Managing a farm

Red barn in the distance of a fall landscape.

We research and report on the financial performance of Minnesota farms and provide tools to farmers and ag professionals that support the future of agriculture. Our goal is to build on the profitability and success already achieved by Minnesota’s agricultural industry and help small farm owners succeed as stewards of the land.

Features

The 2024 Farm Resource Guide is now available at many local Extension offices. You also can download it for free.

Dairy Margin Coverage for 2024

The last day for dairy farmers to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) for 2024 with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office is April 29.

Develop a heat and air quality safety plan for your farm workers

High heat and humidity can make it dangerous for growers to work outdoors. While wildfire smoke and other air pollutants can make it dangerous for growers to breathe the air while working outdoors. Here are some best practices for protecting yourself and your employees.

Business

Farm bill

Crop programs and Dairy Margin Coverage

Farm finance

For crop insurance, crop production and dairy

Farmland rent and economics

Rental rates and land values by county, flexible land rental agreements

Farm tax and legal

Tax and legal impacts for various situations

Marketing farm products

Marketing, recordkeeping and hiring

Transfer and estate planning

Passing the farm business and other assets to the next generation

Women in Ag Network

Leadership, management and agricultural production education and opportunities for women

Farming systems

Agroforestry

Agroforestry combines agricultural and forestry practices to improve environmental quality, productivity and economic returns.

Small farms

Information on running a one- to 40-acre farm

Get help

Farmer-Lender Mediation

Need help with farm debt? Learn how mediation can help.

Resources for difficult times

Find help, counseling, advocacy, legal and referral resources

Safety

Farm safety

Stress management, extreme weather, equipment, livestock

Growing safe food

On-farm food safety, GAPs audits, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

News

April 26, 2024

USDA releases interstate movement guidance document

Lactating dairy cattle from herds that have tested positive for Influenza A are not eligible for interstate movement for 30 days from the most recent collection of any sample that tests positive from any individual animal in the herd.