UF IFAS launches resource for business planning
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension has released a new bilingual online guide to help farmers strengthen their operations through effective business planning. The platform, Building Your Florida Farm Business Plan / Construyendo tu Plan de Negocios Agrícola de Florida, provides step by step guidance, practical tools, and expert insights for both new and experienced farmers.
“Farming is more than growing crops or raising livestock—it’s running a business,” said Luis Rodriguez, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County agent and member of UF/IFAS CAFÉ Latino, “A solid business plan is a living roadmap that helps producers make informed decisions. And if farmers need local support, we can connect them with Extension agents across the state.”
The guide covers every key element of a farm business plan. Farmers can learn how to write a clear business description, create a marketing plan with nine actionable steps, and build operational and human resource strategies. It also explains how to prepare essential financial documents, including income statements, cash flow records, balance sheets, and break even analysis. A final executive summary brings all components together.
Business plans are essential for everyday decision making and for financial support. For example, the USDA Farm Service Agency requires a detailed plan for loan applications such as direct loans, guaranteed loans, and land contracts. Without a plan, applications cannot move forward.
Rodriguez added that having a plan ensures farmers are ready to borrow money to expand, sustain, or improve their operations. By offering the resource in English and Spanish, UF/IFAS Extension makes business planning more accessible to Florida’s diverse community of farm operators and entrepreneurs, connecting them with local Extension agents for additional support.
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