by Eric Soderholm, Organic Production Coordinator

Many of us take on the challenging task of organic farming because of our passion for the work and commitment to its importance, even if the hours are long and thankless and the pay is minimal. At the end of this year, I urge you to ask yourself some tough questions about the financially sustainability of your farming operation. As on any farm, there are likely some crops or enterprises that have an excellent return on your investment of labor and input requirements while others are a major money sinks that eat up valuable time and resources throughout the season. On a diversified farm, it can seem hopeless to try to sort out whether you are making money, breaking even or taking a loss on any one component or crop. With a little patience and the right tools, however, it is possible to comprehend your farm’s profitability and as a business person you deserve to know! (more…)

by Eric Soderholm, Organic Transition Coordinator

In considering whether organic certification is right for your farm, the recordkeeping requirements are often one of the major turn-offs for farmers that are already strapped for time. However, many of those that actually seek certification can testify to the positive results of consistent documentation of farm inputs, field activities, pest problems, harvest yields, market sales and other pertinent information. Each growing season brings new challenges and is riddled with unpredictable factors. With an extensive history of past decisions and the results, a farmer is better equipped to avoid unnecessary risks and repeated failures in the field and marketplace. Your records are a tool to help you save time and understand what parts of your operation are most profitable.

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