As we near the end of the year, it is important to spend some time completing one of our least favorite activities – record-keeping. Most farmers enjoy getting their hands dirty, from digging in the soil, repairing machinery, or working with livestock. However, they will reluctantly compile the necessary information for income tax preparation, credit borrowing, crop or livestock reporting, and other year-end paperwork. With a little time, patience and resources, you can make this task a little less stressful.
Record-keeping can be simple; however, it is important to compile and analyze records for better decision-making. For example, farmers may report minimum profits to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to their lender, while maximum profits may be projected for the next year. With that motivation for record-keeping, it is not likely that records are of much use in making future management decisions.
Today, a good set of records will do much more than satisfy the IRS or the lender. Today’s successful farmers are using detailed financial statements to identify the most profitable farm enterprises for their business, determine per unit production costs, track trends and financial progress in the business, and to create comprehensive business plans. Accurate and detailed records can be used to more effectively manage cash flows, to make investment or liquidation decisions, and to explore alternative uses of capital investments in their farm business.
Records and the management decisions made from prepared statements are only as good as the data entered. The old adage, “Garbage in – Garbage out,” really does apply to recordkeeping. Whether using paper or electronic methods, recordkeeping is best kept simple! Recruit others to assist, like family members, to share the work.
If recordkeeping becomes overwhelming, consider having certain aspects outsourced, like tax preparation or monthly payroll. Keeping records regularly can help to reduce the stress of preparing them at the end of the year.