New SARE Bulletin: The Basics of Farm Business Planning

June 2, 2025
Two people sitting in a grass field with baskets and hats outside
The business planning process begins with identifying your strongest values. Photo by Preston Keres, USDA

New and beginning farmers face a wide range of barriers when launching or growing their operations, from uncertain markets and extreme weather to land access and financing challenges. A clear, practical business plan can make all the difference.

SARE Outreach’s newest bulletin, The Basics of Farm Business Planning, offers a framework to help farmers clarify their goals, evaluate their resources, and build financially and ecologically sound enterprises. Developed with input from experienced farmers and educators, the guide introduces users to five essential planning steps:

The Basics of Farm Business Planning summarizes concepts from SARE’s Building a Sustainable Business workbook, which provides real-life examples of how farmers have used business planning to launch new enterprises, expand sustainably and achieve personal and financial goals.

Download or order your free print copy of The Basics of Farm Business Planning at https://www.sare.org/business-planning-basics or by calling (301) 779-1007. The Basics of Farm Business Planning is available in quantity for free to educators for use in educational workshops, classes or tours.

Topics: Business Planning, Farm Business Management
Related Locations: North Central, Northeast, South, West