Rooted in finance

Switching to a new farm accounting software might sound like a stressful, overwhelming process. But if you're still using a checkbook, stacks of receipts, or bulky spreadsheets to manage your farm business, making the switch could save you time, money, and sanity.

Managing payroll in the agricultural industry can feel like herding cattle during a thunderstorm. Between seasonal workers, tax filings, certifications, and strict IRS guidelines, payroll becomes a significant part of your farm business operations.

Across rural America, family farms are under pressure like never before. High input costs, delayed federal funding, and uncertainty around future farm policy are creating a challenging environment for growers, ranchers, and farm businesses of all sizes.

Check out this blog on Why America’s Farmers Are Struggling to File Their Returns.

Planning your next growing season can feel overwhelming, especially for new farmers or homesteaders working with limited funds.

Small farmers are the backbone of our food system, but agricultural production has changed dramatically over recent decades, making it harder for smaller farms to stay competitive.

Check out why financial survival is just as important as crop yields!

Tax time can be overwhelming when you get behind, especially your Schedule F. Let FarmRaise help make your taxes a breeze!

Making the switch from spreadsheets to farm management software can be tough, but this article will talk you through the pros and cons and what's the right choice for you!

Composting on farms transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich "black gold," improving soil health, reducing costs, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Mobile-friendly accounting software is essential for farmers on the go, allowing them to track expenses, manage finances, and make informed decisions anytime, anywhere.

Dogs can play a crucial role on the farm or ranch, but it can get complicated if you can track their food, training, and veterinary expenses to your Schedule F, so let's dive in!

Farming is unpredictable that's why it is vital to have an emergency fund. In this blog, we will help you figure out how you can get started!

Winter is the perfect time to prepare your farm and ranch finances for the year ahead.

Learn how to better track your chicken and egg inventory, expenses, and invoices!

Discover how to simplify managing USDA's Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grants while maximizing their impact on sustainability and climate-smart agriculture. From streamlining enrollment to tracking conservation practices like cover crops and nutrient management, this guide offers actionable tips to help growers, ranchers, and organizations succeed.

Streamlining USDA grant management involves clear goal-setting, centralized data collection, effective communication, and efficient reporting to maximize the impact of funding programs like the RCPP, Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, and NIFA grants. By adopting these strategies, grantees can reduce administrative burdens, foster transparency, and drive meaningful outcomes for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

Fall soil testing is your first step toward a successful growing season, giving you crucial insights into nutrient levels, soil health, and fertilizer needs. Discover why this time of year is perfect for pulling soil samples, how to collect accurate data, and how to turn those insights into sustainable crop management decisions.

Effectively administering an RCPP grant requires clear collaboration with partners, robust compliance systems, and proactive outreach to achieve impactful conservation outcomes. Tools like FarmRaise Grant Administration Software simplify the process by streamlining reporting, tracking contributions, and enhancing communication to maximize conservation success.

Track mileage like a pro! FarmRaise Tracks offers farmers a seamless way to log travel for farm activities, maximizing tax deductions and supporting smarter operational planning. Discover how mileage tracking with real-time insights can enhance your farm’s efficiency and boost productivity.

This blog explores how FarmRaise Tracks optimizes farm inventory management by providing real-time tracking and user-friendly tools that streamline operations for growers. By enhancing decision-making and improving profitability, this software solution empowers farmers to manage their inventory effectively and efficiently.

This post explores how FarmRaise Tracks simplifies financial management for farmers by streamlining expense tracking and enhancing record keeping. It highlights the importance of accurate expense tracking for maximizing tax deductions, improving cash flow, and making informed decisions to boost farm profitability.

Agritourism offers US farmers the opportunity to diversify their income by hosting activities such as farm tours, u-pick events, and farm stays, connecting them with local communities and enhancing profitability. This growing industry supports rural economic development, promotes sustainability, and helps educate the public about agriculture.

Post-harvest soil management in autumn is essential for maintaining soil health, replenishing nutrients, and preparing for next year’s crop. By focusing on practices like soil testing, residue management, and planting cover crops, farmers can improve sustainability and long-term productivity.

As US farmers prepare for 2025, this blog provides crucial insights into commodity price forecasts for key crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as livestock. Explore the factors driving price volatility and discover strategies for risk management to help ensure a successful marketing year.

