Managing a farm

Green field with farmstead in the background.

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

The 2024 Farm Resource Guide is now available at many local Extension offices. You also can download it for free.

Extension offering tax education courses for professionals

Designed by tax professionals for tax professionals, these courses cover relevant taxation topics and provide tools necessary to stay current on the latest tax legislation.

Extension provides up-to-date advice on biosecurity for poultry and dairy fair exhibitors

Livestock and poultry exhibitors are preparing their animals for local, county and state fair exhibitions. As H5N1 Influenza A infections have been interrupting production in poultry and dairy cattle farms, an Extension has guidance for exhibitors and exhibition decision-makers.

Develop a heat and air quality safety plan for your farm workers

High heat and humidity can make it dangerous for growers to work outdoors. While wildfire smoke and other air pollutants can make it dangerous for growers to breathe the air while working outdoors. Here are some best practices for protecting yourself and your employees.

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, recordkeeping and hiring

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

Safety

Farm safety

Stress management, extreme weather, equipment, livestock

Growing safe food

On-farm food safety, GAPs audits, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

News

A woman's hands using a black calculator on top of tax forms on a desktop.

September 10, 2024

Extension offering tax education courses for professionals

Designed by tax professionals for tax professionals, these courses cover relevant taxation topics and provide tools necessary to stay current on the latest tax legislation.

Two people discuss on-farm food safety in a field of edible greens

August 20, 2024

New tool helps fruit and vegetable farmers reduce microbial risks to irrigation water

Irrigation water can affect produce safety and pose a health risk to consumers if not managed.

Farmstead in spring with just plowed field in foreground.

July 22, 2024

Meet the 2024 University of Minnesota Farm Families of the Year

The 2024 families honored cover a wide spectrum of farming, from traditional crops and livestock to community-based ventures and operations producing a wide range of fruit, vegetables and flowers. They were chosen based on their demonstrated commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture.