Building Your Farm Plan

Buying or building any business requires much evaluation and planning, but when that business is a farm, there are more layers of complexity.

You need more than a business plan – you need a farm plan. Any entrepreneur will tell you that owning your own business can be all-consuming, but when it is a farm, it is built into its DNA. Farms are often owned and operated by families, sometimes across multiple generations. They live on or adjacent to the farm, and it sets the pace of their living because the crops and stock are both their investment and living things that require their attention on a particular set of schedules to survive – and thrive. Creating a “whole farm plan” can help you all be on the same page while documenting decisions and details that will keep you moving forward together.

Cattle Contraction

Cattle Contraction Lifts Cow-Calf Profitability

by Farmer Mac

The U.S. cattle herd shrank for the fifth consecutive year in 2023. Cow-calf producers that endured low prices and drought the past few years are today benefitting from historic prices and profitability. Challenges remain for some, including for producers impacted by drought or wildfires. However, high cattle prices and declining feed costs bode well for overall cow-calf profitability in 2024.

Sheet Pan Steak and Veggies

Ingredients

1 pound 1 inch thick sirloin steak, or favorite cut
1 pound baby potatoes* optional
16 ounces broccoli florets fresh or frozen
1 yellow bell pepper 1-inch dices
1 medium-sized red onion 1-inch dices
4-5 garlic cloves
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning optional
Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to high broil.
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until parboiled for 10-12 minutes; drain well.
Arrange steak, potatoes, broccoli, bell pepper, and onion on a large sheet pan. In a small bowl, whisk the garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Brush the mixture on the steak and veggies.
Place into the oven on the upper-center rack and broil until the steak is browned and charred at the edges and the veggies are lightly charred, about 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, for medium doneness.

Come See Us!

We plan on attending the following shows in 2024 and hope to see you there!

July 17-19: Arizona Cattle Growers Association Summer Convention-Phoenix, AZ

September 17-19: Farm Science Review- London, Ohio

December 12-14: Western Alfalfa & Forage Symposium-Sparks, NV