Discover essential farm payroll tips to help U.S. farmers manage their agricultural businesses efficiently and comply with federal and state regulations. Learn how proper worker classification, adherence to wage laws, and utilizing payroll software can streamline your payroll process and positively impact your bottom line.

Discover the latest techniques in crop yield estimation, from satellite data and machine learning to biophysical models, and learn how these innovations can enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and decision-making for farmers facing challenges like climate change and food security.

Discover how farm data management systems and farm management software can revolutionize your agribusiness. From real-time data analysis to streamlined record-keeping and precision farming, these tools help growers optimize farm operations, enhance profitability, and drive sustainability.

Proper maintenance of farm equipment is crucial to avoiding costly breakdowns and downtime during harvest season. This blog provides essential tips on maintaining tractors, spreaders, and other agricultural equipment, focusing on preventative maintenance, lubrication, and effective management systems to keep your farm operations running smoothly.

Discover essential soil conservation practices to protect your topsoil, improve soil health, and boost crop yields. Learn how US farmers can implement sustainable strategies like cover crops, conservation tillage, and nutrient management to maintain productive and resilient farmland.

Farm succession planning is essential for ensuring the future success and profitability of your family farm. By developing a clear vision, assessing your current situation, and creating a detailed plan, you can smoothly transition farm operations to the next generation. For guidance on navigating the complexities of succession planning, contact FarmRaise—we’re here to help secure the future of your farm.

Learn how to understand your costs, stay updated on market conditions, and leverage various marketing tools like cash sales, futures contracts, and forward contracts. Discover how to create a comprehensive marketing plan, utilize USDA resources, and manage risks effectively.

Check out our farmer spotlight on Nancy from Ole Timer’s Farm, where she shares her journey of turning a retirement dream into a thriving, organic homestead.

Check out our farmer spotlight on Amanda K!

An FSA Farm Number is essential for farmers to access USDA programs and services, and this guide provides a comprehensive overview on how to obtain one and the benefits it offers.

Learn how to best engage with FSA to grow your farm business!

Learn about how to thoroughly and efficiently prepare for harvest season!

Learn about crop-livestock integration and best practices.

Learn some ways that a balance sheet can help you take control of your farm finances!

Check out our comprehensive guide to ryegrass farming!

Check out our comprehensive guide to sorghum farming!

Learn how to utilize worm castings on your farm.

Learn about common farm pests and how to mitigate their damage.

Learn about advanced fertilizer strategies and nutrient management techniques.

Learn our favorite techniques to enhance crop growth

Learn about some best practices related to soil health and fertility to help your crops thrive.

Learn about FarmRaise's partnership with the FSA to deliver educational resources to FSA Cooperators and producers.

Learn about irrigation management best practices for farming.

Learn about the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and how to apply.

Learn about some best practices for protecting your crops from pests and diseases.

Learn about some sustainable farming practices to increase your farm's profitability.

Check out our best practices for administering farm grant programs.

Learn how to apply for USDA grants and some administration best practices.

A comprehensive guide to IRS Form 4835

Learn about FarmRaises AI in Agriculture Scholarship!

Sometimes selling one crop just won’t cut it. Learn 12 ways to earn extra money and make your operation more profitable.

The emerging field of “agrivoltaics” is a new type of solar energy system that promotes both crop cultivation and energy production. See how to get solar panel funding for your operation.

Check out these tips for filing taxes for your farm or ranch and see how FarmRaise may be able to help.

Find out the deadline for your state so you can submit your 2024 EQIP and CSP applications with confidence.

Explore FSA farm loan programs, from guaranteed and direct loans to land contract guarantees, designed to empower farmers on their journey to financial success in the agriculture industry.

Master Schedule F for farm tax deductions and tax savings. Learn how to maximize deductions, manage expenses, and reduce tax liability effectively for your farm business.

Our expert guide simplifies IRS Schedule F, decoding every line for stress-free filing. Navigate tax season with confidence.

Are you a farmer or rancher looking for tax credits? Here's where to start.

Embark on your farming journey with our comprehensive guide, covering USDA funding, FSA microloans, and crucial tips for aspiring farmers. Learn the essentials to kickstart your successful farm business today.

An FSA farm number identifies your farm’s location and allows you to apply for USDA funding like grants, cost shares and loans. See how to apply for and use a farm number.

