to understand them fully. Some ways farm businesses minimize financial risks are; Diversifying your farm across a few markets/products. If one fails, you have a backup plan. Have an emergency fund to fall back on in case of hard times. Invest in insurance. Invest wisely across your new business by making smart buying choices at the right moment. And one of the most important in our opinion, is calculating risks with data analysis. Use agricultural productivity tools like farm management software or just regularly check in on the books to make sure you're on track. Income: We all know that income is the money or value that a business receives for providing goods or services over a set period of time. This is a key indicator of business health and stability. Farm Income Can Be Increased in Several Ways; increasing the number of customers increasing the transaction size increasing the frequency of transactions increasing the number of transactions per customer decreasing the amount you spend on making the product Consolidation: Consolidation is the process of combining two or more businesses into one new company . The goal of consolidation is to create a larger, more efficient company that can compete more effectively in the marketplace. This has both good and bad implications. In farming, there has been a large consolidation of US farms. This means that smaller farms have been purchased by larger farms or that smaller farms grow or raise animals for a larger operation that markets and sells the product. The second part of this can take away some of the burden from smaller farms since they can focus on one aspect of farming. You might also look at consolidation as joining a farm cooperative . But consolidations have negative effects as well. It has a shrinking effect on our farms, giving rise to larger farm sizes and fewer of them, raising mono-crops that can deplete the soil if not cared for correctly, and crop location which might mean shipping the product a long way which raises prices, and carbon footprints, and raising large amounts of animals in a small area which can breed disease. Productivity Productivity is an economic measure of how efficiently goods and services are produced by comparing the amount of output to the amount of inputs used to produce them. This means how much labor, money, energy, materials, and services went into making that bag of rice, a package of beef, a box of tea bags, etc. Some key productivity concepts in farm business are; strategy planning focus task management consistency These principles are also key in agriculture. Smart business people diversify, scale, and find what works and leave what doesn't. Today there are many farm business courses available to learn about farm economics, management, agribusiness, and more. But you don't need to take one of these classes or be a business major to get started farming but you can take some of these concepts and do your own research to find out what works for you and how they might help you run a better farm business. 4.) Understand the Many Jobs of a Farmer Like any new business, the owner is often the operator and farms are no exception. You might have to wear many different hats. As a farmer, you might be a laborer, mechanic, artist, plumber, electrician, landscaper, entrepreneur, grower, inventor, salesperson, website designer, and honestly whatever else needs to be done. You need to be quick to learn new things. As a small business, you need to treat it as such. Growing food is your passion but you also need to do those business-type things to sell your product. Become proficient at doing the things you don't like to do - first. Be realistic with your skills and experience and get help where you need it. Sometimes it might cost a little more to get some outside or expert experience, but it's always cheaper to do it right the first time. With any new business, be flexible and adaptive - it's going to take some time, trial, and error to get things working the way you want. 5.) Develop Your Farm Niche This is where you get to be creative and put the "you" into your farm. Why is what you're selling awesome? It's important that you know the why behind your product so that you can tell that story to your customers. This is what will keep them coming back over and over again; that and your customer service. Get the word out about your farm and products through all the social media sites and web e-commerce that are available to you. Just because you're a farmer doesn't mean you need to do away with technology. Let technology work for you. Tell your story so people want to choose your products.    Be the expert on this product. You need to know everything about this market. Knowing what you're up against will help you before you have a problem. People will come to you when they need that product.  With so many choices for produce and farm products today, it's important to find something that makes your farm and products unique so you can stand out in the crowd. Your passion for your product is key to this. 6.) Find Farmland, Equipment and Materials This is the elephant in the room for many people. How/where do you get land to raise or grow your product?  Think outside the box on this one. You don't necessarily need to own the land. At first, maybe you rent the land. Or maybe you can find a warehouse to grow food in or grow food on top of a building in the city. You can also grow up instead of out. Or, maybe it's aquaponics farms, livestock, row crops, or bees, there are so many ways to grow food. It doesn't have to be conventional farming. Find new ways of growing. This is what is going to make you stand out and it will end up being your brand. We need more unconventional thinking in farming. We have to be smarter about how we farm.    