Managing a farm

We research and report on the financial performance of Minnesota farms and provide tools to farmers and ag professionals that support the future of agriculture. Our goal is to build on the profitability and success already achieved by Minnesota’s agricultural industry and help small farm owners succeed as stewards of the land.

Features

Financing the farm and leases – 2025 Farm Legal Series

Even though you may not be thinking about farm leases and land rent in the middle of summer, the Extension Agricultural Business Management team wants to draw your attention to our updated Farm Legal Series.

The impact of farm-to-school programs in Minnesota

The program reaches across the state to 114 schools and 501 businesses, including 461 farms and 19 food hubs.

Choosing plants for your cut flower farm

Choosing the right plant varieties is crucial for the success of your flower farm. Choose varieties that are in high demand to maximize sales and meet customer expectations.

Business

Farm bill

Crop programs and Dairy Margin Coverage

Farm finance

For crop insurance, crop production and dairy

Farmland rent and economics

Rental rates and land values by county, flexible land rental agreements

Farm tax and legal

Tax and legal impacts for various situations

Marketing farm products

Marketing resources for specialty crops or commodity crops

Transfer and estate planning

Passing the farm business and other assets to the next generation

Women in Ag Network

Leadership, management and agricultural production education and opportunities for women

Farming systems

Agroforestry

Agroforestry combines agricultural and forestry practices to improve environmental quality, productivity and economic returns.

Small farms

Information on running a one- to 40-acre farm

Get help

Farmer-Lender Mediation

Need help with farm debt? Learn how mediation can help.

Resources for difficult times

Find help, counseling, advocacy, legal and referral resources

Coping with rural stress

Extension's rural stress task force provides rural Minnesota families and communities with education and resources to help weather difficult times.

Safety

Farm safety

Stress management, extreme weather, equipment, livestock

Growing safe food

Our Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Education Program works with Minnesota’s produce farmers to develop and implement on-farm food safety plans.

News

November 7, 2025

Expectations for a productive tax planning meeting

Taxes aren’t simply a once-a-year task; they reflect your broader financial health. When you approach a tax meeting as a strategic conversation, you gain insight into how your life choices influence your taxes and position yourself to make smarter decisions.

November 7, 2025

Negotiating farmland rent

Whether you’re a landowner leasing out your property or a farmer looking for productive ground, successful negotiations can help both sides reach their goals.