By Chris Hicks, County Director, – UT Extension Smith County
Many of our educational programs over the years have focused on the production of certain commodities. We’ve had classes on how to raise healthier livestock, field days focused on growing better forage, and seminars on how to control weeds in crops. While these production-focused efforts are important, it is equally important to think about farm management.
Regardless of what commodity you are growing or raising, be it livestock, row crops, fruits and vegetables, or something else, being a good manager will lead to a higher likelihood of success. When I think of farm management, things like recordkeeping, tax planning, and financial statements come to mind. While no farmer I know got into farming because they just absolutely love doing those things, they are nonetheless important to having a profitable, financially sustainable operation.
The Tennessee Master Farm Manager course will focus on solid business principles and efficiently utilizing resources on the farm. The face-to-face sessions will be held at the Smith County Ag Center at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday nights from February 10 – March 8. Registration is $75 for an individual or $100 for a couple and can be paid at the UT Extension office. A complete schedule and enrollment form can be found at smith.tennessee.edu/spring-2022-master-farm-manager/.
The class will focus on farm financial management. Topics to be covered include understanding financial statements, business structure, lending, trade issues, recordkeeping, tax planning, lease agreements, and farm transitioning.
Any agricultural producer, regardless of size or experience level, will benefit from the Tennessee Master Farm Manager program. As an additional benefit, completion of Master Farm Manager satisfies the educational requirement for 50% cost share through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). Please reach out to me at the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900 if you have questions or would like to sign up.