Besides land, you may also need to purchase or lease other equipment, livestock, seeds, and other materials. Some of these can also be rented or shared through CoOps. There are many ways to find farm financing to help you get started. But getting financing isn't the only way, you can also hold a job that brings in the main form of income or have one person hold a job while the farm gets up and running. Just because you do this part-time doesn't mean you aren't farming. 7.) Market and Sell your Farm Products and Build Loyal Customers Find Customers: As soon as you decide to start a farm you should be looking for customers. Spend time and energy on finding customers because this will power your farm! This is the heartblood of your farm business. Build Your Farm Niche: Find your niche in the market and do that really well. Get passionate about your product - honey, mushrooms, beef, cabbage whatever that is and do not forget about your customer service. Call people back, follow up with emails, and send out emails to your contact list. Make them feel special. This seems like a no-brainer but as a growing business you are going to be busy and things like returning emails might fall through the cracks. This is a huge mistake. Customer Service Counts: People come back because you take care of them. They will tell other people (good or bad) how they were treated. You're spending a large amount of time and money on growing your product, and taking care of your customers is paramount to your success. Communicate: Who you are, what you sell, and how you treat your customers is primary to your marketing and your brand. Have a specific time each day that you sit down and return emails and phone calls and work on your marketing. Communicating with your customers will help you grow. Letting them know what products you have will help you grow. 8.) Build a Network to Support You You need some know-how before you jump into this. The USDA is going to be a great resource for new farmers. The internet is a great tool for this and as I said before having a mentor will help you so much. Getting some hands-on experience before you start will let you know if you really want to do this full-time. It will also teach you as you go. There are many resources for new and upcoming farmers out there that can help. Seek them out and find what you need to succeed. You can also get in contact with your local extension office. They might be able to put you in touch with the right people. You might also try your hand at working on a farm WWOOFing . (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). This gives you the opportunity to get help for your farm. 9.) Learn and Grow Starting a new business is exciting and it also has a high learning curve. Remember that you're in this for the long haul, so go slow, keep costs in line with your revenue, and keep making changes to improve. I'm not going to sugarcoat this, most new businesses fail in the first 2 years. Be realistic and smart about this process. First and foremost, take the emotion out of starting a farm and run it like a business. If you want to drive a tractor around a field but can't afford it, buying that tractor might be the end of your dream as a farmer. Don't let pride get the best of you.  We can't tell you everything will go perfectly. You're going to mess up. Every new business owner has messed up. Every farmer has messed up. It's ok to mess up, but learn quickly from those mistakes and keep going. This is where the mentor or another farmer friend who is doing the same thing, will help. You could have get-togethers to bounce ideas off of each other and mastermind your businesses. This helps keep you going as a small business. It helps to have someone to talk about the challenges you face every day who understands and can offer solutions. Track your progress. We can't stress this enough. Using a spreadsheet, three-ring binder, or farm management software to track your progress is vital to seeing how your business is doing. Now, roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, don't throw away anything (because as soon as you do you'll need it again), repair things that are old instead of getting a new one, and best of luck in your new endeavor. You can do this! Here are some other resources to help you get started. Keys to succeeding on the farm Top 10 reasons new businesses fail USDA Resources for New Farmers Beginning Farmers resources Tips for starting a new business Finding farmland Farm financing from Steward If you're getting started as a new farmer, we understand that there is a lot of startup cost. We want to help you be successful and so we offer a large discount in the first year. We know that getting started in farming is not easy. That's why we have a New Farmer Program. Qualifying new farmers receive a 50% discount off any of our subscription plans for 3 years to help you get your best start. Check out our new farmer discount program to learn more. Getting started in farming can be both exciting and challenging. It begins with choosing the right type of farming—whether crop production , livestock management , or a mix of both—for a dual-producer type farm based on your interests, land, and market demands. Conducting thorough research is essential, from understanding soil health and climate conditions to selecting suitable crops or animals for your region is vital. Hopefully, you have a solid business plan, which includes budgeting for equipment, seeds, livestock, and other resources. Start small to manage risks, and learn as you go. Networking with local farmers, attending workshops, and seeking guidance from agricultural experts can help you gain practical knowledge. With patience, resilience, and a passion for the land, farming can be a rewarding venture. We wish you the best in your new farm! And as always, let us know if we can help with your f arm management software needs. We're here to help.