The value of planning

This may sound like a lot of "thinking and planning" just to do something you already know: farming. Think of it this way: No one knows your farm as well as you do, and this is just getting what you know and what you’d like to do with it down in writing.  

Developing these plans will help you organize your farm activities, add important new information, and have something to refer to as you face various decisions about your farm. It will also allow you to present your farm operation to those who don’t know it as well as you do, such as bankers or potential customers.  

Think about these questions:

•        What makes your products unique and attractive to customers?

•        How can crop storage and processing add value?

•        Who are your competitors?

•        Do you already have a business plan or a marketing plan?

•        How will you get your products to market?

•        How will you identify and communicate with potential customers?

•        Do you have an updated Plan B to respond to changing market conditions?

Think of these plans as maps to guide you in managing your business. Refer back to the plans often as you fine-tune your business and marketing strategies.