Used tractors and machinery make work easier on farms and large properties

When you’re in the market to buy a used tractor or other piece of equipment, you’ll likely notice the differences in features between older and newer models as you look through sale listings. The good news is that despite all of these changes and the evolution of mechanized technology used in agriculture, tractors and other types of farm equipment are generally built to last. Older farm equipment that is well-maintained can be fully functional though it may lack more modern and important safety, comfort, or technology features.

Getting expert advice when starting a farm business

There comes a time in the process of starting a farm business when you’ll likely benefit from some expert advice. UW-Madison Extension provides tips for where to find advisors who can serve as a sounding board for your ideas.

Using the Business Model Canvas to Refine Your Farm Business Idea

Writing out a complete business plan is a time-consuming feat. Before you spend your time and energy writing a multi-page narrative, explore your ideas with a simple tool – the Lean Canvas. Adapted for use by startups, this simple one-page matrix can be a valuable tool to help farm entrepreneurs test a business idea in the context of nine key areas.

Developing your farm business idea

Do you count yourself among those who dream of being a farmer? Do you have some property and want to do something productive with it, maybe even make money off it? Are you seeking land and working on developing a viable plan for a future farm business? UW-Madison Extension provides tips fir generating viable ideas for a farm-based business

¿Refleja tu cultura quién quieres ser como empleador?

English | Spanish Cómo medir su cultura empresarial en la granja ¿Por qué utilizar una encuesta para empleados para medir la cultura? Las prácticas laborales sólidas orientadas a atraer, capacitar, retener y recompensar a los empleados deben reflejar una comprensión clara de las opiniones y experiencias de los empleados. La cultura agrícola representa “la forma en […]

Developing your Farm Product Brand

Ever wanted to brand and market your farm’s product? Learn how Jenni Gavin, Gavin Farms, Reedsburg, WI, and her husband developed a brand and began to market their beef directly to consumers.

The Business Case for Safety on the Farm

Prioritizing your investments in safety and health can be somewhat overwhelming on a farm. Consider consulting with your primary farm insurer who can help you find experts to assess risk in different areas of your operation and recommend investment priorities that will have the highest ROI. Develop a safety and health policy that you can […]

Building a Positive Farm Business Culture: Characteristics of Latin/Hispanic dairy workers

The place we are born can impact our culture—our behavior and how we view the world. People who come from different countries have different cultures; the more we interact with people from different countries the more we learn about our cultural differences and similarities. Understanding and valuing cultural differences is important to improving farm business culture.

Building a Positive Farm Business Culture: Perceptions of Health and Safety among Latin/Hispanic Dairy Workers

As a result of some of the differences between worker/workplace regulations that impact farms and farm workers and those in other industries, sometimes farm workers (and their employers) are left in an uncertain position that can be confusing and frustrating for all involved. What can farmers do to keep their workers safe and healthy while at work?

AgriVision Podcast Episode 8 – Expanding milking herd

Host Katie Wantoch and Heather Schlesser, agriculture educator from Marathon County, discuss whether a dairy farmer and his son should purchase bred heifers or cows to expand their dairy herd.

AgriVision Podcast Episode 7 – Use CFAP funds to pay open accounts first

Host Katie Wantoch and Stephanie Plaster, Agriculture Educator in Ozaukee and Washington counties, discuss a dairy farmer who has received a CFAP payment for their milk production and are wondering who should pay first with this program payment and how much they should pay to vendors.

AgriVision Podcast Episode 6 – Know your cost of production before renting more land

Host Katie Wantoch and Simon Jette Nantel, Professor at UW-River Falls and Extension Farm Management Specialist, discuss if a farmer should offer a lower rental rate per acre to the neighbor who is retiring from farming.

AgriVision Podcast Episode 5 – Problems taking a toll

Host Katie Wantoch and John Shutske, Professor and Director of UW Center for Agricultural Safety and Health and an Extension Specialist, discuss a farmer’s wife who is worried about her husband and the ongoing struggles with their farm business.

AgriVision Podcast Episode 4 – Having surplus feed puts you in the driver’s seat

Host Katie Wantoch and Jerry Clark, Extension Agriculture Agent in Chippewa County, discuss a farmer who wants to know if they should sell surplus crops or keep the feed for next year.

AgriVision Podcast Episode 3 – Off-farm employment loss

Host Katie Wantoch and Jenny Vanderlin, Associate Director of the UW Center for Dairy Profitability, discuss a farmer whose wife lost her off-farm job due and if she should do more work on the farm.

How to Read and Understand Your Milk Check

Are you confused about what is printed on your milk check and what all the components are? Are you having difficulty reading your statement and knowing if the payments, particularly the premiums paid, are on par with what other producers are receiving. Learn where the numbers on your milk check come from and what they mean to your operation.