What Beginning Farmers Should Focus on Before Fall

Starting a farm business takes vision, energy, and a lot of hard work. For beginning farmers, the months leading into fall are some of the most important of the year. Whether you’re managing a small-scale farm, a CSA, or a dairy farm, fall is the season to pause, reflect, and plan ahead.

This is your chance to evaluate what’s working, fix what isn’t, and get a jump on next year’s growing season. From financial management to soil planning, here’s what every new farmer should focus on before fall arrives.

1. Reflect on the Season

Before you rush into prepping for fall, take a step back and look at your year so far. What crops or livestock performed well? Where did you run into problems? What would you do differently next season?

Ask yourself:

• Did I meet my cash flow needs?
• Did I have enough labor or technical assistance?
• Were pests, weather, or equipment breakdowns a major issue?
• Did I stay on top of bookkeeping and budgeting?

Keeping track of both your wins and your stressors will give you valuable insight—and help you build a more sustainable farm operation going forward.

2. Update Your Business Plan

If you’re like most beginning farmers, your original business plan was based on projections. Now, after a season or two of hands-on experience, you’ve got real-world data to help shape your goals.

Before fall hits:

• Revisit your farm income and expenses.
• Adjust production plans for crops or livestock that didn’t perform.
• Consider new markets, such as farmers markets, value-added goods, or community supported agriculture (CSA).
• Plan for changes in inputs or supply chains.

Updating your plan helps you better manage your farm business and makes it easier to apply for USDA or Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan programs or grants.

3. Build a Simple Bookkeeping System (FarmRaise Can Help)

One of the biggest challenges for new farmers is staying on top of financial management. Tracking receipts, input costs, and sales can easily fall through the cracks—especially during your first few busy seasons.

That’s where FarmRaise comes in.

Why Bookkeeping Matters

When your records are disorganized, you risk missing out on:

• USDA cost-share programs and grants
• Crop insurance or risk management eligibility
• Accurate tax filing and deductions
• Stronger loan or credit applications

A Tool Built for Farmers

FarmRaise offers cloud-based, mobile-friendly bookkeeping software made for the realities of on-farm life. You can:

• Log expenses from the field
• Track income and sales by enterprise
• Generate reports for taxes or loan programs
• Log inventory to stay up on sales

By taking bookkeeping off your plate (and your desk), FarmRaise helps you focus on your land, your livestock, and your future.

4. Take Stock of Your Natural Resources

Heading into fall, it’s smart to check in on your soil, water, and other natural resources. Ask:

• Is my soil nutrient-balanced and healthy?
• Is my irrigation system effective and efficient?
• Are my grazing patterns sustainable?

This is the ideal time to talk to your local NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) office about conservation practices. They offer technical assistance and often have funding to help small farmers with cover cropping, fencing, water access, and more.

5. Prepare Fields and Pastures for Fall

Don’t wait until the first frost to prep your fields. Fall is the perfect time to:

• Plant cover crops to improve soil health and reduce erosion
• Clean and service equipment before winter
• Build or repair fences
• Rotate or reseed pastures
• Compost crop residue

Doing these tasks early means fewer surprises next spring—and healthier crops and livestock next year.

6. Apply for USDA and State Programs

Many young farmers and new growers qualify for beginner-focused USDA assistance. These include:

Loan Programs

• FSA Direct Operating Loans (for land, equipment, or inputs)
• Microloans (ideal for small farm startups)
• Farm Ownership Loans (help you purchase land or improve buildings)

Cost-Share and Conservation Programs

• EQIP (for conservation practices like fencing, wells, or composting)
• CSP (for long-term soil and water improvement)
• Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP)

Start your applications before winter when staff are more available, and you’ll be ahead of the game come spring.

7. Start Planning for Next Year’s Markets

It may seem early, but many farmers markets, CSA programs, and buying clubs begin planning in late fall or early winter. Now’s the time to:

• Review this year’s customer feedback
• Look into joining a new market or online platform
• Design your pricing and box options for next year
• Gather testimonials or photos for marketing

Marketing is often overlooked by beginning farmers, but it can make the difference between just covering costs and growing a successful farm.

8. Prioritize Risk Management

No one wants to think about droughts, storms, or disease outbreaks—but risk management is part of running a farm.

As a beginning farmer, protect yourself with:

• Crop insurance (even for small-scale or organic farming)
• Liability coverage for events or sales
• An emergency fund or cash buffer
• Diversification of products or income streams

If you’re unsure where to start, the USDA Risk Management Agency or your local extension office can help.

9. Connect With a Mentor or Training Program

Farming is complex. The best way to build your know-how is by learning from others.

Look for:

• Local beginner farmer training programs
• One-on-one mentorships with experienced farmers
• Online communities and forums
• Webinars or podcasts from groups like Farm Commons, National Young Farmers Coalition, or Land For Good

If you're on a family farm, consider formalizing your succession or training plan with older generations. That investment in communication will help avoid conflict down the road.

10. Strengthen Your Community and Network

Farming doesn’t have to be lonely. Strong relationships can help you access:

• Equipment sharing and bulk input purchases
• Cooperative sales and marketing initiatives
• Advice during tough decisions or setbacks
• Backup labor during emergencies

Get to know your fellow farmers, your farm workers, and your local support systems. Whether it’s a potluck, social media group, or field day, connection is key to long-term sustainability and well-being.

11. Consider Off-Season Income Options

If your main products are seasonal, now is a good time to explore value-added or winter opportunities:

• Canned or dried farm products
• Handmade goods or gift boxes
• Workshops or agritourism events
• Subscription boxes or online CSA-style offerings
• Renting out storage, cold rooms, or barn space

This can smooth out your cash flow and help you hire full-time or year-round labor.

12. Celebrate Your Progress

Finally, don’t forget to acknowledge how far you’ve come. Running a startup farm is no small feat. Every fence you built, crop you harvested, or sale you made counts.

Celebrating those milestones—big or small—keeps motivation high and helps build a strong, confident mindset for the next season.

Tools to Help Beginning Farmers Succeed

Here’s a quick reference of organizations and tools that can help new farmers, ranchers, and small business operators:

Organizations & Agencies

• USDA New Farmers Portal: newfarmers.usda.gov
• FarmRaise: farmraise.com – Cloud-based bookkeeping for farmers
• National Young Farmers Coalition
• Farm Service Agency (FSA)
• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
• Land Grant Extension Offices
• Local food hubs and beginning farmer initiatives

Training & Finance Support

• Farm Credit beginner loans
• BFRDP (Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program)
• ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture Training
• AgPlan business planning tool

Final Thoughts: Your Next Season Starts Now

Being a beginning farmer comes with its fair share of hurdles—but also with deep purpose and potential. The more you prepare now, the more confident and resilient you’ll be when spring rolls around.

Let tools like FarmRaise take on the tedious (but important) task of bookkeeping, so you can focus on building your farm, growing your community, and doing the work you love. Because good records don’t just help you qualify for programs—they help you sleep better at night.

Fall is coming. Make it count.

Use code 8MELC9B or sign up for a FarmRaise Premium membership with this link now!

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