Livestock insurance is an important safety net for farmers and ranchers, protecting livelihoods from unexpected losses, disease, disaster and other risks. Here’s how it works.

A Simple Guide to Livestock Insurance

Hiring independent contractors might be cheaper in the short term, but it also comes with some risks.

1099 Contractors vs. W-2 Employees: What’s the Difference?

Explore funding opportunities in food marketing, agronomic practices, habitat conservation, dairy research, agriculture education and more.

Farm Funding Deadlines: July 2025 Edition

A definitive list of federal tax credits for farmers, ranchers and ag businesses.

16 Federal Tax Credits for Farmers

If you earn passive rental income from your farmland, you could avoid paying self-employment taxes on it by filing Form 4835. Here’s how to know if you qualify.

How to Report Farm Rental Income and Expenses With Form 4835

Recent tax changes mean that more businesses are receiving Form 1099-Ks than before. Here’s what to expect when you get one. 

Form 1099-K: How to Report Payment Card and Third Party Transactions

Explore funding opportunities in land conservation, dairy research, new markets development, agriculture entrepreneurship and more.

Farm Funding Deadlines: June 2025 Edition

Caitlyn Kelly

Transitioning an agricultural operation—whether a farm, ranch, or other ag-based business—can be a complicated and daunting process. Familiarizing yourself with these basic succession planning concepts is a great place to start.

The Succession Planning Starter Kit: Checklist, Definitions and Resources

A farm operating loan can be a powerful tool for managing seasonal cash flows, but finding the right lender and terms is crucial.

What is a Farm Operating Loan, and How Does it Work?

A line of credit can help cover day-to-day expenses and function as an emergency fund, but borrowing costs can also make them expensive.

What Is a Farm Operating Line of Credit, and How Do I Get One?

Land lease agreements or ‘grazing leases’ can be a valuable tool, giving new farmers access to land they might not be able to buy outright. Here’s what you can expect to find in a typical agreement.

A Simple Guide to Grazing Leases

Farming is an unpredictable business. Income averaging can help by smoothing out sudden spikes in your farm’s tax bill.

A Guide to Schedule J (Form 1040): Income Averaging for Farmers

Regularly reconciling your books with your bank statements can help you catch bookkeeping errors, prevent fraud and ensure your records match reality.

What Is a Bank Reconciliation, and How Does It Work?

An accurate cash flow budget can help you stay on top of bill payments, know your borrowing needs and plan big investments with confidence.

What Is a Cash Flow Budget, and Why Is It Important?

An LLC could protect your personal assets from creditors and lawsuits, lower your tax bill and make succession planning easier, but it comes with lots of caveats too.

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): A Decision Guide for Farmers

Small business owners often don’t pay themselves a normal wage, but doing so could help their bottom line.

Owner’s Draw or Salary: How Should I Pay Myself?

If you’re a farmer and suspect you might have underpaid your estimated taxes, you can use Form 2210-F to see if you owe a penalty. Here’s how it works.

A Simple Guide to Form 2210-F: Underpayment of Estimated Tax By Farmers

A straightforward guide to making the most of the mileage rate deduction for your farm.

What Is the 2025 IRS Mileage Rate?

Gross profit can be an important decision-making tool, revealing the profitability of different business segments and sales channels. Here’s how it works. 

What Is Gross Profit, and Why Is It Important in Agriculture?

Set your livestock operation up for success with organized records and a reliable bookkeeping routine.

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