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

Minnesota women share their unique pathways to farming

In honor of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer, Extension shines a light on the essential roles women play to lead their farms and communities to success, even through tough times.

Annie's Project builds connections for farm women

This October retreat offers education on management and decision-making in the complex and dynamic world of agriculture.

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.

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

Barn and two silos next to a corn field.

April 1, 2026

Minnesota farm finances show resilience in 2025

Improved profitability allowed the average Minnesota farm to make modest gains in working capital and net-worth growth during 2025.

March 27, 2026

Exercise caution when working with deferred payment contracts

Most farms use the cash accounting method, meaning income and expenses are recorded when they are actually received or paid. One tool available to cash-basis farmers is to defer the income from a sale into the following tax year.