As a farmer—whether you’re just starting out or have been at it for years—having a solid business plan is essential. With several farm grant opportunities on the horizon, now is the time to get your plan in order so you can apply for funding and set your farm up for long-term success.

At Veterans IN Farming, we work with a mix of beginning farmers and seasoned agricultural entrepreneurs. No matter where you are in your journey, strategic planning is key to achieving your goals and building a business that works for you.

What Kind of Farming Business Do You Want?

Before writing your business plan, take a step back and think about your vision for your farm. The answers to these questions will shape how you plan your business and what resources you need.

• Are you homesteading for your own household needs, or do you plan to farm for profit?
• What are your long-term goals? Do you want to grow gradually, or do you want to build a full-time business?
• How much do you want to work?
  • Are you comfortable working 365 days a year with no time off?
  • Or do you want a business that allows for an annual vacation or more flexible time?
• What are your personal financial goals?
  • Do you want the farm to be your primary income, or will it supplement another job?
  • How much do you need to earn to meet your cost of living and retirement plans?

These questions matter because farming can be structured in many ways—from a small side business to a full-scale operation. Knowing what you truly want helps you design a business model that aligns with your lifestyle and financial needs.

Why a Farm Business Plan Matters

A business plan isn’t just for banks and grant applications—it’s a roadmap for your success. Whether you’re seeking funding, making big investments, or setting long-term goals, a well-developed plan helps you:

✅ Clarify Your Vision – Define what you want your farm to be and how you will achieve it.
✅ Plan for Profitability – Understand how your farm will generate income and sustain itself.
✅ Identify Risks and Challenges – Avoid common pitfalls that cause farms to struggle.
✅ Secure Funding – Lenders and grant programs often require a formal plan.
✅ Create a Workable Schedule – Design a farm operation that matches your lifestyle.

Veterans IN Farming wants to help you build a business that works for you, not one that overwhelms you. Proper planning can mean the difference between struggling year-round and having a sustainable, rewarding farm business.

Key Elements of a Farm Business Plan

A strong farm business plan doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should cover these essential areas:

1. Business Overview

• Name of your farm
• What you produce (livestock, vegetables, eggs, honey, timber, etc.)
• Your mission and long-term goals

2. Market Analysis

• Who will buy your products? (Farmers markets, grocery stores, direct-to-consumer sales, wholesale, etc.)
• What makes your farm unique? (Grass-fed, organic, veteran-owned, local-focused, etc.)
• What competition exists in your area?

3. Farm Operations Plan

• What resources do you need? (Land, infrastructure, livestock, equipment)
• Daily, weekly, and seasonal workflow
• Who is responsible for what? (Will you run the farm alone, or will you have employees or family help?)

4. Financial Plan

• How much do you need to start and operate the farm?
• Expected income and expenses
• Pricing strategy for your products
• What financial support (grants, loans, investors) will you seek?

5. Risk Management

• How will you handle weather challenges, crop loss, or animal illness?
• Do you need farm insurance?
• Do you have an emergency plan?

Having these sections prepared will put you ahead when applying for grants or loans. More importantly, it gives you a clear picture of how your farm can succeed.

Farm Grants and Resources: Be Ready to Apply

Several upcoming grants will be shared on our Veterans IN Farming social media pages, and having your business plan ready will make the application process much smoother.

Grants often require:

• A clear description of your farm’s goals and operations
• An outline of how funding will be used
• Evidence that you have a viable plan for making the farm successful

Even if you aren’t applying for grants right now, having a business plan in place means you’re prepared when opportunities arise.

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered

If you’re working on your farm business plan and need guidance, Joe Ricker is available to review your plan and connect you with resources. This includes:

• One-on-one feedback on your business plan
• Help finding funding opportunities
• Guidance on adaptive equipment solutions for veteran farmers with disabilities

We want to help your farm dream succeed, and proper planning is the first step.

Farming without a plan is like driving without a map. While farming requires adaptability, having a clear direction for your business helps you make smart financial and operational decisions.

Whether you’re homesteading, running a side business, or building a full-scale farm, your business plan should reflect your goals, work-life balance, and financial needs.

Stay tuned for grant announcements on our social media pages, and if you need support, reach out to Joe Ricker for guidance on writing a strong business plan.