Agriculture Risk Management Must-Haves

Every day, farmers make decisions that affect their operations. Many of a farm’s aspects influence their judgments, however unpredictable they may be. Unfortunately, just ornately from the type of industry we are in, this concept is risk. As farmers become more and more commercial by the day, farming has become increasingly dangerous, making it crucial to ensure your business plan includes an effective risk management plan.

From Colorado’s extreme changes in weather at a moment’s notice, to the occurrence of pests and illnesses of your crops or livestock, plus any emergencies as well, each factor has an impact on productivity. Even equipment failure and market price variations are also potential hazards or risk sources that every Colorado farmer out there should always be prepared for, least when it comes to their business plan and written protocol.

There are several topics of discussion that farm owners here in our beautiful state of Colorado should be structurally prepared for. Just like having fire drill practices or emergency service alerts on your phone, every type of risk or threat possible to your agriculture business should have a set procedure outlined in your business plan. Let’s run through the most important aspects so you can be confident in your own farm’s risk management strategy.

Good Risk Management Traits Farmers Must Have

Risk Management Decisions

Management’s primary activity is decision-making. All decisions have consequences or outcomes. In most cases, however, the outcome of a decision cannot be predicted. Farmers will find it more difficult to make an informed decision as the risk becomes more complex.

Farmers’ Attitudes Toward Risk

Farmers differ in their willingness to take risks from the average urban jungle resident. A good way to look at AG worker’s frame of mind when it comes to risk is to view them by types. Farmers’ can be divided into three categories: risk-averse farmers who attempt to avoid taking chances, risk-takers who are open to more dangerous economic opportunities, and risk neutral farmers. An AG business owner or manager’s attitude toward how they approach and act in risky situations can completely benefit or deter the success of their farm, so make sure you are aware of the type of risk attitude you have.

Decision Making

Accurate information, which requires dependable data, is required for good risk management decisions. A farmer can use good data to make sensible risk management decisions.

Agriculture Risk Management TIPS

1) Maintain a strong current position (cash on hand) in the farm company.

• • Use excess cash revenues from the farm operation to pay down short-term debt.
  • Keep an eye on your farm’s working capital and current ratio in the financial statement.
  • Be mindful of non-farm spending and excessive spending for family living.
  • Farm cash flow planning should include non-farm and family living expenses.

2) Farm machinery and facility investments should be carefully considered.

• • Make informed decisions on how to spend available funds on capital improvements.
  • Ensure that the operational investments are both necessary and have a possible return on investment.
  • Keep in mind that term loans used to finance capital improvements may have long repayment periods.
  • Look for ways to sell farm assets that are no longer useful to the farm.

3) Be wary of purchasing pricey acreage.

• • Make sure that any land purchases you make are financially sound for your farm.
  • Shop around before committing to a farm purchase.
  • To secure land, compare the cost of ownership to the probable yearly land rental prices.
  • Don’t spend all of your available cash on land investments.

4) Consider measures to lower and manage financial risk.

• • Fine-tune the farm’s grain marketing strategy based on production costs.
  • Spend some time in 2016 researching the finest crop insurance methods for your farm.
  • Analyze seed, fertilizer, chemical, and other crop-related decisions thoroughly.
  • Avoid high land rent bids and seek variable lease contracts.
  • Look for profit margin possibilities in crop and livestock.

5) Keep in touch with family members, farm partners, and agricultural lenders.

• • Discuss financial matters and farm profitability with family members and other farm partners.
  • Enlist the help of farm business management advisers and other experts.
  • Before finalizing planned machinery and equipment acquisitions.
  • Talk about your grain and livestock marketing strategies.
  • Address any financial difficulties, whether farm-related or not.
  • Think of your farm lender and other professionals as advisors.

If you are still looking for more advice or reliable informational sources to ensure your agribusiness’s risk management strategy is effective, give our cooperative a call. Farm Credit of Southern Colorado is here to assist with creating the best AG risk management plan for your farm, as well as assist with any other farm lending services or questions you may have. We are here to help when you need us, so contact today!