There will come a point when you’re beginning your own farm business that you’ll likely need some expert advice. For whatever reason, whether it’s an instrument to help you think through the ideas that are floating around in your head or sketched out on scratch paper or as guidance to document them on the form of a Lean Canvas, there are organizations across Wisconsin that are devoted to helping food and farming-related companies get off the ground and grow.

Farming a country business requires a range of economic, technical and human conceptual and analytical skills. It involves identifying consumer needs that your farm operation is uniquely placed to address planning marketing and production and ensuring that basic resources are effectively utilized. It’s also a time of risk and uncertainty.

The ability to set goals with clarity is crucial. It is important to set the goals early and then refer to them often. Many farms and delicious summer harvest ranches provide an educational experience for visitors that provides information on food production and fiber production Land stewardship, as well as the agricultural history. This is a great way to retain and draw customers. Often, it is possible to receive funds from a local or state organization to cover the cost of this type of education.

A good management system is built upon constant evaluation of the efficacy of strategies, technology and processes. It is also essential to be aware of financial records and budgets in order to identify emerging themes, issues and patterns as well as opportunities to improve.