What Beginning Farmers Should Focus on Before Fall
Overview
For beginning farmers, the transition into fall is one of the most critical planning periods of the year. This guide walks new and small-scale farmers through the key steps to take before the season changes, covering everything from reflecting on the growing season and updating a farm business plan to applying for USDA programs and strengthening community networks. Farmers will also find practical guidance on bookkeeping with FarmRaise Tracks, connecting with NRCS for conservation support, and preparing fields for winter. For those navigating FSA loan programs and cost-share opportunities, the FarmRaise FSA Educational Hub offers additional resources to help beginning farmers understand and access federal support. Whether you are in your first season or your third, this checklist helps you head into fall with a clear plan and a stronger operation for next year.
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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
- FSA Educational Hub
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.
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FAQs
What should beginning farmers reflect on at the end of the growing season?
Taking time to reflect at the end of a growing season is one of the most valuable habits a beginning farmer can build. Before fall planning begins in earnest, farmers should honestly assess what crops or livestock performed well, where unexpected problems arose, and what they would approach differently in the next season. This reflection should extend to financial performance as well, including whether cash flow needs were met, whether labor and technical assistance were adequate, and whether bookkeeping and budgeting stayed on track throughout the season. Documenting both successes and stressors creates a practical foundation for improving your farm operation going forward. These honest evaluations also become useful when revisiting your farm business plan, applying for USDA assistance, or communicating with lenders. The goal is not to dwell on what went wrong but to gather real-world information that makes next year more sustainable and profitable.
How should a beginning farmer update their business plan before fall?
A farm business plan written before your first season is built almost entirely on projections, but after one or two seasons of hands-on experience, you have actual data to work with. Before fall arrives, farmers should revisit their income and expense records, adjust production plans for crops or livestock that underperformed, and consider whether new markets such as farmers markets, CSA programs, or value-added goods could strengthen revenue. Supply chain changes, input cost shifts, and shifts in customer demand are all worth incorporating into an updated plan. A well-maintained business plan also plays an important role when applying for FSA loan programs, USDA grants, or cost-share opportunities, since lenders and agencies want to see evidence that farmers are tracking and adapting to real financial conditions. Revisiting your plan annually before the off-season is one of the most effective ways to grow a farm business with intention rather than just reacting to each season as it comes.
Why does bookkeeping matter so much for beginning farmers, and how can FarmRaise help?
Disorganized financial records can cost beginning farmers in ways that go well beyond a stressful tax season. Without clean records, farmers may miss eligibility for USDA cost-share programs, crop insurance, loan applications, or valuable tax deductions tied to farm expenses. FarmRaise Tracks is a cloud-based, mobile-friendly bookkeeping platform built specifically for the realities of on-farm life, allowing farmers to log expenses from the field, track income by enterprise, manage inventory, and generate reports suited for tax filing or lender review. Because record accuracy directly affects access to federal programs, FarmRaise also maintains an FSA Educational Hub where beginning farmers can learn how FSA loan programs work, what documentation is typically required, and how to position themselves for approval. Getting a bookkeeping system in place before the off-season means heading into year-end with records that are complete, organized, and ready to support whatever financial goals or program applications come next. For beginning farmers who are still learning the ropes of agricultural finance, having a tool that simplifies this process makes a meaningful difference in long-term farm stability.
What natural resource and field preparation steps should new farmers take before fall?
Fall is an ideal time to assess the health of the land and infrastructure that supports your farm operation. Farmers should evaluate soil nutrient balance, check whether irrigation systems are functioning efficiently, and review whether grazing patterns are sustainable heading into the dormant season. Connecting with your local NRCS office is a smart move at this stage, as they offer technical assistance and may have funding available for conservation practices including cover cropping, fencing, and water access improvements. In the field, fall tasks such as planting cover crops, composting crop residue, rotating or reseeding pastures, and servicing equipment before winter can significantly reduce problems come spring. Taking care of these items early creates less pressure during the busy planting season and contributes to healthier soil, livestock, and infrastructure year after year. Beginning farmers who treat fall as a preparation season rather than a wind-down period tend to enter the next growing season with a real advantage.
What USDA programs are available specifically for beginning farmers?
Beginning farmers have access to a meaningful range of USDA programs designed to reduce barriers to entry and support long-term farm viability. On the lending side, FSA Direct Operating Loans can fund land, equipment, or inputs, while microloans are particularly well-suited for small farm startups that need flexible and accessible financing. Farm Ownership Loans help farmers purchase land or improve buildings, which is often one of the biggest financial hurdles for new producers. On the conservation side, EQIP provides cost-share funding for practices like fencing, well installation, and composting, while CSP rewards long-term soil and water stewardship. The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, known as BFRDP, supports training and mentorship initiatives at the local and regional level. Applying for these programs before winter, when FSA and NRCS staff tend to have more availability, puts beginning farmers ahead of the spring rush and increases the likelihood of timely approval and funding.
How can beginning farmers manage risk and build long-term resilience?
Risk management is not just a concern for large commercial operations. Beginning farmers are often more financially vulnerable than established producers, which makes planning for unexpected events especially important. Crop insurance, including options available for small-scale and organic operations, provides a financial safety net against losses from weather, pests, or market disruptions. Liability coverage for farm events or direct sales protects against legal and financial exposure that many beginning farmers do not initially anticipate. Building an emergency cash reserve and diversifying products or income streams, such as adding value-added goods, agritourism, or off-season workshops, reduces the impact of any single point of failure in the farm business. The USDA Risk Management Agency and local extension offices are both good starting points for farmers who are unsure which coverage or diversification strategies are right for their operation. Pairing solid risk management with strong bookkeeping and community connections gives beginning farmers the resilience to weather difficult seasons and keep building toward a sustainable farm future.