Articles
Farm Management Articles
Research-based information and tools to help with your farm business management decisions
Looking for an expert to advise you on your ag and farm questions? We can help with that.
Inherit It or Marry It… or Co-own a Farm?
Young farmers are often familiar with the old adage: if they want to own a farm, they must inherit it or marry it. However, farm succession planners know there’s a third, perhaps equally challenging, strategy: co-ownership.
▶ Watch: Vegetable Farm Support Programs for Hmong/HMoob Farmers
In this video, Hmong farmer Frannta Lor and Crops & Soils Educator Jerry Clark talk about financial support programs that help farmers improve their land and business. These programs also offer education and resources to help farmers make better land management decisions.
Values, Vision, and Intentions for Farm Succession
To create a sustainable succession plan, the family and farm members can use their values, intentions, and vision as a basis for decision-making and informing the transactional aspects of the plan.
Wisconsin Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) Performance
Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) is a crop insurance product that provides additional coverage for an underlying crop insurance policy. This article provides a brief overview of Wisconsin SCO and discusses its performance from 2015 to 2023.
Harnessing the Power of Ag Tech: What Farms Need to Know
This is the first article in a series on key considerations for technology and automation investment in agriculture.
Building the Bridge of Trust in Farm Succession
By understanding our own definition of “trust,” we can begin understanding how others trust, which in turn will assist in clear communication and conflict navigation.
Wisconsin Agriculture and Foreign Exports
Given recent changes in U.S. trade policies, specifically, the introduction of a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico coupled with increases in existing tariffs on China, there is need to better understand the potential ramifications on Wisconsin’s agricultural economy.
Forage Risk Management in Wisconsin, 2015-2024
To help producers manage the risks associated with forage production, several insurance and support programs are available to Wisconsin producers. This article provides a historical examination of forage risk management programs available in Wisconsin from 2015 to 2024.
Managing forage production risk with Whole Farm Revenue Protection
Producers can use Whole Farm Revenue Protection to mitigate the risks associated with forage production, offering revenue protection for an entire farm operation rather than individual crops or livestock.
Failed to Plan? The Law Has Plans for You
When life takes an unexpected turn and you’re no longer there to guide the plow, who will inherit your hard-earned acres? Failing to plan can cast a shadow over your farm’s future.
Dairy Supply Chain Impacts of Government Policies Affecting Trade, Labor, and Food and Nutrition Programs
This analysis shows trade tariffs, stricter immigration policy, and reductions in nutrition program spending would have substantial negative effects on the U.S. dairy sector.
2025 ARC and PLC Decision Tool
Variability in crop markets can make it challenging for farmers to choose the right ARC/PLC program for their specific area and crop. This ‘What-If’ Tool helps Wisconsin producers analyze potential payments at various price levels and county yields.
February 2025 Dairy Market Update: US Dairy Industry Overview
Entering 2025, dairy prices have remained stable to weaker. While there appears to be more bearish than bullish fundamental factors present, the magnitude of these influences remains uncertain. The extent of each factor’s impact will ultimately determine farm-level profitability in the coming year.
Historical ARC and PLC Payouts in Wisconsin
The Extension Farm Management Program has developed interactive tools to assist Wisconsin producers in comparing ARC-County (ARC-CO) and PLC payments by county, commodity, and irrigation type.
Initial Insights on New Tariffs: Impact and Implications on US Economy
President Trump has initiated a phased rollout of universal tariffs on all U.S. imports. Economists suggest that these policies will likely be inflationary, as businesses paying higher tariffs may pass costs onto consumers. Additionally, affected trading partners could retaliate, potentially leading to a broader trade conflict.
▶ Watch: 2025 ARC and PLC Programs for Wisconsin Farms
In this presentation, Sylvanus Gaku, Extension Farm Financial Management Outreach Specialist, covers what producers need to know for the 2025 ARC/PLC sign-up.