Carbon credit markets are becoming popular ways for farmers to help companies offset their greenhouse gas emissions while making some additional income. See how carbon markets work and top companies for farmers.

Take care of your farm or ranch for future generations using our guide to cover crops. Spoiler: you may also be eligible for funding for your cover crop initiatives.

There’s funding for rural and urban farmers facing drought, threatened by wildfire or proactively preparing for disaster. See how to improve your water management plan.

EQIP grants an average of $30,000 to producers to try out conservation practices on the farm or ranch. Read these FarmRaise tips so you can be a competitive applicant for the EQIP cost-share program.

Got an EQIP grant and wondering about what it means for your taxes? Before you submit your Schedule F tax form to the IRS, see how you might be able to save your farm some money by properly filing your EQIP grant this tax season.

If you’re ready to bring your farm products to market, check out this detailed application guide for VAPG grant for up to $250,000 in funding.

Farm taxes can get complicated. Many farmers don’t know whether they even qualify to file a Schedule F form. This Schedule F guide will make your tax season more manageable.

Farming isn’t just tough work manually. It’s also tough work financially. Learn some keys to success to boost your operation’s profitability, and let’s save family farms together.

There’s a new budgeting app out, and it’s made specifically for farmers. Can it really help you track your daily expenses and make your operation more profitable?

Farmers and ranchers may be eligible for funding to install fencing for rotational grazing among other purposes. See how much you may eligible for.

See how to use REAP funds to purchase, install and construct renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements on your farm or ranch.

As a result of your military service, the USDA may prioritize your grant funding applications. See this and other funding tips for veteran farmers and ranchers.

Transitioning to organic farming can take years but may be worth the financial and sustainability impacts on your farm. Learn how to get funding for USDA organic certification.

The FarmRaise team visited Spence Farm to learn about how to use regnerative farming and collaborative practices to boost farm profitability and build a successful farming community. See what we learned!

Investing in soil health is good for the land, but do farmers get economic benefits, too? When my family transitioned our livestock operation to holistic grazing practices, we were surprised.

Growing industrial hemp is legal in the United States. Cannabis enthusiasts celebrate! There are a few nuances you need to know about Mary Jane before you start courting the idea of getting into the industry.

Get a crash course on the basics of conservation easements. An easement is a great tool for farmers to get cash to preserve their land for future generations or to receive tax benefits for their conservation efforts.

First time farmers often ask “how can I get a farm ownership loan if I can’t afford the downpayment?” There’s a federal loan program out there that doesn’t require a down payment. See how to get help applying for FSA microloans.

Learn how to qualify for farm financing, navigate grants for farmers and secure the support you need to be successful in getting your farm going.

Not all accounting software are alike. We weigh the pros of cons so you can decide if Quickbooks is right for your farm bookkeeping needs.

When times get tough, farmers and ranchers come together to help each other out. Here's insight from a fellow farmer about ways to financially take care of your operation when the economy is slumping.

Why do most farmers who apply for USDA cost-share not get funded? After processing hundreds of EQIP applications, we've learned why it's so hard for small farmers to access USDA farm grants.

For new farmers and ranchers, three major USDA grants can offer you money to boost your operation. We lay out the details, pros, cons and how FarmRaise can help you apply.

We looked into the USDA's new Climate-Smart Commodities program so you don't have to. It's a 2022 initiative to encourage non-UDSA entities to contribute in the fight against...

Learn about some key funding programs available to help US meat producers

Navigating farm grants can be time-consuming. Fortunately, our team at FarmRaise breaks it down in a way that’s easy to understand. We’ve helped thousands of farmers identify funding for their farms, learning a lot along the way. Here we explore 3 of the most common “myths” we hear farmers perpetuate about grant funding, and reveal the truth.

Are you a farmer working a portion of land that’s tough to farm? Maybe it’s on a steep hillside or it’s extra wet or it’s challenging to physically navigate. Perhaps you’ve asked yourself “I wonder if there’s a better way to manage this part of my land in a way that builds my farm’s profitability?” Enter the Conservation Reserve Program.

Many producers ask our team what types of projects can be funded by various government grant programs. The short answer is that there are tons of project ideas that are competitive for federal grant funding. We wrote this quick guide to explore just a few options, bucketed across three areas below.