Today, more and more small farms are trying new things. Instead of only growing common crops like soybeans, farmers are growing specialty crops. These include things like herbs, mushrooms, flowers, tree nuts, grass seed, nursery crops, and even Christmas trees. These crops can bring in more money and help farmers try out new and sustainable ways to grow food. They also let farmers offer something unique and valuable to local customers who are looking for fresh and different products.

These kinds of crops are popular at farmers’ markets, in CSA boxes, and even online shops. This process is called value-added production, and it gives farmers a way to make even more from what they grow. With the right planning, value-added farming can help build strong local businesses and open doors to new markets.

But keeping track of money from these crops can be tricky. Every crop is different, with its own planting and harvesting times. Plus, some crops need more work, different tools, or special storage. Farmers need to plan ahead and watch their spending carefully to make sure they’re really making a profit and not losing money without realizing it. Tracking gross income, labor costs, and all other expenses is key to understanding profitability.

Enter FarmRaise: A Smart Tool for Managing Your Farm Finances

That’s where FarmRaise comes in. FarmRaise is a tool made to help farmers keep track of their money and make smart choices. It works for all kinds of farmers and helps them organize their income, costs, and even check if they can get help from government programs. Some of these programs are run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA). FarmRaise helps users understand these programs, check their eligibility, and stay on top of deadlines.

FarmRaise helps farmers see how much they earn and spend when selling specialty crops in different places like farmers’ markets, online stores, or restaurants. It also helps them figure out which crops or products are the most profitable by comparing costs and sales. New producers can use FarmRaise to learn how to budget and apply for support programs. Experienced growers can use it to grow their business and make better plans for the future. FarmRaise makes it easier to stay organized, plan for the whole calendar year, and reach money goals with confidence.

What Are Specialty Crops?

Specialty crops are foods and plants that aren't the usual grains or oilseeds. They include:

• Herbs like basil, oregano, mint, and thyme
• Mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and lion’s mane
• Medicinal herbs like lemon balm, echinacea, and valerian
• Flowers and plants from nurseries, like lavender and calendula
• Christmas trees, decorative plants, and turfgrass
• Tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans
• Nursery crops, grass seed, and floriculture plants

These crops often take more care to grow and need hands-on attention, but they can be sold for higher prices. People love buying them because they’re fresh, locally grown, and often grown with sustainable practices. Many customers also like knowing their food is safe, responsibly raised, and good for the environment.

Specialty crops help farms stand out from the crowd. Instead of just growing one or two crops, farmers can grow a mix of plants that help their land and support their community. This also spreads out the risk, if one crop doesn’t do well, another might, and gives more chances to earn money. Many specialty crops can be turned into value-added products, which helps small farms compete in bigger markets and participate in a more resilient supply chain.

How FarmRaise Helps

1. Easy Expense Tracking

FarmRaise lets farmers track what they spend on their crops. This includes things like seeds, tools, fuel, packaging, pesticide, and labor. Whether the cost happens once or every month, farmers can enter it into FarmRaise. This helps them understand their total costs, compare them to their sales, and calculate their real profits. Knowing what each crop costs to grow helps farmers make smart choices about what to plant more of and what to improve.

2. Yearly Planning

Specialty crops don’t all grow at the same time. Some are ready in spring, some in summer, and some in fall. Some, like mushrooms, can grow year-round indoors. That’s why it helps to see the full calendar year when making a budget. FarmRaise gives farmers a way to plan how much money they will spend and earn during each part of the year. This makes it easier to stay on track, save money, and avoid surprises.

FarmRaise also helps farmers understand their cash flow, which means how money moves in and out of their farm business. By planning ahead, farmers can prepare for quiet seasons and make sure they have what they need when it's time to plant, harvest, or sell.

3. USDA Help and Eligibility

Many specialty crop growers can get support from USDA and FSA programs. These programs offer funding, cost-sharing, training, and conservation help. But not every farmer knows if they qualify. FarmRaise helps by showing which programs are available and whether a farmer is eligible. For example, some programs have AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) rules, require a certain type of legal entity, or only help growers in specific areas.

FarmRaise makes it easier to apply during the right time (called the application period) and take part in programs like the Specialty Crops Program or the Value-Added Producer Grant from the Commodity Credit Corporation. Some programs also support wetland conservation, sustainable agriculture, and better food safety. Learning about and applying for these programs can really help farms grow stronger and access gov resources.

4. Support for All Farmers

FarmRaise is built for all kinds of farmers. Those just getting started and those who have been growing for years. For new producers, FarmRaise is like a guide, showing them how to make a budget, keep records, and apply for help. For more experienced farmers, it offers tools to grow bigger, try new crops, or add new markets. FarmRaise even offers helpful resources like webinars (online classes), fact sheets, and worksheets to learn at your own pace.

These learning tools help farmers understand financial planning, USDA rules, and ways to keep their business strong. It’s like having a farm business coach in your pocket.

Planning for Growth

Many farmers start with familiar crops like soybeans, corn, or cover crops. As they learn more and see new opportunities, they often try specialty crops to bring in extra income. Some farmers begin growing medicinal herbs or mushrooms in a small space, then turn those into teas, tinctures, or powders. This is called value-added production.

Value-added farming can bring in much more money, but it takes more time, planning, and sometimes special equipment. It’s important to track these added costs carefully to see if the extra work is worth it.

Smart Farming Through Good Planning

Good planning is one of the best tools a farmer can have. Whether it’s budgeting for the calendar year, applying for USDA programs, or figuring out which crops are most profitable, FarmRaise makes it easier to succeed.

FarmRaise also helps farmers follow rules about food safety, track pesticide use, and participate in conservation efforts like wetland protection or sustainable growing practices. These efforts are important not just for the farm’s future—but for the land and community too.

Farmers can visit the FarmRaise webpage to find webinars, worksheets, fact sheets, and other resources that help improve their financial skills. These tools give them the confidence to take on new challenges and reach their farming goals.

Start with FarmRaise Today

No matter what you grow, herbs, mushrooms, Christmas trees, flowers, grass seed, or tree nuts, FarmRaise is here to help. You can use it to track expenses, plan for the year, apply for USDA support, and find new ways to grow your farm as part of a strong network of specialty crop producers and providers.

Ready to get started? Sign up for FarmRaise today and start building a better future for your farm. Use code IT3H12B at checkout for 20% off or use this link to checkout now.