10 Financial Tips for America’s Young and Beginning Farmers

February 13, 2024

Choosing a career in agriculture may not be as popular as, say, being an engineer or programmer. And while that may be true, according to AgWeek’s Katie Pinke, farming is cool again among millennials and Gen Z. In this article, we break down 10 straightforward money tips for young farmers in America to help them cultivate not just crops, but financial success too. Whether you're thinking about renting equipment or asking your local banker for advice, this article is your down-to-earth companion in navigating the financial side of farming.

According to the American Bankers Association, the 10 financial tips are as follows:

“Sweat the small stuff. Keeping accurate and detailed records encourages both short-term and long-term financial planning. Not only does it help you stay organized and make better management decisions, it makes it easier for your lender to assess your financial situation.”
“Develop a business and marketing plan. You will work smarter and improve your odds when you focus and organize your goals.”
“Evaluate your capital investments for profitability and payback. Keeping track of how long it will take to generate enough cash flows from a capital investment to justify the investment will help you make better financial decisions for the future.
“Know your costs. When you consider your cost of living and expenditures—including depreciation and family living—you’ll have a better understanding of your overall financial situation. Your local banker can provide guidelines to monitor your financial ratios.”
“Decide on what type of operation you want to run. New farmers and ranchers should either be very efficient, low-cost producers or should add value that someone else will pay for.”
“Consider supplementing your operation with off-farm income until your operation is large enough to employ you profitably full time.”
“Consider renting farm equipment or custom hiring instead of purchasing.”
Shop around. Getting price quotes on supplies such as feed, fertilizer and fuel can uncover lower-cost sources. Your research might get you a discount from a local, preferred supplier that gives excellent service. Make sure product quality is part of your evaluation.”
“Ask your banker about how to get access to state and federal credit enhancement programs. Some banks also offer special benefits for first-time Schedule F tax filers.”
“When in doubt, ask for help and guidance from someone you trust—an experienced farmer or rancher, a trusted adviser or your local banker. You don’t have to make these important financial decisions alone.”